https://seekingalpha.com/article/...bm-dead-money?app=1&dr=1#alt1Ein paar Ausschnitte:
A quick view to IBM business model
After over 100 years in operation, IBM is known for its world-class IT hardware, software, and various services. In an effort to streamline its business and get back on the path for growth, IBM presents 4 key segments:
Cognitive Solutions: In 2011, IBM launched Watson, its latest cognitive system which is able to receive and analyze massive amounts of data in various fields. Watson can basically help anybody to manage their data, with applications ranging from fighting cancer to understanding a customer's shopping habits.
Global Business Services: provides clients with consulting, application management services and business process services.
Technology Services and Cloud Platforms: This is where IBM uses the cloud for projects and creates a complete infrastructure for its clients to improve their flexibility and access to their data.
Systems: IBM creates a complete infrastructure for its clients. Approximately half of Systems Hardware's server and storage sales transactions are through the company's business partners, with the balance direct to end-user clients (2017 annual report).
What happened last quarter?
IBM disappointed the market with lower-than-expected revenue. After putting a stop to 22 consecutive quarters with a revenue decline, IBM couldn't do it again with a small set back of -2% (flat adjusted for currency). Strategic imperatives revenue of $39.5 billion over last 12 months, up 13 percent (up 11 percent adjusting for currency). Cloud revenue of $19.0 billion over last 12 months, up 20 percent (up 18 percent adjusting for currency). Therefore, the problem is IBM's core business slowing down faster than "strategic imperatives" are growing.
The Cognitive Solutions revenue drop is responsible for IBM's poor quarter. Weaker singing and backlog decrease (-2%) has been explained by management as they are "dealing with secular shifts in the market".