Intel vs Applied Materials
Intel Corporation and Applied Materials, Inc. are reviewed side by side to compare business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents neutral, accessible information to help readers understand how each company operates within its industry, without asserting outcomes or giving financial advice. Educational content, not financial advice.
Intel Corporation and Applied Materials, Inc. are reviewed side by side to compare business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents neutral, accessible information to hel...
Why It's Moving
Intel's shares surge 27% in 2026 on AI-fueled PC and server momentum.
- Panther Lake CPUs on 18A node deliver 120 TOPS AI performance and 25+ hour battery life, reigniting Intel's edge in the exploding AI PC market.
- Server CPU demand is outstripping supply even after capacity shifts, with sell-outs expected in H1 2026 to fuel data center profits.
- 18A foundry advances position Intel to snag external customers in the AI rush, bolstering its IDM 2.0 reinvention.
Analysts Boost AMAT Targets Amid AI Memory Surge, Despite Export Headwinds
- Needham hiked its price target to $390 and KeyBanc to $380, spotlighting AMAT's edge in memory/AI expansion and vertical scaling opportunities.
- Q4 display revenues soared 68% on advanced systems, better pricing, and surging OLED demand, signaling potential reacceleration in that segment.
- Fiscal Q1 2026 earnings due February 12, where guidance on China risks, memory demand, and pricing could sway near-term momentum.
Intel's shares surge 27% in 2026 on AI-fueled PC and server momentum.
- Panther Lake CPUs on 18A node deliver 120 TOPS AI performance and 25+ hour battery life, reigniting Intel's edge in the exploding AI PC market.
- Server CPU demand is outstripping supply even after capacity shifts, with sell-outs expected in H1 2026 to fuel data center profits.
- 18A foundry advances position Intel to snag external customers in the AI rush, bolstering its IDM 2.0 reinvention.
Analysts Boost AMAT Targets Amid AI Memory Surge, Despite Export Headwinds
- Needham hiked its price target to $390 and KeyBanc to $380, spotlighting AMAT's edge in memory/AI expansion and vertical scaling opportunities.
- Q4 display revenues soared 68% on advanced systems, better pricing, and surging OLED demand, signaling potential reacceleration in that segment.
- Fiscal Q1 2026 earnings due February 12, where guidance on China risks, memory demand, and pricing could sway near-term momentum.
Investment Analysis
Intel
INTC
Pros
- Intel maintains strong scale and global brand recognition in semiconductors, supported by decades of industry leadership and a large installed customer base.
- The company is making substantial investments in advanced manufacturing and foundry services, aiming to regain technology leadership and diversify revenue streams.
- Intel’s valuation metrics, such as price-to-book and price-to-sales ratios, appear modest relative to sector peers, potentially offering value if execution improves.
Considerations
- Intel faces intense competition in AI and data centre markets, where it lags behind rivals with more advanced and specialised chip offerings.
- Recent financial performance has been weak, with negative earnings per share and a high dividend payout ratio raising sustainability concerns.
- Execution risks remain elevated due to factory delays, leadership transitions, and the challenge of catching up to competitors in next-generation chip production.
Pros
- Applied Materials holds the leading global market position in wafer fabrication equipment, with a broad and technologically advanced portfolio serving diverse chipmakers.
- The company benefits from structural growth drivers in semiconductor manufacturing, including demand for advanced packaging, AI chips, and next-generation transistor technologies.
- Applied Materials demonstrates stronger recent profitability and efficiency metrics compared to many peers, reflecting disciplined cost management and pricing power.
Considerations
- Applied Materials’ revenue growth is tied closely to cyclical capital expenditure trends in the semiconductor industry, exposing it to potential downturns.
- The stock’s current valuation, including its price-to-earnings ratio, is elevated relative to historical levels, potentially limiting near-term upside.
- While diversified, the company remains exposed to geopolitical and regulatory risks affecting global semiconductor supply chains and customer investment decisions.
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Intel (INTC) Next Earnings Date
Intel's Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings were reported on January 22, 2026, after market close, covering the quarter ended December 2025. As of January 26, 2026, the next earnings date for Q1 2026 remains unconfirmed by the company. It is inferred for late April 2026, consistent with Intel's historical pattern of Thursday after-market releases.
Applied Materials (AMAT) Next Earnings Date
Applied Materials' next earnings date is scheduled for February 12, 2026, following the company's announcement of its fiscal Q1 2026 earnings conference call. This report will cover the fiscal first quarter of 2026, ending in January 2026. Investors should note the call is set for 4:30 p.m. ET after market close.
Intel (INTC) Next Earnings Date
Intel's Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings were reported on January 22, 2026, after market close, covering the quarter ended December 2025. As of January 26, 2026, the next earnings date for Q1 2026 remains unconfirmed by the company. It is inferred for late April 2026, consistent with Intel's historical pattern of Thursday after-market releases.
Applied Materials (AMAT) Next Earnings Date
Applied Materials' next earnings date is scheduled for February 12, 2026, following the company's announcement of its fiscal Q1 2026 earnings conference call. This report will cover the fiscal first quarter of 2026, ending in January 2026. Investors should note the call is set for 4:30 p.m. ET after market close.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
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Explore BasketAI Infrastructure Investment Overview | Dell Results
Dell's recent earnings revealed a massive surge in demand for its AI servers, beating expectations. This highlights a significant investment opportunity in the companies that supply the essential hardware and components powering the AI infrastructure boom.
Published: August 31, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
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Explore BasketAI Infrastructure Investment Overview | Dell Results
Dell's recent earnings revealed a massive surge in demand for its AI servers, beating expectations. This highlights a significant investment opportunity in the companies that supply the essential hardware and components powering the AI infrastructure boom.
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