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Investing.com - Evercore ISI maintained its outperform rating and $315 price target on IBM (NYSE:IBM) stock following competitor Accenture (NYSE:ACN)’s quarterly results. IBM shares are currently trading at $280.81, near their 52-week high of $286.91, reflecting a remarkable 67.77% return over the past year. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears to be trading above its Fair Value.
Accenture reported its fiscal third-quarter revenue of $17.7 billion and earnings per share of $3.49 on Thursday, exceeding consensus estimates of $17.3 billion and $3.40. The company posted 7% year-over-year revenue growth at constant currency, with particular strength in Financial Services (13%), Health & Public Service (7%), and Products (7%) verticals.
Accenture’s bookings reached $19.7 billion, representing a 7% year-over-year decline at constant currency and including approximately $1.5 billion in artificial intelligence bookings. The company maintained a book-to-bill ratio of approximately 1.1 despite the booking decrease.
Accenture management noted federal government efficiency efforts had minimal impact on third-quarter results but projected a 2-percentage-point headwind from weaker federal spending in the upcoming quarter. For fiscal year 2025, Accenture raised its revenue growth outlook to 6-7% at constant currency, improved from its previous 5-7% projection.
Evercore ISI analysts suggested Accenture’s bookings weakness could negatively affect IBM’s signings performance in the second quarter, noting IBM’s consulting signings declined 9% year-over-year in the first quarter. The analysts added that IBM has already adjusted its consulting outlook for calendar year 2025 to approximately flat year-over-year at constant currency, incorporating macroeconomic and federal government headwinds. Despite these challenges, IBM maintains strong fundamentals, with analysts forecasting EPS of $11.42 for FY2025. For deeper insights into IBM’s valuation and 14 additional ProTips, visit InvestingPro, where you’ll find comprehensive research reports and expert analysis.
In other recent news, IBM has announced its ambitious plan to build a practical quantum computer by 2029, aiming to leverage quantum mechanics to solve complex problems more efficiently than classical computers. This development is part of IBM’s broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in emerging technologies. The company has also strengthened its partnership with Finanz Informatik to bolster IT services, focusing on artificial intelligence, automation, and hybrid cloud computing. This collaboration is expected to enhance the digital transformation of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe’s IT infrastructure.
In the realm of financial analysis, BofA Securities raised its price target for IBM to $320, maintaining a Buy rating, citing the company’s strong free cash flow and potential for strategic acquisitions. Stifel also maintained a Buy rating with a $290 target, emphasizing IBM’s AI initiatives and hybrid-cloud capabilities as key growth drivers. In contrast, UBS reiterated a Sell rating with a $170 target, despite IBM’s advancements in AI and its strategic focus on hybrid environments and quantum computing. These developments highlight the varied perspectives on IBM’s financial outlook amidst its technological advancements.
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