Intel reported second-quarter results on Thursday that exceeded analyst expectations, with the chipmaker posting its fastest revenue growth rate since 2011 and issuing third-quarter guidance above consensus estimates. The company recorded adjusted earnings per share of 42 cents on revenue of $16.1 billion, surpassing LSEG consensus estimates of 21 cents EPS and $14.42 billion revenue. Intel attributed the performance to AI-driven demand for compute infrastructure. Intel stocks have risen over 170% in 2026 as of Thursday's close, though the stock dropped 28% in July from recent highs.
Intel Records 25% Revenue Growth on AI Infrastructure Demand
Intel achieved 25% revenue growth in the second quarter, marking the fastest growth rate for any quarter since the third quarter of 2011. CEO Lip-Bu Tan stated in the earnings release that "AI is driving unprecedented demand for compute" and that "Intel is well-positioned to capture sustainable growth across our CPU franchise." The artificial intelligence infrastructure boom is boosting sales of Intel's server processors. Intel stocks rose 84% in 2025, when the U.S. government took a 10% stake in the company as part of an effort to support U.S. chip manufacturing.
Intel Issues Third-Quarter Guidance Above Analyst Estimates
For the third quarter, Intel said it expects adjusted earnings per share of 38 cents on revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion. Analysts were expecting revenue of $15.1 billion and EPS of 27 cents, according to LSEG. The guidance represents a continuation of the company's performance momentum from the second quarter.
Intel Increases Capital Expenditures for Foundry Manufacturing Expansion
Intel said it is boosting its capital expenditures, targeting a "meaningful increase" next year, as it works to become a manufacturer of chips for other companies. CFO David Zinsner told CNBC's Kristina Partsinevelos that the company's latest manufacturing process, called 14A, is ahead of where older technologies were at the same point in the cycle. Intel's foundry landed Fortinet as its first named customer under Tan earlier this week, using an older manufacturing technology to make security chips. Intel did not reveal a major customer for its foundry in the earnings announcement.
FAQ
What were Intel's second-quarter earnings results?
Intel reported adjusted earnings per share of 42 cents on revenue of $16.1 billion for the second quarter, beating LSEG consensus estimates of 21 cents EPS and $14.42 billion revenue. The 25% revenue growth was Intel's fastest for any quarter since the third quarter of 2011.
What is Intel's guidance for the third quarter?
Intel expects adjusted earnings per share of 38 cents on revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion for the third quarter. This guidance exceeded analyst expectations of $15.1 billion revenue and 27 cents EPS, according to LSEG.
How has Intel stock performed in 2026?
Intel stocks are up over 170% in 2026 as of Thursday's close. However, the stock dropped 28% in July from recent highs. In 2025, Intel stocks rose 84% when the U.S. government took a 10% stake in the company.
