Intel ($INTC) vs MaxLinear ($MXL): Turnaround Momentum Meets Concentrated AI Connectivity Growth Intel Corporation (INTC) has staged a sharp, turnaround-driven rally, with shares more than tripling over the trailing 12 months as data-center and foundry momentum improved. MaxLinear (MXL), a fabless chip designer, has surged roughly 549% over the past year, powered by accelerating demand for its optical networking chips used in AI data centers. The two companies sit at opposite ends of the semiconductor spectrum: INTC is a large-cap integrated device manufacturer (IDM) with foundry ambitions, while MXL is a smaller fabless supplier riding optical-connectivity growth. Both stocks carry elevated valuations after strong runs, making relative positioning and momentum—not just fundamentals—central to any comparison. Investor sentiment favors MXL for its concentrated AI-connectivity exposure, while INTC remains a broader, higher-risk turnaround story tied to its manufacturing comeback.