Intel reported its strongest quarterly results in approximately 15 years, with revenue surging 25% year-over-year to $16.13 billion and adjusted earnings of $0.42 per share. Both figures significantly surpassed analysts' consensus estimates of $14.43 billion and $0.21, respectively, driven by strong data-center momentum and improving server pricing power.
Despite the massive earnings beat, the stock traded down over 5% on July 28, 2026. The decline is attributed to a broader semiconductor sector sell-off triggered by weak preliminary earnings from Samsung. Disappointing forward guidance from Intel, a bearish 'Sell' rating from Rosenblatt, and broader concerns about AI valuations and potential U.S. tariffs also contributed to the negative sentiment among investors.