IBM (NYSE:IBM) Azioni

IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprise's IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 300,000 people. The company has a robust roster of business partners to service its clients, which include 95% of all Fortune 500 companies. Primary products include its mainframes, Red Hat software, transaction processing software, and IT consulting.

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Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) co-founder Jack Ma once expressed that trade wars, such as the one brewing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44831287/trump-administration-imposes-up-to-245-tariff-on-chinese-imports-amid-intensifying-trade-battle">between the U.S. and China,</a> are obscuring deeper issues of resource allocation and wealth concentration, while posing a risk to global stability.
What Happened: In an old interview, Jack Ma acknowledged that in the past 30 years, top U.S. companies like IBM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NASDAQ">IBM</a>), Cisco (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) earned a lot of profit which are much more than the four largest banks in China put together, however, after the financial crisis of 2008, the country lost trillions of money and lots of white and blue collar jobs. The Chinese billionaire asks, &#8220;Where (did) the money go?&#8221;
He suggests that the narrative of other countries &#8220;stealing&#8221; American jobs oversimplifies a more complex&nbsp;issue: strategic missteps in resource&nbsp;allocation. Ma feels that wealth has been disproportionately distributed, favoring&nbsp;short-term gains over long-term stability.&nbsp;The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have depleted&nbsp;resources that could have been&nbsp;used to support America&#8217;s industrial base and its people.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="(THROWBACK): &quot;Beware the Trade War Disaster!&quot; — Jack Ma&#039;s Dire Prediction." width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bzlXBn9inG0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
The Alibaba co-founder went on to say that the trade war between the world&#8217;s two largest economies, the U.S. and China, could have catastrophic consequences not only for these nations but also for the global economy. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to be a disaster,&#8221; said the Alibaba co-founder. He believes, &#8220;When trade stops, the war starts.&#8221;
He opined that the potential for collaboration over confrontation, even if it disrupts established business models, could yield long-term benefits of peace and mutual prosperity that would far outweigh the costs.
&#8220;I will (be) happy if China and USA agree on something&#8230;I would destroy Alibaba model by stopping the war,&#8221; stated Ma.
The Chinese tech titan also stated that it is hard to imagine that the first largest economy of the world and the second largest economy have a trade war. &#8220;If we can anybody can do something to stop it do anything to stop,&#8221; Jack Ma stated. 
SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44869983/a-small-business-owner-asks-whats-your-plan-now-that-a-20-product-from-china-costs-50-before-it-even-hits-th" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Small Business Owner Asks, &#8216;What&#8217;s Your Plan,&#8217; Now That A $20 Product From China Costs $50 Before It Even Hits The Warehouse?</a>
Why It Matters: The escalating trade tensions are not only threatening global stability but also posing serious liquidity risks for investors holding U.S.-listed Chinese stocks like Alibaba Group and JD.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>). According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44868280/us-listed-chinese-stocks-face-250-billion-forced-selling-risk-as-delisting-fears-emerge-what-investors-need-to-know">note</a>&nbsp;shared by Goldman Sachs analyst Kinger Lau, the fears of delisting for Chinese American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are rising, driven by escalating trade tensions and new policy guidance from U.S. officials.
Moreover, amid these tensions, Alibaba Group is betting big on AI with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44745275/alibaba-bets-big-on-ai-with-new-cloud-tools-as-jack-ma-reemerges-in-company-comeback">new cloud tools</a>. The company&#8217;s co-founder, Jack Ma, reemerged to celebrate its 15th anniversary and showcased its Blossom project, which aims to accelerate AI adoption. This move indicates a strategic shift towards technological advancements, potentially reshaping the global trade dynamics.
The ADR of Alibaba Group climbed 1.99% to close at $108.87 on Thursday, as per <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">BenzingaPro</a>. Year-to-date, the company&#8217;s ADR surged 28.16%.
<ul>
<li>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44859725/cbps-latest-tariff-figures-reveal-500-million-in-collections-dwarfing-trumps-2-billion-daily-estimate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBP&#8217;s Latest Tariff Figures Reveal $500 Million In Collections, Dwarfing Trump&#8217;s $2 Billion Daily Estimate</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

General

BABA

Jack Ma Was Once Ready To 'Destroy' Alibaba To End US-China Trade War: 'I Would Be Happy If China And USA Agree On Something'

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in IBM usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for IBM. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 80% leaning bullish and 20% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $164,063, and 7 are calls, amounting to $585,081.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $195.0 to $290.0 for IBM during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of IBM stands at 258.89, with a total volume reaching 699.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in IBM, situated within the strike price corridor from $195.0 to $290.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>IBM Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744905638_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$8.3</td>
<td>$7.85</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$327.9K</td>
<td align="right">916</td>
<td align="right">406</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$30.0</td>
<td>$29.9</td>
<td>$29.9</td>
<td>$215.00</td>
<td>$107.6K</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$24.55</td>
<td>$24.5</td>
<td>$24.55</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$93.2K</td>
<td align="right">463</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$4.35</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$4.0</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$44.4K</td>
<td align="right">230</td>
<td align="right">137</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$49.2</td>
<td>$48.4</td>
<td>$49.2</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$39.3K</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About IBM</h3>
IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprise's IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 300,000 people. The company has a robust roster of business partners to service its clients, which include 95% of all Fortune 500 companies. Primary products include its mainframes, Red Hat software, transaction processing software, and IT consulting.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with IBM, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is IBM Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,237,892, the price of IBM is up by 0.57%, reaching $239.93.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 6 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On IBM</h3>
2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $270.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital has revised its rating downward to Outperform, adjusting the price target to $276. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Jefferies continues to hold a Hold rating for IBM, targeting a price of $265. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for IBM, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

IBM Unusual Options Activity

When the market throws a delightful little soiree for the bears and headlines scream of doom, gloom and capital destruction, it often feels like it&#8217;s the end of it all.
But odds are the world is not going to end.
It was the same in previous bear markets.
During the 1998 Russian crisis and the collapse of Long Term Capital Management, closed-door meetings at the New York offices of the Federal Reserve were held, in which participants discussed who would pony up enough cash to save the financial system.
Warren Buffett passed. Instead, a bunch of Wall Street and a few French banks stepped up with the necessary cash.
During the Great Financial Crisis, it felt like the financial system&#8217;s implosion was always just seconds away.
In the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the end of the world was the lead story for weeks on end.
In every case, the world survived and stocks recovered.
In each case, this was the winning investment strategy during the bear market.
If the end does come, I suspect none of us will be concerned about our stock portfolio.
I do not recall Charlton Heston asking Cornelius or Zira about the price of IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) or General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) in Planet of the Apes.
Rick Grimes of The Walking Dead never takes a break from killing zombies to call his broker.
If the world survives the tariff war of 2025, we might want to make some of the moves that paid off in the aftermath of prior almost-end-of-the-world events.
One of the best strategies is buying dividends and dividend growth.
Investors who bought stocks like Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), Altria (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) and CapitalOne (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>) in early 2009 not only locked in high levels of income, their gains over the next decade were spectacular.
Buying high-yield stocks like Unum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNM#NYSE">UNM</a>), Tanger Outlets (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SKT#NYSE">SKT</a>) and Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPC#NYSE">MPC</a>) in the spring of 2020 has also worked out extraordinarily well for investors who allowed rational thinking to overcome fear.
Unless the world ends, this time should offer the same opportunities to lock in high yields from companies that also offer the potential for outsized long-term gains.
Shares of Pfizer have once again fallen to levels that make the stock a high-yielding opportunity for patient investors.
Pfizer has a diverse drug portfolio and is in a strong position in the vaccine markets. Going forward, they are shedding the off-patent drug business to focus on innovation and newer products.
Pfizer generates massive amounts of free cash flow, which is used to pay down debt, buy back stock and pay dividends.
The company plans to pay out 50% of cash flow as dividends so the payout should continue to grow over time.
Ford Motor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) is one of the best-positioned auto companies in the current environment and should do very well as the trade war progresses towards a conclusion.
Ford continues to dominate the pickup truck market and I don&#8217;t see that changing anytime soon.
Ford intends to have a presence in the EV market but will not abandon the traditional market anytime soon. The Mustang Mach-E and Lightning F-150 electric vehicles are both selling well and attracting customers who have never considered Ford products before.
Ford has focused on reducing debt and strengthening its balance sheet over the past few years, and this strategy is working.
The company currently has over $25 billion in cash and securities on the books.
The stock is currently yielding over 7% and has excellent long-term appreciation potential from current levels.
UPS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) shares have also fallen to the level where the dividend is attractive. At the current price, the yield is over 7%.
UPS seems like a solid bet, even with some bumps in the road ahead. They&#8217;re the big dog in package delivery, handling way more daily packages than FedEx in the US.
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Editorial content from our Expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies which are neither expressly or impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.
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Opinion

Trading Ideas

This Strategy Outperforms In Bear Markets

RBC Capital analyst Matthew Swanson reiterates IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $276 price target.

Price Target

Reiteration

RBC Capital Reiterates Outperform on IBM, Maintains $276 Price Target

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h2>
Harley-Davidson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOG#NYSE">HOG</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/auction">selling its financing arm</a>. 
Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/harley-davidson-said-to-mull-1-billion-plus-sale-of-finance-arm?srnd=phx-deals&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">estimates</a> a price tag of $1 billion. The Milwaukee-based motorcycle brand could market the segment to various buyers, including regional banks and private equity firms. 
Separately, there&#8217;s drama brewing on the board level. Director Jared Dourdeville, who joined in 2022, resigned, but not before sending a damning letter to fellow board members on April 1. And it was not an April Fool&#8217;s Day prank. 
Dourdeville called for several of his colleagues to resign and expressed &#8220;grave concerns about the current state of the company.&#8221;
For more coverage, Benzinga&#8217;s Kaustubh Bagalkote <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44727511/harley-davidson-boardroom-turmoil-director-resigns-demands-ceo-jochen-zeitz-step-down-over-cultural-depletion-and-brand-decline">has the latest</a>.
Harley-Davidson shares, at last check, were up over 2.6% at $22.05. 
Other auctions to note:
<ul>
<li>Clessidra Private Equity is mulling a potential sale of Milan-based software firm Impresoft, which could fetch around 800 million euros ($885 million), according <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/italy-s-clessidra-weighs-sale-of-software-firm-impresoft?sref=TBDibEcD">to</a> Bloomberg. The Italian PE firm reportedly received unsolicited interest from industry players and fellow buyout shops, sparking early talks of a formal auction process. Impresoft, led by CEO Alessandro Geraldi, offers software for manufacturing and cybersecurity.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Keros Therapeutics, Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KROS#NASDAQ">KROS</a>) board of directors initiated a formal review process on Thursday to evaluate strategic alternatives, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44746372/keros-therapeutics-goes-up-for-sale-on-heels-of-stockholder-rights-plan">including a sale</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Rivalry Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RVLCF#OTCQX">RVLCF</a>), a sportsbook and iGaming operator, launched a review of strategic alternatives, including a sale, to maximize long-term stakeholder value. XST Capital Group LLC, a boutique investment bank focused on the digital gaming sector, is advising the process.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44725503/princess-dianas-iconic-style-heads-to-auction-block">Princess Diana&#8217;s Iconic Style Heads To Auction Block</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h2>
<ul>
<li>Capri Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPRI#NYSE">CPRI</a>) confirmed it's selling Versace to Prada for a high-end price of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44738776/versace-goes-prada-capris-big-exit-sparks-fashion-power-shift">$1.375 billion in cash</a>. The deal marks a luxe exit for the iconic brand founded by Gianni. It was last helmed by Donatella, who recently handed creative control to Miu Miu alum Dario Vitale. CEO John Idol said the move will help Capri tighten its belt and focus on brands like Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo. But the sale feels less glamorous considering Capri's stock has lost over 62% in the past year. With net debt at $1.12 billion and shares already bruised by tariff turmoil, this windfall might finally help the company strut into better financial shape. If Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44720006/markets-take-off-as-trump-announces-90-day-tariff-pause-for-non-retaliating-nations-slaps-china-with-125-duty">tariff plans remain on pause</a>, Capri may benefit. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Woodside Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDS#NYSE">WDS</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/25/04/44668895/woodside-energy-sells-40-stake-in-louisiana-lng-project-for-5-7-billion">inked a binding deal</a> to sell a 40% stake in Louisiana LNG Infrastructure LLC to Stonepeak.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cloudflare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NET#NYSE">NET</a>) shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">traded</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers"> higher on Friday</a> after it acquired Outerbase, a database tool designed with developers in mind. The deal is expected to boost the overall experience for developers, especially those using Cloudflare Workers, by making it easier to manage and connect to databases during the app-building process. Financial terms of the deal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44671105/cloudflare-acquires-outerbase-to-streamline-ai-app-development-our-goal-is-to-make-it-easy-and-accessible-for-any-developer">were not disclosed</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) disclosed on Monday that it had acquired Hakkoda Inc. for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition is expected to strengthen IBM's capacity to meet the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/04/44669800/ibm-enhances-ai-consulting-muscle-with-hakkoda-deal">rising demand for data services</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Off The Block</h2>
<ul>
<li>Niox Group&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSSPF#OTC">CSSPF</a>) auction ended without a deal. Reuters reported that the medical device company, based in Oxford, U.K., received an offer of 345.8 million pounds ($452.4 million). However, due to macroeconomic conditions, private equity firm Keensight Capital canceled its buyout offer. </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h2>
<ul>
<li>Lucid Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) continues its slow climb as a Tesla rival by striking a deal to acquire now-bankrupt Nikola Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKLAQ#OTC">NKLAQ</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44757588/lucid-wins-nikola-bankruptcy-auction-buys-nikola-facilities-for-30-million-to-boost-us-ev-production">for roughly $30 million</a>. The deal, pending court approval, includes Nikola's former Coolidge manufacturing plant and its Phoenix HQ—adding 884,000 square feet of industrial real estate to Lucid's footprint. The company also plans to offer jobs to 300-plus former Nikola staffers. This all comes after Nikola's fall from grace, which started in 2020 with fraud allegations and ended with a bankruptcy auction <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43552668/nikola-once-a-30-billion-ev-sensation-struggles-to-survive-after-hindenburg-fallout-and-mounting-losses">and a convicted ex-CEO</a>. </li>
</ul>
For last week&#8217;s edition of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44651650/deal-dispatch-us-ma-is-quiet-but-abroad-volume-is-spiking">Deal Dispatch, click here</a>.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44764554/consumer-sentiment-crashes-to-3-year-lows-as-inflation-expectations-spike-to-1981-highs">Consumer Sentiment Crashes To 3-Year Lows As Inflation Expectations Spike To 1981 Highs</a></li>
</ul>

Asset Sales

CPRI

CSSPF

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NKLAQ

RVLCF

Deal Dispatch: Harley-Davidson To Wipe Out? Plus, Prada's Versace Purchase Garners A Fashionable Price

WIIM

AKAM

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BILL

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Shares of software and IT stocks are trading lower as stocks pull back after surging Wednesday following President Trump's tariff pause announcement.

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MicroCloud Hologram Inc. - Ordinary Shares

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Shares of broader tech companies are trading higher following President Trump's decision to implement a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all countries except China.

<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/a92d94be-6266-424a-abd1-c17535041d70" title="https://www.ft.com/content/a92d94be-6266-424a-abd1-c17535041d70">https://www.ft.com/content/a92d94be-6266-424a-abd1-c17535041d70</a>

'Trump Administration Threatens To Scrap Consultancy Contracts After 'Insulting' Proposals; Accenture And Booz Allen Hamilton Among Firms Accused Of 'Sleight Of Hand' In Submissions To U.S. Government' - Financial Times

As tariffs and trade war chatter send shivers down tech's spine, Stephanie Link of Hightower Advisors sees opportunity &#8211; especially in software and services names with recurring revenue and minimal exposure <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">to global shocks</a>.
"This actually signals a decent time to buy if you're a long-term shareholder," she said, pointing to three tech heavyweights she's adding to this week: Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) and Palo Alto Networks Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Meta's AI Moat Is Still Wide</h2>
Meta might be down 33% from its highs, but Link views the slump as a gift. At 20x earnings, the stock looks cheap given its 20% total revenue growth and commanding 40% operating margins. 
With 3.3 billion users and $85 billion earmarked for AI spending this year alone, Meta's scale and automated ad growth—up 77% to $20 billion last quarter—make it a core AI beneficiary with limited tariff risk.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/44704723/meta-restricts-live-streaming-for-teens-under-16-as-part-of-expanded-safety-measures">Meta Restricts Live Streaming For Teens Under 16 As Part Of Expanded Safety Measures</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">IBM's Quiet Reinvention Pays Off</h2>
IBM, meanwhile, has been reshaping itself under CEO Arvind Krishna. With only 1% exposure to reciprocal tariffs (compared to Apple Inc's (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) 43%), IBM has leaned into software and services, which now make up 75% of its revenue mix. 
The company is on a deal spree &#8211; 39 acquisitions in AI, data center, blockchain and cloud—signaling aggressive transformation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Palo Alto Networks: Cybersecurity's Crown Jewel</h2>
And then there's Palo Alto, where Link sees an even bigger trend than AI &#8211; cybersecurity. Palo Alto's next-gen security offerings are growing 30% annually, and its firewall business is holding strong in double digits. 
With consolidation driving demand for platform solutions and free cash flow margins at 37%, Link says it's a must-own in a sector where bigger is better.
For Link, it's all about sticking with resilient business models that don't flinch in the face of tariffs or tech turmoil. As uncertainty rattles markets, her picks reflect a clear theme &#8211; betting on scalable, software-heavy giants that are quietly winning the long game.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44683681/exclusive-metas-still-the-mag-7-standout-says-expert-but-can-it-hold-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: Meta&#8217;s Still The Mag 7 Standout, Says Expert &#8211; But Can It Hold On?</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Long Ideas

AAPL

PANW

Meta, IBM, Palo Alto Networks: Why Stephanie Link Is Doubling Down On These Tariff-Proof Tech Titans

Tech giant IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) stock is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket" rel="noreferrer noopener">trading higher </a>on Tuesday after the company launched its latest mainframe, the IBM z17.
The system blends <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44680209/ibm-z17-the-first-mainframe-fully-engineered-for-the-ai-age" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful artificial intelligence features </a>across hardware and software to enhance business operations on a large scale.
IBM z17 arrives with a range of innovations designed to address AI workloads and real-time processing needs. Built on the new IBM Telum II processor, the z17 is capable of executing over 450 billion AI inferencing tasks per day, achieving a response latency as low as one millisecond.
"The industry is quickly learning that AI will only be as valuable as the infrastructure it runs on," said&nbsp;the general manager of IBM Z and LinuxONE, IBM, Ross Mauri.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44671105/cloudflare-acquires-outerbase-to-streamline-ai-app-development-our-goal-is-to-make-it-easy-and-accessible-for-any-developer" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cloudflare Acquires Outerbase To Streamline AI App Development, ‘Our Goal Is To Make It Easy And Accessible For Any Developer'</a>
"With z17, we're bringing AI to the core of the enterprise with the software, processing power, and storage to make AI operational quickly.
Engineered for organizations looking to embed AI deeply into their operations, the z17 supports more than 250 use cases. These include fraud prevention in retail, streamlining customer interactions through chatbots, evaluating credit risk, and aiding diagnostic imaging in healthcare.
The new system features a second-generation AI accelerator embedded in its core processor, which significantly increases computing speed and cache memory.
Later this year, IBM plans to launch the Spyre Accelerator, a PCIe card to extend AI computing power even further, with a focus on supporting generative AI and intelligent assistants tailored to enterprise use.
IBM is pairing the z17 with AI-driven software like Watsonx Assistant and Watsonx Code Assistant. These tools help automate development and IT operations, while integration with IBM Z Operations Unite enables real-time monitoring and incident resolution powered by AI insights.
As cybersecurity threats evolve, the z17 addresses data protection through advanced features. This includes integration with IBM Vault powered by HashiCorp for secrets management and tools for automated detection of data anomalies using natural language processing and AI.
Clients deploying IBM z17 can expect support through IBM's AI-augmented Technology Lifecycle Services. Meanwhile, the DS8000 storage system has been optimized to match z17's performance, enabling data-heavy industries to manage workloads securely and efficiently.
IBM z17 will be available starting June 18, 2025. The Spyre Accelerator is expected to follow in the fourth quarter of the year.
Wedbush&nbsp;analyst Daniel Ives said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44463025/software-companies-poised-for-gains-as-ai-spending-accelerates-says-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBM is well positioned to benefit from the AI</a> spending phase, which now makes up about 12% of many IT budgets.
Price Action: IBM shares traded higher by 1.55% at $229.29 in premarket at last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44671636/nvidia-applied-materials-provide-115m-fund-to-digital-engineering-startup-rescale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia, Applied Materials Back Digital Engineering Startup In $115M Round</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

IBM Targets Real-Time AI With New z17 Mainframe Rollout

Records from April 7, 2025 indicate that Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas made a purchase of Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>), valued between $4,004 and $60,000, with the transaction dated April 7, 2025 and filed in April.
As of now, Home Depot shares are trading up 2.67% at $350.64.
<h3>What Representative Has Been Trading Recently</h3>
In the last three years, Lloyd Doggett completed 71 stock transactions totaling more than $71 thousand. Coca-Cola and Procter &amp; Gamble stocks were among the largest trades. Some of the most notable transactions the Rep. has executed recently include: 
<ul>
<li>Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>): $1,001 - $15,000 Purchase</li>
<li>PPG Indus (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPG#NYSE">PPG</a>): $1,001 - $15,000 Purchase</li>
<li>IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>): $1,001 - $15,000 Purchase</li>
</ul>
Here's a summary of Lloyd Doggett's recent trades:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Ticker</th>
<th>Stock Type</th>
<th>Amount</th>
<th>Transaction Type</th>
<th>Transaction Date</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Home Depot</td>
<td>HD</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PPG Indus</td>
<td>PPG</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johnson &amp; Johnson</td>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-04</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Procter &amp; Gamble</td>
<td>PG</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-02-18</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Want to keep up with Lloyd Doggett and other congressional members' stock activities? Check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/lloyd-doggett">government trades tool</a> for real-time updates!
<h3>The Importance of Congressional Transactions</h3>
A congressional transaction is when any representative or senator either buys or sells an individual stock.
Anyone working in Congress must file a Periodic Transaction Report to inform the public of their recent transaction within 30 days of being notified of the transaction and within 45 days of the transaction date.
In April 2012, Former President Barack Obama signed the STOCK Act into law. The act prohibits members of Congress from using private information given to them by their position for personal gain such as buying or selling a stock. The act also expanded disclosure requirements for members of Congress by requiring them to file a monthly disclosure.
<h3>Why Congressional Transactions Matter</h3>
Congressional transactions shouldn't be the primary reason for an investing decision, but they can be an important factor for an investor to consider.
When a senator or representative makes a new purchase, it could be an indication they expect the stock to rise.
A sale, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean the seller thinks the stock will go down.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Government

Politics

This House of Representative Just Bought Up To $60K In Home Depot Stock

IBM Launches z17, The Next Generation Mainframe Engineered With AI Capabilities Across Hardware, Software, And Systems Operations

<a href="https://www.ibm.com/new/announcements/Meta-llama-4-maverick-and-llama-4-scout-now-available-in-watsonx-ai" title="https://www.ibm.com/new/announcements/Meta-llama-4-maverick-and-llama-4-scout-now-available-in-watsonx-ai">https://www.ibm.com/new/announcements/Meta-llama-4-maverick-and-llama-4-scout-now-available-in-watsonx-ai</a>

'Meta Llama 4 Maverick And Llama 4 Scout Now Available In watsonx.ai'

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$94.00</td>
<td>$34.4K</td>
<td>9.7K</td>
<td>33.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$77.00</td>
<td>$50.5K</td>
<td>773</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$380.7K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$245.00</td>
<td>$184.2K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>22.8K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BBAI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.50</td>
<td>$34.9K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$65.4K</td>
<td>9.3K</td>
<td>884</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ARM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$86.00</td>
<td>$36.2K</td>
<td>355</td>
<td>855</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRVL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$69.5K</td>
<td>11.2K</td>
<td>766</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
<td>$238.8K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
<td>473</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on April 11, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $94.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.4K, with a price of $344.0 per contract. There were 9702 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 33762 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PLTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on April 11, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $77.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.5K, with a price of $505.0 per contract. There were 773 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4034 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 39 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 680 contract(s) at a $160.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 30 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $380.7K, with a price of $560.0 per contract. There were 2166 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3338 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 74 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 68 contract(s) at a $245.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $184.2K, with a price of $2710.0 per contract. There were 3854 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1735 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 39 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 720 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $35.0 per contract. There were 22813 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1541 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BBAI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBAI#NYSE">BBAI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 74 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1000 contract(s) at a $4.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 34 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.9K, with a price of $34.0 per contract. There were 3447 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1016 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 165 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 62 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $65.4K, with a price of $1055.0 per contract. There were 9346 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 884 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ARM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on April 11, 2025. Parties traded 105 contract(s) at a $86.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.2K, with a price of $345.0 per contract. There were 355 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 855 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRVL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 39 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 46 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $69.5K, with a price of $1507.0 per contract. There were 11233 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 766 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 74 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 150 contract(s) at a $375.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $238.8K, with a price of $1592.0 per contract. There were 2944 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 473 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

MRVL

PLTR

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) disclosed on Monday that it had acquired <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44666279/ibm-acquires-hakkoda-inc-expanding-data-expertise-to-fuel-clients-ai-transformations" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hakkoda Inc.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44666279/ibm-acquires-hakkoda-inc-expanding-data-expertise-to-fuel-clients-ai-transformations" rel="noreferrer noopener"> for an undisclosed amount</a>.
This move enhances IBM Consulting's data transformation services by adding Hakkoda's expertise in data platforms, supporting clients in preparing their data for AI-driven business operations.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen IBM's capacity to meet the rising demand for data services, enabling clients to build integrated, high-performance data estates optimized for speed, cost, and efficiency across diverse business needs.
Organizations &#8220;are looking for a trusted partner to help them modernize their data for the AI era,&#8221; Erik Duffield, CEO and co-founder of Hakkoda said.
&#8221;IBM&#8217;s heritage of innovation, their commitment to discovery and deep partnerships with clients on their most technical challenges is a perfect pairing to take Hakkoda&#8217;s industry focused modern data consulting to the global marketplace.&#8221;
Last week, IBM broadened its cloud offerings in Canada and unveiled new innovations tailored to help organizations expand their artificial intelligence capabilities <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44628415/ibm-boosts-canadian-ai-infrastructure-with-montreal-and-toronto-cloud-advances" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and adhere to regulatory standards</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDIV#NASDAQ">TDIV</a>).
Price Action: IBM shares are down 3.57% at $219.36 premarket at the last check Monday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44518599/ibm-expands-cloud-storage-to-on-premises-with-ceph-as-a-service" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBM Expands Cloud Storage To On-Premises With Ceph As A Service</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Movers

TDIV

IBM Enhances AI Consulting Muscle With Hakkoda Deal

IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) today announced it has acquired Hakkoda Inc., a leading global data and AI consultancy. Hakkoda will expand IBM Consulting's data transformation services portfolio, adding specialized data platform expertise to help clients get their data ready to fuel AI-powered business operations.
Hakkoda has leading capabilities in migrating, modernizing, and monetizing data estates and is an award-winning Snowflake partner. This acquisition amplifies IBM's ability to meet the rapidly growing demand for data services and help clients build integrated enterprise data estates that are optimized for speed, cost and efficiency across multiple business use cases.
Hakkoda also brings a strong portfolio of generative AI powered assets that can speed up data modernization projects. Their industry solutions complement and build on their consultants' deep expertise in&nbsp;industries like financial services, public sector, and healthcare and life sciences. Hakkoda will further expand IBM's ability to bring both consulting expertise and AI to clients using its AI-powered delivery platform, <a href="https://www.ibm.com/consulting/advantage">IBM Consulting Advantage</a>.

IBM Acquires Hakkoda, Expanding Data Expertise To Fuel Clients' AI Transformations; Financial Details Of The Transaction Were Not Disclosed

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$36.2K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>21.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$217.50</td>
<td>$29.6K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WULF</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$2.50</td>
<td>$31.5K</td>
<td>179</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$137.9K</td>
<td>18.5K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CSCO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$52.50</td>
<td>$173.0K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$2.8 million</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$35.1K</td>
<td>134</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$256.2K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>568</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$128.6K</td>
<td>14.0K</td>
<td>522</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>STM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td>534</td>
<td>201</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on April 4, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.2K, with a price of $363.0 per contract. There were 2550 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 21202 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on April 4, 2025. Parties traded 2281 contract(s) at a $217.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 36 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.6K, with a price of $13.0 per contract. There were 2608 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 9112 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WULF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WULF#NASDAQ">WULF</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 8 day(s) on April 11, 2025. Parties traded 2240 contract(s) at a $2.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 22 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.5K, with a price of $14.0 per contract. There were 179 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5198 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 43 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 310 contract(s) at a $110.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $137.9K, with a price of $445.0 per contract. There were 18536 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5103 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CSCO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 169 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 1000 contract(s) at a $52.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $173.0K, with a price of $173.0 per contract. There were 2747 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2051 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ZS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 441 day(s) on June 18, 2026. This event was a transfer of 1336 contract(s) at a $170.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $2.8 million, with a price of $2145.0 per contract. There were 11 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1959 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ORCL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 134 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 14 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.1K, with a price of $2510.0 per contract. There were 134 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1283 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 43 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 350 contract(s) at a $230.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $256.2K, with a price of $731.0 per contract. There were 1151 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 568 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 78 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 80 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $128.6K, with a price of $1607.0 per contract. There were 14050 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 522 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding STM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STM#NYSE">STM</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 288 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $18.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $39.6K, with a price of $198.0 per contract. There were 534 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 201 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

MSTR

ORCL

WULF

Tech major International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44624326/ibm-enhances-enterprise-cloud-capabilities-in-canada-to-meet-local-clients-ai-and-data-needs" rel="noreferrer noopener">broadened its cloud offerings in Canada</a> with new innovations tailored to help organizations expand their artificial intelligence capabilities and adhere to regulatory standards.
The company has inaugurated its newest Cloud Multizone Region (MZR) in Montreal, providing Canadian enterprises with advanced cloud solutions.
This expanded infrastructure is designed to assist clients in navigating regulatory changes while integrating AI within a secure and scalable cloud environment.
The newly launched MZR in Montreal is a key component of IBM&#8217;s broader North American growth strategy, enabling organizations to implement AI-powered solutions while adhering to stringent data privacy and residency regulations.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/04/44603254/amc-expands-premium-movie-experience-with-imax-laser-upgrades-in-landmark-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMC Expands Premium Movie Experience With IMAX Laser Upgrades In Landmark Deal</a>
In addition to the Montreal expansion, IBM reported the availability of watsonx AI suite on IBM Cloud at the Toronto MZR. This initiative grants Canadian enterprises access to scalable AI tools, ensuring the security and dependability essential for enterprise use.
&#8220;With our latest advancements in&nbsp;Canada, we are extending IBM&#8217;s enterprise cloud platform and sovereign cloud capabilities to Canadian organizations in these sectors, helping them to address their local regulatory requirements, keeping data secured and maintain it in country,&#8221; said GM for IBM Cloud Product &amp; Industry Platforms, Rohit Badlaney.
The new IBM Cloud MZRs in Montreal and Toronto will facilitate businesses in tightly regulated industries, such as government and finance, to securely store and manage data within Canada to meet national privacy standards.
Organizations can utilize advanced generative AI models, including Llama-3-2-11b-vision-instruct and Granite-34b-code-instruct.
The MZRs facilitate an open hybrid cloud approach, allowing businesses to connect diverse IT environments while benefiting from open-source advancements.
Price Action: IBM shares traded lower by 0.74% at $248.14 at last check Thursday.
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Image via Shutterstock.

IBM Boosts Canadian AI Infrastructure With Montreal And Toronto Cloud Advances

IBM officially opened the doors to its latest Cloud MZR in Montreal, Quebec, adding to its existing Cloud capabilities and investments across North America.

IBM Reveals Two Key Advances In Its Cloud Capabilities In Canada

IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 1.72% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.81%. Currently, IBM has a market capitalization of $229.50 billion. 
Buying $1000 In IBM: If an investor had bought $1000 of IBM stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,271.59 today based on a price of $247.50 for IBM at the time of writing.
<h3>IBM's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743603315_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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