UK chip firm ARM today released its full-year and Q4 results for 2014, showing robust profit growth powered by strong iPhone sales.
The global technology group reported that pre-tax profits for Q4 were up 25% year-on-year. For the full year, pre-tax profits rose 13% from 2013 to £411.3 million.
The Q4 figure of £118.9m in profits came in ahead of analyst expectations of around $113m.
Revenues were up 19% year-on-year for the quarter and 11% for the full year. ARM also announced that Q4 earnings per share rose 36% and full year earnings were up 17%.
The strong growth came from their 3.5 billion shipments of ARM-based chips in Q4, a rise of 20% year-on-year.
Simon Segars, ARM CEO, commented: "In Q4 and throughout 2014 ARM has seen strong licence revenue growth, driven by market-leading semiconductor companies increasing their commitment to use ARM technology, and a broadening range of new customers choosing ARM technology for the first time. As expected, ARM’s royalty revenue growth rate increased in the fourth quarter. As the ARM Partnership continues to gain share, and as chips based on ARMv8-A processors and Mali graphics IP start shipping in higher volumes, the outlook for royalty revenues in 2015 and beyond is encouraging."
He added: "2015 will bring exciting opportunities and challenges as ARM invests in new products and technologies, and continues to establish itself in competitive new markets."
