Intel shares up about 223% in 2026 as AI data center revenue climbs
In brief
- Intel shares rose from $36.90 to about $119.33 by October 2, roughly 223% year to date.
- Intel shares gained more than 35% in September 2026 alone, per Crypto Briefing.
- Q2 revenue reached $16.1 billion, up 25%; AI and data center sales rose 59%.
- Forward P/E near 84x and market cap near $631 billion, according to Crypto Briefing.
A late-year run
Intel's stock gained more than 35% in September 2026 alone, according to Crypto Briefing. The outlet reported that this run pushed the company's market capitalization to roughly $631 billion in early October.
The headline number needs a footnote. Crypto Briefing's own headline cites a gain of more than 230%, but its figures put the move at about 223% as of October 2 (it also reported gains ranging from 220% to 236% at various points). We're using the dated figure.
It's a sharp reversal from where Intel stood two years ago.
Intel’s stock fell 60% in 2024. Then came 2025, when shares rebounded 84%.
Revenue behind the rally
Intel reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $16.1 billion, up 25% year-over-year, as cited by Crypto Briefing. One segment grew faster than the top line. AI and data center revenue rose 59% year-over-year to $6.3 billion in the quarter, according to the company's reported results.
Crypto Briefing attributed the rally to AI chip demand and manufacturing gains, and it named AMD as Intel's main rival in AI CPUs and foundry services. AMD has also posted substantial gains, the outlet noted, so Intel isn't the only chipmaker riding the AI trade this year.
The valuation question
Crypto Briefing cited Intel's forward price-to-earnings ratio at around 84 times current-year estimates. That's the outlet's figure, and the same goes for the roughly $631 billion market cap; neither comes from a named market-data provider.
We're leaving the valuation call with Crypto Briefing. The growth figures it reported alongside that multiple are the Q2 numbers above (25% revenue growth and 59% growth in AI and data center), and we aren't adding a forecast of our own.
The comparison with 2024 doesn't get much starker. A stock that lost 60% that year has more than tripled since January, and it's now in Crypto Briefing's top five for the S&P 500.
Frequently asked questions
How much has Intel stock gained in 2026?
Intel started 2026 at $36.90 a share and reached about $119.33 by October 2, a year-to-date gain of roughly 223%, according to Crypto Briefing. The outlet reported gains ranging from 220% to 236% at various points.
What's driving Intel's stock rally in 2026?
Crypto Briefing attributed the rally to AI chip demand and manufacturing gains. Intel reported Q2 2026 revenue of $16.1 billion, up 25% year-over-year, while AI and data center revenue rose 59% to $6.3 billion.
