(Zero Hedge)—SoftBank Group is making a surprise $2 billion investment in struggling chipmaker Intel, buying shares at $23 apiece. The move comes just days after the White House began exploring a 10% stake in Intel, mirroring the U.S.-Nippon Steel deal and MP Materials, where the federal government secured “golden shares.”
Bloomberg first reported the SoftBank deal to purchase $2 billion worth of Intel shares at $23 apiece. The news sent Intel up 6% in New York premarket trading, pushing shares into the $25 handle. Year-to-date, the stock is up 18% after bottoming near $20 – this is a level not seen since 2013. Shares last peaked above $64 in 2021.
“For more than 50 years, Intel has been a trusted leader in innovation,” SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son wrote in a statement. He added, “This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role.”
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, a longtime SoftBank associate, added: “I appreciate the confidence he has placed in Intel with this investment.”
For Intel, the deal marks a significant vote of confidence for the one-time powerhouse chipmaker that has since fallen behind TSMC in manufacturing and Nvidia in design. CEO Lip-Bu Tan met with President Trump last week, and Bloomberg reported the administration was weighing options to acquire a 10% stake in Intel.
Bloomberg noted that SoftBank is adding Intel to a portfolio that already includes Nvidia, TSMC, and Arm Holdings. While Son has sought a major role in the AI race, progress has been slow. Stargate, the $500 billion data center initiative backed by Trump and involving projects with OpenAI, Oracle, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX, has struggled to gain momentum.
Iwaicosmo Securities analyst Tomoaki Kawasaki told clients, “It’s hard to see how much this investment contributes to either SoftBank’s value or short-term earnings.”
Some Wall Street analysts suspect political motives, given the timing after Trump met with Tan. “If it’s political, then it’s not profit-motivated,” said Amir Anvarzadeh of Asymmetric Advisors. “Investing in Intel to appease Trump is perhaps not seen as good business.”
SoftBank’s US footprint is expanding regardless. It recently bought Foxconn’s Ohio EV plant, a move that could help Stargate, as Asian chip giants like TSMC and Samsung commit billions to the ‘America First’ agenda.
Recall, we wrote days ago about the Trump administration’s interest in taking direct stakes in US strategic companies, first with…
Then with:
Bloomberg reported Washington was in talks to convert up to $10.9 billion in Chips Act grants into equity, which could have given the government roughly a 10% stake and made it Intel’s largest shareholder.
This mirrored the Pentagon’s $400 million preferred equity purchase of MP Materials last month, which we had flagged ahead of time despite others calling it “unprecedented.”
Talks remained fluid; the exact stake size, timing, and whether prior disbursements (Intel had already received $2.2 billion) remained unclear. White House officials declined to provide specifics but hinted that other Chips Act awards could also be converted to equity.
At $25 a share … Intel’s turnaround story appears to be gaining momentum and could be an entry point for bulls. We’re sure there will be many chip contracts headed Intel’s way from the federal government as America First gains momentum.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
