IBM spins off infrastructure services unit as turns its focus on cloud computing

The shift divides IBM into two, splitting its IT-management services from its new hybrid-cloud computing unit

The new unit will handle day-to-day infrastructure service operations like managing client data centres and IT support. AP

International Business Machines is spinning off a slower-growth business that manages corporate computer systems so it can focus on the boom in demand for cloud services and step up competition with Amazon and Microsoft.

The new unit, which is currently part of IBM’s global technology services division, handles day-to-day infrastructure service operations, like managing client data centres and traditional information-technology support for installing, repairing and operating equipment. It serves 4,600 clients and has an order backlog of $60 billion, according to a statement from IBM on Thursday.

The shift essentially divides IBM into two, splitting its legacy IT-management services from its new hybrid-cloud computing and artificial intelligence unit, which the company hopes will return it to revenue growth - and relevancy. IBM said it aims to complete the transaction as a tax-free spinoff to IBM shareholders by the end of 2021.

The move is the fourth major transformation for IBM in its 109-year history and is the first big move by chief executive Arvind Krishna, who took over from Ginni Rometty in April and has been pushing to revive growth after almost a decade of shrinking revenue. Mr Krishna earlier this year cut thousands of jobs as he began reshaping the business.

Once an iconic blue-chip company, IBM’s star has faded over the years as its legacy in mainframe computing and IT services fell behind while newer technology firms like Amazon swooped in to dominate the emerging cloud-computing market.

Now IBM is plotting its rebound, aiming to become the leader in what it calls hybrid-cloud software and services that let clients store data in private servers and in public clouds, including those run by Amazon and Microsoft. In 2018, IBM spent $34bn to buy open source software provider Red Hat to aid that transition.

“Today is a landmark day for our company,” Mr Krishna said on a call with analysts. “We are redefining the future of IBM.”

Shares in IBM rose as much as 9.2 per cent, the most in six months. They were up 5.3 per cent to $130.60 at 11.53am in New York, the biggest gainer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company’s shares have declined 7.4 per cent this year through Wednesday, giving it a market value of $110bn.

IBM’s global technology services division, where the new company is currently housed, saw revenue decline 6 per cent last year to $27.4bn.

The spinoff “essentially takes more than 50 per cent of the business and cuts it off into a separate company”, said James Cortada, who spent decades at IBM and has written books on the company. “In breaking into two this will make it easier for each business to thrive based on its own characteristics.”

The new company will manage and modernise corporate clients’ infrastructures, a $500bn market opportunity, using artificial intelligence and automation, according to IBM. The original IBM will focus on the “$1 trillion hybrid-cloud opportunity,” Mr Krishna said.

This shift will also help eliminate the long-running rivalry between the new, fast-growth part of IBM’s business and the old.

IBM’s large legacy of IT products has been a drag on growth, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Anurag Rana. “Unloading lower-growth businesses could unlock the true value of Red Hat, which we calculate at over $50bn,” he said, adding that the spinoff is “exciting news for IBM”. The move will make IBM more of a software company and less of a low-growth services vendor, possibly aiding its valuation, Mr Rana said.

IBM’s services business has been struggling, as many of its clients delayed purchases of information technology or software upgrades to focus on short-term stability and cash preservation to survive the pandemic. In the second quarter, revenue declined in the tech support units Global Business Services and Global Technology Services, which account for about 56 per cent of IBM’s total revenue. Meanwhile cloud revenue increased 30 per cent.

After separation, the companies together are initially expected to pay a combined quarterly dividend that is no less than IBM’s pre-spin dividend per share, according to the statement. IBM said it will take a $2.3bn charge in the fourth quarter.

IBM also announced preliminary third-quarter results on Thursday. The company expects revenue of $17.6bn, in line with analysts’ estimates, and operating earnings of $1.89 a share. Analysts were projecting $2.02 a share on that basis. IBM reports earnings October 19.

Mr Krishna told analysts to expect IBM to remain acquisitive as it continues hunting for revenue growth.