IBM in Focus as Bernstein Maintains Neutral Stance After Confluent Acquisition

International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is one of the AI Stocks Analysts Are Watching Closely. On December 10, Bernstein SocGen Group reiterated its Market Perform rating on the stock with a price target of $280.00.

Firm analysts remain neutral on the stock despite IBM’s acquisition announcement noting that even though it sees strategic alignment, overall view and valuation remains unchanged.

“IBM + Confluent (CFLT): A match made in heaven?”

According to Bernstein, IBM will acquire all outstanding common shares of Confluent for $31 per share in cash. This represents an enterprise value of $11 billion.

The transaction is expected to close by mid-2026, and will be subject to normal regulatory and closing conditions.

“The boards of both companies have approved the deal, and Confluent’s largest shareholders, representing roughly 62% of the company’s voting power, have already signed voting agreements committing to support the transaction and oppose any alternative offers.”

International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is a multinational technology company and a pioneer in artificial intelligence, offering AI consulting services and a suite of AI software products.

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Disclosure: None.