IBM Common StockIBMBUYOct 30, 2013Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jul 31, 2026. Market Open.
We had these stocks that were growing off of AI, and they've been delivering spectacular growth. But they've also had spectacular increases in share prices, which becomes a potential source of volatility.
The question is whether valuations are too high given projected growth? As we've seen here, some of the price adjustments can be pretty abrupt.
Growing from multiple angles, yet valuation still reasonable. Stable and embedded business complemented by new growth drivers. Consulting business helps companies implement AI, and that's where the real spending is. Strong in hybrid cloud, managing data across environments. Quantum computing already being used with potential for energy, healthcare, manufacturing.
Drop in February due to sector rotation and profit taking. Trades ~19x PE, attractive. Sees 30% upside from here to ~$317. Yield is 2.85%.
Hold on to it. At 4-5% growth, in the ballpark of the top players. He doesn't know its exposure to robotics. Street's pretty positive on it, about 20% upside. At 20x PE, not an aggressive valuation. Margins expected to stay healthy -- 60% gross margins, net income margins of close to 20%.
(Analysts’ price target is $314.00)
Has had softer quarters recently creating lower stock prices. Have some opportunities down the road. Recently announced a significant increase to their share buybacks, which is good for the near-term in keeping the stock at a certain floor level. Concerns on shifting over to Cloud along with other competitors are giving them some challenges, but they have the capacity to handle this. Their ability to stick handle the next few quarters will be challenging but current downturn is a longer-term buying opportunity. (See Past Top Picks and Top Picks.)