International Business Machines Corporation $IBM Stock: Conning Inc. Raises Holdings

Conning Inc. lifted its stake in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM - Free Report) by 41.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 172,914 shares of the technology company's stock after purchasing an additional 50,494 shares during the quarter. International Business Machines accounts for 1.2% of Conning Inc.'s portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest position. Conning Inc.'s holdings in International Business Machines were worth $38,029,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in IBM. BlackRock Inc. purchased a new position in shares of International Business Machines during the 2nd quarter valued at $21,586,659,000. State Street Corp raised its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 2.7% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 56,045,055 shares of the technology company's stock worth $15,760,430,000 after acquiring an additional 1,450,562 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE purchased a new stake in shares of International Business Machines during the second quarter worth $4,214,868,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new stake in International Business Machines during the second quarter valued at $2,606,782,000. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its position in International Business Machines by 0.7% during the second quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 7,621,512 shares of the technology company's stock valued at $2,143,245,000 after purchasing an additional 53,388 shares during the last quarter. 58.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Activity 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 value of $5,758,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 47,800 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $11,009,296. This represents a 34.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

International Business Machines News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: Quantum-computing milestone: IBM reported a breakthrough in which researchers connected quantum processors while achieving 99% accuracy. The development strengthens IBM’s long-term technology narrative, although the commercial impact is likely to take time. IBM Achieves 99% Accuracy in Major Quantum Computing Breakthrough
• Positive Sentiment: AI-agent controls support enterprise strategy: IBM introduced tools for agent discovery, verified identities, access controls and performance monitoring. These capabilities could help enterprises deploy AI agents more securely and expand demand for IBM’s software, cloud and consulting offerings. IBM Introduces Identity and Control for AI Agents
• Positive Sentiment: Five-year U.S. Open renewal: IBM will remain the official AI and cloud partner of the U.S. Open through 2031. Record engagement of more than 270 million interactions across tournament digital platforms provides evidence of customer adoption and brand visibility, though the direct financial contribution is not disclosed. USTA and IBM Announce Five-Year Renewal
• Positive Sentiment: Cash-flow outlook: Commentary highlighting IBM’s expectation for free cash flow to increase by more than $1 billion in 2026 supports the investment case for dividends, debt reduction and shareholder returns. A $1 Billion Reason to Consider Buying the IBM Stock Dip
• Neutral Sentiment: Mixed comparative outlook: Analysts comparing IBM with Qualcomm see both companies expanding in AI, but differing growth rates, competitive pressures and valuations make the relative upside uncertain. IBM’s appeal is centered on enterprise relationships and recurring software and cloud revenue rather than rapid growth. IBM vs. Qualcomm: Which AI Tech Giant Has More Upside Now?
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst stance remains cautious: Susquehanna maintained a Hold rating, suggesting the recent AI and quantum announcements have not yet changed the broader risk-reward assessment.
• Negative Sentiment: Technical weakness: A report that IBM shares fell below their 200-day moving average signals deteriorating momentum and may encourage short-term selling, even as longer-term investors focus on cash flow and AI growth. IBM Shares Break Below Two Hundred Day Moving Average

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on IBM shares. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on International Business Machines from $238.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Thursday, October 22nd. Citigroup increased their price objective on International Business Machines from $245.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, October 22nd. Argus cut their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $360.00 to $280.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 16th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their target price on shares of International Business Machines from $280.00 to $230.00 and set a "market perform" rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 23rd. Finally, Yorkville Ives assumed coverage on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Monday, October 5th. They set an "outperform" rating and a $275.00 price target on the stock. Twenty analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $266.12.

International Business Machines Stock Up 1.2%

IBM stock opened at $253.18 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $239.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a 50-day moving average of $234.26 and a two-hundred day moving average of $250.43. International Business Machines Corporation has a 52-week low of $199.19 and a 52-week high of $332.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.80.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data 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 return on equity of 34.37% and a net margin of 15.99%. The business had revenue of $17.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.82 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.65 earnings per share. The firm's revenue for the quarter was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that International Business Machines Corporation will post 12.41 EPS for the current year.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 10th will be given a $1.69 dividend. This represents a $6.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 10th. International Business Machines's payout ratio is currently 57.63%.

International Business Machines Profile

International Business Machines Corporation NYSE: IBM, commonly known as IBM, is a global technology and consulting company that helps organizations modernize their information technology and business operations. Its offerings include hybrid cloud solutions, artificial intelligence software and services, enterprise software, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, and technology consulting.

IBM provides products and services to businesses, governments, and other institutions across industries and regions worldwide.

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