MetaCap

International Business Machines (IBM) vs Super Micro Computer (SMCI)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

International Business Machines (IBM) has outperformed Super Micro Computer (SMCI) over the past year, losing 21.7% versus a loss of 27.1%. Over five years, SMCI leads with a +1106.8% price change compared with +63.9% for IBM. International Business Machines is the larger company by market cap ($213.50 billion vs $28.10 billion), about 7.6 times the size, while Super Micro Computer is growing revenue faster (+77.8% vs +7.6%).

On valuation, Super Micro Computer trades at a lower forward P/E (8.0x vs 17.2x for International Business Machines). International Business Machines pays a dividend yielding 2.97%, while Super Micro Computer does not currently pay one. International Business Machines converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.7% versus 5.7%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

IBM-21.71%SMCI-27.11%
+18%-26%-69%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
IBM+65.50%SMCI+1059.71%
+3141%+1488%-166%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

IBM versus SMCI key metrics
MetricIBMSMCI
Share price$226.61$42.77
Market cap$213.50B$28.10B
1-day change+2.77%-4.83%
YTD return-23.50%+46.12%
1-year return-21.71%-27.11%
5-year return+63.91%+1106.83%
P/E ratio (TTM)20.1413.12
Forward P/E17.238.03
EPS (TTM)$11.25$3.26
Dividend yield2.97%0.00%
Annual dividend$6.73$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)$67.53B$39.06B
Revenue growth (YoY)+7.62%+77.79%
Net income (latest FY)$10.59B$2.23B
Gross margin58.19%10.82%
Operating margin—7.09%
Net margin15.69%5.71%
52-week high$332.46$58.51
52-week low$199.19$19.48
Distance from 52-week high-31.84%-26.90%
Analyst consensusbuyhold
Avg. price target upside+6.17%-2.10%
Average volume8.09M44.44M
Shares outstanding942.13M656.97M
Employees264,3007,000
SectorTechnologyTechnology
IndustryComputer ManufacturingComputer Manufacturing

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • International Business Machines is about 7.6 times larger than Super Micro Computer by market value ($213.50B vs $28.10B).
  • International Business Machines trades at a higher earnings multiple (20.1x vs 13.1x trailing P/E).
  • International Business Machines offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.97% vs 0.00%).
  • International Business Machines is more profitable, keeping 15.7 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.7 cents for Super Micro Computer.
  • Super Micro Computer grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+77.79% vs +7.62%).

About International Business Machines

IBM stock →

International Business Machines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated solutions and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments.

Technology · Computer Manufacturing · 264,300 employees

About Super Micro Computer

SMCI stock →

Super Micro Computer, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops and sells server and storage solutions based on modular and open-standard architecture in the United States, Asia, Europe, and internationally. The company offers liquid and air-cooled AI servers for training and inferencing with integrated graphics processing units (GPUs) or PCIe based architectures; SuperBlade, MicroBlade, FlexTwin, GrandTwin, and BigTwin blade and multi-node systems; SuperStorage systems; Hyper, CloudDC, and WIO and rackmount systems; embedded (5G/IoT/Edge) systems; and MicroCloud server systems.

Technology · Computer Manufacturing · 7,000 employees

IBM vs SMCI FAQ

Which is bigger, International Business Machines or Super Micro Computer?

International Business Machines (IBM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $213.50B compared with $28.10B for Super Micro Computer (SMCI).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, IBM or SMCI?

IBM returned -21.71% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.11% for SMCI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, IBM or SMCI?

SMCI has the lower trailing P/E at 13.1, versus 20.1 for IBM. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, International Business Machines or Super Micro Computer?

International Business Machines pays a dividend yielding 2.97%, while Super Micro Computer does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are International Business Machines and Super Micro Computer in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Manufacturing industry within the Technology sector.

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