IBM’s transformation will pay off

Article Excerpt

IBM is currently shifting its focus, away from mainframe computers and consulting services to more-promising fields such as security software, artificial intelligence and cloud computing (online access to data files stored on remote servers). That transformation will take several years to complete, but sets up IBM for decades of growth. What’s more, the company will increase its revenue from ongoing services, instead of less-predictable hardware sales. That will cut IBM’s risk and let it continue to raise its dividend. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP. $146 (New York symbol IBM; Conservative Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 921.2 million; Market cap: $134.5 billion; Dividend yield: 4.3%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.ibm.com) is one of the world’s largest computer companies, with operations in over 175 countries. Began operating in 1911 as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co.; changed its name to International Business Machines in 1924 Has paid regular dividends for 102 years Annually spends 7% to 8% of revenue on R&D IBM has paid dividends continuously since…