Intel has posted a 48% rise in quarterly net profits, as strong sales of server
microprocessors more than offset weak demand for chips used in personal
computers.
The world's largest microchip-maker made a net profit of $3.4bn ( 2.1bn) in the
last three months of 2010, up from $2.3bn a year earlier.
Its revenues were also ahead of market expectations, rising 8% to $11.5bn.
Intel said 2010 was the best year in its history.
Sales of its microchips for data centres were up 15% in October-December, while
those for PCs were flat.
For 2010 as a whole, Intel's net profit totalled $11.7bn, up from $4.4bn in
2009.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Mahesh Sanganeria said Intel's latest figures were
"great".
Earlier this week, Intel agreed to pay Nvidia $1.5bn to use its smaller rival's
graphics chip technology.
Analysts said the move will enable Intel to increase its presence in hand-held
computers, smartphones and tablet computers.