Intel Tops Q2 Estimates with Fastest Revenue Growth in 15 Years
Intel (INTC) reported second-quarter results after market close Thursday, surpassing Wall Street estimates with revenue of $15.3 billion and EPS of $1.82. The data center segment led growth with a 25% year-over-year increase, marking the fastest revenue growth in 15 years. Shares rose 4% in after-hours trading.
Key Numbers
Intel (INTC) reported second-quarter 2026 results after market close Thursday, beating analyst estimates with revenue of $15.3 billion, the fastest annual growth in 15 years. The stock rose 4% in after-hours trading.
Key Financial Results
| Metric | Q2 2026 | Analyst Estimates | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $15.3B | $14.8B | +12% |
| EPS | $1.82 | $1.65 | +22% |
| Data Center Revenue | $6.2B | $5.9B | +25% |
| Client Computing Revenue | $7.5B | $7.3B | +8% |
Key Highlights
Intel attributed the strong performance to increased demand for its next-generation server processors "Sierra Forest" and "Granite Rapids," as well as improvement in the PC market. Reduced customer inventory also boosted sales.
Future Guidance
Intel expects Q3 2026 revenue between $15.5B and $16.5B, above the consensus estimate of $15.2B. The company also raised its gross margin guidance to 52%.
Stock Impact
Intel shares rose 4% in after-hours trading as results exceeded expectations across all key metrics. The stock had declined 8% year-to-date prior to the announcement.
What This Means for Investors
Intel's results show improving demand for its core products, especially in the data center segment, which faces intense competition from AMD and NVIDIA. The key challenge remains sustaining growth amid the shift toward AI-specific processors.
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