Intel shares rose 2.25% in European premarket trading. SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son issued supportive comments during an annual shareholder meeting.
Son highlighted Intel's growing importance in manufacturing. He noted that technology companies are seeking to diversify supply chains away from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
The founder also identified Intel as a crucial national security asset for the United States. SoftBank remains a top-ten shareholder after investing $2 billion in the chipmaker in August 2025.
This positive outlook boosted the stock following a recent global selloff in artificial intelligence equities.