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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) climbed about 8% at Thursday’s open, despite news that Taiwanese authorities searched the home of its executive Wei-Jen Lo. Officials are investigating whether Lo, formerly of Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM), may have taken sensitive technology related to advanced semiconductor processes.

During the raid, prosecutors seized computers and other materials. A court order also froze some of Lo’s assets, including real estate, as part of the inquiry. Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM) has launched legal action, claiming Lo violated non-compete agreements and trade secrets regulations before leaving the company.

Lo joined Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) as vice president of research and development after retiring from Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM) in July, where he held a senior role in corporate strategy and advanced node technology development.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan rejected the allegations, telling Bloomberg they are speculation and emphasizing the company’s commitment to intellectual property rights.

The investigation comes as Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) navigates new risks tied to a recent $11.1 billion U.S. government stake, highlighting the company’s ongoing challenges in global semiconductor expansion.

On the positive side, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple (AAPL) is closer to choosing Intel as a foundry partner, boosting optimism around Intel’s 18A process and future chip orders.

The report suggested Apple has tested Intel’s design tools and is waiting for the next software release, raising investor expectations that Intel could secure a major foundry contract and strengthen its position in semiconductor manufacturing.

The following agreements were announced:

Air Europa

• 80 Trent XWB-84 powering 40 Airbus A350-900

Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said: “Air Europa is already a valued customer, so it’s extremely exciting to deepen that relationship as we welcome them into the Trent XWB family.

“The continued popularity of the Airbus A350-900 powered by the Trent XWB-84 is important to us and we look forward to working with Air Europa as they embark on their fleet renewal.”

AviLease

• Joined our newly-launched LessorCare+ service

Rob Watson, President, Civil Aerospace, said: “It’s testament to the quality of our offering and the strength of our partnerships that we are seeing AviLease come on board with LessorCare+ at Dubai. There’s clearly demand among lessors for even greater insights into their asset holdings and we’re in the best position to offer that through LessorCare+.”

Rolls-Royce is investing £1 billion across our modern Trent engines to increase their durability by an average of 80%, with a significant portion being delivered in 2025. For the Trent 7000 the time on wing enhancement package has tripled time on wing in some cases, with a further up to 30% to come in 2026.

Emirates

• 16 Trent XWB-84 power 8 Airbus A350-900
• Joining our global MRO network (Trent 900) in 2027

Paul Keenan, Director – Commercial Aviation Aftermarket Operations, Rolls-Royce, said: “Today’s announcement marks another milestone in our journey to significantly increase our global MRO capacity and capability by 2030. Our global network combines a strong mix of Rolls-Royce owned facilities, joint ventures and strategic collaborations with industry partners. We are delighted to welcome Emirates to that mix ahead of the new facility opening in 2027.

“The agreement will allow for additional capacity in the entire Rolls-Royce network and further reinforces our commitment to deliver both excellent products and services to our global customer base.”

Ethiopian Airlines

• 12 Trent XWB-84 powering 6 Airbus A350-900

Eithad Airways

• 30 Trent 7000 powering 15 Airbus A330 Neo
• 14 Trent XWB-97 powering 7 Airbus A350-1000
• 20 Trent XWB-97 powering 10 Airbus A350F freighters

Rob Watson, President, Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said: “Our Middle Eastern customers continue to perform strongly on the global stage, and we are investing in our engines and services to match that ambition.

“We’re excited to continue our long-term partnership with Etihad, driven by confidence in the Trent XWB-97, where our investment will double time on wing in Middle East environments from 2028.”

Silk Way West Airlines

• 4 Trent XWB-97 powering 2 Airbus A350F freighters

The Trent 7000 is the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce Trent family of engines and exclusively powers the Airbus A330neo. After entering service at the end of 2018, the Trent 7000 has flown more than three million hours, delivering exceptional reliability, sustainable performance and proven versatility.

The Trent XWB-84 is the best widebody engine in the world. It’s designed, engineered, and optimised specifically for the Airbus A350 – delivering the lowest fuel consumption of any widebody engine and chosen by the world’s most profitable airlines.

The Trent XWB-97 has proven its reliability and durability over seven years of service and more than three million engine flying hours. It has received the first two of its three phases of durability enhancements, which are already delivering a 60% increase in time on wing. The third phase, which will enter service in 2028, will total a doubling of time on wing in challenging environments; and provide 50% improvement in benign conditions.