Intel net profit up nearly four-fold

NEW YORK: Intel, the world's biggest computer chip maker, said Tuesday that first quarter net profit rose nearly four-fold to 2.4 billion dollars.

The Santa Clara, California-based technology bellwether said revenue rose by 44 percent to 10.3 billion dollars in the quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago.

Intel chief executive Paul Otellini lauded the company's "best first quarter ever" and said "looking forward, we're optimistic about our business as Intel products are designed into a variety of new and exciting segments."