←back to thread

U.S. government takes 10% stake in Intel

(www.cnbc.com)
607 points givemeethekeys | 8 comments | 22 Aug 25 21:01 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source | bottom
Show context
MyOutfitIsVague ◴[22 Aug 25 21:43 UTC] No.44990202[source]▶
> the government made an $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock, purchasing 433.3 million shares at a price of $20.47 per share, giving it a 10% stake in the company

> The United States paid nothing for these Shares, and the Shares are now valued at approximately $11 Billion Dollars

I don't understand. Can somebody explain to me how the government made an investement, bought shares, but paid nothing?

replies(6): >>44990265 #>>44990304 #>>44990311 #>>44990325 #>>44990454 #>>44990908 #
1. tobias3 ◴[22 Aug 25 21:54 UTC] No.44990325[source]▶
If someone from the Mafia comes to you and asks for a 10% share of your restaurant you better say yes.
replies(3): >>44990424 #>>44990432 #>>44990573 #
2. rcap5 ◴[22 Aug 25 22:05 UTC] No.44990424[source]▶
Socializing a corporate venture with peace time debt seems counter to the ideals of free market capitalism. Even the takeover of "government motors" (GM) during the Great Recession left many concerned about government overreach. Boeing killed people with a bad product, and they only faced a fine without direct equity takeover.
3. CoastalCoder ◴[22 Aug 25 22:06 UTC] No.44990432[source]▶
Yes, but in this case the restaurant was already empty of customers on most evenings.
replies(3): >>44990477 #>>44990512 #>>44990648 #
4. Spooky23 ◴[22 Aug 25 22:11 UTC] No.44990477[source]▶
As long as there’s still cash, there’s plenty of stuff to loot.
5. echoangle ◴[22 Aug 25 22:14 UTC] No.44990512[source]▶
So then it’s fine?
replies(1): >>44991109 #
6. ecocentrik ◴[22 Aug 25 22:20 UTC] No.44990573[source]▶
When you're really familiar with extortion, everything looks like an opportunity for extortion.
7. miltonlost ◴[22 Aug 25 22:27 UTC] No.44990648[source]▶
Breaking into an empty locked building is still breaking and entering.
8. CoastalCoder ◴[22 Aug 25 23:15 UTC] No.44991109{3}[source]▶
My point was that Intel is already in need of rescue investment all on its own.

I'm just pointing out a limitation of the Mafia analogy.