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Intel Corporation (INTC) shares trade at $38.63 after slipping 2.21% during the latest session. The company is now the subject of renewed acquisition rumors tied to SambaNova Systems, an AI chip startup known for its full-stack AI platform used across private clouds and data centers. Reports suggest that Intel is actively exploring a deal that could reshape its AI strategy heading into 2026.

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Intel’s Strategic Rationale Behind SambaNova

The talks surrounding the acquisition began in October, and recent developments indicate that the likelihood of a deal has increased. One reason is Intel’s close relationship with the company. Lip Bu-Tan serves as Intel’s CEO while also holding the position of executive chairman at SambaNova. Intel Capital has invested in the startup, and SoftBank, which took a stake in Intel earlier in 2025, is also an investor in SambaNova.

This interconnected structure fuels the ongoing debate about an AI circular economy, where tech companies invest in overlapping ecosystems. Despite the debate, the shared leadership and capital ties strengthen the probability of Intel eventually bringing SambaNova under its umbrella.

Filling a Key Gap in Intel’s AI Product Line

If the deal becomes official, it would allow Intel to enter a critical part of the enterprise AI market where it currently lacks presence. Companies such as Nvidia and Groq offer purpose-built AI appliance racks, including Nvidia’s DGX systems and GroqRack. Intel does not sell similar AI appliances, placing it at a disadvantage in a segment experiencing rapid growth.

SambaNova already produces AI racks that directly compete with industry leaders. Acquiring this technology would allow Intel to offer enterprise hardware capable of running large-scale AI applications. This makes the potential acquisition especially valuable as corporations and government agencies increase demand for on-premise and hybrid AI infrastructure.

Market Traction and Sector Reach

SambaNova has established multiple footholds across high-value sectors including finance, healthcare, defense, and government operations. These sectors seek secure and scalable AI solutions, making the startup’s platform attractive to enterprises that prefer predictable infrastructure rather than relying solely on public cloud AI services.

Intel sees this traction as a strategic gateway to expand its influence in markets where AI-driven workload demand is accelerating. Still, any acquisition would require regulatory clearance and feasibility studies. Investors may need patience as the process unfolds through 2026.

INTC Performance Overview

Intel’s stock performance has been strong throughout 2025. As of December 12, 2025, INTC delivered a 92.52% year-to-date return, far outpacing the S&P 500’s 15.99%. The one-year return stands at 85.76%, compared to the index’s 12.74%. Over three years, Intel returned 39.53%, though it trailed the S&P 500’s 70.96%. Its five-year performance remains negative at −14.14%, while the index posted 86.23%.

Despite earlier setbacks in multiyear performance, the company’s strong rebound in 2025 highlights investor optimism tied to its AI transformation strategy.

Intel’s Path Ahead

Intel’s possible move to acquire SambaNova signals a bold effort to compete more effectively in high-performance AI computing. The company’s ability to secure AI hardware relevance may depend on whether the deal proceeds. With the AI sector evolving quickly, the acquisition could mark one of Intel’s most important strategic shifts in recent years.

Investors will continue watching for official confirmation as Intel works to strengthen its position in the global AI race.

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