IBM closes the third quarter on a high note. The technology company has registered earnings up 7%, to $3,84 billion, while sales up 7,8%.
The turnover rose to $26,16 billion: +7% in Americas, +9% in Europe, Middle East and Africa, +10% in Asia, or +1% excluding currency impact). The systems and technology division in particular was the driving force (+3,6% or +1% excluding currency fluctuations). Analysts were expecting profits of $3,22 per share on $26,26 billion in business.
As for the gross operating margin, grew from 45,3 to 46,5%. The company also said it will spend $20 billion on acquisitions through 2015. The quarterly results prompted the company to revise its full-year forecast upwards: It now expects operating profits of at least $13,35 per year. share, higher than the $13,25 estimated in July and better than the $13,32 expected by analysts.
