Headline: Cramer Backs Intel (INTC) Amid 228% Surge, Citing AI Growth

CNBC's Jim Cramer endorsed Intel (INTC) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as a top stock pick, despite its stock soaring 228% year-to-date. The "Mad Money" host stated that Intel's growth story is "just beginning" amid exploding demand for AI infrastructure. Cramer's Charitable Trust, part of the CNBC Investing Club, established an Intel position on June 3, 2026, and added to it twice. Intel shares have climbed to approximately $121, marking a 228% gain this year and more than tripling from its 2025 low. The U.S. government acquired a 10% stake in Intel in August 2025, followed by a $5 billion investment from Nvidia (NVDA) a month later. Cramer's optimism stems from the rise of AI inference and Agentic AI, emphasizing the crucial role of CPUs alongside GPUs in data centers. He also highlighted the potential of Intel's nascent foundry business to benefit from increasing demand for alternative advanced wafer fabrication capacity, especially for U.S.-based production.