Key Points
- Nvidia's Q1 revenue for fiscal year 2026 reached $44.1 billion, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $42.91 billion by nearly 2.7%, with a 69% increase year-over-year.
- Earnings per share were 81 cents, missing analyst predictions of 85 cents, with net income at $18.8 billion, up 26% from the previous year.
- US export restrictions on high-powered H20 AI chips to China resulted in a $4.5 billion charge, with an expected $8 billion revenue loss in Q2.
- Nvidia plans to launch a lower-cost AI chip for the Chinese market, with mass production starting in June.
- Data center revenue was the primary driver, contributing $39.1 billion, a 10% increase from the prior quarter.
Summary
Nvidia reported mixed Q1 results for the fiscal year 2026, ending April 27, with revenue of $44.1 billion, exceeding Wall Street expectations by nearly 2.7% and reflecting a 69% year-over-year growth. However, earnings per share of 81 cents fell short of the anticipated 85 cents, despite a net income of $18.8 billion, up 26% from last year. The shortfall was attributed to a $4.5 billion charge due to US export restrictions on its H20 AI chips to China, with an anticipated $8 billion revenue hit in Q2. CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the soaring global demand for AI infrastructure, likening it to essential utilities like electricity. Nvidia plans to mitigate losses by introducing a lower-cost AI chip for China, with production starting in June. Data center revenue, at $39.1 billion, drove most of the quarter’s gains. Despite the earnings miss, Nvidia’s stock rose nearly 5% after-hours, closing at $141.40. The company remains focused on leading in agentic AI amid intensifying competition, while other US firms and even Bitcoin mining companies pivot toward AI infrastructure development.