LaFleur & Godfrey LLC Sells 14,650 Shares of International Business Machines Corporation $IBM

Key Points

• LaFleur & Godfrey LLC cut its IBM stake by 37.2%, selling 14,650 shares and retaining 24,764 shares worth approximately $5.45 million.
• Institutional investors own 58.96% of IBM, with several major firms—including State Street, BlackRock and UBS—holding substantial positions or increasing their exposure.
• IBM reported quarterly revenue of $17.10 billion and EPS of $2.95, beating estimates, while maintaining a $1.69 quarterly dividend; analysts have a “Moderate Buy” consensus and an average price target of $266.12.

LaFleur & Godfrey LLC reduced its stake in shares of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM - Free Report) by 37.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 24,764 shares of the technology company's stock after selling 14,650 shares during the quarter. LaFleur & Godfrey LLC's holdings in International Business Machines were worth $5,446,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. bought a new position in International Business Machines in the second quarter worth $21,586,659,000. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in International Business Machines by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 56,045,055 shares of the technology company's stock valued at $15,760,430,000 after purchasing an additional 1,450,562 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE acquired a new position in shares of International Business Machines in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $4,214,868,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new position in International Business Machines in the second quarter worth $2,606,782,000. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC lifted its position in International Business Machines by 0.7% during the 2nd 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 worth $2,143,245,000 after buying an additional 53,388 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.96% of the company's stock.

Key International Business Machines News

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

Insider Activity

In other news, SVP Robert Thomas sold 25,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated 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 completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 47,800 shares in the company, valued at $11,009,296. This trade represents a 34.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.27% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

International Business Machines Stock Performance

NYSE IBM opened at $253.18 on Thursday. International Business Machines Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $199.19 and a fifty-two week high of $332.46. The firm's fifty day moving average price is $234.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $250.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market cap of $239.29 billion, a PE ratio of 21.58, a PEG ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.73.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 21st. The technology company reported $2.95 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 firm had revenue of $17.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.82 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.65 earnings per share. The business's quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that International Business Machines Corporation will post 12.41 EPS for the current fiscal year.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 10th will be issued a $1.69 dividend. This represents a $6.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 10th. International Business Machines's dividend payout ratio is presently 57.63%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

IBM has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup increased their price objective on International Business Machines from $245.00 to $280.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, October 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus boosted 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. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $236.00 to $243.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a report on Thursday, October 22nd. Citic Securities upped their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $294.00 to $297.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of International Business Machines from $270.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, October 22nd. Twenty equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, International Business Machines currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $266.12.

About International Business Machines

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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