Intel stock climbs on potential deals with Broadcom and TSMC

Intel’s stock surged on Tuesday after reports revealed that Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are exploring acquisition bids for the chipmaker.
The potential deals could see Intel broken up into separate units, with Broadcom interested in Intel's chip design business and TSMC considering the manufacturing side, reports Investopedia.
Key Takeaways
- Broadcom is reportedly considering a bid for Intel's chip design business, while TSMC is focusing on acquiring Intel's manufacturing side, though the process would be complex and costly.
- Intel's stock had fallen by approximately 60% in 2024, culminating in the departure of CEO Pat Gelsinger after unsuccessful efforts at turning the company around.
- The news of potential acquisition bids from competitors provided a much-needed boost to Intel’s stock, marking one of the few positive developments in an otherwise tough year for the company.
Acquisition Talks Heat Up
Intel has been at the center of acquisition talks with two major industry players: Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Broadcom is reportedly eyeing Intel’s chip design business, while TSMC is interested in acquiring Intel’s manufacturing operations. Both companies are in the early stages of evaluating the potential deals.
Intel's manufacturing plants could require significant changes to align with TSMC's standard chip production methods, making the deal complex and costly. However, the combination of these companies could strengthen Intel's market position and provide it with the resources necessary to compete with other industry giants.
Intel’s Declining Stock and CEO Departure
Intel has faced a challenging 2024, with its stock price plummeting by about 60%. This dramatic drop followed the company’s failure to regain its competitive edge under CEO Pat Gelsinger, who departed at the end of the year.
Intel Corporation (INTC) share price dynamics (2020 - Feb 2025) Source: TradingView
Despite attempts to turn the company around, Intel struggled with competition from companies like AMD and NVIDIA, as well as issues in chip manufacturing. The reports of potential acquisition offers have given Intel stockholders renewed hope, boosting its share price amidst an otherwise difficult year.
Impact of Acquisition Reports on Stock Price
Despite Intel's challenges, the speculation surrounding Broadcom and TSMC's interest in the company led to a notable surge in Intel's stock price on Tuesday. The news provided a much-needed boost for investors, offering a potential resolution to Intel's difficulties, albeit through a possible breakup of the company.
While Intel’s stock is still down significantly from its past highs, the acquisition talks represent a potential new chapter for the company and could signal the beginning of a period of change for the chipmaker.
Intel’s stock price saw a significant jump following news that Broadcom and TSMC are exploring acquisition bids. While details are still emerging, the possible deals suggest a potential shift in Intel’s future, as the company faces the prospect of being split up. Despite the challenges Intel has faced in 2024, the news has sparked renewed optimism among investors, though the full impact of the proposed acquisitions remains to be seen.
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