Intel vs AMD: Which Chip Stock Is the Better Buy Right Now?

TLDR

• AMD posted record 2025 revenue of $34.6 billion with strong data center growth, while Intel hit $52.9 billion but stayed flat year over year
• AMD’s Data Center segment brought in $16.6 billion in 2025, driven by EPYC server processors and AI-related products
• Intel’s Q1 2026 revenue rose 7% to $13.6 billion, but GAAP earnings per share was still negative at $(0.73)
• Wall Street rates AMD as a Moderate Buy with an average price target of $296.44, while Intel holds a consensus Hold rating at $72.98
• AMD is seen as the stronger execution story; Intel remains a turnaround play with more uncertainty

Intel and AMD have long competed for the same customers, but in 2025, the market is treating them very differently. One looks like a growth story. The other looks like a recovery in progress.

Here is what the numbers show.

AMD’s Data Center Push

AMD had a strong 2025. The company reported record revenue of $34.6 billion for the full year, with a gross margin of 50% and net income of $4.3 billion. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income came in at $7.8 billion.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., AMD

The biggest driver was the data center business. AMD’s Data Center segment brought in $16.6 billion in 2025. That was powered by rising demand for EPYC server processors and the company’s AI-related products.

AMD is not a one-trick pony either. Client and Gaming revenue added $14.6 billion, while the Embedded segment contributed $3.5 billion. That spread across multiple markets gives AMD more stability than a company relying on a single product line.

Analysts have taken notice. Out of 40 analysts tracked by MarketBeat, 31 rate AMD as a Buy and 1 rates it a Strong Buy. The average 12-month price target sits at $296.44.

Intel’s Ongoing Turnaround

Intel is still the bigger company by revenue. Full-year 2025 revenue came in at $52.9 billion, though that was flat compared to the year before. Fourth-quarter revenue dipped 4% to $13.7 billion.

Intel Corporation, INTC

The first quarter of 2026 showed some improvement. Revenue rose 7% year over year to $13.6 billion. But Intel’s GAAP earnings per share was still negative at $(0.73) for the quarter.

That negative earnings number is what keeps Intel in the “turnaround” category rather than the “growth” category for most investors.

Intel still has scale, a wide customer base, and ambitions in chip manufacturing through its foundry business. But the market wants to see those ambitions translate into consistent profits before upgrading the story.

Wall Street reflects that hesitation. Of 40 analysts covering Intel, 25 rate it a Hold, 11 rate it a Buy, and 4 rate it a Sell. The average price target is $72.98.

Intel’s most recent reported figure remains the Q1 2026 result: $13.6 billion in revenue and a GAAP loss of $(0.73) per share.

Final Thoughts

Both companies are competing in the same markets, but at very different stages. AMD has the momentum right now. Intel has the scale. Which one belongs in a portfolio depends on whether an investor wants proven growth or turnaround potential.

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