WallStSmart

International Business Machines (IBM)vsKyndryl Holdings Inc (KD)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

International Business Machines generates 357% more annual revenue ($68.91B vs $15.09B). IBM leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 1.3%. KD trades at a lower P/E of 13.8x. IBM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

IBM

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.29

KD

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.5Value: 6.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.16

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IBM3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$309.44B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
32.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.78B8/10

Generating 4.8B in free cash flow

KD2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
13.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

IBM4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
8.1x4/10

Trading at 8.1x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.992/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

KD4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
1.3%3/10

1.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Revenue declined 0.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-73.1%2/10

Earnings declined 73.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IBM

The strongest argument for IBM centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 13.8%.

Bull Case : KD

The strongest argument for KD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : IBM

The primary concerns for IBM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.14 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : KD

The primary concerns for KD are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 4.22 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

IBM profiles as a mature stock while KD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

KD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.73 — expect wider price swings.

IBM is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.

IBM generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

IBM scores higher overall (57/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

International Business Machines

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Armonk, New York, with operations in over 170 countries. The company began in 1911, founded in Endicott, New York, as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and was renamed International Business Machines in 1924. IBM is incorporated in New York. IBM produces and sells computer hardware, middleware and software, and provides hosting and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology. IBM is also a major research organization, holding the record for most annual U.S. patents generated by a business (as of 2020) for 28 consecutive years. Inventions by IBM include the automated teller machine (ATM), the floppy disk, the hard disk drive, the magnetic stripe card, the relational database, the SQL programming language, the UPC barcode, and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). The IBM mainframe, exemplified by the System/360, was the dominant computing platform during the 1960s and 1970s.

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Kyndryl Holdings Inc

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Kyndryl Holdings Inc (KD) is a leading global technology services provider, established as an independent entity from IBM in 2021. Specializing in the management, modernization, and optimization of critical IT infrastructures, Kyndryl offers vital services that include cloud integration, data security, and digital transformation. The company leverages strategic partnerships with prominent technology firms to deliver tailored, innovative solutions that address the complexities of a rapidly changing digital landscape. Kyndryl’s extensive expertise and capabilities make it an essential partner for organizations seeking to elevate their technological performance and secure a competitive edge in their respective markets.

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