Topic: Growth Stocks

Tech stocks: IBM expands software operations with two acquisitions

International Business Machines Corp., New York symbol IBM, is the world’s biggest computer company. As one of the oldest tech stocks in the industry, IBM has been able to adapt itself to changes over the years.

In the past few years, IBM has shifted its focus from making computers to designing computer systems and managing them on behalf of clients.

We analyze IBM and other U.S. tech stocks in Wall Street Stock Forecaster, our newsletter that gives you stock trading information and advice on U.S. companies.

As one of the oldest tech stocks in the industry, IBM has been able to adapt itself to changes over the years. IBM bought two companies last week, one Canadian and one British. Both purchases are aimed at strengthening IBM’s software operations.

IBM is paying $387 million for privately held Algorithmics. The purchase price is equal to 10% of the tech stock’s earnings of $3.7 billion, or $3.00 a share, in the three months ended June 30, 2011.

Toronto-based Algorithmics makes software that helps banks and insurance companies analyze a wide variety of data, and make better lending decisions.

IBM is also paying an undisclosed amount for i2, a U.K.-based firm whose software helps its clients cut down on fraud. i2 has over 4,500 customers in 150 countries.

IBM is a dividend paying stock. Its annual rate of $3.00 per share yields 1.8%.

We updated our advice on IBM in our September 2, 2011, Wall Street Stock Forecaster hotline, which you can immediately view when you take a 1-month free trial to Wall Street Stock Forecaster. Click here to get started right away.

(Note: If you are a current Wall Street Stock Forecaster subscriber, please click here to view Pat’s recommendation. Be sure to log in first.)

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