A tech publication writes of the “near certainty” that a company is interested in buying Intel. But it’s not clear which one might fit the bill.

The one-time Semiconductor giant's stock has been trading at levels that previously hadn’t been seen since 2015 as Intel has struggled to keep up with the AI chip movement. Shares of Intel are trading almost 70% below their 2021 highs, despite the company’s focus on returning chip manufacturing to the United States.

The S&P 500 jumped 1% on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, heading into the long weekend on a high note as prospects rebounded for additional interest-rate cuts in 2025.

The latest speculation comes after Bloomberg reported in late November that Qualcomm's ( QCOM) interest in potentially acquiring Intel waned due to complexities associated with a transaction. Qualcomm could still look at acquiring parts of Intel or rekindle its takeover interest at a later time.

Given the plunge in the stock price and its considerable assets, as well as brand name, an acquisition of Intel is certainly not farfetched. Intel hasn't said it is looking to be acquired, but the business is currently without a permanent CEO, and the stock has been in free fall, losing 60% of its value last year.

Shares of Intel Corp. (INTC) ripped more than 7% in morning trade on Friday after reports suggested that the company is the target of acquisition. According to a report by Semi Accurate, Intel could be acquired by a company as a whole and not just in parts,

Intel faced fierce competition and strategic shifts last year. Is the company poised for a comeback in the near future?