International Business Machines Corporation - IBM STOCK NEWS

IBM and Airtel announced a partnership to deploy Airtel's edge computing platform in India, aiming to enhance productivity for enterprises like Maruti Suzuki. The platform will consist of 120 data centers across 20 cities, supporting sectors such as manufacturing and automotive. This collaboration expects to leverage 5G technology, which could generate a $1 trillion economic impact by 2035 in India. Through IBM's hybrid cloud offerings and consulting expertise, businesses can address compliance and efficiency challenges while benefiting from reduced latency and high-speed connectivity.

IBM and VMware have announced an expanded partnership at VMware Explore 2022, focusing on modernizing mission-critical workloads in hybrid cloud environments. The collaboration includes IBM Consulting becoming a Global Systems Integrator (GSI) for VMware, which will provide services to enhance client transformation journeys. Additionally, the IBM and VMware Joint Innovation Fund will extend its projects for another three years, emphasizing security and operational efficiency for clients in regulated industries.

The Weather Channel has partnered with Tripadvisor and USA TODAY to offer premium subscription bundles that save consumers time and money. These bundles allow users to manage their Weather Channel Premium Pro subscription alongside Tripadvisor Plus or USA TODAY's Digital All-Access plan in one place. The Tripadvisor Plus subscription includes exclusive pricing on over 100,000 hotels and additional travel perks. The combined price for these subscriptions is $89.99 for Tripadvisor and $79.99 for USA TODAY, providing significant yearly savings. The initiative aims to enhance user convenience and value.

IBM and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) have renewed their 30-year partnership for another five years, enhancing fan experiences for the upcoming 2022 US Open. The collaboration will leverage hybrid cloud and AI technologies to introduce features such as Win Factors and Have Your Say, allowing fans to gain insights into player performance and make match predictions. The revamped USOpen.org and US Open app will offer a more intuitive interface and personalized content for fans, promoting deeper engagement.

IBM's 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report reveals the global average cost of data breaches has risen to $4.35 million, a 13% increase over the last two years. Notably, 60% of affected organizations increased product prices post-breach, contributing to inflation concerns. The report indicates 83% of organizations faced multiple breaches, with critical infrastructure entities lagging in zero trust adoption, incurring costs averaging $5.4 million. Additionally, organizations deploying security AI saw average savings of $3.05 million in breach costs.

IBM's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.65 per common share, to be paid on September 10, 2022. Stockholders of record by August 10, 2022 will receive this payment. Notably, with this announcement, IBM continues its streak of paying consecutive quarterly dividends since 1916, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns.

IBM reported second-quarter 2022 revenue of $15.5 billion, a 9% increase, with a 16% rise at constant currency, driven by hybrid cloud and AI demands. Key segments included software revenue at $6.2 billion (up 6%), consulting at $4.8 billion (up 10%), and infrastructure at $4.2 billion (up 19%). Cash flow remained strong with $4.6 billion from operating activities year-to-date. IBM anticipates full-year revenue growth at the high end of its mid-single-digit guidance and expects $10 billion in free cash flow.