IBM: Navigating the Cloud and AI Era for Smart InvestmentsIBM: Navigating the Cloud and AI Era for Smart Investments
When Arvind Krishna assumed the role of CEO at IBM in 2020, he embarked on a transformation journey for the iconic tech giant, steering its focus towards cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). As this transformation reached its fruition, the rejuvenated IBM experienced a notable surge in its share price on September 20, following an "outperform" rating bestowed upon it by Matthew Swanson, an analyst at investment bank RBC Capital.
A Strategic Pivot for the Future
Considering the company's strategic pivot towards the thriving domains of cloud computing and AI, alongside the recent endorsement with an "outperform" rating, the question arises: Is investing in Big Blue a logical choice? Several compelling factors support the notion of acquiring IBM shares. However, it's worth noting that IBM's stock price has experienced an upward trajectory in recent months, currently hovering close to its 52-week high.
Warren Buffett's Wisdom
As the venerable Wall Street figure Warren Buffett has articulated, "For the investor, a too-high purchase price for the stock of an excellent company can undo the effects of a subsequent decade of favorable business developments." With this sage advice in mind, let's delve deeper into the company to assess whether IBM constitutes a prudent and promising long-term investment.
Dominating Cloud and AI
IBM stands out as an enticing investment option primarily due to its unwavering focus on two dynamic domains: cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). The company has honed its specialization in the hybrid cloud market, catering to clients seeking a blend of dedicated IT infrastructure for heightened privacy and shared infrastructure for cost efficiencies.
Within the cloud computing landscape, IBM ranks among the top six companies in terms of market share, positioning itself advantageously to harness the robust growth of the hybrid cloud sector. In 2021, this market was valued at $85 billion, and experts predict it will surge to an impressive $262 billion by 2027.
IBM's extensive experience spanning decades has propelled it to the forefront of the AI arena. Notably, IBM made history in 1997 when its AI technology defeated the reigning world chess champion. The company's latest AI offering, Watsonx, which was launched in July, has rapidly found favor with over 150 businesses, including prestigious institutions like NASA. Watsonx even played a pivotal role at Wimbledon by generating tennis commentary.
Quantum Leap in Technology
Moreover, IBM is actively involved in the development of quantum computers, which hold the key to unlocking more powerful iterations of AI. Quantum computers possess the ability to process vast volumes of data at unprecedented speeds, and IBM holds a prominent position as a leader in the burgeoning field of quantum computing.
Revenue Growth and Resilience
IBM's strategic technologies have propelled the company's revenue growth over the past three years, showcasing its resilience and adaptability. In the second quarter, which concluded at the end of June, the Red Hat division, the core of its cloud computing business, experienced an impressive 11% revenue surge. Simultaneously, the data and AI segment recorded a commendable 10% increase. Both segments fall under IBM's software business unit, which contributed significantly with $6.6 billion in Q2 revenue.
Strong Free Cash Flow and Dividend Track Record
IBM's prowess in technology adoption among its clientele also fuels revenue expansion in its consulting division, which aids clients in integrating the company's technical solutions. This segment achieved a 4% increase in Q2 sales, reaching $5 billion. Collectively, IBM's software and consulting divisions accounted for a substantial 75% of the Q2 revenue totaling $15.5 billion.
Furthermore, IBM boasts the capacity to generate dependable free cash flow (FCF), a crucial metric representing cash available for business investments, debt servicing, and dividend disbursements. By the close of Q2, the company had accumulated $2.1 billion in FCF and anticipates reaching $10.5 billion for the year, marking a substantial increase from the previous year.
IBM's robust FCF empowers it to maintain an attractive dividend yield, currently exceeding 4%. Impressively, IBM has consistently paid dividends since 1916, boasting 28 consecutive years of dividend increases.
Assessing the Share Price
Notably, while IBM has seen growth in its software and consulting divisions, its Q2 revenue of $15.5 billion experienced a marginal 0.4% decline compared to the preceding year's quarter. This dip was primarily attributed to a reduction in sales within its infrastructure segment, responsible for hardware sales like computer servers.
However, IBM anticipates year-over-year revenue growth of at least 3% in 2023, adjusting for currency fluctuations. In fact, when currency fluctuations are accounted for, Q2 year-over-year revenue exhibited a 0.4% increase.
Yet, investors may scrutinize IBM's share price, which currently hovers near its 52-week high. Nevertheless, RBC Capital analyst Matthew Swanson has set an optimistic price target of $188, marking a 30% increase from the current price.
Conclusion
To gauge IBM's potential, let's consider its forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), factoring in consensus price estimates from various analysts. In comparison to cloud competitors Microsoft and Oracle, IBM holds the lowest forward P/E, potentially indicating that its stock is undervalued relative to its peers.
However, it's worth noting that the average price target from analysts currently stands at $147 for IBM shares, aligning closely with the stock's current valuation. Therefore, substantial appreciation in IBM's stock price at its current level seems unlikely.
Nonetheless, IBM's high-yield dividend offers the prospect of consistent passive income over the years. With its strong foothold in the cloud computing and AI markets, coupled with robust FCF generation, IBM presents itself as an appealing long-term income stock.
Our preference
Above 132.00, look for 146.00 and 150.00
