Intel Corp.

(NASDAQ:INTC) is drawing sharply divided views on Wall Street as speculation over a potential Apple Inc.

(NASDAQ:AAPL) foundry partnership fuels optimism about the chipmaker's AI manufacturing ambitions.

Intel stock rose on reports that Apple could become a foundry customer, reinforcing hopes that the company is gaining traction in its effort to rebuild U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

The stock has climbed more than 263% year to date and over 530% in the past year.