Intel reports record revenue for 2021 led by Data Center Group growth

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What you need to know

  • Intel's Q4 2021 revenue was $20.5 billion, which exceeded expectations by $1.3 billion.
  • The company set an all-time record for full-year revenue by bringing in $79 billion in 2021.
  • Intel's fourth-quarter revenue was led by its Data Center Group.

"Q4 represented a great finish to a great year. We exceeded top-line quarterly guidance by over $1 billion and delivered the best quarterly and full-year revenue in the company's history," said Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. "Our disciplined focus on execution across technology development, manufacturing, and our traditional and emerging businesses is reflected in our results. We remain committed to driving long-term, sustainable growth as we relentlessly execute our IDM 2.0 strategy."

Intel's strong fourth quarter of 2021 was led by a record quarter from its Data Center Group. That group brought in $7.3 billion in Q4 2022, which was an increase of 20% year-over-year. Intel's Client Computing Group earned $10.1 billion in revenue during Q4 2021, which was a decrease of 7% year-over-year.

Intel launched its 12th Gen family of processors in 2021. The company also returned to the discrete graphics space by shipping its Intel Arc graphics products to OEMs, though those graphics shouldn't reach consumer products until some point in the future.

Intel also took major steps as part of its IDM 2.0 strategy in 2021. The company announced plans for two new chip factories in Ohio that could see up to $100 billion of investment over the next ten years. Construction of a new chip factories in Arizona also started last year.

Intel Forecasts that it will earn approximately $18.3 billion in the first quarter of 2022. The company also announced a five percent increase to quarterly cash dividends.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.