Chipmaker Intel reports strong Q2 results beating estimates as AI boom drives fastest revenue growth in nearly 15 years; stock jumps

Chipmaker Intel reports strong Q2 results beating estimates as AI boom drives fastest revenue growth in nearly 15 years; stock jumps

Intel reported a 25% revenue increase in Q2, its fastest growth in nearly 15 years, driven by AI demand. The chipmaker's earnings per share reached 42 cents, surpassing estimates, and its stock rose about 4% in after-hours trading, reflecting strong performance across its data center business.

CNBC CNBC+1 source24 July 2026 · 04:08 UTC
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Intel's second-quarter results showcased a remarkable 25% revenue growth, reaching $16.1 billion, the highest since 2011. The chipmaker's earnings per share of 42 cents exceeded expectations, driving a 4% stock increase in after-hours trading.12

The surge is attributed to a booming demand for AI technologies, particularly in data centers, where revenue soared 59% to $6.3 billion. CEO Lip-Bu Tan emphasized, "AI is driving unprecedented demand for compute," highlighting Intel's strategic positioning in the market.6

Intel's client computing group also performed well, with a 13% revenue increase to $8.9 billion. The company anticipates continued growth, forecasting Q3 revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $15.1 billion.34

The gross margin improved significantly to 42%, up from just 2.5% a year ago, reflecting operational efficiencies. CFO David Zinsner noted that Intel is raising its capital expenditure forecast for the year from $18 billion to $20 billion due to the strong demand for chips, particularly in AI and data center applications.7

Intel's foundry business also reported robust sales of $5.8 billion, a 31% annual increase, as the company secured long-term agreements with customers for data center CPUs and specialized chips. "I'm pleased to see the increasing momentum on customer engagements for Intel 14A," Tan stated, indicating confidence in future production capabilities.8

Overall, Intel's strong performance in Q2 positions it well for sustained growth in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Key Insight
“Intel posted adjusted earnings of 42 cents per share, blowing past the 21-cent forecast, on revenue of $16.1 billion that beat the $14.42 billion estimate. CEO Lip-Bu Tan declared 'AI is driving unprecedented demand for compute' as data center revenue surged 59% to $6.3 billion.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
CNBCCNBC
“Revenue jumped 25%, the most robust growth for any period since the third quarter of 2011.”
CNBC →
2
ReutersReuters
“Intel expects third-quarter revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion, compared with analysts' average estimate of $15.1 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.”
Reuters →
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