Shares of Intel (INTC) have trailed the broader markets by a significant margin in recent years. In fact, Intel stock touched an all-time high during the dot-com boom and has burnt investor wealth for over two decades.

Nearly two months later, however, no shoe has dropped, leaving a what's-next void begging to be filled periodically by rumor and speculation. A recent round that began last week has been particularly vibrant — and beneficial to Intel shareholders — boosting Intel's battered stock (Nasdaq: INTC) 9% last Friday and around 11% through this Wednesday.