International Business Machines Corporation $IBM Stock: Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC Cuts Position

Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC reduced its position in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) by 28.8% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 36,255 shares of the technology company’s stock after selling 14,674 shares during the quarter. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC’s holdings in International Business Machines were worth $7,974,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of IBM. Harborfront Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in International Business Machines in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Hara Capital LLC purchased a new stake in International Business Machines during the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Bare Financial Services Inc grew its stake in International Business Machines by 114.6% during the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 103 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 55 shares during the period. Caitlin John LLC acquired a new stake in shares of International Business Machines in the second quarter worth $35,000. Finally, Axiom Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of International Business Machines in the first quarter worth $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.96% of the company’s stock.

Insider Transactions at International Business Machines

In other news, SVP Robert Thomas sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $230.32, for a total transaction of $5,758,000.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 47,800 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,009,296. This represents a 34.34% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.27% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Oppenheimer downgraded shares of International Business Machines from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 15th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $262.00 to $277.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $300.00 price target on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Thursday, October 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their price objective on International Business Machines from $280.00 to $230.00 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 23rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on International Business Machines from $235.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 22nd. Nineteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $266.88.

International Business Machines Trading Down 0.6%

IBM opened at $244.59 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $231.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.85, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.78. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $237.19 and its 200-day moving average is $248.14. International Business Machines Corporation has a 52-week low of $199.19 and a 52-week high of $332.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 21st. The technology company reported $2.95 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.85 by $0.10. International Business Machines had a net margin of 15.99% and a return on equity of 34.37%. The business had revenue of $17.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $16.82 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.65 earnings per share. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that International Business Machines Corporation will post 12.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 10th will be given a $1.69 dividend. This represents a $6.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 10th. International Business Machines’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 57.63%.

International Business Machines News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting International Business Machines this week:

• Positive Sentiment: IBM and Microsoft announced an industry-focused AI agent platform, combining Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology with IBM Consulting’s more than 6,000 pre-built agents and implementation expertise. The partnership could help IBM win enterprise AI work. IBM and Microsoft announce AI agent platform
• Positive Sentiment: IBM deployed its first quantum computer in Illinois, building research and industry partnerships and supporting plans for 750 technology jobs. The move strengthens IBM’s quantum-computing presence, though commercial returns may take time. IBM quantum system in Illinois
• Positive Sentiment: IBM’s Apptio unit expanded tools for tracking and planning AI spending, including connections to leading AI systems. This may help enterprises manage costs and could support demand for IBM’s software offerings. Apptio expands AI spending tools
• Neutral Sentiment: Quantum X Labs reported up to 20% fewer decoding failures in preliminary tests using three IBM quantum processors. The results showcase use of IBM hardware, but IBM said it is not affiliated with or endorsing the company or results, limiting the direct business significance. Quantum X Labs benchmarks on IBM processors
• Negative Sentiment: The EU is suing IBM and two partners over delays in the bloc’s smart border system rollout. The case adds legal and reputational risk; reports did not specify potential damages. EU lawsuit over border system delays
• Negative Sentiment: IBM plans to end visa and green-card sponsorship for the majority of roles in its largest unit, consulting. The policy may reduce some costs, but could also make recruiting and retaining international talent more difficult. IBM consulting immigration sponsorship changes

International Business Machines Company Profile

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology company that provides software, consulting, infrastructure and related services to businesses and public-sector organizations. Its offerings include hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence solutions, enterprise software, IT consulting, and systems such as IBM Z mainframes and Power servers. IBM also develops technologies in areas including data management, automation, cybersecurity and quantum computing. Its consulting teams help clients design, build and manage technology systems and business processes.