SoftBank’s $2 billion stake could mark a pivotal moment for Intel, providing the chip maker with new avenues to expand its customer base and increase its earnings per share. This vote of confidence highlights Intel’s potential to shore up its financial achievements and strengthen its position in the semiconductor industry.

Japan’s SoftBank is injecting $2 billion into Intel, agreeing to buy shares at $23 apiece. The announcement, made Monday, sent Intel stock up 6 percent in after-hours trading and offers a boost to the struggling American chipmaker.