Contents

• Company Background 2
• Analysis of Financial Performance of IBM 2
• Impact of Developments in the Financial Market 6
• Industry Analysis and Comparison with a Key Competitor 9
• Conclusions and Recommendations 14
• References 16

Description

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was established in 1888 as Hollerith and the Tabulating Machine Company. Today, it has evolved into the world’s largest information technology (IT) employer (399,409 employees worldwide at end of FY09) and one of the largest providers of computer hardware, software, and services (business, technology and consulting). IBM has its operations split into five key segments - Global Technology Services segment (GTS), Global Business Services segment (GBS), Software segment, System and Technology segment and Global Financing segment (IBM Annual Report, 2009).
IBM has operations in more than 170 countries worldwide with more than 65% of its revenues from non US operations. One key factor in IBM’s success story has been its aggressive growth strategy – both organically and inorganically. In addition, it has also established strategic alliances e.g. with Cisco, Oracle, and SAP. All of IBM’s activities are geared towards its overall corporate aim i.e. to lead in the creation, development and manufacture of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. (IBM Website, 2010)