IBM is poised to be an AI leader

Article Excerpt

In the past few years, IBM has shifted its focus to its more-profitable cloud computing, consulting and mainframe businesses. It now gets over 75% of its revenue from software and consulting services. The shift has paid off, with the stock recently hitting an all-time high. What’s more, the company’s Watsonx next-generation AI and data platform, combined with its consulting services, sets it up as a key player in the AI space. IBM, $190.90, is still a buy. The company (New York symbol IBM; Shares outstanding: 916.7 million; Market cap: $173.2 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 3.5%) is one of the world’s largest computer firms, with operations in over 175 countries. In the three months ended December 31, 2023, IBM’s revenue rose 4.6%, to $17.38 billion from $16.69 billion a year earlier. Revenue rose for all three of IBM’s main businesses: software (up 3.1%), consulting (up 5.8%), and mainframe computers and other hardware (up 2.7%). Earnings excluding one-time items gained 8.8%, to $3.59 billion from…