Intel and Samsung, the world’s largest chipmakers, both recorded poor fourth quarter financial results, though with some signs of hope for a recovery in the semiconductor business worldwide from later this year. High inventory levels as a result of global economic downturn and reduced consumer spending affected both giants, particularly Samsung, who operating profit fell by 35% year-on-year to KRW 2.8 trillion ($2.1 billion). That was worse than expected, but was actually the Korean firm’s smallest year-on-year decline in profit for five quarters. With chip prices recovering and inventory levels falling, stock analysts are realistically looking for a better fiscal year ahead for the chip sector. However, there are concerns that some of Intel’s woes are not just down to…