Key Takeaways IBM partners with Contiem to deliver the UK MoD's DEEAMS program.The contract replaces 17 legacy systems with a single AI-driven platform.IBM also secures $31M with FEMA, expanding its government services portfolio.International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has partnered with Contiem, a global provider of content software and services, to support the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Defence Equipment Engineering Asset Management System (DEEAMS) program. The deal strengthens IBM’s positi ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the best long-term low volatility stocks to invest in, highlighting the importance of adapting to a changing economic landscape characterized by increased volatility and the emergence of new investment themes [1][3]. Group 1: Market Trends - Sherry Paul from Morgan Stanley emphasizes a shift from globalization to a "new world order," indicating a need for reimagining supply chains and partnerships, particularly in AI and automation manufacturing in the U.S. [2] - The current economic environment suggests increased volatility ahead, which is seen as a natural part of investing rather than a negative indicator [3]. Group 2: Investment Methodology - The selection of stocks is based on a methodology that identifies long-term stocks with stable fundamentals and a beta below 1, focusing on those with the highest number of hedge fund holders as of Q3 2025 [6]. - The rationale for focusing on hedge fund favorites is that imitating top stock picks can lead to market outperformance, as evidenced by a quarterly newsletter's significant returns since May 2014 [7]. Group 3: Company Highlights - **AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)**: - The company is enhancing its weight management portfolio through a collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceuticals, focusing on next-generation therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes [9]. - AstraZeneca will gain exclusive global rights outside of China to CSPC's weight management portfolio, which includes a clinical-ready asset and several preclinical programs [10][11]. - **International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM)**: - The company received a price target increase from Argus to $360, driven by strong Q4 performance attributed to GenAI and hybrid cloud momentum [13]. - RBC Capital also raised its price target to $361, citing solid free cash flow performance and exposure to secular themes, particularly from the z17 mainframe refresh cycle [14].

📈 International Business Machines Corp. $IBM is now live on MEXC Stock Futures!Trade IBM, a global technology leader powering enterprises through cloud computing, AI, enterprise software, and deep industry expertise.✅ Zero fees✅ Deep liquidity✅ Up to 50× leverage ...

As a multiple of net profits, IBM is now valued similarly to Microsoft and other software champions. We explain the firm’s striking transformation https://t.co/1Tr0OFeurX ...

Core Viewpoint - The nomination of Kevin Warsh by President Trump to lead the Federal Reserve is seen as a strategic move to return the central bank to traditional monetary policies and regulatory norms, especially in light of his experience during the 2008 financial crisis [1][5][10]. Group 1: Warsh's Qualifications and Experience - Gary Cohn highlighted Warsh's instrumental role during the 2008 financial crisis, stating that he was the point person at the Fed during critical discussions involving bank stress and asset movements [4]. - Warsh's background includes serving as the youngest Fed governor in history at age 35, appointed by President George W. Bush, and he has held various roles in the private sector and academia since leaving the Fed in 2011 [13][14]. Group 2: Expected Policy Changes - Cohn expressed confidence that Warsh would focus the Federal Reserve on its core economic mission, steering it away from non-financial issues and potentially implementing one to two interest rate cuts this year [7]. - Warsh is expected to reverse the Fed's large balance sheet policies, which involved significant purchases of securities, aligning with traditionalist views on regulation that support market growth while ensuring consumer access to capital [7]. Group 3: Political Context and Confirmation - Trump's announcement of Warsh's nomination ended months of speculation and reflects his long-standing relationship with Warsh, whom he believes will be among the most successful Fed chairmen in history [10][11]. - Warsh's confirmation by the Senate is required before he can assume the influential role in U.S. economic policymaking [12].

Core Insights - IBM has reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, with shares climbing approximately 35% over the past year [1] - The company's growth is significantly driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing initiatives [2] Financial Performance - IBM's revenue grew by 12%, or 9% in constant currencies, reaching $19.69 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $19.23 billion [3] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 15% to $4.52, exceeding analyst expectations of $4.32 [3] Revenue Breakdown - Infrastructure revenue led growth with a 21% increase to $5.1 billion, attributed to the Z17 platform processing 50% more inference operations than the Z16 platform [5] - Software revenue rose by 14% to $9 billion, while consulting revenue increased by 3% to $5.3 billion [6] - The company anticipates software revenue growth of 10% this year, with Red Hat OpenShift expected to grow around 30% [6] Cash Flow and Acquisitions - IBM generated free cash flow of $14.7 billion, with expectations to increase this by about $1 billion by 2026 [7] - The company is actively using its cash flow for acquisitions, currently integrating HashiCorp and planning to close the acquisition of Confluent [8] Quantum Computing Progress - IBM introduced its 120-qubit Nighthawk system and is on track to launch a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029 [9] - The company projects revenue growth of more than 5% in constant currencies for 2026, slightly above analyst expectations [9] Valuation - IBM's stock is trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 25 times 2026 analyst estimates, indicating reasonable valuation [10] - The company is positioned as a leader in AI and quantum computing, making its stock a solid investment at current levels [10]

Core Viewpoint - The market is experiencing mixed actions despite strong earnings from major companies, with a focus on AI's future profitability and growth potential [2][5]. Company Earnings - Meta reported strong earnings, with significant capital expenditure (capex) spending of $115 to $135 billion, which is starting to pay off in terms of advertising revenue [12][13]. - Boeing's earnings showed a 57% increase in sales, with a record backlog of $682 billion, indicating a successful turnaround and positive cash flow [17][18]. AI and Market Outlook - Companies are heavily investing in AI, with Meta and others doubling down on their AI strategies, leading to optimism about future profits [3][12]. - The current stage of AI development is likened to being in the second to third inning, suggesting substantial growth potential ahead [7]. Investment Opportunities - Major companies like IBM and Meta are expected to perform well, with IBM transforming into a significant player in the AI space and offering a reliable dividend of 2.2% [9][11]. - There is potential in "quantum stocks" and other emerging companies that may benefit from the AI boom [8].

Core Viewpoint - International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is recognized as a significant player in the enterprise computing sector, with a notable increase in share price over the past year and year-to-date [2]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - IBM's shares have increased by 19.9% over the past year and by 5.2% year-to-date [2]. - Bernstein has raised IBM's share price target to $330 from $280 while maintaining a Market Perform rating [2]. - The firm indicated potential challenges for IBM related to AI devaluation, suggesting that the strength in quantum computing may already be reflected in the stock price [2]. Group 2: Quantum Computing and Market Perception - Jim Cramer has highlighted IBM's advancements in quantum computing, suggesting it is one of the few stocks in this space worth investing in alongside Google [2][3]. - Cramer praised IBM's CEO Arvind Krishna for his leadership and the company's ongoing relevance in the market, particularly among traditional enterprises like large banks [3]. - Cramer believes that if quantum computing becomes widespread, it could lead to significant energy savings and operational efficiencies [3].

Core Viewpoint - IBM is recognized as a leading AI stock on Wall Street, with analysts highlighting its strong free cash flow (FCF) performance and robust software growth, leading to an increased price target from Stifel [1][4]. Financial Performance - IBM's fourth-quarter 2025 results showed 7% organic revenue growth and 15% earnings per share growth, aligning with or slightly exceeding consensus expectations [2]. - The company reported a $0.7 billion, or 10%, outperformance in FCF for Q4 2025, with 2026 FCF guidance also exceeding consensus by $0.7 billion (4-5%) [3]. Analyst Insights - Stifel maintains a Buy rating on IBM, raising the price target to $340 from $325, citing its status as a top large-cap defensive pick [1][4]. - The stock is currently trading at approximately a 35% premium to the equal-weight S&P 500, consistent with its long-term trend [4].

IBM’s growing strength in AI has been helped by a big strategic shift over the past few years https://t.co/1Tr0OFeurX ...