Semiconductor manufacturer Intel told investors that 2026 is a key year for manufacturing business, which should be able to show whether the company is ready to develop and advanced processes.

Intel financial director Dave Zinsner said at the Tech Conference that it will not be until then that will know if the Intel 14A is ready to be promoted. This milestone is seen as the key battle for Intel's turnaround.

Dave Zinsner emphasized at Citi's 2025 Global TMT Conference that by some time in 2026, we will have a clear picture of the development of process technology at this stage. He also reiterated what executive director Chen Liwu said earlier that Intel will only build capacity after external customers are willing to use Intel 14A. Dave Zinsner said the purity of this stand was purely out of financial common sense.

When Intel executive director Chen Liwu first explained in July, market analysts and investors were worried about this. Without pushing the Intel 14A, representing Intel's efforts to redeem its position as a leader in technology, it will also allow American politicians to review Intel more strictly, resulting in the US government's exchange of about 10% of Intel's shares for $8.9 billion.

Dave Zinsner pointed out that Intel is open to the outside world's investment in its manufacturing business. However, the agreement with the Trump administration means that the company must maintain a controlling position in the business, resulting in a low possibility of short-term internal and external investment entering investment. Government holdings are passive investments and the vote will follow the board's recommendations, provided that Intel must continue to abide by its commitments to manufacturing business and retain its controlling stake.