Intel Launches 18A Chips After Raising $35.9 Billion
Intel Corporation began high-volume manufacturing of Panther Lake and Xeon 6+ chips using its 18A process following a massive capital injection from government and private investors.
Intel Corporation has commenced high-volume manufacturing of its Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 chips and launched the Xeon 6+ server chip. Both product lines utilize the company's 18A semiconductor process, a move intended to regain competitiveness in AI and manufacturing as the company scales the process and its successor, 18A-P.
This technical milestone follows a period of severe financial instability, highlighted by an $18.8 billion net loss in 2024. To fund its turnaround and stabilize its balance sheet, Intel secured approximately $15.9 billion in common stock investments in 2025. This funding included $8.9 billion from the United States government via the CHIPS Act and Secure Enclave funding, $5 billion from Nvidia, and $2 billion from SoftBank.
In August 2026, the company further increased its capital reserves by raising $20 billion through a common stock offering priced at $95 per share. While this offering provided necessary liquidity, it resulted in the dilution of existing shareholders.
