Why Top Analyst Still Says Buy IBM, Even As Its Cloud Business Slows

Core Insights - IBM exceeded third-quarter expectations, driven by strong performance in its Infrastructure and Automation divisions, which offset a slowdown in key software segments like Red Hat [1][3]. Financial Performance - IBM raised its full-year financial guidance, indicating confidence in overcoming weaker-than-expected results from its cloud software business [2]. - The company reported a clean third-quarter, beating both revenue and earnings per share estimates, although performance across business segments was mixed [3]. - IBM's overall 2025 guidance was raised, projecting total revenue growth of more than 5%, an expansion in profit margins, and approximately $14 billion in free cash flow [4]. Segment Analysis - Stronger-than-expected results in the Automation and Infrastructure divisions helped offset weaker performance in Red Hat (Hybrid Cloud) and Transaction Processing software [3]. - The Consulting division's performance was better than expected, with a growing AI book of business anticipated to drive future growth for both the Consulting and Software segments [4]. Market Reaction - IBM shares are under downward pressure, trading lower by 1.17% to $284.16 at publication [5]. - BofA Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan maintained a Buy rating on IBM and increased the price target from $310 to $315 [2].