Trump administration weighs 10% stake in Intel via Chip Act grants, making government top shareholder

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is considering taking a 10% stake in Intel, potentially making it the largest stakeholder in the company, as part of a broader strategy to support the semiconductor industry and national security [2][5][8]. Group 1: Government Involvement - Intel has been awarded approximately $10.9 billion in grants from the Chips Act, with $7.9 billion allocated for commercial manufacturing and $3 billion for national security projects [1][6]. - The government is contemplating converting some or all of Intel's Chips Act grants into equity, which could reduce the total capital injected into the company [2][8]. - The Trump administration has expressed interest in building government-backed national champions in strategic industries, which aligns with the potential investment in Intel [8]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of potential government investment, Intel's shares rallied nearly 9% on August 14, although they later fell over 3% before rebounding by more than 5% after news of a SoftBank investment [3][12]. - SoftBank's recent $2 billion investment in Intel, representing about 2% of the company, positions it as the fifth-largest shareholder, indicating confidence in Intel's role in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing [11]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Intel has struggled to maintain its competitive edge in advanced chip manufacturing and has not yet captured significant customers in the artificial intelligence sector, despite substantial investments [5][9]. - Analysts suggest that while government intervention may be necessary for Intel's recovery, the company's challenges may extend beyond mere funding [9].