IBM Earnings Today: Red Hat, Confluent and AI Risk Put a $15.6 Billion Quarter in Focus

Confluent Inc wrapped up its public-market stint at $31 per share, the figure set after IBM finalized its $11 billion acquisition ahead of the opening bell on March 17. Nasdaq reported CFLT trading was halted following after-hours moves on March 16, with suspension kicking in on March 18. Final market prints landed at $30.99, just shy of the $31.00 mark hit earlier.

Shares of International Business Machines Corp added 3.12% on Friday, ending the session at $298.93. The move leaves the stock on stronger footing heading into Monday, after a volatile stretch for U.S. tech.

Confluent stock closed out Friday at $30.57, ticking up 0.7%. That’s just 43 cents shy of IBM’s $31 cash bid, leaving investors bracing for a critical week ahead on the deal.

Confluent ticked up Friday—shares were up 0.7% at roughly $30.57 by 2:30 p.m. EST—after the company released fresh merger disclosures related to its pending IBM acquisition. The update followed increased investor pressure and two lawsuits aimed at the proxy. According to the latest filing, Confluent’s board faced 17 demand letters along with two legal actions in New York state court. The company said it will update its proxy materials before the Feb. 12 shareholder vote.

Confluent Inc shares held steady near $30.36 in premarket Friday, as investors absorbed fresh merger filings with regulators. IBM, the acquiring company, ticked up roughly 0.3%.

Confluent shares barely moved in after-hours trading Thursday. The data-software firm submitted fresh merger disclosures as it prepares for a shareholder vote on its planned IBM acquisition.

Confluent shares slipped 0.4% to $30.34 on Wednesday, staying within a tight range and roughly $0.67 short of IBM’s $31-per-share cash bid. Volume was heavy, as IBM’s stock dropped around 4%.

IBM shares last traded around $305.09, up about 0.18% versus the prior close—small movement, but notable given how tightly the broader market hugged its highs heading into year-end.