IBM Backs 2015 Profit Guidance, Says Currency Will Crimp Revenue Growth

International Business Machines Corp. said Thursday it still expects 2015 operating earnings per share of $15.75 to $16.50, even as the strong dollar weighs. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, IBM said it expects currency to shave 7 points off revenue growth in the first quarter and to shave 6 points off full-year revenue growth. At the same time, the company expects the divestiture of its System x business to shave 4 points off revenue growth in the first three quarters of the year. Shares were slightly higher in premarket trade, and have gained about 0.6% in the last three months, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 2.2%.