Right now, it looks more likely that Intel will seek new funding from outside investors and public sector sources or sell off pieces of its business. The company's stock could get a boost if initiatives along these lines are successful, but the business' long-term outlook remains complicated and is shrouded by uncertainty.

Chip giant Qualcomm made a takeover approach to rival Intel in recent days, according to people familiar with the matter, in what would be one of the largest and most consequential deals in recent years.

Shares of Intel Corp. INTC advanced 3.31% to $21.84 Friday, on what proved to be an all-around mixed trading session for the stock market, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA rising 0.09% to 42,