IBM

AI is disrupting the legacy system modernization market, traditionally a lucrative segment for IBM. Anthropic’s new AI tool for COBOL modernization triggered a significant drop in IBM’s stock. While AI can accelerate code translation, IBM argues its mainframe platform’s value lies in its integrated architecture, not just the COBOL code. This development prompts a broader industry re-evaluation of AI’s impact on consulting revenue streams.

IBM shares dropped 11% following Anthropic’s announcement of Claude Code’s new AI capability for automating COBOL modernization. This development highlights the disruption AI poses to legacy systems, which power critical sectors like finance. Anthropic’s AI can now streamline complex code analysis, documentation, and risk identification, potentially reducing modernization costs. This event reflects broader AI-driven market anxieties, impacting tech stocks, and signals growing investor concern over AI’s implications for companies reliant on older technologies.

IBM reported a strong fourth quarter and expects continued growth, exceeding earnings and revenue expectations. The company’s generative AI “book of business” surpassed $12.5 billion, driving optimism. IBM also plans to launch its first large-scale quantum computer by 2029. Software and infrastructure segments showed significant growth, particularly IBM Z Systems. The company forecasts over 5% revenue growth for the year.

IBM will reduce its global workforce by a low single-digit percentage in Q4, impacting around 2,700 positions. This realignment, driven by advancements in AI, mirrors similar moves by other tech giants like Amazon and Meta. Despite the cuts, IBM anticipates flat U.S. employment year-over-year. The company reported strong earnings and is actively diversifying into cloud computing, AI, and consulting under CEO Arvind Krishna, who has emphasized AI’s role in optimizing workflows. Previous staff reductions occurred in marketing and communications in March 2024.

AMD shares surged after reports that IBM successfully used AMD’s FPGAs to run a quantum error correction algorithm. IBM confirmed the development, considering it a milestone in their aim to build a large-scale quantum computer by 2029. The breakthrough simplifies quantum computing by using conventional chips, potentially reducing costs. The news also boosted IBM’s stock and other quantum computing companies like D-Wave, Rigetti, and IonQ. This highlights the advancements in heterogeneous computing for quantum applications.

IBM reported a strong Q3, exceeding expectations with adjusted EPS of $2.65 and revenue of $16.33 billion. Revenue grew 9% year-over-year, driven by AI traction, with AI-related bookings surpassing $9.5 billion. IBM raised its full-year revenue growth forecast to “more than” 5% and free cash flow to $14 billion. Software and Consulting revenues also performed well, with Infrastructure experiencing a significant increase. Despite the positive results, shares dipped in after-hours trading.