Intel's Apple Overture: A Signal of Strategic Reinvention

Intel $Intel(INTC)$  share price has been in a tear this week as it is up almost 20% in the past 5 days and closed at USD 35.50 on Friday's trading.  What an amazing turnaround !

Intel has reportedly approached Apple $Apple(AAPL)$  for a potential investment and deeper collaboration .  This isn't just about money.  It is about reinvention and validation.

What could the Deal look like?

While Apple is unlikely to return to Intel chips for its devices, the collaboration could take other forms:

Apple investing in Intel's foundry business, supporting domestic chip manufacturing.

Intel could produce non core components for Apple, diversifying Apple's supply chain beyond TSMC.

Joint R&D or strategic alignment in areas like AI infrastructure or modem technology.

 Intel's Previous Relationship with Apple:

5 years ago , Apple broke away from Intel to design its own chips , manufactured by TSMC .  Now Intel, amid layoffs, factory cancellations and a bruised competitive position, is seeking collaboration with its former partner Apple.

Note that the proposed deal is still in its early stage of talks and may not result in a formal agreement.

What Other Deals Is Intel Making?

Intel has already secured:

USD 5 billion from NVIDIA $NVIDIA(NVDA)$  aimed at co-developing AI and CPU products .

USD 2 billion from SoftBank , now its 5th largest shareholder.

A 10% stake held by the US government as part of a strategic push to revive domestic chip making .

This is no longer just a company.  It is a national project , a comeback story with geopolitical weight.

Is Intel Still a Buy?

Intel closed at USD 35.50, up almost 20% for the week.

If Intel regains even a fraction of its former dominance , especially in AI and foundry services , a move to USD 40 is definitely a good possibility.

Upside potential?  A 20% to 30% gain from here could just be the beginning of Intel's renaissance if Intel's partnerships solidify and Intel's execution improves.

Will Other Giants Join Intel's Partnership?

Nvidia is already in.  Apple is in talks with Intel.  The CHIPS Act and broader US industrial policy are aligning behind Intel as a strategic asset.

Other potential partners could include:

Amazon or Microsoft -seeking domestic chip supply for cloud infrastructure .

Tesla or Meta Platforms if Intel can offer custom silicon for  AI or autonomous systems.

Analysts' Target Price for Intel :

Northland Securities have just raised their target price for Intel to USD 42, citing Intel's AI foundry pivot and strategic partnerships.

UBS sees USD 35 while New Street Research calls for USD 32.

LongForecast projects a climb to USD 35 to USD 38 by November 2025 and potentially USD 45 to USD 50 by mid 2026.

Concluding Thoughts

Intel is now backed by Nvidia, SoftBank and the US government .  It is not just Intel alone anymore.  It is now a coalition of companies who believe in Intel.

If Intel executes its plans well , if Apple joins the partnership, if the CHIPS Act delivers tailwinds , then USD 40 isn't a ceiling .  It is a stepping stone to greater heights.

I am excited about Intel's future and believe that we are just at the start of Intel's renaissance.

At USD 30, Intel is not undervalued.  It is underestimated.

At USD 40, it is not just a price target - It is a promise.  A promise that legacy can evolve , that reinvention is possible and that belief , when backed by discipline - can be rewarded .

This isn't just a comeback for Intel.  It is a coalition of conviction for Intel.

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