Intel vs. IonQ: Comparing Revenue Trends Between Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing Chipmakers
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Intel: Steady Scale in RevenueIntel (INTC -7.89%) primarily generates revenue by designing, manufacturing, and selling computing processors, graphics units, and edge computing systems to equipment manufacturers and service providers internationally.It recently announced restructuring and workforce reductions to reduce organizational complexity, and for the quarter ended June 27, 2026, it reported a net income margin of approximately -68%.IonQ: Accelerating Revenue GrowthIonQ (IONQ -3.61%) primarily earns revenue by developing general-purpose quantum computing systems and providing access to them through prominent third-party and proprietary cloud services.It launched a commercial satellite monitoring capability and secured a regional network agreement, while reporting an EBIT margin of approximately -420% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.Why Revenue Matters for Retail InvestorsMonitoring revenue allows investors to evaluate a company's ability to attract customers and generate sales over time. This metric helps to measure a company’s overall size, market footprint, and long-term trajectory. Quarterly Revenue for Intel and IonqQuarter (Period End)Intel RevenueIonQ RevenueQ3 2024$13.3 billion (period ended Sept. 2024)$12.4 million (period ended Sept. 2024)Q4 2024$14.3 billion (period ended Dec. 2024)$11.7 million (period ended Dec. 2024)Q1 2025$12.7 billion (period ended March 2025)$7.6 million (period ended March 2025)Q2 2025$12.9 billion (period ended June 2025)$20.7 million (period ended June 2025)Q3 2025$13.7 billion (period ended Sept. 2025)$39.9 million (period ended Sept. 2025)Q4 2025$13.7 billion (period ended Dec. 2025)$61.9 million (period ended Dec. 2025)Q1 2026$13.6 billion (period ended March 2026)$64.7 million (period ended March 2026)Q2 2026$16.1 billion (period ended June 2026)Not yet reportedData source: Company filings. Data as of July 24, 2026.Foolish TakeAs the veteran technology company, Intel’s revenue towers over IonQ. However, despite the tailwind provided by the artificial intelligence boom, Intel has struggled to capitalize on the trend. That is, until CEO Lip-Bu Tan entered the picture in 2025.Under Tan, Intel made new foundry deals and partnerships, such as its multi-year collaboration with Google parent Alphabet. Now, the company’s sales are showing revenue acceleration. In the first quarter, its sales of $13.6 billion represented 7% year-over-year growth. In Q2, its $16.1 billion was a 25% year-over-year increase. This indicates the changes under Tan are helping Intel to capture AI spending.The up-and-coming IonQ is working on nascent quantum computing technology, which is why its sales are so much smaller than Intel’s. Even so, its revenue is accelerating at a far greater pace as organizations begin to adopt quantum computers. The company’s Q1 sales of $64.7 million represented a whopping 755% year-over-year increase.IonQ is putting the pieces together to deliver comprehensive quantum computing solutions, from quantum cybersecurity to quantum computers in space. The company claims to be the first to launch a citywide quantum computing network in Geneva. If it can continue the current trend of rapid revenue growth, IonQ is poised to become a major player in the field.Read NextJul 24, 2026 •By Emma NewberyStock Market Today, July 24: Intel Reverses Gains on Foundry and AI Spending ConcernsJul 24, 2026 •By Daniel SparksIntel Just Posted Its Fastest Revenue Growth in More Than 15 Years, but the Stock Is Falling. Here's What's Going On.Jul 24, 2026 •By Rich SmithWhy Did Intel Stock Drop Friday?Jul 23, 2026 •By Harsh ChauhanNvidia vs. Intel: Which Is the Better AI Chip Stock to Own for the Next 3 Years?Jul 22, 2026 •By Daniel SparksIntel's Foundry Just Landed Its First Named Outside Customer Under Lip-Bu Tan.
The Stock Jumped More Than 8% -- 2 Days Before Earnings.Jul 22, 2026 •By Lyle DalyChip Stocks vs. the Magnificent Seven: How Much of the Market Do Semiconductor Companies Make Up?About the AuthorRobert "Izzy" Izquierdo is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering information technology, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, and communication services sectors. Prior to The Motley Fool, Izzy was head of product management at Target Media Partners, developing and launching multimillion-dollar software used by businesses such as Charter Communications. Prior to that, he worked at Yahoo! and startups on software products in connected TV, AI, consumer apps, and digital advertising. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from UCLA and is certified in software product management.TMFWryWriteStocks MentionedIntelNASDAQ: INTC$92.20(-8.02%)-$8.04Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s Latest PickGet Access---% Avg ReturnIonQNYSE: IONQ$32.79(-3.76%)-$1.28*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.
