Nvidia vs Intel: Revenue, Profitability & Business Model Compared
Side-by-side comparison of Nvidia (NVDA) and Intel (INTC). Compare revenue breakdowns, profitability, financial metrics, and semiconductor business models.
Nvidia vs Intel Overview
Two semiconductor giants with diverging fortunes: Nvidia dominates AI/GPU computing and has become the world’s most valuable chipmaker, while Intel struggles to maintain relevance in its traditional CPU stronghold.
| Metric | Nvidia (NVDA) | Intel (INTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Semiconductors | Semiconductors |
| Market Cap | $2.8T | $95B |
| Revenue | $130.5B | $54.2B |
| Net Income | $72.9B | -$1.6B |
How Does Nvidia Make Money?
Nvidia (NVDA) operates in the Semiconductors sector with a market cap of $2.8T. For a full breakdown of Nvidia’s revenue sources, see the Nvidia revenue breakdown.
Nvidia Revenue Breakdown
| Segment | FY2025 (Jan) | FY2024 (Jan) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Center | $115.2B | $47.5B | +142.5% |
| Gaming | $11.4B | $10.4B | +9.6% |
| Professional Visualization | $1.9B | $1.6B | +18.8% |
| Automotive | $1.7B | $1.1B | +54.5% |
| OEM & Other | $0.3B | $0.4B | -25.0% |
| Total Revenue | $130.5B | $60.9B | +114.2% |
How Does Intel Make Money?
Intel (INTC) operates in the Semiconductors sector with a market cap of $95B. For a full breakdown of Intel’s revenue sources, see the Intel revenue breakdown.
Intel Revenue Breakdown
| Segment | FY2024 | FY2023 | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client Computing Group | $29.3B | $29.3B | +0.0% |
| Data Center & AI | $12.8B | $15.5B | -17.4% |
| Network & Edge | $5.8B | $5.8B | +0.0% |
| Mobileye | $1.8B | $2.1B | -14.3% |
| Intel Foundry Services | $4.5B | $1.9B | +136.8% |
| Total Revenue | $54.2B | $54.2B | +0.0% |
Nvidia vs Intel Profitability
Nvidia: Yes, Nvidia is exceptionally profitable. The company reported net income of $72.9B on total revenue of $130.5B. With an operating margin of 62.4%, Nvidia demonstrates extraordinary profitability driven by insatiable AI chip demand and pricing power.
Intel: No, Intel is currently unprofitable. The company reported a net loss of $1.6B on total revenue of $54.2B. Intel is undergoing a painful transformation, investing heavily in new manufacturing processes while losing market share in key segments.
Key Financial Metrics Comparison
Nvidia Key Metrics
- Gross Margin: 75.0% — Exceptional margin reflecting Nvidia’s monopoly in AI training chips.
- Operating Margin: 62.4% — Among the highest of any semiconductor company in history.
- Data Center Growth: +142.5% — Explosive growth driven by AI infrastructure buildout.
- R&D Spending: $12.9B — Heavy investment to maintain technology leadership.
Intel Key Metrics
- Gross Margin: 41.8% — Significantly below historical levels due to manufacturing inefficiencies.
- Operating Margin: -1.4% — Intel is currently operating at a loss.
- Foundry Investment: $100B+ — Massive capex plan to rebuild manufacturing leadership.
- Process Technology: Intel 18A — Attempting to catch up to TSMC by 2025.
Which Company is a Better Investment?
Nvidia and Intel represent opposite ends of the semiconductor spectrum. Nvidia offers exposure to the AI megatrend with unparalleled profitability but trades at premium valuations. Intel is a turnaround bet with significant execution risk but potential upside if its foundry strategy succeeds. Review the full Nvidia revenue breakdown and Intel revenue breakdown for detailed analysis.
Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.