IBM's Q1 2025 results were strong, driven by robust performance in Software and Infrastructure, despite Consulting's drag due to macro uncertainties. Red Hat's open-source platform significantly contributed to IBM's AI and Software growth, with AI business surpassing the $6B mark, growing $1B, sequentially. Management's confidence is reflected in issuing Q2 revenue guidance above estimates, highlighting IBM's resilience amid economic uncertainties.
IBM's Q1 results showed strong software revenue growth but were overshadowed by consulting declines and DOGE-related concerns. Gold steadied after a significant drop, presenting a dip buying opportunity, with central banks likely to support prices.
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM ) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call April 23, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Olympia McNerney - Global Head of IR Arvind Krishna - Chairman, President and CEO James Kavanaugh - SVP and CFO Conference Call Participants Jim Schneider - Goldman Sachs Wamsi Mohan - Bank of America Amit Daryanani - Evercore ISI Ben Reitzes - Melius Research Erik Woodring - Morgan Stanley Brian Essex - JPMorgan Matt Swanson - RBC Capital Markets Operator Welcome, and thank you for standing by. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.
Tech and consulting giant IBM was not immune to the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) cuts.
For the second-quarter, IBM guided for sales between $16.4 billion and $16.75 billion, ahead of the $16.31 billion expected by analysts.
IBM said on Wednesday it expects second-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates, betting on resilient demand for its software services amid economic uncertainty brought on by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.
IBM reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue for the first quarter. The company maintained its full-year forecast even in the face of what CEO Arvind Krishna called a "fluid" economic environment.
International Business Machines Corporation NYSE: IBM, an industry pioneer with a long-standing presence in the technology sector, offers a contrasting picture to the rapid growth and instability often seen in newer tech companies.
Backed by a strong focus on product innovation and healthy AI traction across various sectors, IBM is expected to gain from the Software segment.
IBM's Consulting segment is expected to have recorded lower revenues in the first quarter of 2025, owing to soft demand in some end markets and macroeconomic headwinds.
IBM is trading at premium valuation metrics and investors could wait for a better entry point to cash in on its long-term fundamentals.
IBM's growth prospects are weak compared to peers like Microsoft and Oracle, with a forward P/E of 22x and expected revenue growth of just 3%. Despite IBM's strong competitive advantages and ecosystem, its valuation is high, and growth appears already priced in, making it unattractive at current levels. IBM's stock chart signals potential downside, with a long-term ominous outlook, justifying a sell rating unless protected by an options collar.