IBM raises full year earnings target

By Philipp Gollner

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - IBM (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) posted stronger-than-expected quarterly results on Wednesday and raised its 2008 outlook, boosting the shares 2.7 percent and sending an encouraging signal about technology earnings in the face of a weak U.S. economy.

International Business Machines Corp's technology services, consulting and software revenues were particularly strong and investors expressed relief a day after microchip maker Intel Corp (INTC.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) also gave an upbeat outlook for the year.

"This is great for the Street, great for technology," said Ted Parrish, co-portfolio manager at Henssler Equity Fund. "IBM is a bellwether for global technology issues, especially the services area."

IBM shares have risen more than 20 percent since its last earnings report in January on investor optimism the company was better sheltered than rivals from the U.S. economic downturn.

The Armonk, New York-based company gets about two-thirds of its revenue from outside the United States and recurring revenue from services and software contracts accounts for about half its business, providing a buffer from sharp turns in the economy.

First-quarter net income rose 26 percent to $2.32 billion, or $1.65 per share, beating the average analyst forecast by 20 cents, according to Reuters Estimates. It raised its full-year earnings-per-share forecast to at least $8.50 per share from at least $8.25 in February.

"The magnitude of the beat was unexpected," said Zach Rosenstock, an analyst at Wayne Hummer Wealth Management. "You're seeing strength in all of their business lines. The U.S. is definitely a drag, but it is only 35 percent of revenues. They have really positioned themselves well for a downturn in the U.S. market."

Profit rose from $1.84 billion, or $1.21 per share, a year earlier, while revenue grew 11 percent to $24.5 billion from $22 billion and topped analysts' average estimate of $23.7 billion.