International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM) Trading 1.1% Higher - Time to Buy?

International Business Machines Co. (NYSE:IBM - Get Free Report) rose 1.1% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $257.27 and last traded at $256.54. Approximately 768,924 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 82% from the average daily volume of 4,196,992 shares. The stock had previously closed at $253.69.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently weighed in on IBM. Jefferies Financial Group restated a "hold" rating on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a "buy" rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Wednesday, February 5th. Erste Group Bank upgraded shares of International Business Machines from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Monday, March 17th. UBS Group reaffirmed a "sell" rating and set a $170.00 price target (up from $160.00) on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. Finally, Wedbush reissued an "outperform" rating and issued a $300.00 price objective on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $248.50.

International Business Machines Trading Up 2.0%

The firm has a market capitalization of $240.50 billion, a PE ratio of 40.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.81 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.82. The company's 50-day simple moving average is $243.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $235.19.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The technology company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.18. International Business Machines had a net margin of 9.60% and a return on equity of 38.99%. The company had revenue of $14.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.41 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.68 earnings per share. International Business Machines's revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that International Business Machines Co. will post 10.78 EPS for the current year.

International Business Machines Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 9th will be issued a dividend of $1.68 per share. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.60%. This is an increase from International Business Machines's previous quarterly dividend of $1.67. International Business Machines's dividend payout ratio is 115.66%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, SVP Robert David Thomas sold 26,543 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $253.01, for a total value of $6,715,644.43. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 45,007 shares in the company, valued at $11,387,221.07. This represents a 37.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.18% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On International Business Machines

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in IBM. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc acquired a new stake in shares of International Business Machines during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. SSA Swiss Advisors AG acquired a new stake in International Business Machines during the first quarter valued at $28,000. Compass Financial Services Inc purchased a new position in International Business Machines in the fourth quarter valued at $26,000. Dagco Inc. acquired a new position in shares of International Business Machines in the first quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Vision Financial Markets LLC purchased a new stake in shares of International Business Machines during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. 58.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About International Business Machines

International Business Machines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated solutions and services worldwide. The company operates through Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments. The Software segment offers a hybrid cloud and AI platforms that allows clients to realize their digital and AI transformations across the applications, data, and environments in which they operate.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest and most accurate reporting. This story was reviewed by MarketBeat's editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.