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

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IBM

International Business Machines

(NYSE:IBM)

Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$282.00
▲(19.34% Upside)
IBM's overall stock score is driven by strong financial performance and a positive outlook from the latest earnings call. However, technical analysis indicates bearish momentum, and the high P/E ratio raises valuation concerns. The company's strategic focus on AI and hybrid cloud is promising, yet investors should remain cautious about technical indicators and leverage levels.
Positive Factors
Free Cash Flow
IBM's shift towards higher margin Software is driving strong growth in free cash flow.
Generative AI Backlog
IBM's Generative AI backlog increased by about $1.5 billion, indicating strong demand and future growth potential.
Mainframe Performance
The z17 launch exceeded expectations, significantly boosting infrastructure revenue and segment operating profit.
Negative Factors
Consulting Challenges
Consulting growth is under pressure with weak discretionary spend and AI reducing the need for traditional projects.
Macro Environment Impact
The macro environment may cause volatility by pausing additional software implementation on the mainframe.
Software Revenue
Organic software revenues declined due to weaker transaction processing and integration distractions in Automation.

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

International Business Machines Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionInternational Business Machines (IBM) is a multinational technology and consulting company, known for its innovation in hardware, software, and services. Founded in 1911, IBM operates in various sectors, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and enterprise solutions. Its core products and services include IBM Cloud, IBM Watson, and IBM Systems, as well as a suite of consulting and IT services that help organizations transform their operations and leverage technology for competitive advantage.
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: -15.64%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 22, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected strong financial performance and growth in key areas such as software, infrastructure, and AI. Despite challenges in consulting revenue and a decline in transaction processing, IBM's overall performance exceeded expectations, leading to increased guidance for free cash flow.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Solid Overall Financial Performance
IBM delivered $17 billion in revenue, $4.7 billion of adjusted EBITDA, $3.2 billion of operating pretax income, and operating earnings per share of $2.80. The company generated $4.8 billion of free cash flow, its highest first half free cash flow margin in many years.
Software and Infrastructure Growth
Software grew 8% with notable growth in Red Hat at 14%. Infrastructure revenue grew 11%, with Hybrid Infrastructure up 19%. IBM Z was up 67%, driven by the strong start of the z17 program.
Red Hat and Automation Success
Red Hat growth accelerated to 14%, with OpenShift revenue growing more than 20%. Automation grew 14%, with HashiCorp off to a strong start, reflecting IBM's global reach and product synergies.
AI and GenAI Business Momentum
IBM's GenAI book of business stands at over $7.5 billion inception-to-date, with significant demand for AI agents, assistants, and consulting services to deploy AI.
Increased Free Cash Flow Guidance
IBM raised its expectations for free cash flow to above $13.5 billion for the year, reflecting strong performance and confidence in sustainable growth.
Negative Updates
Consulting Revenue Stagnation
Consulting revenue was flat, with Strategy and Technology declining by 2%, despite a backlog up 4% over last year. The challenging demand environment impacted revenue growth.
Transaction Processing Revenue Decline
Transaction Processing revenue declined 2% in the quarter, reflecting client prioritization of hardware spend at the beginning of the new z17 cycle.
Company Guidance
During IBM's second quarter 2025 earnings call, the company reported solid performance, exceeding expectations across several key metrics. Revenue grew over 5% at constant currency, with software and infrastructure leading the way. Specifically, Red Hat saw a 14% growth, and IBM Z infrastructure reported a 67% increase, showcasing strong demand for the new z17 mainframe. The company raised its full-year free cash flow guidance to above $13.5 billion, reflecting confidence in sustained profitability. IBM's software annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew to $22.7 billion, up 10% year-over-year, while consulting revenue remained flat due to a dynamic demand environment. The company is also focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud strategies, with a GenAI book of business reaching $7.5 billion inception-to-date, indicating momentum in AI-driven transformation across its client base.

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
Negative
Last Price236.30
Price Trends
50DMA
272.36
Negative
100DMA
258.30
Negative
200DMA
243.35
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-10.25
Positive
RSI
20.14
Positive
STOCH
4.57
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For IBM, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 236.3 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 259.80, below the 50-day MA of 272.36, and below the 200-day MA of 243.35, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -10.25 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 20.14 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 4.57 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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 1 New Risks
1.
The Development and Use of AI and Generative AI, including the Company's Increased Offerings and Use of AI-based Technologies, Could Impact the Long-Term Success of the Company and its Reputation or Give Rise to Legal or Regulatory Action: Q4, 2024

International Business Machines Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$67.67B20.6730.46%3.18%4.52%-0.22%
74
Outperform
$33.77B14.0416.69%1.76%6.34%12.16%
71
Outperform
$28.88B19.9516.50%3.12%-1.95%62.75%
70
Outperform
$148.62B18.9927.27%2.49%6.21%14.87%
68
Neutral
¥241.23B15.396.62%2.45%9.02%-0.57%
67
Neutral
$220.12B38.3322.73%2.84%2.69%-31.73%
58
Neutral
$36.50B261.591.01%2.12%3.64%102.21%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
IBM
International Business Machines
236.30
50.56
27.22%
ACN
Accenture
237.87
-75.69
-24.14%
CTSH
Cognizant
68.77
-4.39
-6.00%
FIS
Fidelity National Info
71.76
-5.02
-6.54%
INFY
Infosys
16.07
-5.06
-23.95%
WIT
Wipro
2.68
-0.14
-4.96%

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.

The most recent analyst rating on (IBM) stock is a Buy with a $250.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on International Business Machines stock, see the IBM Stock Forecast page.

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.

The most recent analyst rating on (IBM) stock is a Buy with a $200.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on International Business Machines stock, see the IBM Stock Forecast page.

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: Jul 26, 2025