International Business Machines Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

IBM and UFC have announced a groundbreaking partnership making IBM the UFC's first-ever Official Global AI Partner. The collaboration will introduce the UFC Insights Engine, powered by IBM's watsonx AI platform, set to launch in early 2025. The system will provide real-time analysis, fight insights, and outcome predictions across UFC's viewing platforms, reaching fans in 170 countries. The engine will leverage IBM's Granite large language models and UFC's data feeds to deliver advanced analytics, fighter tendencies, and match projections, integrating these insights into UFC's broadcasts, social media, and venue displays.

IBM announced significant quantum computing advancements at its Quantum Developer Conference. The new IBM Quantum Heron processor, combined with enhanced Qiskit software, can now accurately execute quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations, nearly doubling previous capabilities. The system demonstrates 50x faster processing compared to 2023 experiments.

The company introduced new software tools including AI-based capabilities and partner services through the Qiskit Functions Catalog. Research institutions like RIKEN and Cleveland Clinic are utilizing these advances to explore chemical and biological systems, marking progress toward quantum-centric supercomputing and quantum advantage targeted for 2029.

IBM's State of Sustainability Readiness Report 2024 reveals that 88% of business leaders plan to increase IT investments for sustainability in the next 12 months. While 90% of executives believe AI will positively impact sustainability goals, 56% of organizations aren't currently using AI for this purpose. The study, conducted across 15 industries and 9 countries, highlights a significant perception gap between top executives and staff regarding sustainability initiatives.

Key findings show that 48% of sustainability IT investments are 'one-off' rather than regular budget items, and 50% of leaders report immature data for measuring sustainability KPIs. The report identifies financial planning as the top challenge, while resource efficiency metrics like renewable energy consumption and recycling are the primary sustainability KPIs.

IBM released the 'AI in Action' report based on a survey of 2,000 companies across five countries, identifying key characteristics of AI Leaders - the top 15% of businesses effectively leveraging AI. The study reveals that two-thirds of AI Leaders reported 25%+ improvement in revenue growth rate. Four key differentiators emerged: 71% of Leaders make aggressive AI investments, 61% show confidence in data management, 72% demonstrate C-suite-IT alignment, and Leaders are twice as likely to customize AI solutions effectively. The research was conducted by Harris Poll among large companies with >$500M revenue or >1,000 employees.

IBM has announced a multi-year partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP as their official Fan Engagement and Data Analytics Partner starting in 2025. The collaboration will focus on developing a reimagined mobile app featuring personalized content and innovative features powered by IBM's technology and data analytics expertise. The partnership aims to enhance fan experience by analyzing Ferrari's current and historical data to deliver custom insights. IBM will also provide cutting-edge technology to increase speed and production efficiency. This alliance joins IBM's portfolio of sports partnerships, including Wimbledon, US Open, and Masters Tournament.

IBM has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.67 per common share, payable on December 10, 2024 to stockholders of record as of November 12, 2024. This announcement maintains IBM's remarkable track record of paying consecutive quarterly dividends since 1916, demonstrating over a century of consistent shareholder returns.

IBM has announced plans to collaborate with universities to provide education on generative AI and AI career readiness. The initiative aims to educate 2 million people worldwide about AI by the end of 2026. The company will expand its IBM SkillsBuild platform, which offers free courses on various technology topics.

IBM announced the integration of Apptio's portfolio of enterprise agile planning, IT financial management, and cloud FinOps solutions with Microsoft Azure. The company is also expanding its software availability on the Azure Marketplace to 14 additional countries. IBM Targetprocess, now available on Azure Marketplace, helps manage budgets and align workforces across technology priorities while integrating with Azure DevOps. Microsoft will adopt Apptio's capabilities in parts of their organization. IBM plans to make Apptio Costing and Planning available in Q4 2024 and Cloudability available in the coming year.

Artificial intelligence has captured the imagination of corporate leaders eager to implement new tech solutions. However, AI's potential extends to broader and more complex problems, particularly in education. This vision is gradually becoming a reality, as AI is already enhancing student learning, creating new career pathways, and aligning today's education with tomorrow's jobs.

IBM is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging AI to revolutionize educational systems. The technology is being used to personalize learning experiences, making education more accessible and effective. This initiative aims to prepare students for future job markets, ensuring they acquire the skills needed for emerging industries.