Intel scores 'record' profits for 2011 Chipmaker Intel reported record revenue and profits for 2011 Thursday despite a slight slowdown in the fourth quarter related to the impact of Thailand's floods on the personal computer industry. Revenues soared in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan, the company said, followed by modest gains in the Americas and Europe. Intel said net revenues climbed 24 percent to $54.0 billion for the 12 months to December 31. Net income was up 12.9 percent to $12.9 billion. Earnings per share rose 19 percent to $2.39. Revenues were boosted by acquisitions early in the year of McAfee and the Infineon wireless division, but even excluding them, Intel said, net revenues were up by 15.6 percent. Net income growth slowed in the fourth quarter to $3.4 billion, up six percent year on year, as the personal computer industry slowed, hit by the widespread flooding in Thailand, a disk drive manufacturing hub. "As a result of the hard disk drive shortages we saw a reduction of orders for microprocessors as customers reduced inventories across the supply chain," the company said in a statement. Despite this reduction in inventory levels, it is our belief that the shortage did not impact actual sales of personal computers in the fourth quarter with demand trends playing out as expected. Intel president and chief executive Paul Otellini called the year "exceptional." "With outstanding execution the company performed superbly, growing revenue by more than $10 billion and eclipsing all annual revenue and earnings records," he said. With a tremendous product and technology pipeline for 2012, we're excited about the global growth opportunities presented by Ultrabook systems, the data center, security and the introduction of Intel-powered smartphones and tablets. Intel shares closed up 0.95 percent to $25.63 ahead of the earnings release.