Intel shares hit highest since July 2024 on report co seeking investment from Apple

** Shares of Intel INTC.O rise ~6% to $33.1, hitting their highest price since July 2024

** Struggling chipmaker is seeking investment from Apple AAPL.O, Bloomberg News reports

** Companies have also discussed how to work more closely together - report

** Last week, Nvidia NVDA.O announced it would invest $5 billion in Intel for a roughly 4% stake

** Meanwhile, brokerage Seaport Research Partners raises INTC rating to "neutral" from "sell"

** "In the near term, the stock is likely to be driven by follow-on investments and the potential for a stop-gap solution for the fabs" - Seaport

** YTD, Intel stock up 55.7%