PC chipmaker Intel has reported a record year and a record fourth quarter, despite pressure on its core market from tablet computers and smartphones.
Intel reported full year revenue of $43.6bn (£27.5bn), up 24 % on 2009 as well as year-on-year increases of gross margin by 10 percentage points to 66%, operating income by 179% to $15.9bn, net income by 167% to $11.7bn, and earnings per share year-over-year by 166% to $2.05.
The year was rounded off with fourth quarter revenue of $11.5bn, up 3% on the third quarter, and a record gross margin of 67.5%, representing an increase of 1.5 percentage points.
Intel reported quarter-on-quarter increases in operating income by 5% to $4.3bn, net income by 15% to $3.4bn, and earnings per share by 13% to 59 cents.
Compared with the fourth quarter of 2009, revenue was up 8%, operating income was up 74%, and net income and earnings per share were both up 48%.
"2010 was the best year in Intel's history. We believe that 2011 will be even better," said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO.
Earlier this week, Intel agreed to pay $1.5bn to use Nvidia's graphics chip technology.
Analysts told the BBC that the move will enable Intel to increase its presence in hand-held computers, smartphones and tablet computers.
