Intel Corp (INTC)

[Windsock]

There is no chance AMD filed the antitrust suit against Intel because of a desire to sell the Dresden fab.

Many thought some time ago that AMD would eventually settle the antitrust lawsuit with Intel to achieve a release from the requirement in the Intel patent license that AMD must manufacture most of its X86 processors and allow a manufacture of only a small portion of its processors at a foundry. This would allow AMD to continue business as a fabless design house, a necessary path because AMD does not have the funds to continue building new fabs.

A release from the manufacturing requirement in the Intel license would also allow AMD to sell the Dresden fab but that it is a more recent issue. If the fab deal goes through in the near term, AMD will use some sort of funny deal that arguably complies with the foundry limit. In other words, AMD will take the money and give Intel the finger. Needless to say, a Dresden deal like this would generate another legal battle on the Intel patent license.

IMO, the emotions of Hector and crew concerning the antitrust law suit have now become too bitter for reason to prevail sufficiently and allow a settlement. The desire to finish the crusade to smite the evil Intel and provide an excuse for Hector's failures at AMD has become too strong.

Going out on a limb, I predict Hector will be evicted by the board and new management will be appointed within the next year or so. The new management will then settle the antitrust litigation and obtain the unfettered right to use foundries.