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Investors looking to add AI exposure to their portfolio received another trade idea when Citi initiated coverage on International Business Machines (IBM). The research firm cited attractive valuation, acquisition synergies, and artificial intelligence tailwinds as the major reasons for its “Buy” rating and $285 price target.

Citi pointed out that IBM has minimal capital intensity exposure to AI demand while being in a position to build the next leg of enterprise AI systems. This unique position is mainly a result of the company’s existing presence in some of the most complex enterprise IT systems in the world, giving it a strong defensive position in a growing industry.

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The company’s acquisition strategy is also going well. Recent acquisitions of HashiCorp in 2025 and Confluent earlier this year allow IBM to build a data nervous system that will power agentic AI through real-time data streaming. This is in addition to the firm’s long-term potential in quantum computing.

Founded in 1911, IBM operates as an integrated solutions and services provider. The company operates through its Financing, Consulting, Software, and Infrastructure segments, offering hybrid cloud and AI platforms, strategy and technology services, on-premises and cloud-based servers and storage solutions, client and commercial financing, and more.

IBM stock has underperformed the broader market over the last year. While the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has delivered returns of around 28% over the past 52 weeks, IBM stock has gained less than 1% over the same period. The S&P 500 outperforming IBM across multiple time frames highlights weaker momentum in the stock.

The problem with IBM has mostly been its lackluster growth. Estimated earnings growth of 7% in 2026 hardly inspires investors. The 2027 consensus growth rate of 8% doesn’t impress, either. However, this is exactly what makes IBM a great defensive AI bet according to Citi. IBM stock’s forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18.6 times is now similar to the broader market and below its own five-year average. When coupled with the scope of healthy upward revisions in earnings and free cash flow on the back of AI opportunities, the valuation is enticing.

IBM reported fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 28. The company posted revenue growth of 9% in Q4 to $19.7 billion. Annual recurring revenue came in at $23.6 billion, increasing by more than $2 billion versus the end of 2024. Software was the main growth driver during the quarter with revenue rising 11%. This was supported by strong performance in automation, which rose 14%, and data, which grew 19%. The consulting segment also recorded a modest 1% increase, while infrastructure rose 17% year-over-year (YOY). At the end of 2025, IBM had $14.5 billion in cash.

For 2026, management expects more than 5% revenue growth on a constant currency basis. Free cash flows are also projected to increase by approximately $1 billion. The software segment is anticipated to be the main driver again, growing by around 10%. Additionally, the infrastructure segment may see a slight decline, while the consulting segment is expected to rise in the low- to mid-single digits. IBM is also targeting an additional $1 billion in productivity savings.

Ahead of the company's Q1 earnings report on April 22, Stifel analyst David Grossman cut the firm’s price target on IBM stock from $340 to $290. However, the analyst maintained a “Buy” rating. The price target revision reflects updated 2026 estimates, taking into account potential headwinds from the Iran war as well as software and services growth. At the same time, the outlook also includes a positive factor from the Confluent acquisition, which may close earlier than previously expected.

IBM stock has a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating based on 22 analysts with coverage on Wall Street. The consensus rating shows that analysts are optimistic about the stock, despite an unimpressive recent performance. IBM has a mean price target of $311.29, offering 30% potential upside from current levels.

On the date of publication, Jabran Kundi did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com