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International Business Machines (IBM)
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International Business Machines (IBM) AI Stock Analysis

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IBM

International Business Machines

(NYSE:IBM)

Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$274.00
▲(10.85% Upside)
IBM's overall stock score of 72 reflects strong financial performance and positive earnings call outcomes, highlighting growth in key segments like AI and hybrid cloud. However, the high P/E ratio and mixed technical indicators suggest caution. The company's strategic initiatives and raised guidance provide optimism, but investors should be mindful of valuation concerns and leverage risks.
Positive Factors
AI and Infrastructure
The introduction of Spyre cards (AI acceleration) is expected to enhance Transaction Processing strength in the coming years.
Free Cash Flow
IBM is shifting towards higher margin Software over time, which is driving strong growth in free cash flow.
Generative AI
IBM's Generative AI backlog was strong, up about $1.5 billion quarter over quarter.
Negative Factors
Consulting Challenges
Consulting growth remains challenged with weak discretionary spend, AI cannibalizing traditional projects, and project duration still extended.
Organic Software Revenues
Organic software revenues declined to approximately 3% due to weaker transaction processing and integration distractions in Automation.
Transaction Processing
IBM’s Transaction Processing revenue, which is usually stable, saw a surprising growth deceleration in the latest quarter.

International Business Machines (IBM) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

International Business Machines Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionInternational Business Machines Corporation provides integrated solutions and services worldwide. The company operates through four business segments: Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing. The Software segment offers hybrid cloud platform and software solutions, such as Red Hat, an enterprise open-source solutions; software for business automation, AIOps and management, integration, and application servers; data and artificial intelligence solutions; and security software and services for threat, data, and identity. This segment also provides transaction processing software that supports clients' mission-critical and on-premise workloads in banking, airlines, and retail industries. The Consulting segment offers business transformation services, including strategy, business process design and operations, data and analytics, and system integration services; technology consulting services; and application and cloud platform services. The Infrastructure segment provides on-premises and cloud-based server and storage solutions for its clients' mission-critical and regulated workloads; and support services and solutions for hybrid cloud infrastructure, as well as remanufacturing and remarketing services for used equipment. The Financing segment offers lease, installment payment, loan financing, and short-term working capital financing services. The company was formerly known as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. International Business Machines Corporation was incorporated in 1911 and is headquartered in Armonk, New York.
How the Company Makes MoneyIBM generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily from its cloud and cognitive software, global business services, and systems segments. The company earns a significant portion of its revenue from cloud computing services, which include infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings. Additionally, IBM's consulting services, which encompass business process services and technology consulting, contribute notably to its earnings. The company has established strategic partnerships with various organizations to enhance its product offerings and expand market reach, particularly in industries like healthcare, finance, and government. Moreover, IBM generates income through licensing its software products and providing maintenance and support services. Overall, the combination of these revenue streams, along with ongoing investments in research and development, positions IBM to adapt to market demands and capitalize on emerging technologies.

International Business Machines Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Annual Recurring Revenue
Annual Recurring Revenue
Shows the steady income IBM earns from subscription-based services, highlighting business stability and customer retention.
Chart InsightsIBM's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) has surged significantly, reaching $22.7 billion, driven by strong performance in software and infrastructure, particularly with the new z17 mainframe. This growth aligns with IBM's strategic focus on AI and hybrid cloud, as evidenced by their $7.5 billion GenAI book of business. Despite challenges in consulting and transaction processing revenues, the company's increased free cash flow guidance and robust ARR growth highlight its resilience and strategic momentum in key technology areas.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

International Business Machines Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 23, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 22, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected strong revenue growth, particularly in the Software and Infrastructure segments, driven by AI and hybrid cloud initiatives. However, consulting performance was flat, and there were declines in Transaction Processing and Distributed Infrastructure revenues. Despite some challenges, the overall outlook remains positive with raised full-year guidance.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
IBM delivered $17 billion in revenue for the second quarter, exceeding expectations and growing over 5% at constant currency.
Software and Infrastructure Performance
Software grew 8% with Red Hat accelerating to 14% growth. Infrastructure revenue grew 11%, driven by a strong start to the IBM Z z17 program.
AI and Hybrid Cloud Momentum
GenAI book of business reached over $7.5 billion inception-to-date, with strong demand for AI agents, RHEL AI, and Granite models.
Free Cash Flow and Profitability
Generated $4.8 billion in free cash flow in the first half, with a 200 basis point expansion in adjusted EBITDA margin.
Raised Full-Year Guidance
IBM raised expectations for free cash flow to above $13.5 billion for the year and operating pretax margin to expand by about 1 point.
Negative Updates
Consulting Performance
Consulting revenue was flat, and the segment continues to be impacted by the demand environment, with signings down 18% due to prior year renewals.
Transaction Processing Revenue
Transaction Processing revenue declined 2% in the quarter, reflecting client prioritization of hardware spend.
Distributed Infrastructure Decline
Distributed Infrastructure revenue was down 17% due to product cycle dynamics and the recent announcement of Power11.
Company Guidance
During IBM's Q2 2025 earnings call, the company reported solid financial performance, with revenue reaching $17 billion, a 5% growth at constant currency, and adjusted EBITDA of $4.7 billion, marking a 16% growth. Operating earnings per share were $2.80, and free cash flow for the first half was $4.8 billion. The software segment saw an 8% revenue growth, driven by a 14% increase in Red Hat and 14% in Automation. Infrastructure revenue grew by 11%, fueled by a strong start for z17, reflecting a 67% increase in IBM Z. The GenAI book of business exceeded $7.5 billion, showing momentum with a $1.5 billion contribution in software bookings. IBM raised its free cash flow expectations for the year to above $13.5 billion, and adjusted EBITDA growth is projected in the low teens. The company is optimistic about its hybrid cloud and AI strategy and anticipates accelerating revenue growth of 5%-plus for 2025.

International Business Machines Financial Statement Overview

Summary
IBM shows strong financial health with stable revenue growth and efficient cash flow generation. Despite high leverage, the company maintains a robust return on equity. Profit margins are solid, though recent pressure on net income needs monitoring. Overall, IBM is well-positioned financially, but should be cautious of its debt levels in fluctuating market environments.
Income Statement
80
Positive
IBM demonstrated a stable revenue growth with a 2.04% increase in TTM compared to 2024. The gross profit margin stands at a solid 57.56% for the TTM, although the net profit margin is moderate at 9.11%. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy at 14.56% and 16.33% respectively, indicating strong operational efficiency. However, the decrease in net income and EBIT from 2024 reflects some pressure on profitability.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
IBM maintains a high debt-to-equity ratio of 2.46, suggesting significant leverage. However, its return on equity (ROE) is strong at 21.20% in the TTM, showing effective use of equity. The equity ratio is relatively low at 18.52%, indicating a reliance on debt financing which poses a risk if market conditions change.
Cash Flow
85
Very Positive
IBM's cash flow health is impressive with free cash flow to net income ratio at 2.13, showing efficient cash conversion. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is also strong at 2.28, reflecting robust cash generation relative to profits. Free cash flow growth is positive, enhancing IBM's capability to invest in growth or reduce debt.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue64.04B62.75B61.86B60.53B57.35B55.18B
Gross Profit36.87B35.55B34.30B32.69B31.49B30.86B
EBITDA12.90B12.18B14.69B7.17B12.41B10.55B
Net Income5.83B6.02B7.50B1.64B5.74B5.59B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets148.59B137.18B135.24B127.24B132.00B155.97B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments15.45B14.59B13.44B8.74B7.25B13.81B
Total Debt67.72B58.40B59.94B54.01B55.14B65.09B
Total Liabilities121.00B109.78B112.63B105.22B113.00B135.25B
Stockholders Equity27.51B27.31B22.53B21.94B18.90B20.60B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow11.81B11.76B12.12B8.46B10.03B14.97B
Operating Cash Flow13.28B13.45B13.93B10.44B12.80B18.20B
Investing Cash Flow-14.25B-4.94B-7.07B-4.20B-5.97B-3.03B
Financing Cash Flow-1.85B-7.08B-1.77B-4.96B-13.35B-9.72B

International Business Machines Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price247.18
Price Trends
50DMA
261.76
Negative
100DMA
258.94
Negative
200DMA
246.16
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-3.76
Negative
RSI
48.99
Neutral
STOCH
66.33
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For IBM, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 247.18 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 241.62, below the 50-day MA of 261.76, and above the 200-day MA of 246.16, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -3.76 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 48.99 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 66.33 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for IBM.

International Business Machines Risk Analysis

International Business Machines disclosed 25 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. International Business Machines reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

International Business Machines Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$70.59B21.8430.46%3.05%4.52%-0.22%
74
Outperform
$35.06B14.5816.69%1.71%6.34%12.16%
73
Outperform
$29.82B20.7816.50%3.03%-1.95%35.65%
72
Outperform
$226.82B39.1722.73%2.74%2.69%-31.73%
70
Outperform
$161.92B20.3927.27%2.34%6.21%14.87%
70
Outperform
$74.35B22.8612.66%6.73%3.93%
61
Neutral
$35.51B8.11-10.49%1.89%8.55%-8.72%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
IBM
International Business Machines
247.18
50.16
25.46%
ACN
Accenture
252.94
-81.83
-24.44%
CTSH
Cognizant
71.45
-4.12
-5.45%
FI
Fiserv
136.18
-36.33
-21.06%
INFY
Infosys
16.59
-5.82
-25.97%
WIT
Wipro
2.73
-0.31
-10.20%

International Business Machines Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
IBM Exceeds Q2 2025 Expectations with Strong Growth
Positive
Jul 24, 2025

IBM reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with revenue, profit, and cash flow exceeding expectations. The company’s performance was driven by growth in its Software and Infrastructure segments, particularly with the introduction of the z17 mainframe and advancements in AI and hybrid cloud solutions. IBM’s strategic focus on AI and hybrid cloud continues to yield positive outcomes, as evidenced by significant growth in its GenAI business and recognition as an Emerging Leader in AI consulting. The company also expanded its partner ecosystem and launched new capabilities in its watsonx portfolio, further solidifying its position in the technology industry.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
IBM Amends Credit Agreements for Financial Flexibility
Positive
Jun 20, 2025

On June 20, 2025, IBM announced amendments to its existing credit agreements, extending the maturity of its $2.5 billion Three-Year Credit Agreement to June 20, 2028, and its $7.5 billion Five-Year Credit Agreement to June 22, 2030. These amendments, involving major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase Bank, BNP Paribas, Citibank, and Royal Bank of Canada, are expected to provide IBM with enhanced financial flexibility and stability, potentially impacting its operational strategies and market positioning.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Sep 05, 2025