SoftBank’s $2B Intel Bet Sparks Debate: Strategic Move or Bailout?
SoftBank’s $2 billion investment in Intel has ignited speculation about whether the MOVE signals confidence in the chipmaker’s AI potential or serves as a financial rescue. The U.S. government’s reported plan to convert $10 billion of CHIPS Act grants into equity could further reshape Intel’s ownership structure, potentially making Washington its largest shareholder.
Intel’s financial struggles are undeniable. The company posted an $18.8 billion net loss in 2024—its first since 1986—followed by stagnant Q2 2025 revenue of $12.9 billion and an unexpected EPS loss. While private and public entities see value in Intel’s foundational chip technology, its widening competitive gap and bleeding balance sheet raise legitimate concerns about its turnaround prospects.
