Intel reports Q4 revenues of US$13.9bn – ready to ride ultrabook wave

20 Jan 2012

Intel CEO Paul Otellini

Intel Q4 revenues came in at US$13.8bn, bringing the company’s full-year revenues for 2011 to US$54bn. CEO Paul Otellini says the technology pipeline is strong, especially in terms of prospects for Intel-powered ultrabooks, tablet computers and smartphones.

The year 2012 will be an interesting year for Intel. It has already kickstarted the ultrabook revolution via its alliance with Apple and the MacBook Air, but the full force of the revolution in ultra-thin and light devices will be felt as other brands reveal new devices. Not only that, but tablet computers and smartphones powered by Intel chips will enter the marketplace and the alliance Intel formed with Google last year will take shape.

For the fourth quarter, Intel posted revenue of US$13.9bn, operating income of US$4.6bn, net income of US$3.4bn and EPS of 64 cents.

The company generated about US$6.6bn in cash from operations, paid dividends of US$1.1bn and used US$4.1bn to repurchase 174m shares of stock.

“(The year) 2011 was an exceptional year for Intel,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “With outstanding execution, the company performed superbly, growing revenue by more than US$10bn and eclipsing all annual revenue and earnings records.

“With a tremendous product and technology pipeline for 2012, we’re excited about the global growth opportunities presented by Ultrabook systems, the data centre, security and the introduction of Intel-powered smartphones and tablets,” Otellini said.

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2012, Intel is predicting revenues of US$12.8bn and plans to spend US$4.4bn on R&D.

For the full year 2012, it intends to spend US$18.3bn developing new technology.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com