Ever tried to nail jelly to a wall? That's kinda what it feels like tracking a tech giant in the middle of a massive AI pivot. If you're looking for the short answer to how much is ibm stock, as of the last market close on Friday, January 16, 2026, it settled at $305.67.
It’s been a wild ride. Over the last few days, we’ve seen the price bounce from $297.95 up to nearly $310 before finding this current groove. If you're checking this on Sunday, January 18, the markets are closed, so that $305.67 is the number pinned to the board until Monday morning’s opening bell.
Honestly, the price is only half the story. To understand why IBM is trading at these levels—levels we haven't seen in years—you have to look at what’s actually happening under the hood of "Big Blue."
Why the Price of IBM Stock Is Moving Like This
We aren't looking at the "boring" IBM of the 2010s anymore. For a long time, this stock was basically a bond in disguise—reliable dividends, but the growth was, well, non-existent.
Things changed.
The market has priced in a lot of optimism around their hybrid cloud and AI software segments. Specifically, the acquisition of companies like HashiCorp and the more recent $11 billion move for Confluent (expected to close mid-2026) have shifted investor sentiment. People are starting to view IBM as a software powerhouse again, rather than just a legacy consulting firm.
The Numbers That Matter Right Now
If you're digging into the valuation, here are the core vitals as of mid-January 2026:
- 52-Week Range: It’s been swinging between $214.50 and a high of $324.90.
- Market Cap: Roughly $285.72 billion.
- P/E Ratio: Sitting around 35.1x to 36.5x.
Is that expensive? Some analysts, like those at Goldman Sachs, have a buy rating with a price target of $350. They think the demand for AI modernization is only going to accelerate. Others, looking at the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), suggest the "fair value" might be closer to $277. It’s a classic tug-of-war between growth bulls and value bears.
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How Much Is IBM Stock Giving Back in Dividends?
One thing that hasn't changed? The dividend. IBM has paid a quarterly check to shareholders since 1916. That is a century of consistency.
Right now, the yield is hovering around 2.2%. You might remember when that yield was closer to 4% or 5%, but don't let the lower percentage fool you. The yield dropped primarily because the stock price soared 35% over the last year. The actual cash payout is still strong—currently $1.68 per share quarterly ($6.72 annually).
The next "ex-dividend" date is expected around February 10, 2026. If you want that next payout in March, you’ve got to own the shares before that date.
What’s Coming Next for the Price?
All eyes are on January 28, 2026. That’s when IBM drops its fourth-quarter 2025 results.
The "whisper number" or consensus for Earnings Per Share (EPS) is about $4.33. If they beat that, especially if they show double-digit growth in the Red Hat and Software divisions, we could see a push back toward those 52-week highs. If the guidance for 2026 looks soft due to "enterprises rationalizing IT budgets" (a fancy way of saying companies are spending less), the stock might take a breather.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are looking to do more than just check the price, here is how to handle the current volatility:
- Watch the $297 Level: This has acted as recent support. If the stock dips below this, it might signal a short-term trend reversal.
- Monitor the Confluent Integration: Keep an eye on news regarding the $11 billion Confluent deal. Regulatory hurdles or changes in the closing timeline usually cause price wobbles.
- Check the Earnings Call: On Jan 28, don't just look at the profit. Listen for "Free Cash Flow" (FCF) projections. Analysts are looking for over $15 billion in FCF for 2026. If they hit that, the dividend is more than safe; it's primed for another hike.
The days of IBM being a "slow and steady" laggard seem to be in the rearview mirror for now. Whether it can sustain a $300+ price tag depends entirely on whether those AI software bets actually turn into bottom-line profits this year.