Intel shares are soaring to new record highs, thanks in large part to booming demand for AI.
The turnaround for Intel's business may be ongoing, but its stock passed a major milestone today.
Intel Corporation delivered a decisive Q1 beat, driven by strong server CPU demand and successful 18A node ramp. Gross margin expanded to 41%, with Data Center and AI segment margins surging to 30.5% amid CPU demand shift. Valuation is stretched: forward P/E Non-GAAP at 117.78 and scenario analysis implies >50% downside from $80 levels.
Q1 2026 changed my perspective because Intel's turnaround finally showed up in revenue, margins, earnings, guidance, and DCAI momentum. I see DCAI as the biggest surprise, with $5.1B of revenue, 22% growth, and $1.5B of operating profit. In fact, Xeon 6's traction with Nvidia, Google, and SambaNova makes Intel's AI relevance harder for me to dismiss.
The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is pointing higher into Friday's open, with futures fractionally higher as traders digest a bevy of data.
Stock futures are rising Friday, led by huge gains for Intel following a strong earnings report; the chipmaker's first-quarter results blew past Wall Street expectations, as the company cited "unprecedented demand" for chips to support AI; investors are keeping close tabs on developments in the Middle East amid ongoing uncertainty about possible U.S.-Iran peace talks; Procter & Gamble shares are rising after the consumer products giant reported better-than-expected results; and Taiwan Semiconductor shares are rallying thanks to a rule change by Taiwanese authorities. Here's what you need to know today.
On March 25, 2026, we sent thousands of investors an email titled “Is Intel The Must-Own Stock for 2026?
Shares of Intel (NASDAQ:INTC | INTC Price Prediction) are ripping higher in Friday premarket trading, last quoted near $83.50 after the chipmaker delivered a blowout
Intel Corporation delivered a major Q1 2026 earnings beat, driving a 25% pre-market stock surge to all-time highs. Despite the turnaround, INTC's 7% YoY revenue growth lags peers, and current valuation—near 8x sales—far exceeds historical norms. Profitability was boosted by sales of previously reserved inventory and improving gross margins, but high CapEx and negative free cash flow persist.
There's a debate on Wall Street about whether Intel's financial prospects have materially changed.
Something rare happened on Intel (NASDAQ:INTC | INTC Price Prediction)'s earnings call.
Intel (INTC) surged 21% premarket after Q1 results and guidance exceeded Wall Street expectations. U.S. soldier charged after allegedly earning $400,000 betting on Maduro's removal.