Intel Stock Surges 6% After SoftBank’s $2B AI Investment

Intel shares leapt 5.6% in after-hours trading following SoftBank Group's $2 billion equity investment at $23 per share. The deal grants the Japanese conglomerate a 2% stake, positioning it as Intel's sixth-largest shareholder. This capital injection accelerates Intel's AI ambitions amid fierce industry competition.

SoftBank acquired shares through a primary stock issuance, paying slightly below Intel's Monday closing price of $23.66. The transaction marks one of SoftBank's most substantial commitments to U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, bolstering confidence in domestic chip production capabilities.

Market reactions diverged sharply—Intel gained while SoftBank shares dropped over 5%. The disparity reflects contrasting investor assessments of the strategic partnership's value proposition.