Follow Buffett on IBM

Article Excerpt

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (New York symbol BRK.A) now owns 5.4% of IBM $188 (New York symbol IBM; Shares outstanding: 1.2 billion; Market cap: $225.6 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Divd. yield: 1.6%). IBM was our #1 Stock of the Year in our Wall Street Stock Forecaster newsletter last year. Since then, the stock has risen by around 49%. This is Buffett’s first major investment in a technology company. IBM’s overall revenue and earnings growth has slowed recently, due to the weaker global economy, but its long-term outlook remains bright. The company continues to benefit from strong growth in emerging markets, like Russia and Brazil. More business activity in these countries is spurring demand for reliable computer services. IBM is also expanding its software business, mainly through acquisitions. That adds risk, but the companies IBM is buying are adding to its expertise in fast-growing fields like cloud computing. Some criticized Buffett for getting aboard IBM late — after a 49% rise. That’s typical of…