Intel’s third-quarter revenue increased 21% to $16.513 billion, but reported and non-GAAP earnings moved differently. In its 29 October release, the chipmaker reported GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Intel of $0.60, compared with $0.90 a year earlier.
Non-GAAP diluted EPS rose to $0.52 from $0.23. The quarter ended 26 September 2026, rather than 30 September, a timing distinction that matters when comparing its results with other companies.
Results and accounting basis
Q3 2026 | ended 26 September 2026. Amounts are US dollars unless stated otherwise. Primary source observed 2026-10-31T08:57:47.392Z.
| Measure or timetable | Verified figure and basis | Primary evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting period | Three months ended 26 Sep 2026; prior comparison ended 27 Sep 2025 | Intel official results |
| Q3 net revenue | $16.513bn; prior year $13.653bn; +21% | Intel official results |
| Q3 GAAP net income attributable to Intel | $3.320bn; prior year $4.063bn | Intel official results |
| Q3 diluted EPS: GAAP / non-GAAP | $0.60 / $0.52; prior year $0.90 / $0.23 | Intel official results |
| Q4 2026 revenue forecast | $15bn–$16bn | Intel official results |
| Q4 diluted-EPS forecast: GAAP / non-GAAP | $0.10 / $0.25; based on revenue-range midpoint | Intel official results |
Reported EPS did not grow with revenue
GAAP net income attributable to Intel was $3.320 billion, down from $4.063 billion. The release’s quarterly table shows reported EPS down 33% while non-GAAP EPS rose 126%. Neither percentage should be used without its accounting label.
Intel’s non-GAAP presentation adjusts specified costs, gains and tax effects under the company’s method. It is not a separate cash-flow result. The release provides reconciliations, including the treatment of investment and mark-to-market items; readers should not assume adjusted EPS must always be higher than GAAP EPS.
The Q4 range is management’s forecast
Intel forecast fourth-quarter revenue of $15 billion–$16 billion. It forecast GAAP diluted EPS of $0.10 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.25, with the gross-margin and EPS outlooks based on the midpoint of the revenue range.
Management described work to expand supply and continued process-technology development. Those statements are forward-looking business priorities, not proof of completed customer orders or future earnings. The useful next comparison is actual Q4 delivery against the same forecast measures, without changing the period or accounting basis.
What to watch
Watch performance against the Q4 forecast and disclosed supply constraints. Forecast revenue, capacity plans and technology collaborations are not completed orders or guaranteed investment returns.
Primary source record
Intel Corporation — exact document: https://www.intc.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1786/intel-reports-third-quarter-2026-financial-results. Observed 2026-10-31T08:57:47.392Z. The issuer’s release is primary evidence for its own results, not independent corroboration.
Additional primary record
Intel Corporation — https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/50863/000005086326000191/intc-20260926.htm; checked 2026-10-31T09:06:13.081Z. Separate issuer quarterly Form 10-Q filed on SEC.gov; same issuer, not independent corroboration.
Recorded source observation: . This is a source-check timestamp, not a market quote or a new article update.