IBM reports solid quarter, raises full-year guidance

19.04.2011
IBM on Tuesday reported quarterly sales growth across all its major divisions and raised its earnings outlook for the full year, the latest sign that business spending in the IT sector continues to recover.

IBM's total revenue for was US$24.6 billion, up 8 percent from the same quarter a year earlier, or up 5 percent on a constant currency basis. Net income after one-time charges climbed 10 percent to $2.9 billion, IBM said.

Revenue was up in all geographies, with sales growing 12 percent in the Asia Pacific and 9 percent in the Americas. The recovery in Europe continued to lag behind, with sales up 3 percent for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

"On the strength of this performance, we are raising our full-year 2011 operating earnings per share expectations to at least $13.15," IBM Chairman, President and CEO Sam Palmisano said in a statement.