Intel beats the consensus, thanks to its data centers

(Reuters) – Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has released on Thursday adjusted earnings and revenue better than expected for the fourth quarter, thanks to strong growth in its activity of data centres.

The title of the giant of semiconductors rose 3.7% 47,05 dollars in trade after the stock Exchange on Wall Street.

The group from california has recorded a charge of $ 5.4 billion (4.4 billion euros) in connection with the tax reform recently adopted in the United States, which had plunged its net income in the red with a loss of 687 million over the last three months of 2017, or 15 cents per share.

Excluding exceptional items, the earnings per share is positive at 1.08 to the dollar, well above the consensus of 86 cents, as established by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The revenue was up 4.1% at 17.05 billion, superior to the average estimate of analysts was of 16.34 billion.

The turnover of the division of data centers has jumped from approximately 20% to 5.58 billion, compared to a consensus 5.13 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Intel has focused its efforts in recent years on data centres and other innovative areas such as artificial intelligence, and autonomous cars to reduce its dependence on the traditional market of PC.

In early January, security researchers have revealed two security vulnerabilities affecting almost all of the devices modern computer equipped with Intel chips but also other manufacturers.

The group said nothing of the expected costs to repair these faults but it was recognized that the vulnerabilities could affect its future results or its reputation.

(Laharee Chatterjee in Bangalore, Véronique Tison for the French service)