Intel hits new high with Q4 results
Intel, the world's top semiconductor maker, has said fourth quarter earnings more than doubled from a year earlier as revenue rose to record levels.
Most computer makers use Intel processors, and PC giant Dell is the company's largest customer.
Net income rose to $2.17bn (€1.71bn) for the three months to December 27 from $1.05bn (€0.83bn) in the same period a year earlier.
Intel, which employs 3,200 staff in Leixlip, has reported a revenue increase of 22% to $8.74bn (€6.90bn).
This is higher than Intel's previous one-quarter record of $8.73bn (€6.89bn), posted in the third quarter of 2000.
Chief executive Craig Barrett said: "We ended the year on a high note as ongoing strength in emerging markets coupled with improving demand in established markets drove revenue to record levels."
He said the increased sales justified Intel's investment in capital and R&D in new products such as its Centrino mobile technology and that the company was aiming for double-digit growth in 2004.
The company plans to spend $4.8bn (€3.79bn) on R&D this year, and said capital spending is expected to be between $3.6bn (€2.84bn) and $4.0bn (€3.16bn), compared to $3.7bn (€2.92bn) last year.
