Intel gained a major backer Monday after SoftBank committed $2 billion for a roughly 2% stake, according to CNBC. SoftBank agreed to buy Intel shares at $23 each, slightly below Monday’s $23.66 closing price. The move makes SoftBank the fifth-largest shareholder and sent Intel shares up about 6% in extended trading. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan praised longtime partner and SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son for showing confidence in Intel through SoftBank’s investment. Intel shares lost 60% of their value last year, their worst performance in the company’s more than half-century on the public market. Intel has been under scrutiny in Washington, with reports that the U.S. government may also take an equity stake. Intel’s stock has risen 18% in 2025 as of Monday’s close.
