International Business Machines (NYSE: IBM) Stock Analysis: Susquehanna Rating and Q3 Earnings Outlook

International Business Machines (NYSE: IBM) is a leading technology company that sells software, consulting services and computing systems to businesses. Susquehanna maintains a Neutral investment rating and a hold action on the stock. IBM trades at $244.72 when the rating is posted.

IBM is scheduled to report third-quarter results after the market closes on Oct. 21. Analysts expect earnings per share of $2.87, up from $2.65 a year earlier. Earnings per share show how much profit a company makes for each share. Analysts also expect revenue of $16.84 billion, up from $16.33 billion.

The results give investors a chance to compare IBM’s performance with those forecasts. The report could change investor sentiment toward the stock, as highlighted by Barron’s. A Neutral rating indicates that Susquehanna does not recommend buying or selling shares ahead of the report.

IBM shares rose 2.30% on Tuesday to close at $241.92. The stock later traded at $244.75, up $2.83, or 1.17%, with a 52-week range of $199.19 to $332.46. IBM also announced a research collaboration with Siemens Energy on a new semiconductor design, as highlighted by Benzinga.