ARM reports 2011 revenues up by 24%

According to chief executive Warren East: "In Q4, and throughout 2011, ARM has seen strong licensing growth driven by market leading semiconductor companies increasing their commitment and more new customers choosing ARM technology. We have also seen our royalty revenue continue to grow faster than industry revenues as the ARM Partnership gains share in our target markets." The company signed 25 more processor licenses in Q4 2100, including the first lead licenses for devices based on the ARMv8-A architecture. It also signed nine licenses for Cortex-A and eight licenses for Cortex-M family processors. In total, ARM now has signed 849 licenses, of which 131 are for Cortex-M processor cores. The Cortex family represents 23% of all units shipped, up from 13% in 2010. ARM says this is due to shipments of Cortex-M based mcus and smartcards and to an increase in shipments of high end smartphones and mobile computers featuring Cortex-A cores. In terms of devices, ARM says 1.2bn mobile phones and mobile computers shipped in Q1 featured its technology, while 1bn consumer and embedded digital devices featured ARM based chips. The latter represented a 40% increase over Q4 2010. According to the company's financial statement, it has entered 2012 with 'a robust opportunity pipeline for licensing and a record order backlog, helped by new product introductions and new markets'. East noted: "2012 will bring exciting opportunities and challenges as ARM enters competitive new markets where we are well positioned to succeed with leading technology, an innovative business model and a thriving ecosystem of partners."