Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, has announced profits of $2.7 billion for the first quarter of 2012, representing an 18 per cent fall from the same period last year. Intel, of course, enjoyed a bumper year in 2011 compared to the rest of the industry, which seemed to be undermined by broader economic strife.
However, analysts have suggested that despite the strong profit results, the firm is not totally resistant to wider pressures. Last year's success was largely driven by Sandy Bridge processors, which helped to swell profits.
But with Ivy Bridge processors set to appear over the next few weeks, Intel Chief Executive Paul Otellini is hopeful that the firm's performance will improve through the rest of the year. Allied to this, the company expects to see the debut of the Medfield Atom-based smartphone in the next three months.
"The first quarter was a solid start to what's expected to be another growth year for Intel," Mr Otellini explained.
"In the second quarter, we'll see the first Intel-based smartphones in the market, ship products based on 22nm tri-gate technology in high volume, and accelerate the ramp of our best server product ever, providing a tremendous foundation for growth in 2012 and beyond."
Intel's figures are disappointing when viewed in context of those for 2011. However, it ought to be noted that the bottom line figure was greatly influenced by delays to the Ivy Bridge project, which set to be the main driving force behind the firm's performance for the rest of 2012.
And with the launch of Microsoft's new operating system – Windows 8 – set for later this year, allied to the firm's recent foray into the lucrative smartphone market, Intel can expect things to improve over the next few months.