Intel co-CEOs discuss splitting product and manufacturing businesses

Core Viewpoint - Intel's co-CEOs are considering a potential separation of the company's manufacturing and products businesses to address poor financial performance and political implications [1][4]. Group 1: Business Structure and Strategy - Intel is creating more separation between its manufacturing and products businesses, with a formal split still being a possibility [1][6]. - The company is forming a subsidiary for Intel Foundry and establishing a separate operational board for it, indicating a move towards greater independence for the foundry operations [7][8]. - CFO David Zinsner mentioned that the businesses are already run fairly independently, but further steps are being taken to facilitate a potential split [3][6]. Group 2: Leadership and Management - Until a permanent CEO is appointed, the co-CEOs will manage most areas together, but Zinsner will specifically oversee the Foundry business [8]. - The separation of operations and inventory management software for the two sides of the business is part of the ongoing changes [7]. Group 3: Geopolitical and Competitive Considerations - The manufacturing segment holds significant geopolitical importance for both Intel and the US, which complicates the decision regarding separation [4]. - Protecting intellectual property (IP) from clients in the foundry business is crucial, necessitating a clear separation from the Intel Products business [9].