Technologies

IBM Stock Declines Despite Beating Quarterly Estimates While Keeping Full-Year Outlook

IBM stock dropped despite beating Q1 earnings estimates, as the company maintained its full-year guidance and highlighted strong software and infrastructure growth.

IBM’s stock fell 6% in after-hours trading on Wednesday, even as the technology giant reported first-quarter earnings that surpassed analyst expectations, yet it chose to keep its full-year financial projections unchanged.

Here is a breakdown of IBM’s performance relative to LSEG consensus estimates:

Adjusted earnings per share: $1.91, compared to the $1.81 forecast
Total revenue: $15.92 billion, exceeding the $15.62 billion prediction

According to the company’s official statement, revenue expanded by 9% compared to the same period last year. The net profit reached $1.22 billion, or $1.28 per share, an increase from the $1.06 billion, or $1.12 per share, reported in the fourth quarter of 2024. These adjusted earnings figures do not include any adjustments tied to acquisitions.

Leadership reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, which includes revenue growth surpassing 5% when adjusted for currency fluctuations and a $1 billion boost to free cash flow.

«Events in the Middle East did not affect our first-quarter performance,» IBM CEO Arvind Krishna stated during an analyst conference call. «While uncertainties persist, our broad portfolio across various sectors, regions, and major enterprise customers positions us favorably.» The conflict between Iran and the U.S. began on February 28.

Software revenue rose 11% to $7.05 billion, outpacing the $7.02 billion consensus from analysts surveyed by StreetAccount. Consulting revenue climbed 4% to $5.27 billion, falling just short of StreetAccount’s $5.28 billion estimate.

Infrastructure revenue grew 15% to $3.33 billion, beating the $3.16 billion StreetAccount consensus. IBM highlighted a 51% surge in Z mainframe hardware sales, noting that the z17 model continues to perform better than previous generations.

As of Wednesday’s closing price, IBM stock has dropped approximately 15% year-to-date in 2026, while the S&P 500 index has gained 4% over the same timeframe.

The shares plummeted 13% in a single day in February after AI developer Anthropic suggested that artificial intelligence could help firms modernize code written in the COBOL programming language. Since COBOL applications can operate on IBM’s mainframe systems, IBM’s senior vice president of software, Rob Thomas, responded in a LinkedIn post: «AI strengthens the mainframe case, it does not weaken it.»

In mid-March, IBM finalized the $11 billion purchase of data streaming software firm Confluent. The company now anticipates its operating pre-tax margin to expand by roughly 1%, despite closing the Confluent transaction earlier than anticipated.

Executives will review the quarterly results with analysts on a conference call beginning at 5 p.m. ET.

WATCH: Citigroup’s Boolani on IBM’s upside: Will be an AI survivor and enabler

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im