Resultados IBM

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Higher IBM earnings beat expectations

Technology services giant also reports higher than expected revenues of $26.3 billion, up 7 percent from the same quarter last year; software, services strong.

January 18 2007: 5:07 PM EST


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- IBM, the world's largest technology services company, reported higher fourth-quarter earnings Thursday that exceeded analyst projections.

The company reported profits of $2.20 per share, excluding a benefit related to a lower tax rate, compared to the $2.19 which analysts had expected.

IBM earned $2.11 per share a year ago, in which the company took a 10 cent per share one-time charge. The company reported net income of $3.54 billion compared to $3.19 billion in the fourth quarter last year, an 11 percent increase.

The company said it had revenues of $26.3 billion for 2006's fiscal fourth quarter, compared to analyst expectations of $25.66 billion. Revenue was up 7 percent from last year, when IBM earned $24.43 billion in the fourth quarter.


"IBM had a terrific quarter and a good year with record cash performance, profit and EPS, as well as record payouts to shareholders," said Samuel Palmisano, IBM's CEO, in a statement. "We are well-positioned in the growth areas of a changing IT industry, focused on our evolving business model, and poised for long-term success for our clients and shareholders."

The software segment showed particular strength, with a sales increase of 14 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The division made $5.6 billion in the quarter.

IBM has been rapidly expanding its high-margin software business in the last year, acquiring 11 companies to supplement its existing business.

For the service-oriented Global Services business, revenue rose 7 percent to $8.6 billion.

Recently, IBM together with Siemens won a major contract from the Germany military worth $9.3 billion over 10 years.

In IBM's hardware business, revenues rose 3 percent to $7.1 billion for the quarter.

Shares of IBM (Charts) closed Friday at $99.45 on the New York Stock Exchange.