Intel Stock Rebounds Amid Apollo Investment Buzz
Intel stock surged on Monday following a Bloomberg report suggesting that Apollo Global Management may invest up to $5 billion in the company. The potential investment comes as a welcome development for Intel, which has been struggling to find its footing in the increasingly AI-dominated tech landscape. The news has provided a much-needed boost to Intel stock, which has seen a significant decline this year.
Apollo’s Proposed Investment
The Bloomberg report indicates that Apollo Global Management is considering a multibillion-dollar investment in Intel, a move that has sparked considerable interest. Intel executives are reportedly weighing the offer, which follows a recent $11 billion stake that Intel sold to Apollo in its Ireland manufacturing facility this past June.
Intel’s potential investment from Apollo comes amid reports that the company is also in talks with Qualcomm about a friendly takeover. However, Qualcomm investors have reacted less favourably to these discussions, with the chipmaker’s shares falling around 3% on Friday and a further 1.8% on Monday. Analysts are sceptical about the regulatory approval of such a massive merger, comparing it to other proposed mega-deals that faced regulatory hurdles, such as Nvidia’s bid to acquire ARM Holdings.
Intel’s Struggles and Potential Turnaround
The interest from both Apollo and Qualcomm is a positive sign for Intel, which has faced numerous challenges in recent times. The company has lagged behind competitors like Nvidia and AMD, whose advanced AI chips have captured significant interest from Big Tech companies. Intel’s Gaudi AI processor has struggled to gain traction with major players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who are developing their own AI chips.
Intel stock has plummeted nearly 57% since the beginning of 2024. In an effort to cut costs, the company announced in August that it plans to reduce its workforce by 15% and pause several projects in Europe. Despite these setbacks, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger recently announced an expanded, multibillion-dollar partnership with Amazon and secured $3 billion in CHIPS Act funding from the US government.
Analysts’ Opinions
Analysts remain divided on whether a Qualcomm merger would be beneficial for Intel. Some, like Citi analysts, believe that Intel should exit the foundry business altogether, arguing that the company has a slim chance of becoming a profitable leading-edge foundry. Bernstein senior analyst Stacy Rasgon also expressed doubts, stating that it would be challenging to do a deal where the risk would justify the returns.
While the potential investments from Apollo and Qualcomm signal a renewed interest in Intel, the company faces significant challenges ahead. Regulatory scrutiny, market competition, and internal restructuring are just a few of the hurdles that Intel must overcome. However, the recent positive developments suggest that Intel is making progress in its efforts to build a world-class foundry business.
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