IBM vs Microsoft Stock in December 2025: Which AI Powerhouse Looks Like the Better Buy After IBM’s $11 Billion Confluent Deal?
IBM announced an $11 billion all-cash deal to acquire Confluent at $31 per share, a 34% premium. IBM stock traded near $310 with a 45% year-to-date return and 2.2% dividend yield. Microsoft shares hovered around $491, with a $3.85 trillion market cap and 17% YTD return. Broader markets remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s decision.