(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.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
