Intel Results Just Barely Better, Forecast Slips

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) reported second quarter results after markets closed today, and the company posted EPS of $0.54 on revenue of $13.5 billion. Earnings estimates called for $0.52 EPS and $13.57 billion in sales, and third quarter estimates were$0.65 EPS and $14.66 billion in sales.

In its guidance for the third quarter, the world’s largest chipmaker forecast revenue of $14.3 billion (+/- $500 million) and non-GAAP gross margins of 64%, within a point or two either way. The consensus revenue estimate had called for $14.6 billion.

For the full fiscal year, Intel guided revenue up 3%-5% over fiscal 2011 revenue of $54 billion. The consensus estimate had been $56.53 billion, at the upper end of Intel’s new guidance which tops out at $56.7 billion. Full year non-GAAP gross margins are forecast at 65%.

Intel’s president and CEO said:

As we enter the third quarter, our growth will be slower than we anticipated due to a more challenging macroeconomic environment.

Intel’s shares were up nearly 1.5% in after-hours trading, at $25.73 in a 52-week range of $19.16-$29.27.

Paul Ausick