Intel vs AMD: Which chip stock is the stronger bet right now?

TLDR

• AMD reported revenue of $7.4 billion in Q1 2026, up 36% year-over-year, driven by record data center growth
• AMD’s Data Center segment reached $3.7 billion, up 57%, boosted by EPYC processors and Instinct GPU demand
• Intel reported revenue of $13.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up just 7%, with a GAAP loss of $0.73 per share.
• Wall Street rates AMD a Moderate Buy with an average price target of $430.68 versus Intel’s Hold consensus of around $83.35.
• Intel expects second-quarter revenue to range from $13.8 to $14.8 billion, indicating stability but not yet a clear growth story.

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AMD and Intel are two of the most watched chip stocks on the market. But heading into mid-2026, Wall Street is approaching these matters very differently.

AMD is seen as a growth story. Intel is still trying to prove that its transformation is real.

AMD’s numbers tell a strong story

AMD reported revenue of $7.4 billion for the first quarter of 2026. An increase of 36% from the same period last year.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., AMD

Net income was $709 million on a GAAP basis. The data center sector was the most notable sector, generating a record $3.7 billion, an increase of 57% year over year.

This growth was driven by demand for EPYC server processors and Instinct GPU shipments. The Customer segment also delivered strong results, with revenue rising 68% to $2.3 billion.

These numbers appear AMD It’s no longer just a PC chip company. It is now a data center and real-scale AI hardware company.

Wall Street has taken notice. According to MarketBeat, 44 analysts are covering AMD. The consensus is a Moderate Buy, with 30 Buy ratings, 12 Hold ratings, and only 1 Sell. The average 12-month price target is $430.68.

Intel is still in recovery mode

Intel It reported revenue of $13.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 7% year over year. This seems consistent, but the company also reported a GAAP EPS loss of $0.73.

Intel Corporation, INTC

On a non-GAAP basis, EPS was $0.29. Management expected second-quarter revenue to range from $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion, indicating stabilization rather than acceleration.

Intel still has broad scope. It has a large installed base across PC, servers and manufacturing. But it hasn’t shown the same operating momentum as AMD.

This transformation depends on better CPU implementation, advances in foundry work, and building AI products. These improvements have not yet appeared clearly in the numbers.

Analysts’ sentiments reflect this. MarketBeat is showing Intel with a consensus comment rating from 41 analysts, including 10 buy ratings, 26 holds, and 4 sell ratings. The average 12-month price target is around $83.35.

Bottom line

This comes down to vision. AMD has clear momentum in data centers and AI hardware, with earnings to back it up.

Intel has potential upside if its recovery materializes. But for now, this upside still depends on results that have not yet arrived.

AMD is the execution story. Intel is the transformational bet. Investors must decide how much uncertainty they are willing to accept.