IBM shares turn lower as company beats but opts to maintain guidance

IBM shares turn lower as company beats but opts to maintain guidance

By Jordan Novet
Publication Date: 2026-04-22 20:12:00

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna appears at a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Oct. 21, 2025.

Allison Robbert | Bloomberg | Getty Images

IBM shares slipped 6% in extended trading on Wednesday after the hardware, software and consulting provider reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results but maintained full-year guidance.

Here’s how the company did in comparison with LSEG consensus:

  • Earnings per share: $1.91 adjusted vs. $1.81 expected
  • Revenue: $15.92 billion vs. $15.62 billion expected

IBM’s revenue grew 9% year over year in the quarter, according to a statement. Net income of $1.22 billion, or $1.28 per share, increased from $1.06 billion, or $1.12 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted earnings exclude acquisition-related adjustments.

Management reiterated its view for 2026, including over 5% revenue growth at constant currency and a $1 billion increase to free cash flow.

IBM’s first-quarter software revenue grew 11% to $7.05 billion,…