IBM Q4 net income up 9 pct to 4.81 bn

Total revenue rose to USD 27.23 billion in the fourth quarter ended December 31,2009,from USD 27 billion in the same quarter last fiscal.

8220;We concluded a strong year with a solid performance in the fourth quarter,in which we again delivered growth in margins,profit and earnings,8221; IBM Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer Samuel J Palmisano said.

IBM said it expects an earning of USD 11 per share for the full year 2010,up from earlier projections between USD 10 and 11 per share.

8220;We are confident about 2010 and our ability to achieve the high end of our long-term roadmap,8221; Palmisano added.

IBM has boosted profitability by cost cutting moves as its total expense decreased 5 per cent to USD 6.8 billion compared with the year-ago period.

The tech giant has registered robust growth in services and software segment,while revenues from hardware business declined.