Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (KD)
SIC breadcrumb: Services > Business Services > SIC 7373 Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1867072. Latest filing source: 0001104659-26-067881.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read KD's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read KD's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 15,092,000,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-05-29 |
| Net income | 198,000,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-05-29 |
| Assets | 12,551,000,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-05-29 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-29. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001867072.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 20,279,000,000 | 19,352,000,000 | 18,657,000,000 | 17,026,000,000 | 16,052,000,000 | 15,057,000,000 | 15,092,000,000 | |
| Net income | -943,000,000 | -2,007,000,000 | -2,304,000,000 | -1,374,000,000 | -340,000,000 | 252,000,000 | 198,000,000 | |
| Diluted EPS | -4.21 | -8.96 | -10.28 | -6.06 | -1.48 | 1.05 | 0.85 | |
| Operating cash flow | 1,134,000,000 | 628,000,000 | -119,000,000 | 781,000,000 | 454,000,000 | 942,000,000 | 948,000,000 | |
| Capital expenditures | 1,036,000,000 | 752,000,000 | 865,000,000 | 651,000,000 | 605,000,000 | 608,000,000 | ||
| Share buybacks | 93,000,000 | 304,000,000 | ||||||
| Assets | 11,205,000,000 | 13,213,000,000 | 13,442,000,000 | 11,464,000,000 | 10,590,000,000 | 10,452,000,000 | 12,551,000,000 | |
| Liabilities | 6,274,000,000 | 10,446,000,000 | 10,730,000,000 | 10,002,000,000 | 9,468,000,000 | 9,121,000,000 | 11,259,000,000 | |
| Stockholders' equity | 4,873,000,000 | 2,765,000,000 | 2,618,000,000 | 1,365,000,000 | 1,015,000,000 | 1,219,000,000 | 1,175,000,000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 24,000,000 | 2,223,000,000 | 2,134,000,000 | 1,847,000,000 | 1,553,000,000 | 1,786,000,000 | 2,623,000,000 | |
| Free cash flow | -408,000,000 | -871,000,000 | -84,000,000 | -197,000,000 | 337,000,000 | 340,000,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | -4.65% | -10.37% | -12.35% | -8.07% | -2.12% | 1.67% | 1.31% | |
| Return on equity | -41.19% | -83.33% | -100.66% | -33.50% | 20.67% | 16.85% | ||
| Return on assets | -17.91% | -17.44% | -11.99% | -3.21% | 2.41% | 1.58% | ||
| Liabilities / equity | 1.29 | 3.78 | 4.10 | 7.33 | 9.33 | 7.48 | 9.58 | |
| Current ratio | 0.73 | 1.30 | 1.20 | 1.02 | 1.03 | 1.07 | 0.88 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Operating cash flow: accession 0001104659-26-067881; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001104659-26-067881; concept PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets | Free cash flow: accession 0001104659-26-067881; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: ProfitLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:ProfitLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-067881; filed 2026-05-29. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-17. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001867072.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-Q1 | 2022-06-30 | 4,288,000,000 | -250,000,000 | -1.11 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q2 | 2022-09-30 | 4,179,000,000 | -281,000,000 | -1.24 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2022-12-31 | 4,303,000,000 | -106,000,000 | -0.47 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-03-31 | 4,255,000,000 | -737,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2023-06-30 | 4,193,000,000 | -141,000,000 | -0.62 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2023-09-30 | 4,073,000,000 | -142,000,000 | -0.62 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2023-12-31 | 3,936,000,000 | -12,000,000 | -0.05 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-03-31 | 3,850,000,000 | -45,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2024-06-30 | 3,739,000,000 | 11,000,000 | 0.05 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q1 | 2025-06-30 | 3,743,000,000 | 56,000,000 | 0.23 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-09-30 | 3,721,000,000 | 68,000,000 | 0.29 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-12-31 | 3,859,000,000 | 57,000,000 | 0.25 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2025-06-30; accession 0001558370-25-010303; filed 2025-08-05. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2025-06-30; accession 0001558370-25-010303; filed 2025-08-05. Concept: ProfitLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:ProfitLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2025-06-30; accession 0001558370-25-010303; filed 2025-08-05. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001104659-26-015743.
Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025
Overview
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,859 | | | $ | 3,744 | | | $ | 11,323 | | | $ | 11,257 | |
| Revenue growth (GAAP) | | | 3 | % | | | (5) | % | | | 1 | % | | | (8) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency* | | | 0 | % | | | (3) | % | | | (2) | % | | | (6) | % |
| Net income | | $ | 57 | | | $ | 215 | | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 183 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA* | | $ | 696 | | | $ | 704 | | | $ | 1,984 | | | $ | 1,818 | |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| * | Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. For definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, see “Segment Results.” |
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | | March 31, | ||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2025 | | 2025 | ||
| Assets | | $ | 11,276 | | $ | 10,452 |
| Liabilities | | | 9,967 | | | 9,121 |
| Equity | | | 1,309 | | | 1,331 |
Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM in September 2021 to hold the operations of the infrastructure services unit of IBM’s Global Technology Services segment. On November 3, 2021, Kyndryl separated from IBM through a spin-off that was tax-free for U.S. federal tax purposes. Following the Separation, Kyndryl became an independent, publicly-traded company and the world’s leading IT infrastructure services provider.
Financial Performance Summary
Macro Dynamics
Most economists, including the International Monetary Fund, expect positive but subdued global macroeconomic growth in calendar year 2026 amid ongoing trade tensions and heightened macroeconomic uncertainties. Global markets have experienced volatility from time to time in recent months, driven by geopolitical developments, concerns over changes in global trade policies and the imposition of import tariffs by the United States, reactions from other nations and proposed U.S. government spending reductions. Increased economic uncertainty can impact the level and composition of global macroeconomic activity.
Financial Performance
For the three months ended December 31, 2025, we reported $3.9 billion in revenue, an increase of 3 percent compared to the prior-year period. The revenue performance included a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. United States revenue was unchanged, Japan revenue decreased 2 percent, Principal Markets revenue increased 10 percent and Strategic Markets revenue was unchanged, in each case compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024. During the period, growth in Kyndryl Consult and hyperscaler-related revenues were partially offset by lengthening sales cycles. Margins were adversely affected by the lengthening sales cycles, in addition to higher labor costs driven by investments to support our strategic growth initiatives and an unanticipated decline in overall employee attrition, partially offset by incremental savings from our strategic growth initiatives. Net income of $57 million decreased by $158 million versus the prior-year period, reflecting a $138 million after-tax gain from the sale of our SIS
29
Table of Contents
Management Discussion (continued)
platform (classified as a transaction-related benefit) in the prior-year period and $28 million of an after-tax transaction-related cost in the current period related to an interim arbitration decision on a pre-spin matter.
For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, we reported $11.3 billion in revenue, an increase of 1 percent compared to the prior-year period. The revenue performance included a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. United States revenue declined 5 percent, Japan revenue declined 1 percent, Principal Markets revenue increased 5 percent and Strategic Markets revenue increased 2 percent, in each case compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2024. Net income of $181 million decreased by $2 million versus the prior-year period reflecting a $138 million after-tax gain from the sale of our SIS platform (classified as a transaction-related benefit) in the prior-year period, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies.
Segment Results
The following table presents our reportable segments’ revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Segment revenue and revenue growth in constant currency exclude any transactions between the segments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Year-over-Year Change | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | Year-over-Year Change | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 vs. 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 958 | | | $ | 961 | | | (0) | % | | $ | 2,768 | | | $ | 2,907 | | | (5) | % |
| Japan | | | 568 | | | | 579 | | | (2) | % | | | 1,728 | | | | 1,753 | | | (1) | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 1,428 | | | | 1,300 | | | 10 | % | | | 4,119 | | | | 3,933 | | | 5 | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 905 | | | | 904 | | | 0 | % | | | 2,709 | | | | 2,664 | | | 2 | % |
| Total revenue | | $ | 3,859 | | | $ | 3,744 | | | 3 | % | | $ | 11,323 | | | $ | 11,257 | | | 1 | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency* | | | 0 | % | | | (3) | % | | | | | | (2) | % | | | (6) | % | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA* | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 205 | | | $ | 204 | | | 0 | % | | $ | 596 | | | $ | 496 | | | 20 | % |
| Japan | | | 126 | | | | 111 | | | 14 | % | | | 364 | | | | 288 | | | 26 | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 221 | | | | 226 | | | (2) | % | | | 629 | | | | 655 | | | (4) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 169 | | | | 187 | | | (10) | % | | | 474 | | | | 445 | | | 7 | % |
| Corporate and other† | | | (26) | | | | (24) | | | NM | | | | (79) | | | | (66) | | | NM | |
| Total adjusted EBITDA* | | $ | 696 | | | $ | 704 | | | (1) | % | | $ | 1,984 | | | $ | 1,818 | | | 9 | % |
NM – not meaningful
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| * | Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. See the information below for definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income. |
† Represents net amounts not allocated to segments.
We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We also present certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide useful supplemental information to investors. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures as we believe they enhance visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance, enable better comparison to peer companies and allow us to provide a long-term strategic view of the business going forward.
Revenue growth in constant currency is a non-GAAP measure that eliminates the effects of exchange rate fluctuations when translating from foreign currencies to the United States dollar. It is calculated by using the average exchange rates that existed for the same period of the prior year. Constant-currency measures are provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends.
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Table of Contents
Management Discussion (continued)
Additionally, management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and defined as net income excluding income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of capitalized contract costs), charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets, charges related to lease terminations, transaction-related costs, pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, stock-based compensation expense, workforce rebalancing charges incurred prior to March 31, 2024, impairment expense, significant litigation costs and benefits, and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a helpful supplemental measure to assist investors in evaluating our operating results as it excludes certain items whose fluctuation from period to period does not necessarily correspond to changes in the operations of our business.
These disclosures are provided in addition to and not as a substitute for the percentage change in revenue and profit or loss measures on a U.S. GAAP basis compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of these measures for comparative purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income to adjusted EBITDA:
[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
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[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Included below are selected results and year-over-year comparisons for the years ended March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. For further information on the comparisons between the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 not covered in the “Segment Results” below, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on February 17, 2026 (the “2025 Form 10-K”).
Overview
Kyndryl is a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, offering advisory, implementation and managed service capabilities to thousands of customers in more than 60 countries. As the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, the Company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex information systems that the world depends on every day.
The Company is organized, managed and classified into four reportable segments by geography: United States, Japan, Principal Markets and Strategic Markets. For additional information on these segments, refer to Note 4 – Segments to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
Financial Performance Summary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | | 2024 | ||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 15,092 | | | $ | 15,057 | | | $ | 16,052 | |
| Revenue growth (GAAP) | | | 0 | % | | | (6) | % | | | (6) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency* | | | (3) | % | | | (4) | % | | | (6) | % |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 198 | | | $ | 252 | | | $ | (340) | |
| Adjusted EBITDA* | | $ | 2,672 | | | $ | 2,516 | | | $ | 2,367 | |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| * | Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. For definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, see “⸺Segment Results.” |
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | ||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | ||
| Assets | | $ | 12,551 | | $ | 10,452 |
| Liabilities | | | 11,259 | | | 9,121 |
| Equity | | | 1,293 | | | 1,331 |
Fiscal 2026 Financial Performance
For the year ended March 31, 2026, we reported $15.1 billion in revenue, unchanged compared to the year ended March 31, 2025. The revenue performance included a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. United States revenue decreased 2 percent, Japan revenue decreased 3 percent, Principal Markets revenue increased 4 percent and Strategic Markets revenue was unchanged, compared to the year ended March 31, 2025. During the period, the Company experienced growth in Kyndryl Consult and hyperscaler-related revenues and revenue performance was unfavorably impacted by lengthening sales cycles and evolving content from the Company’s former parent in the Company’s customer engagements. Net income of $198 million decreased by $53 million versus the prior year reflecting a $138 million after-tax gain from the sale of our Securities Industry Services (“SIS”) platform in Canada (classified as a transaction-related benefit) in the prior year, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies. During the period, margins were adversely affected by lengthening sales cycles.
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Table of Contents
Fiscal 2025 Financial Performance
For the year ended March 31, 2025, we reported $15.1 billion in revenue, a decline of 6 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2024. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships, as well as currency effects. United States revenue decreased 10 percent, Japan revenue increased 1 percent, Principal Markets revenue decreased 5 percent and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 8 percent, compared to the year ended March 31, 2024. Net income of $252 million improved by $592 million versus the prior year driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies and increased margins, lower depreciation expense of $180 million and a $138 million after-tax gain from the sale of our SIS platform in Canada.
Macro Dynamics
Global markets have experienced volatility in 2026, amid ongoing trade tensions and heightened macroeconomic uncertainties, driven by geopolitical developments and conflicts, concerns over changes in global trade policies and the imposition of import tariffs by the United States, reactions from other nations and proposed U.S. government spending reductions. Increased economic uncertainty has impacted and may continue to impact the level and composition of global macroeconomic activity.
Recent Developments
The Company continues to cooperate with the SEC Division of Enforcement’s investigation relating to the Company’s cash management practices, related disclosures, the efficacy of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and certain other matters. The matter is ongoing and the Company cannot currently predict its final outcome. See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for further information about this and other contingency matters.
In addition, as previously disclosed, the Company identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. For more information, see “Controls and Procedures” in Part II, Item 9A in this report.
Acquisitions Update
For information concerning our recent acquisitions activity, including regarding the pending acquisition of Solvinity Group B.V., see Note 10 – Acquisitions and Divestitures in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
Basis of Presentation
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. We prepared these estimates based on the most current and best available information, but actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions. All significant transactions and accounts between Kyndryl entities were eliminated. Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying whole-dollar amounts.
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Segment Results
The following table presents our reportable segments’ revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the years ended March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024. Segment revenue and revenue growth in constant currency exclude any transactions between the segments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | Year-over-Year Change | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | | 2024(3) | | 2026 vs. 2025 | | 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 3,784 | | | $ | 3,876 | | | $ | 4,295 | | | (2) | % | | (10) | % |
| Japan | | | 2,284 | | | | 2,358 | | | | 2,344 | | | (3) | % | | 1 | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 5,399 | | | | 5,206 | | | | 5,479 | | | 4 | % | | (5) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 3,625 | | | | 3,617 | | | | 3,934 | | | 0 | % | | (8) | % |
| Total revenue | | $ | 15,092 | | | $ | 15,057 | | | $ | 16,052 | | | 0 | % | | (6) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | (3) | % | | | (4) | % | | | (6) | % | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 835 | | | $ | 725 | | | $ | 781 | | | 15 | % | | (7) | % |
| Japan | | | 486 | | | | 390 | | | | 361 | | | 25 | % | | 8 | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 834 | | | | 886 | | | | 677 | | | (6) | % | | 31 | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 622 | | | | 606 | | | | 642 | | | 3 | % | | (6) | % |
| Corporate and other(2) | | | (105) | | | | (90) | | | | (95) | | | NM | | | NM | |
| Total adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 2,672 | | | $ | 2,516 | | | $ | 2,367 | | | 6 | % | | 6 | % |
NM – not meaningful
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. See the information below for definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss). |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | Represents net amounts not allocated to segments. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (3) | Effective June 1, 2024, the Company made a minor change to its geographic reportable segments to reflect how it manages its operations and measures business performance, transitioning the reporting and management of its operations in Australia/New Zealand from the Principal Markets segment to the Strategic Markets segment. Historical fiscal 2024 segment information was recast to reflect this change in the 2025 Form 10-K. |
We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We also present certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide useful supplemental information to investors. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures as we believe they enhance visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance, enable better comparison to peer companies and allow us to provide a long-term strategic view of the business going forward.
Revenue growth in constant currency is a non-GAAP measure that eliminates the effects of exchange rate fluctuations when translating from foreign currencies to the United States dollar. It is calculated by using the average exchange rates that existed for the same period of the prior year. Constant-currency measures are provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends.
Additionally, management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and defined as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of capitalized contract costs), charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets, charges related to lease terminations, transaction-related costs and benefits, pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, stock-based compensation expense, workforce rebalancing charges incurred prior to March 31, 2024, impairment expense, significant litigation costs and benefits, and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a helpful supplemental measure to assist investors in evaluating our operating results as it excludes certain items whose fluctuation from period to period does not necessarily correspond to changes in the operations of our business.
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These disclosures are provided in addition to and not as a substitute for the percentage change in revenue and profit or loss measures on a U.S. GAAP basis compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of these measures for comparative purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | |||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | | 2024 | |||
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 198 | | $ | 252 | | $ | (340) |
| Provision for income taxes | | | 215 | | | 184 | | | 172 |
| Interest expense | | | 89 | | | 100 | | | 122 |
| Depreciation of property, equipment and capitalized software | | | 762 | | | 660 | | | 834 |
| Amortization expense | | | 1,266 | | | 1,308 | | | 1,287 |
| Workforce rebalancing charges incurred prior to March 31, 2024 | | | — | | | — | | | 138 |
| Charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets and lease terminations | | | — | | | 48 | | | 39 |
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | 41 | | | (125) | | | (46) |
| Stock-based compensation expense | | | 64 | | | 100 | | | 95 |
| Other adjustments* | | | 36 | | | (10) | | | 68 |
| Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | | $ | 2,672 | | $ | 2,516 | | $ | 2,367 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| * | Other adjustments represent pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, significant litigation costs and benefits, and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. For the year ended March 31, 2024, other adjustments also included an adjustment to reduce amortization expense for the amount already included in transaction-related costs (benefits) above. |
United States
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | ||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,784 | | | $ | 3,876 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (2) | % | | | (10) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 835 | | | | 725 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | 15 | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2026, United States revenue of $3.8 billion decreased 2 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2025, primarily reflecting the expiration of certain low-margin contracts entered into before the Spin-off. Adjusted EBITDA increased $110 million from the prior year, primarily driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies and lower sales, general and administrative expenses of $57 million attributable to the Company's compensation plans driven by current-year performance.
For the year ended March 31, 2025, United States revenue of $3.9 billion decreased 10 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, reflecting the Company’s efforts to reduce certain low-margin revenues and the expiration of other low-margin contracts entered into before the Spin-off. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $56 million from the prior year, primarily driven by lower revenue and the impact of the inclusion of workforce rebalancing charges in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2025.
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Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | ||||
| Revenue | | $ | 2,284 | | | $ | 2,358 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (3) | % | | | 1 | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (4) | % | | | 6 | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 486 | | | | 390 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | 25 | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2026, Japan revenue of $2.3 billion decreased 3 percent, and decreased 4 percent in constant currency, compared to the year ended March 31, 2025, driven by actions the Company has taken to reduce certain low-margin components of its customer relationships entered into before the Spin-off. Adjusted EBITDA increased $96 million from the prior year, driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies.
For the year ended March 31, 2025, Japan revenue of $2.4 billion increased 1 percent, and increased 6 percent in constant currency, compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by expanding the scope of services we provide to our customers. Adjusted EBITDA increased $29 million from the prior year, primarily driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies.
Principal Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | ||||
| Revenue | | $ | 5,399 | | | $ | 5,206 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | 4 | % | | | (5) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (2) | % | | | (4) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 834 | | | | 886 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (6) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2026, Principal Markets revenue of $5.4 billion increased 4 percent, and decreased 2 percent in constant currency, compared to the year ended March 31, 2025, reflecting the expiration of certain low-margin contracts entered into before the Spin-off. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $52 million from the prior year, primarily due to a vendor credit of $65 million in the prior year, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies.
For the year ended March 31, 2025, Principal Markets revenue of $5.2 billion decreased 5 percent, and decreased 4 percent in constant currency compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $209 million from the prior year, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings, as well as a vendor credit of $65 million.
Strategic Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | ||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,625 | | | $ | 3,617 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | 0 | % | | | (8) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (5) | % | | | (5) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 622 | | | | 606 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | 3 | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2026, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.6 billion was unchanged, and decreased 5 percent in constant currency, compared to the year ended March 31, 2025, primarily driven by actions the Company has taken to reduce certain low-margin components of its customer relationships entered into before the Spin-off. Adjusted
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EBITDA increased $16 million from the prior year, primarily due to progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies.
For the year ended March 31, 2025, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.6 billion decreased 8 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2024. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships, as well as an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $36 million from the prior year, primarily driven by the impact of the inclusion of workforce rebalancing charges in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2025, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and other generated an adjusted EBITDA loss of $105 million in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to a loss of $90 million in the year ended March 31, 2025, and a loss of $95 million in the year ended March 31, 2024.
Costs and Expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | | 2026 | | 2025 | | 2026 vs. 2025 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 15,092 | | $ | 15,057 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 0 | % |
| Cost of services | | | 11,803 | | | 11,914 | | 78.2 | % | | 79.1 | % | (1) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,654 | | | 2,591 | | 17.6 | % | | 17.2 | % | 2 | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 60 | | 114 | 0.4 | % | | 0.8 | % | (48) | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | 41 | | | (125) | | 0.3 | % | | (0.8) | % | | NM | |
| Interest expense | | 89 | | 100 | 0.6 | % | | 0.7 | % | (11) | % | ||||
| Other expense (income) | | 32 | | 27 | 0.2 | % | | 0.2 | % | 16 | % | ||||
| Income before income taxes | | $ | 414 | | $ | 435 | | | | | |
NM – not meaningful
Cost of services was 78.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to 79.1% in the year ended March 31, 2025, driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies, including our Advanced Delivery initiative. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.6% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to 17.2% in the year ended March 31, 2025, driven by increased expenses to support future growth. Transaction-related costs (benefits) were 0.3% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to transaction-related costs (benefits) of (0.8)% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, due to a reserve for an interim arbitration decision on a pre-spin matter in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to a $145 million pretax gain from the sale of the SIS platform in the year ended March 31, 2025. Interest expense was 0.6% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2026 compared to 0.7% in the year ended March 31, 2025.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 vs. 2024 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 15,057 | | $ | 16,052 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (6) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 11,914 | | | 13,189 | | 79.1 | % | | 82.2 | % | (10) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,591 | | | 2,773 | | 17.2 | % | | 17.3 | % | (7) | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 114 | | 138 | 0.8 | % | | 0.9 | % | (18) | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | (125) | | | (46) | | (0.8) | % | | (0.3) | % | | NM | |
| Interest expense | | 100 | | 122 | 0.7 | % | | 0.8 | % | (18) | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 27 | | 45 | 0.2 | % | | 0.3 | % | (39) | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | 435 | | $ | (168) | | | | | |
NM – not meaningful
Cost of services was 79.1% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to 82.2% in the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by lower depreciation expense of $180 million, a vendor credit of $65 million, and progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to 17.3% in the year ended March 31, 2024. Transaction-related costs (benefits) were (0.8)% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to a $145 million pretax gain from the sale of the SIS platform in Canada, compared to transaction-related costs (benefits) of (0.3)% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024, which reflected an agreement that allowed us to collect previously reserved receivables from our former Parent. Interest expense was 0.7% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025 compared to 0.8% in the year ended March 31, 2024. Other expense was 0.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to 0.3% in the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by currency-related hedging gains recorded in the year ended March 31, 2025.
Transaction-Related Costs
The Company classifies certain expenses and benefits related to the Separation, acquisitions and divestitures as Transaction-related costs (benefits) in the Consolidated Income Statement. Transaction-related costs include gains or losses, employee retention expenses, information technology costs, marketing expenses to establish the Kyndryl brand, legal, accounting, consulting and other professional service costs, costs and benefits resulting from settlements with our former Parent associated with pre-Separation and Separation-related matters, and other costs related to contract and supplier novation and integration, associated with acquisitions, divestitures or the Separation.
Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges
On May 5, 2026, the Company approved, as part of its ongoing efforts to further streamline operations, workforce rebalancing actions to optimize and support the Company’s financial and operational efficiency in fiscal year 2027. As a result of these actions, the Company expects to incur workforce rebalancing charges of approximately $200 million, primarily consisting of future cash expenditures for severance and related benefits.
Management expects that these workforce rebalancing activities, once completed, will reduce annual payroll costs and related expenses and result in savings of approximately $400 to $500 million in fiscal year 2028. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve our expected cost savings.
The Company will continue to seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, which may result in additional charges in future periods. For additional information, see Note 18 – Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fiscal 2026 Program
During the year ended March 31, 2026, management initiated actions to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure and enhance operating efficiency. As a result of these actions, the Company recorded workforce rebalancing charges of $60 million for the year ended March 31, 2026.
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Total cash outlays for this program are expected to be approximately $60 million, of which approximately $56 million has been paid through March 31, 2026, and the remainder is expected to be paid thereafter. Management expects that these workforce rebalancing activities will reduce annual payroll costs and related expenses by more than $100 million in fiscal year 2027. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve our expected cost savings.
Fiscal 2025 Program
During the year ended March 31, 2025, management implemented actions to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure and increase operating efficiency. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company recorded $114 million in workforce rebalancing charges and $48 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets.
Total cash outlays for this program are expected to be approximately $150 million, of which approximately $142 million has been paid through March 31, 2026, and the remainder is expected to be paid thereafter. Management estimates that these workforce rebalancing and site-rationalization activities reduced payroll costs, rent expenses and depreciation of property and equipment by more than $250 million in fiscal year 2026.
Fiscal 2024 Program
During the year ended March 31, 2023, management initiated certain actions to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure and increase our operating efficiency, which continued through the year ended March 31, 2024. These actions resulted in workforce rebalancing charges, charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, and charges related to lease terminations. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to the terminated employees. In addition, we identified certain leased and owned assets that were inherited from IBM as a result of the Separation that we determined will no longer provide any economic benefit to Kyndryl. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company recognized $135 million in workforce rebalancing charges (excluding individual terminations outside of this Company-wide workforce rebalancing program) and $39 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, including lease termination charges.
Total cash outlays for this program are expected to be $300 million, of which approximately $290 million has been paid through March 31, 2026 (including approximately $70 million of contractual payments toward leased assets we have ceased to use), and the remainder is expected to be paid thereafter. Management estimates that these workforce rebalancing and site-rationalization activities reduced payroll costs, rent expenses and depreciation of property and equipment by approximately $400 million in fiscal year 2025.
Income Taxes
The Company’s consolidated provision for income taxes and effective tax rate were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | | 2024 | ||||||
| Provision for income taxes | | $ | 215 | | | $ | 184 | | | $ | 172 | |
| Effective tax rate | | | 52.1 | % | | | 41.9 | % | | | (102.2) | % |
In the year ended March 31, 2026, we recorded income tax expense of $215 million, and in the year ended March 31, 2025, we recorded income tax expense of $184 million. In the year ended March 31, 2024, we recorded income tax expense of $172 million on a pretax loss, which resulted in a negative effective tax rate. Our income tax expense for the years ended March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations and uncertain tax positions.
The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2026 was higher compared to the year ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to non-recurring, non-cash tax accruals from the refinement of certain tax positions recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, and the jurisdictional mix of our earnings. The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2025 was higher compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to the Company’s pretax income in
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fiscal year 2025, compared to a pretax loss in 2024. For more information, see Note 5 – Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Position Dynamics
Total assets of $12.6 billion at March 31, 2026 increased by $2.1 billion (and increased by $1.9 billion adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2025, primarily driven by an increase in deferred costs of $997 million mainly due to an extended and amended multi-year, third-party software agreement and an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $837 million mainly due to $1.0 billion of cash borrowed under a revolving credit agreement, partially offset by a decrease of $304 million due to share repurchases.
Total liabilities of $11.3 billion at March 31, 2026 increased by $2.1 billion (and increased by $2.0 billion adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2025, primarily as a result of an increase in debt of $917 million due to cash borrowed under a revolving credit agreement and an increase in other liabilities of $1.2 billion driven by the extended and amended multi-year, third-party software agreement.
Total equity of $1.3 billion at March 31, 2026 decreased by $39 million from March 31, 2025, principally due to $304 million of share repurchases under our Share Repurchase Program and $94 million of shares repurchased to settle tax withholdings related to the vesting of stock-based awards, partially offset by our earnings of $198 million and other comprehensive income of $86 million in the year, as well as activity related to employee stock plans of $70 million.
Overall pension funded status as of March 31, 2026 was 80% of estimated pension benefit obligation, an increase from 77% at March 31, 2025. Among our funded pension plans, our funded status as of March 31, 2026 was 110%, an increase from 103% at March 31, 2025.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our anticipated operating cash needs, and to fund our planned capital investments, debt maturities and stock repurchases for at least the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2026, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2.6 billion and approximately $2.2 billion in available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.
Our principal ongoing cash requirements include operating expenses, income taxes, debt service payments and capital expenditures, and may include discretionary debt repayments, stock repurchases and business acquisitions. Our primary sources of liquidity include available cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations and proceeds obtained from long-term debt. Additionally, we have access to incremental liquidity, if needed, through borrowings under our revolving credit facility to manage our working capital and investment needs.
As part of our ongoing cash and commercial management strategy with customers and suppliers and as previously disclosed, our standard practice since the time of our spin-off from IBM is to actively manage our working capital, including accounts receivables and accounts payables. This includes optimizing payment terms and conditions, accelerating certain cash receipts (including through the sale of accounts receivables to third-party financial institutions as described under “Transfers of Financial Assets” below and in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements) and delaying certain cash payments (including deferring vendor payments quarter to quarter, in certain cases beyond vendor payment terms), and undertaking other discretionary cash and working capital management initiatives. The magnitude of these practices (including deferrals) varies from period to period. The effects of these practices, including any impacts on our cash flows, have been and are reflected in our accounts payable, accounts receivable and operating cash flows, which are accounted for in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the material drivers of which are quantified below under “Cash Flow.” Our working capital and cash flows have also reflected the impact of accrued contract costs in certain periods due to the timing of vendor billings. We may, from time to time, revise or adapt our cash and working capital management practices as we deem appropriate.
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Furthermore, our cash provided from operating activities is somewhat impacted by seasonality. Working capital needs are generally highest in our first quarter due to annual and biannual payments, such as for pre-paid software subscriptions and incentive payments. On a continuing basis, we consider various transactions to increase stockholder value and enhance our business results, including acquisitions and divestitures, stock repurchases, and productivity and other efficiency initiatives. These transactions may result in future cash proceeds or payments.
Cash Flow
Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are summarized in the table below.
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | ||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | | | | | ||
| Operating activities | | $ | 948 | | $ | 942 |
| Investing activities | | (561) | | (404) | ||
| Financing activities | | 457 | | (286) | ||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | (9) | | (16) | ||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | $ | 836 | | $ | 235 |
Net cash provided by operating activities was $948 million in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to $942 million in the year ended March 31, 2025, due to the year-over-year increase in net income of $214 million excluding the net gain/loss on asset sales and other, the cash flow effect of which is included in net cash used in investing activities. Receivables and deferred income partially offset the increase: current accounts receivable was lower by $200 million driven by the timing of collections in the prior year, and lease and other receivables was higher by $207 million driven by current-year lease transactions; and deferred income was higher by $195 million due to customer contract terms that enabled higher billings in the current year, as well as amortization outpacing new deferrals in the prior year. In addition, the decline in accounts payable of $93 million in the current period includes the impact of deferred vendor payments, which largely coincide with delayed receipts from customers.
Net cash used in investing activities was $561 million in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to a net cash use of $404 million in the year ended March 31, 2025, due to cash provided by the sale of the SIS platform in the year ended March 31, 2025.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $457 million in the year ended March 31, 2026, compared to net cash used by financing activities of $286 million in the year ended March 31, 2025, mainly due to $1.0 billion of cash borrowed under our revolving credit agreement partially offset by share repurchases of $304 million under the Company’s Share Repurchase Program.
Senior Unsecured Notes
In October 2021, in preparation for our Spin-off, we completed the offering of $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured fixed-rate notes as follows: $700 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% Senior Notes due 2026, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.70% Senior Notes due 2028, $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Senior Notes due 2031 and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.10% Senior Notes due 2041 (the “Initial Notes”). The Initial Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. In connection with the issuance of the Initial Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the purchasers of the Initial Notes, pursuant to which we completed a registered offering to exchange each series of Initial Notes for new notes with substantially identical terms during the quarter ended September 30, 2022.
In February 2024, we completed a registered offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.35% senior unsecured notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes”). We received proceeds of $494 million, net of debt issuance costs
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and discounts. The 2034 Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness.
The Initial Notes and the 2034 Notes are subject to customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default for financings of this type and are redeemable at our option in a customary manner.
We have outstanding $700 million of fixed-rate notes that mature in October 2026. We intend to refinance these notes at a future date, subject to market conditions.
Revolving Credit Agreement
In October 2021, we entered into a $3.15 billion multi-currency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), which expires, unless extended, in October 2026. The Revolving Credit Agreement was amended in June 2023, replacing the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). In March 2025, we further amended the agreement, extending the maturity to March 2030. Interest rates on borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be based on prevailing market interest rates, plus a margin, as further described in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The total facility fees recorded by the Company for the Revolving Credit Agreement were $5 million and $5 million for the years ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. In February 2026, the Company borrowed $1 billion under the Revolving Credit Agreement, bearing an interest rate of 4.97%. The borrowing matures in August 2026 and may be refinanced utilizing the facility. The Company had approximately $2.2 billion of additional borrowing capacity remaining at March 31, 2026. Proceeds are intended to be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness and acquisitions.
The Revolving Credit Agreement includes certain customary mandatory prepayment provisions. In addition, it includes customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants as well as a maintenance covenant that will require that the ratio of our indebtedness for borrowed money to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants.
Transfers of Financial Assets
The Company has entered into arrangements with third-party financial institutions to sell certain financial assets (primarily accounts receivables) without recourse. The Company has determined these are true sales. The carrying value of the financial asset sold is derecognized, and a net gain or loss on the sale is recognized, at the time of the transfer. The first agreement, which was executed in November 2021 and subsequently amended, enabled us to sell certain of our accounts receivables to the counterparty. The initial term of this agreement was 18 months, and the agreement automatically resets to a term of 18 months after every six months, unless either party elects not to extend. This agreement was further amended during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 to reduce the committed facility limit from $1 billion to $600 million and to add an incremental uncommitted facility limit of $200 million that is subject to the counterparty’s sole discretion to purchase such incremental amounts. At this time, the agreement will expire in April 2027. We have also entered into additional agreements with a separate third-party financial institution that enable us to sell receivables. These agreements were first executed in June 2022 and subsequently amended to renew automatically every 18 months, unless either party elects not to extend. These facilities are committed for up to approximately $210 million as of March 31, 2026. In aggregate, we have committed facilities of up to approximately $810 million as of March 31, 2026.
The net proceeds from these arrangements are reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Gross proceeds from receivables sold to third parties under the aforementioned programs were $2.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2026 and $3.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025. The fees associated with the transfers of receivables were $18 million for the year ended March 31, 2026 and $38 million for the year ended March 31, 2025. The year-to-year decline in the gross proceeds from sales of receivables was primarily due to a higher volume of intra-period factoring transactions in the prior period.
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Of the receivables sold and derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheet, $0.9 billion, $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion remained uncollected from customers at March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Overall, the declining balances of sold receivables have been primarily driven by factoring of receivables from pre-spin customer contracts that gave certain customers extended payment terms. As we have transitioned to new signings, including with existing customers, fewer customers have used extended payment terms, which has caused these balances in the aggregate to continue to decline.
Supplier Financing Program
In the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company initiated a supplier financing program with a third-party financial institution under which the Company agrees to pay the financial institution the stated amounts of invoices from participating suppliers on the originally invoiced due date, which have an average term of 90 to 120 days. The financial institution offers earlier payment of the invoices at the sole discretion of the supplier for a discounted amount. The Company does not provide secured legal assets or other forms of guarantees under the arrangements. The Company or the financial institution may terminate the agreement upon at least 180 days’ notice. The Company’s obligations under this program continue to be recognized as accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The obligations outstanding under this program at March 31, 2026 and 2025 were immaterial.
Share Repurchase Program
In November 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $300 million of the Company’s common stock, and in November 2025, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized an additional $400 million of repurchase capacity under this program. Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time in open market transactions and may also repurchase shares in accelerated share buyback programs, tender offers, privately negotiated transactions or by other means. Repurchases may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors. The program does not have a set expiration date and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
During the years ended March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 11.6 million and 2.6 million shares of its common stock, respectively, at an aggregate cost of $304 million and $94 million under the Share Repurchase Program, respectively. As of March 31, 2026, approximately $302 million of capacity remained available under the Share Repurchase Program.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
From time to time, we may enter into (i) off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by SEC Financial Reporting Release 67 (FRR-67), “Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations” or (ii) purchase commitments, which we expect to use in the ordinary course of business.
At March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025, we had no such off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We do not have retained interests in assets transferred to unconsolidated entities or other material off-balance sheet interests or instruments.
At March 31, 2026, the Company’s material future contractual obligations were primarily related to leases, debt and pension liabilities. See Note 9 – Leases, Note 12 – Borrowings, Note 13 – Other Liabilities and Note 17 – Retirement-Related Benefits of Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company has contractual commitments that are noncancellable with certain software, hardware and cloud partners used in the delivery of services to customers. The Company has determined that these commitments may exceed the Company’s needs over the next two to three years. If the Company is unable to satisfy, reduce or amend its contractual commitments, it will record the future charges for any payments related to excess commitments as cost of services. At March 31, 2026, we had short-term (April 2026 through March 2027), mid-term (April 2027 through March 2029) and
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long-term (April 2029 onward) purchase commitments in the amount of $0.2 billion, $0.4 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively.
Other Information
Signings
The following table presents the Company’s signings for the years ended March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024.
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | |||||||
| (Dollars in billions) | | 2026 | | 2025 | | 2024 | |||
| Total signings | | $ | 13.5 | | $ | 18.2 | | $ | 12.5 |
Signings decreased $4.7 billion, or 26%, in the year ended March 31, 2026 compared to the Company’s strong signings performance during the year ended March 31, 2025, reflecting a record 55 contracts valued in excess of $50 million and a $1.8 billion signing, the largest signing in Kyndryl’s history as an independent company. Signings performance in the year ended March 31, 2026 was unfavorably impacted by lengthening sales cycles and evolving content from the Company’s former parent in the Company’s customer engagements. Signings increased $5.7 billion, or 46%, in the year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by growth in each of our four operating segments and spanning a broad range of industries.
Management uses signings as a tool to monitor the performance of the business including the business’ ability to attract new customers and sell additional scope into our existing customer base. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of signings. We define signings as an initial estimate of the value of a customer’s commitment under a contract. The calculation involves estimates and judgments to gauge the extent of a customer’s commitment, including the type and duration of the agreement and the presence of termination charges or wind-down costs. Contract extensions and increases in scope are treated as signings only to the extent of the incremental new value. Signings can vary over time due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the timing of signing a small number of larger outsourcing contracts as well as the length of those contracts. The conversion of signings into revenue may vary based on the types of services and solutions, customer decisions and other factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the macroeconomic environment or external events.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The application of U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about certain items and future events that directly affect our reported financial condition. The accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.
A quantitative sensitivity analysis is provided where that information is reasonably available, can be reliably estimated and provides material information to investors. The amounts used to assess sensitivity (e.g., 10 percent, 25 basis points, etc.) are included to allow users of this report to understand a general effect of changes in the estimates and do not represent management’s predictions of variability. For all of these estimates, it should be noted that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted and estimates require regular review and adjustment.
Revenue Recognition
Application of U.S. GAAP related to the measurement and recognition of revenue requires us to make judgments and estimates. Specifically, complex arrangements with nonstandard terms and conditions may require significant contract interpretation to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether promised goods and services specified in an arrangement are separate performance obligations. In certain arrangements, revenue is recognized based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation using a cost-to-cost measure of progress. The estimation of future costs, which is updated as the project progresses, is complex and requires us to make judgments. Other significant judgments include determining whether we are acting as the principal in a transaction and whether separate contracts should be combined and considered part of one arrangement.
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Revenue recognition is also impacted by our ability to determine when a contract is probable of collection and when to estimate variable consideration, including, for example, rebates, price concessions, service-level penalties and performance bonuses. We consider various factors when making these judgments, including a review of specific transactions, historical experience and market and economic conditions. Evaluations are conducted each quarter to assess the adequacy of the estimates.
Costs to Complete Service Contracts
During the contractual period, revenue, cost and profits may be impacted by estimates of the ultimate profitability of each contract, especially contracts for which we use cost-to-cost method to measure progress. The Company performs ongoing profitability analyses of its design-and-build services contracts accounted for using a cost-to-cost measure of progress to determine whether the latest estimates of revenues, costs and profits require updating. If at any time these estimates indicate that the contract will be unprofitable on a gross-margin basis, the entire estimated loss for the remainder of the contract is recorded immediately. For other types of services contracts, any losses are recorded as incurred. Key factors reviewed to estimate the future costs to complete each contract include future labor costs, product costs and expected productivity efficiencies.
Capitalization of Contract Costs
In connection with services arrangements, we incur and capitalize direct costs for transition and setup activities performed at the inception of these long-term contracts that are necessary to enable us to perform under the terms of the arrangement. These costs are capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit. We perform periodic reviews to assess the recoverability of deferred contract transition and setup costs. To assess recoverability, undiscounted estimated cash flows of the contract are projected over its remaining life and compared to the carrying amount of contract-related assets, including the unamortized deferred cost balance. Such estimates require judgment and assumptions, and actual future cash flows could differ from these estimates. A significant change in an estimate or assumption on one or more contracts could have a material effect on our results of operations.
Retirement-related Benefit Plan Assumptions
For Company-sponsored and co-sponsored defined benefit pension plans, the measurement of the benefit obligation to plan participants and net periodic benefit cost requires the use of certain assumptions, including, among others, estimates of discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
Changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the actuarial (gain)/loss amortization, service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit cost calculation and the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”). If the average discount rate assumption for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans had increased or decreased by 25-basis-points from 4.31% on March 31, 2026, this would not result in a material change to pretax net periodic benefit cost recognized in fiscal 2027. Further changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the PBO which, in turn, may impact our funding decisions if the PBO exceeds plan assets. A 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the discount rate would result in an approximate corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, of approximately $36 million in the Plans’ estimated PBO based upon March 31, 2026 data.
The expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is used in calculating the net periodic benefit cost. Expected returns on plan assets are calculated based on the market-related value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets systematically over a five-year period in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost. The differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected long-term return on plan assets are recognized over five years in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost and also as a component of actuarial (gains)/losses, which are recognized over the service lives or life expectancy of the participants, depending on the plan, provided such amounts exceed thresholds which are based upon the benefit obligation or the value of plan assets, as provided by accounting standards.
To the extent the outlook for long-term returns changes such that management changes its expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the expected long-term return on plan assets
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assumption would not have a material estimated decrease or increase on the following year’s pretax net periodic benefit cost (based upon plan assets at March 31, 2026 and expected contributions and benefit payments for fiscal 2027).
We may voluntarily make contributions or be required, by law, to make contributions to our pension plans. Actual results that differ from the estimates may result in more or less future funding into the pension plans than is planned by management. Impacts of these types of changes on our pension plans would vary depending upon the status of each respective plan.
In addition to the above, we evaluate other pension assumptions involving demographic factors, such as retirement age and mortality and update these assumptions to reflect experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year can differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.
For additional information on our pension plans and the development of these assumptions, see Note 17 – Retirement-Related Benefits to our consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
Our income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as our tax return elections and assertions. Liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits for which the Company is liable are reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheet based upon management’s estimates and judgments regarding the resolution of tax positions, including tax authorities’ ability to assert the Company as the primary obligor for historical taxes, including those arising from pre‑spin or transitional periods, among other factors. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available evidence for each jurisdiction including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and actions. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Valuation of Assets
The application of valuation and impairment accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Impairment testing for assets, other than goodwill, requires the allocation of cash flows to those assets or group of assets and if required, an estimate of fair value for the assets or group of assets. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management’s assumptions, which would not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. Assumptions used to perform a recoverability test are consistent with those used for goodwill impairment; see “Valuation of Goodwill” for further detail.
Valuation of Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable by first assessing qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value.
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We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill including relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of reporting units. Examples include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic, industry and market conditions, as well as other individual factors such as:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A significant adverse shift in the operating environment of the reporting unit such as unanticipated competition; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Significant pending litigation; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A significant adverse action or assessment by a regulator. |
We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. This quantitative test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In conjunction with our annual review of goodwill for impairment, we prepared qualitative analysis as of January 1, 2026. Based on this analysis of the qualitative factors, quantitative tests were not required. See Note 11 – Intangible Assets Including Goodwill for further discussion.
Loss Contingencies
We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. At least quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. These revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Refer to Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies in the consolidated financial statements in this report for additional information.
Change in Accounting Estimate
In March 2024, the Company completed its assessment of the useful lives of its information technology equipment. Based on our usage experience and data analysis, the Company determined it should increase the estimated useful lives of its information technology equipment from five to six years. This change in accounting estimate became effective on April 1, 2024. Based on the carrying amount of information technology equipment included in property and equipment, net as of March 31, 2024, the effect of this change in estimate was a reduction in depreciation expense and an improvement of income before income taxes of approximately $180 million, or $0.80 before income taxes per basic share and $0.77 before income taxes per diluted share, for the year ended March 31, 2025.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2025 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001558370-25-008282.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
Included below are selected results and year-over-year comparisons for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. For further information on the comparisons between the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 not covered in the “Segment Results” below, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (the “2024 Form 10-K”).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 15,057 | | | $ | 16,052 | | | $ | 17,026 | | |
| Revenue growth (GAAP) | | | (6) | % | | | (6) | % | | | (7) | % | (2) |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | (4) | % | | | (6) | % | | | 0 | % | (2) |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 252 | | | $ | (340) | | | $ | (1,374) | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 2,516 | | | $ | 2,367 | | | $ | 1,975 | | |
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. For definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, see “⸺Segment Results.”
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (2) | In January 2022, the Company changed its fiscal year-end to March 31 from December 31. The year-over-year comparison for the year ended March 31, 2023 and the results of operations for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 were derived from our unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements as previously reported. |
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | March 31, | |||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Assets | | $ | 10,452 | | $ | 10,590 |
| Liabilities | | | 9,121 | | | 9,468 |
| Equity | | | 1,331 | | | 1,122 |
Organization of Information
Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM in September 2021 to hold the operations of the infrastructure services unit of IBM’s Global Technology Services segment. On November 3, 2021, Kyndryl separated from IBM through a spin-off that was tax-free for U.S. federal tax purposes. Following the Separation, Kyndryl became an independent, publicly-traded company and the world’s leading IT infrastructure services provider.
Financial Performance Summary
Macro Dynamics
In fiscal year 2025, we saw continuing demand for information technology services, despite concerns about economic growth, geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures. Most economists, including the International Monetary Fund, expect positive global macroeconomic growth to continue in calendar year 2025. Global markets have experienced increased volatility in recent months, driven by geopolitical developments, concerns over the imposition of import tariffs by the United States, reactions from other nations and proposed U.S. government spending reductions. Increased economic uncertainty may impact the level of global macroeconomic activity.
Fiscal 2025 Financial Performance
For the year ended March 31, 2025, we reported $15.1 billion in revenue, a decline of 6 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2024. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce
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low-margin components of its customer relationships, as well as currency effects. United States revenue declined 10 percent, Japan revenue increased 1 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 5 percent and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 8 percent, compared to the year ended March 31, 2024. Net income of $252 million improved by $592 million versus the prior year driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies and increased margins, lower depreciation expense and a $138 million after-tax gain from the sale of our SIS platform in Canada.
Fiscal 2024 Financial Performance
For the year ended March 31, 2024, we reported $16.1 billion in revenue, a decline of 6 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce unprofitable and low-margin components of its customer relationships. United States revenue declined 9 percent, Japan revenue declined 6 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 2 percent and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 7 percent, compared to the year ended March 31, 2023. Net loss of $340 million improved by $1.0 billion versus the prior-year period driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies, increased margins and reduced transaction-related costs tied to our Separation.
Basis of Presentation
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. We prepared these estimates based on the most current and best available information, but actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions. All significant transactions and accounts between Kyndryl entities were eliminated. Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying whole-dollar amounts.
Segment Results
The following table presents our reportable segments’ revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Segment revenue and revenue growth in constant currency exclude any transactions between the segments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | Year-over-Year Change | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2025 vs. 2024 | | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 3,876 | | | $ | 4,295 | | | $ | 4,726 | | | (10) | % | | (9) | % |
| Japan | | | 2,358 | | | | 2,344 | | | | 2,502 | | | 1 | % | | (6) | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 5,206 | | | | 5,479 | | | | 5,556 | | | (5) | % | | (1) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 3,617 | | | | 3,934 | | | | 4,241 | | | (8) | % | | (7) | % |
| Total revenue | | $ | 15,057 | | | $ | 16,052 | | | $ | 17,026 | | | (6) | % | | (6) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | (4) | % | | | (6) | % | | | 0 | % | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 725 | | | $ | 781 | | | $ | 839 | | | (7) | % | | (7) | % |
| Japan | | | 390 | | | | 361 | | | | 407 | | | 8 | % | | (11) | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 886 | | | | 677 | | | | 323 | | | 31 | % | | 110 | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 606 | | | | 642 | | | | 484 | | | (6) | % | | 33 | % |
| Corporate and other(2) | | | (90) | | | | (95) | | | | (77) | | | NM | | | NM | |
| Total adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 2,516 | | | $ | 2,367 | | | $ | 1,975 | | | 6 | % | | 20 | % |
NM – not meaningful
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. See the information below for definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss).
(2) Represents net amounts not allocated to segments
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The Company made a minor change to its geographic reportable segments effective June 1, 2024 to reflect how the Company manages its operations and measures business performance, transitioning the reporting and management of its operations in Australia/New Zealand from the Principal Markets segment to the Strategic Markets segment. All historical segment information has been recast to reflect this change.
We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We also present certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide useful supplemental information to investors. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures as we believe they enhance visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance, enable better comparison to peer companies and allow us to provide a long-term strategic view of the business going forward.
Revenue growth in constant currency is a non-GAAP measure that eliminates the effects of exchange rate fluctuations when translating from foreign currencies to the United States dollar. It is calculated by using the average exchange rates that existed for the same period of the prior year. Constant-currency measures are provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends.
Additionally, management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and defined as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of capitalized contract costs), charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets, charges related to lease terminations, transaction-related costs and benefits, pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, stock-based compensation expense, workforce rebalancing charges incurred prior to March 31, 2024, impairment expense, significant litigation costs and benefits, and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a helpful supplemental measure to assist investors in evaluating our operating results as it excludes certain items whose fluctuation from period to period does not necessarily correspond to changes in the operations of our business.
These disclosures are provided in addition to and not as a substitute for the percentage change in revenue and profit or loss measures on a U.S. GAAP basis compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | |||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 252 | | $ | (340) | | $ | (1,374) |
| Provision for income taxes | | | 184 | | | 172 | | | 524 |
| Interest expense | | | 100 | | | 122 | | | 94 |
| Depreciation of property, equipment and capitalized software | | | 660 | | | 834 | | | 900 |
| Amortization expense | | | 1,308 | | | 1,287 | | | 1,245 |
| Workforce rebalancing charges incurred prior to March 31, 2024 | | | — | | | 138 | | | 71 |
| Charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets and lease terminations | | | 48 | | | 39 | | | 80 |
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | (125) | | | (46) | | | 264 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | | | 100 | | | 95 | | | 113 |
| Other adjustments* | | | (10) | | | 68 | | | 59 |
| Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | | $ | 2,516 | | $ | 2,367 | | $ | 1,975 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| * | Other adjustments represent pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, significant litigation costs and benefits, and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. For the year ended March 31, 2024, other adjustments also included an adjustment to reduce amortization expense for the amount already included in transaction-related costs (benefits) above. |
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United States
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | | 2024 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,876 | | | $ | 4,295 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (10) | % | | | (9) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 725 | | | | 781 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (7) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2025, United States revenue of $3.9 billion decreased 10 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, reflecting the Company’s efforts to reduce certain low-margin revenues and the expiration of other low-margin contracts entered into before the Spin-off. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $56 million from the prior year, primarily driven by lower revenue and the impact of the inclusion of workforce rebalancing charges in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2025.
For the year ended March 31, 2024, United States revenue of $4.3 billion decreased 9 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, driven by the Company’s efforts to reduce certain low-margin revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $58 million from the prior year, primarily driven by an increase in software costs of $67 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments, partially offset by increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings.
Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | | 2024 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 2,358 | | | $ | 2,344 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | 1 | % | | | (6) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | 6 | % | | | 0 | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 390 | | | | 361 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | 8 | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2025, Japan revenue of $2.4 billion increased 1 percent, and increased 6 percent in constant currency, compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by expanding the scope of services we provide to our customers. Adjusted EBITDA increased $29 million from the prior year, primarily driven by progress on our key initiatives.
For the year ended March 31, 2024, Japan revenue of $2.3 billion decreased 6 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, driven primarily by an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of six points. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $46 million from the prior year, primarily driven by unfavorable currency movements that impacted both non-yen-denominated costs and the translation of earnings into U.S. dollars.
Principal Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | | 2024 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 5,206 | | | $ | 5,479 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (5) | % | | | (1) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (4) | % | | | (4) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 886 | | | | 677 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | 31 | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2025, Principal Markets revenue of $5.2 billion decreased 5 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its
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customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $209 million from the prior year, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings, as well as a vendor credit.
For the year ended March 31, 2024, Principal Markets revenue of $5.5 billion decreased 1 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $354 million from the prior year, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings and a decrease in software costs of $86 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.
Strategic Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | | 2024 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,617 | | | $ | 3,934 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (8) | % | | | (7) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (5) | % | | | (10) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 606 | | | | 642 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (6) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2025, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.6 billion decreased 8 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2024. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships, as well as an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $36 million from the prior year, primarily driven by the impact of the inclusion of workforce rebalancing charges in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2025, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives.
For the year ended March 31, 2024, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.9 billion decreased 7 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $158 million from the prior year, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings, partially offset by an increase in software costs of $29 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and other generated an adjusted EBITDA loss of $90 million in the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to a loss of $95 million in the year ended March 31, 2024, and a loss of $77 million in the year ended March 31, 2023.
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Costs and Expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | | 2024 | 2025 | | 2024 | 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 15,057 | | $ | 16,052 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (6) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 11,914 | | | 13,189 | | 79.1 | % | | 82.2 | % | (10) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,591 | | | 2,773 | | 17.2 | % | | 17.3 | % | (7) | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 114 | | 138 | 0.8 | % | | 0.9 | % | (18) | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | (125) | | | (46) | | (0.8) | % | | (0.3) | % | | NM | |
| Interest expense | | 100 | | 122 | 0.7 | % | | 0.8 | % | (18) | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 27 | | 45 | 0.2 | % | | 0.3 | % | (39) | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | 435 | | $ | (168) | | | | | |
NM – not meaningful
Cost of services was 79.1% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to 82.2% in the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by lower depreciation expense, increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings, and a vendor credit. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to 17.3% in the year ended March 31, 2024. Transaction-related costs (benefits) were (0.8)% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to a $145 million pretax gain from the sale of the SIS platform in Canada, compared to transaction-related costs (benefits) of (0.3)% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024, which reflected an agreement that allowed us to collect previously reserved receivables from our former Parent. Interest expense was 0.7% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025 compared to 0.8% in the year ended March 31, 2024. Other expense was 0.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to 0.3% in the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by currency-related hedging gains recorded this year.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | 2024 | | 2023 | 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 16,052 | | $ | 17,026 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (6) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 13,189 | | | 14,498 | | 82.2 | % | | 85.2 | % | (9) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,773 | | | 2,914 | | 17.3 | % | | 17.1 | % | (5) | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 138 | | 71 | 0.9 | % | | 0.4 | % | 95 | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | (46) | | | 264 | | (0.3) | % | | 1.5 | % | | NM | |
| Interest expense | | 122 | | 94 | 0.8 | % | | 0.5 | % | 30 | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 45 | | 35 | 0.3 | % | | 0.2 | % | 27 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (168) | | $ | (851) | | | | | |
NM – not meaningful
Cost of services was 82.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to 85.2% in the year ended March 31, 2023, driven by increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings and actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.3% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to 17.1% in the year ended March 31, 2023, driven by lower revenue, partially offset by reduced expenses. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.9% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 versus 0.4% of revenue in the prior-year period, due to increased workforce rebalancing actions taken in fiscal 2024. Transaction-related costs (benefits) were (0.3)% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to 1.5% in the prior-year, driven by reduced rebranding and employee-retention costs and the favorable resolution of certain pre-Separation and Separation-related matters with our former Parent. Interest expense was 0.8% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to 0.5% in the prior year due to higher interest rates in fiscal 2024.
Transaction-Related Costs
The Company classifies certain expenses and benefits related to the Separation, acquisitions and divestitures as “transaction-related costs (benefits)” in the Consolidated Income Statement. Transaction-related costs include gains or losses, employee retention expenses, information technology costs, marketing expenses to establish the Kyndryl brand,
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legal, accounting, consulting and other professional service costs, costs and benefits resulting from settlements with our former Parent associated with pre-Separation and Separation-related matters, and other costs related to contract and supplier novation and integration, associated with acquisitions, divestitures or the Separation.
Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges
Fiscal 2025 Program
During the year ended March 31, 2025, management initiated actions to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure and increase our operating efficiency. These actions resulted in workforce rebalancing charges, charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, and charges related to lease terminations. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company recorded $114 million in workforce rebalancing charges and $48 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, including lease termination charges.
Total cash outlays for this program are expected to be approximately $150 million, of which approximately $110 million has been paid through March 31, 2025, and the remainder is expected to be paid thereafter. Management expects that these workforce rebalancing and site-rationalization activities will reduce payroll costs, rent expenses and depreciation of property and equipment by more than $200 million in fiscal year 2026. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve our expected cost savings.
The Company will continue to seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, which may result in additional charges in future periods. For additional information, see Note 19 – Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fiscal 2024 Program
During the year ended March 31, 2023, management initiated certain actions to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure and increase our operating efficiency, which continued through the year ended March 31, 2024. These actions resulted in workforce rebalancing charges, charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, and charges related to lease terminations. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to the terminated employees. In addition, we identified certain leased and owned assets that were inherited from IBM as a result of the Separation that we determined will no longer provide any economic benefit to Kyndryl. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company recognized $135 million in workforce rebalancing charges (excluding individual terminations outside of this Company-wide workforce rebalancing program) and $39 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, including lease termination charges.
Total cash outlays for this program are expected to be $300 million, of which approximately $270 million has been paid through March 31, 2025 (including approximately $70 million of contractual payments toward leased assets we have ceased to use), and the remainder is expected to be paid thereafter. Management estimates that these workforce rebalancing and site-rationalization activities reduced payroll costs, rent expenses and depreciation of property and equipment by approximately $400 million in fiscal year 2025.
Income Taxes
The Company’s consolidated provision for income taxes and effective tax rate were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | | $ | 184 | | | $ | 172 | | | $ | 524 | |
| Effective tax rate | | | 41.9 | % | | | (102.2) | % | | | (61.6) | % |
In the year ended March 31, 2025, we recorded income tax expense of $184 million. In the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded income tax expense of $172 million and $524 million, respectively, on pretax losses,
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which resulted in negative effective tax rates. Our income tax expense for the year ended March 31, 2025, was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations and uncertain tax positions. Our income tax expense for the year ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations and uncertain tax positions. Our income tax expense for the year ended March 31, 2023 was primarily related to the increases in valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized, taxes on foreign operations and uncertain tax positions.
The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2025 was higher compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to the Company’s pretax income in fiscal year 2025, compared to a pretax loss in 2024. The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2024 was lower (more negative) compared to the year ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to the Company’s pretax loss being significantly lower in fiscal year 2024. For more information, see Note 5 – Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Position
Dynamics
Total assets of $10.5 billion at March 31, 2025 decreased by $138 million (and decreased by $52 million adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2024, primarily driven by: a decrease of $254 million in accounts receivable primarily due to lower past-due receivables; a reduction in operating right-of-use assets, net, of $133 million due to amortization outpacing additions; and a decrease in property and equipment, net, of $104 million due to depreciation outpacing net additions; partially offset by an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $234 million mainly due to our net income in the period; and an increase in other non-current assets of $95 million due to an increase in long-term prepaid assets.
Total liabilities of $9.1 billion at March 31, 2025 decreased by $347 million (and decreased by $305 million adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2024, primarily as a result of: a decrease in operating lease liabilities of $121 million due to a reduction in right-of-use assets; a decrease in long-term debt of $70 million due to lower finance lease obligations; a decrease in accounts payable of $57 million due to lower costs; and a decrease in accrued contract costs of $51 million due to lower volumes.
Total equity of $1.3 billion at March 31, 2025 increased by $209 million from March 31, 2024, principally due to our net income in the period, partially offset by $94 million of share repurchases under our Share Repurchase Program.
Overall pension funded status as of March 31, 2025 was 77% of estimated pension benefit obligation, an increase from 75% at March 31, 2024. Among our funded pension plans, our funded status as of March 31, 2025 was 103%, an increase from 99% at March 31, 2024.
Cash Flow
Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are summarized in the table below.
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | | | ||||
| Operating activities | | $ | 942 | | $ | 454 |
| Investing activities | | (404) | | (553) | ||
| Financing activities | | (286) | | (170) | ||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | (16) | | (37) | ||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | $ | 235 | | $ | (306) |
Net cash provided by operating activities was $942 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $454 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, mainly due to higher earnings.
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Net cash used in investing activities was $404 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to a net cash use of $553 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, due to the sale of our SIS platform in Canada partially offset by our acquisition of Skytap.
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $286 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to net cash used by financing activities of $170 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, mainly due to share repurchases of $94 million under the Company’s share repurchase program.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and our revolving credit agreement will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months.
Senior Unsecured Notes
In October 2021, in preparation for our Spin-off, we completed the offering of $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured fixed-rate notes as follows: $700 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% Senior Notes due 2026, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.70% Senior Notes due 2028, $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Senior Notes due 2031 and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.10% Senior Notes due 2041 (the “Initial Notes”). The Initial Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. In connection with the issuance of the Initial Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the purchasers of the Initial Notes, pursuant to which we completed a registered offering to exchange each series of Initial Notes for new notes with substantially identical terms during the quarter ended September 30, 2022.
In February 2024, we completed a registered offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.35% senior unsecured notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes”). We received proceeds of $494 million, net of debt issuance costs and discounts. The 2034 Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness.
The Initial Notes and the 2034 Notes are subject to customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default for financings of this type and are redeemable at our option in a customary manner.
Revolving Credit Agreement
In October 2021, we entered into a $3.15 billion multi-currency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), which expires, unless extended, in October 2026. The Revolving Credit Agreement was amended in June 2023, replacing the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). In March 2025, we further amended the agreement, extending the maturity to March 2030. Interest rates on borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be based on prevailing market interest rates, plus a margin, as further described in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The total facility fees recorded by the Company for the Revolving Credit Agreement were $5 million and $5 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, there has been no drawdown on the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The Revolving Credit Agreement includes certain customary mandatory prepayment provisions. In addition, it includes customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants as well as a maintenance covenant that will require that the ratio of our indebtedness for borrowed money to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants.
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Transfers of Financial Assets
The Company has entered into arrangements with third-party financial institutions to sell certain financial assets (primarily trade receivables) without recourse. The Company has determined these are true sales. The carrying value of the financial asset sold is derecognized, and a net gain or loss on the sale is recognized, at the time of the transfer. The first agreement, which was executed in November 2021 and subsequently amended, enabled us to sell certain of our trade receivables to the counterparty. The initial term of this agreement was 18 months, and the agreement automatically resets to a term of 18 months after every six months, unless either party elects not to extend. This agreement was further amended during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 to reduce the committed facility limit from $1 billion to $600 million and to add an incremental uncommitted facility limit of $200 million that is subject to the counterparty’s sole discretion to purchase such incremental amounts. The second agreement was executed in June 2022 with a separate third-party financial institution and renews automatically on its anniversary date, unless either party elects not to extend.
The net proceeds from these arrangements are reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Gross proceeds from receivables sold to third parties under the aforementioned programs were $3.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025 and $3.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2024. The fees associated with the transfers of receivables were $38 million for the year ended March 31, 2025 and $49 million for the year ended March 31, 2024.
Supplier Financing Program
In the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company initiated a supplier financing program with a third-party financial institution under which the Company agrees to pay the financial institution the stated amounts of invoices from participating suppliers on the originally invoiced due date, which have an average term of 90 to 120 days. The financial institution offers earlier payment of the invoices at the sole discretion of the supplier for a discounted amount. The Company does not provide secured legal assets or other forms of guarantees under the arrangements. The Company is not a party to the arrangement between its suppliers and the financial institution. The Company or the financial institution may terminate the agreement upon at least 180 days notice. The Company’s obligations under this program continue to be recognized as accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The obligations outstanding under this program at March 31, 2025 and 2024 were immaterial.
Share Repurchase Program
In November 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $300 million of the Company’s common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time in open market transactions and may also repurchase shares in accelerated share buyback programs, tender offers, privately negotiated transactions or by other means. Repurchases may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, legal requirements and other factors. The program does not have a set expiration date and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 2.6 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $94 million under the Share Repurchase Program. As of March 31, 2025, $206 million remained of our $300 million Share Repurchase Program authorization.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
From time to time, we may enter into (i) off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by SEC Financial Reporting Release 67 (FRR-67), “Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations” or (ii) purchase commitments, which we expect to use in the ordinary course of business.
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At March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, we had no such off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We do not have retained interests in assets transferred to unconsolidated entities or other material off-balance sheet interests or instruments.
At March 31, 2025, the Company’s material future contractual obligations were primarily related to leases, debt and pension liabilities. See Note 9 – Leases, Note 12 – Borrowings, Note 13 – Other Liabilities and Note 17 – Retirement-Related Benefits of Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company has contractual commitments that are noncancellable with certain software, hardware and cloud partners used in the delivery of services to customers. The Company has determined that these commitments may exceed the Company’s needs over the next two to three years. If the Company is unable to satisfy, reduce or amend its contractual commitments, it will record the future charges for any payments related to excess commitments as cost of services. At March 31, 2025, we had short-term (April 2025 through March 2026), mid-term (April 2026 through March 2028) and long-term (April 2028 onward) purchase commitments in the amount of $0.2 billion, $0.6 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively.
Other Information
Signings
The following table presents the Company’s signings for the years ended March 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | |||||||
| (Dollars in billions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Total signings | | $ | 18.2 | | $ | 12.5 | | $ | 12.2 |
Signings increased $5.7 billion, or 46%, in the year ended March 31, 2025 compared to the year ended March 31, 2024, driven by growth in each of our four operating segments. The Company’s global signings growth spanned a broad range of industries and included a record 55 contracts valued in excess of $50 million. Signings increased by $332 million, or 3%, in the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to the year ended March 31, 2023.
Management uses signings as a tool to monitor the performance of the business including the business’ ability to attract new customers and sell additional scope into our existing customer base. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of signings. We define signings as an initial estimate of the value of a customer’s commitment under a contract. The calculation involves estimates and judgments to gauge the extent of a customer’s commitment, including the type and duration of the agreement and the presence of termination charges or wind-down costs. Contract extensions and increases in scope are treated as signings only to the extent of the incremental new value. Signings can vary over time due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the timing of signing a small number of larger outsourcing contracts as well as the length of those contracts. The conversion of signings into revenue may vary based on the types of services and solutions, customer decisions and other factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the macroeconomic environment or external events.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The application of U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about certain items and future events that directly affect our reported financial condition. The accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.
A quantitative sensitivity analysis is provided where that information is reasonably available, can be reliably estimated and provides material information to investors. The amounts used to assess sensitivity (e.g., 10 percent, 25 basis points, etc.) are included to allow users of this report to understand a general effect of changes in the estimates and do not represent management’s predictions of variability. For all of these estimates, it should be noted that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted and estimates require regular review and adjustment.
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Revenue Recognition
Application of GAAP related to the measurement and recognition of revenue requires us to make judgments and estimates. Specifically, complex arrangements with nonstandard terms and conditions may require significant contract interpretation to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether promised goods and services specified in an arrangement are separate performance obligations. In certain arrangements, revenue is recognized based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation using a cost-to-cost measure of progress. The estimation of future costs, which is updated as the project progresses, is complex and requires us to make judgments. Other significant judgments include determining whether we are acting as the principal in a transaction and whether separate contracts should be combined and considered part of one arrangement.
Revenue recognition is also impacted by our ability to determine when a contract is probable of collection and to estimate variable consideration, including, for example, rebates, price concessions, service-level penalties and performance bonuses. We consider various factors when making these judgments, including a review of specific transactions, historical experience and market and economic conditions. Evaluations are conducted each quarter to assess the adequacy of the estimates.
Costs to Complete Service Contracts
During the contractual period, revenue, cost and profits may be impacted by estimates of the ultimate profitability of each contract, especially contracts for which we use cost-to-cost method to measure progress. The Company performs ongoing profitability analyses of its design-and-build services contracts accounted for using a cost-to-cost measure of progress to determine whether the latest estimates of revenues, costs and profits require updating. If at any time these estimates indicate that the contract will be unprofitable on a gross-margin basis, the entire estimated loss for the remainder of the contract is recorded immediately. For other types of services contracts, any losses are recorded as incurred. Key factors reviewed to estimate the future costs to complete each contract are future labor costs, product costs and expected productivity efficiencies.
Capitalization of Contract Costs
In connection with services arrangements, we incur and capitalize direct costs for transition and setup activities performed at the inception of these long-term contracts that are necessary to enable us to perform under the terms of the arrangement. These costs are capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit. We perform periodic reviews to assess the recoverability of deferred contract transition and setup costs. To assess recoverability, undiscounted estimated cash flows of the contract are projected over its remaining life and compared to the carrying amount of contract-related assets, including the unamortized deferred cost balance. Such estimates require judgment and assumptions, and actual future cash flows could differ from these estimates. A significant change in an estimate or assumption on one or more contracts could have a material effect on our results of operations.
Retirement-related Benefit Plan Assumptions
For Company-sponsored and co-sponsored defined benefit pension plans, the measurement of the benefit obligation to plan participants and net periodic benefit cost requires the use of certain assumptions, including, among others, estimates of discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
Changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the actuarial (gain)/loss amortization, service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit cost calculation and the projected benefit obligation (PBO). If the average discount rate assumption for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans had increased or decreased by 25-basis-points from 3.68% on March 31, 2025, this would not result in a material change to pretax net periodic benefit cost recognized in fiscal 2026. Further changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the PBO which, in turn, may impact our funding decisions if the PBO exceeds plan assets. A 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the discount rate would result in an approximate corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, of approximately $38 million in the Plans’ estimated PBO based upon March 31, 2025 data.
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The expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is used in calculating the net periodic benefit cost. Expected returns on plan assets are calculated based on the market-related value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets systematically over a five-year period in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost. The differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected long-term return on plan assets are recognized over five years in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost and also as a component of actuarial (gains)/losses, which are recognized over the service lives or life expectancy of the participants, depending on the plan, provided such amounts exceed thresholds which are based upon the benefit obligation or the value of plan assets, as provided by accounting standards.
To the extent the outlook for long-term returns changes such that management changes its expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the expected long-term return on plan assets assumption would not have a material estimated decrease or increase on the following year’s pretax net periodic benefit cost (based upon plan assets at March 31, 2025 and expected contributions and benefit payments for fiscal 2026).
We may voluntarily make contributions or be required, by law, to make contributions to our pension plans. Actual results that differ from the estimates may result in more or less future funding into the pension plans than is planned by management. Impacts of these types of changes on our pension plans would vary depending upon the status of each respective plan.
In addition to the above, we evaluate other pension assumptions involving demographic factors, such as retirement age and mortality and update these assumptions to reflect experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year can differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.
For additional information on our pension plans and the development of these assumptions, see Note 17 – Retirement-Related Benefits to our consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
Our income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as our tax return elections and assertions. Liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits for which the Company is liable are reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheet based upon tax authorities’ ability to assert the Company may be the primary obligor for historical taxes, among other factors. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available evidence for each jurisdiction including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and actions. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Valuation of Assets
The application of valuation and impairment accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Impairment testing for assets, other than goodwill, requires the allocation of cash flows to those assets or group of assets and if required, an estimate of fair value for the assets or group of assets. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management’s assumptions, which would not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. Assumptions used to perform a recoverability test are consistent with those used for goodwill impairment; see “Valuation of Goodwill” for further detail.
Valuation of Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable by first assessing qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value.
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We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill including relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of reporting units. Examples include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic, industry and market conditions, as well as other individual factors such as:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A significant adverse shift in the operating environment of the reporting unit such as unanticipated competition; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Significant pending litigation; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A significant adverse action or assessment by a regulator. |
We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. This quantitative test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In conjunction with our annual review of goodwill for impairment, we prepared qualitative analysis as of January 1, 2025. Based on this analysis of the qualitative factors, quantitative tests were not required. See Note 11 – Intangible Assets Including Goodwill for further discussion.
Loss Contingencies
We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. At least quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. These revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Change in Accounting Estimate
In March 2024, the Company completed its assessment of the useful lives of its information technology equipment. Based on our usage experience and data analysis, the Company determined it should increase the estimated useful lives of its information technology equipment from five to six years. This change in accounting estimate became effective on April 1, 2024. Based on the carrying amount of information technology equipment included in property and equipment, net as of March 31, 2024, the effect of this change in estimate was a reduction in depreciation expense and an improvement of income before income taxes of approximately $180 million, or $0.80 before income taxes per basic share and $0.77 before income taxes per diluted share, for the year ended March 31, 2025.
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this report, including statements concerning the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business condition, results of operations, financial position, business outlook and business trends and other non-historical statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements often contain words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “objectives,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “position,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “seek,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other similar words or expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereon. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current assumptions and beliefs regarding future business and financial performance. The Company’s actual business, financial condition or results of operations may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties which include, among others:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure to attract new customers, retain existing customers or sell additional services to customers; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure to meet growth and productivity objectives and maintain our capital allocation strategy; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | competition; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | impacts of relationships with critical suppliers and partners; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure to address and adapt to technological developments and trends; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | inability to attract and retain key personnel and other skilled employees; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | impact of economic, geopolitical, public health and other conditions; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | damage to the Company’s reputation; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | inability to accurately estimate the cost of services and the timeline for completion of contracts; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | service delivery issues; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the Company’s ability to successfully manage acquisitions and dispositions, including integration challenges, failure to achieve objectives, the assumption of liabilities and higher debt levels; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the impact of our business with foreign, state and local government customers; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure of the Company’s intellectual property rights to prevent competitive offerings and the failure of the Company to obtain, retain and extend necessary licenses; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the impairment of our goodwill or long-lived assets; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks relating to cybersecurity, data governance and privacy; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks relating to non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | adverse effects from tax matters and environmental matters; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | legal proceedings and investigatory risks and potential indemnification obligations; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | impact of changes in market liquidity conditions and customer credit risk on receivables; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the Company’s pension plans; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the impact of currency fluctuations; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks related to the Company’s common stock and the securities market. |
Additional risks and uncertainties include, among others, those risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of this report, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001558370-24-008788.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
In January 2022, the Company changed its fiscal year-end to March 31 from December 31. Included below are selected results and year-over-year comparisons for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 (unaudited). The Company is presenting results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2023 and unaudited results of operations for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 because management believes this comparison will be helpful to a reader’s understanding of our fiscal year 2024 results. Results for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 were derived from our quarterly consolidated financial statements as previously reported. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. For further information on (i) the comparisons between the year ended March 31, 2023 and the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 not covered in the “Segment Results” below, (ii) the comparison between the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the three months ended March 31, 2022 (the 2022 transition period) and (iii) the year ended December 31, 2021, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | Twelve | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | Months Ended | ||
| | | | | | | March 31, | ||||||
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | 2022 | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | (unaudited) | ||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 16,052 | | | $ | 17,026 | | | $ | 18,317 | |
| Revenue growth (GAAP) | | | (6) | % | | | (7) | % | | | (5) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | (6) | % | | | 0 | % | | | (5) | % |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | (340) | | | $ | (1,374) | | | $ | (2,039) | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 2,367 | | | $ | 1,975 | | | $ | 2,195 | |
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. For definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, see “⸺Segment Results.”
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | March 31, | |||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Assets | | $ | 10,590 | | $ | 11,464 |
| Liabilities | | | 9,468 | | | 10,002 |
| Equity | | | 1,122 | | | 1,462 |
Organization of Information
Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM in September 2021 to hold the operations of the infrastructure services unit of IBM’s Global Technology Services segment. On November 3, 2021, Kyndryl separated from IBM through a spin-off that was tax-free for U.S. federal tax purposes. Following the Separation, Kyndryl became an independent, publicly-traded company and the world’s leading IT infrastructure services provider.
Financial Performance Summary
Macro Dynamics
In fiscal year 2024, we saw continuing demand for information technology services, despite concerns about economic growth, increased geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and government efforts to stem inflation. Although government efforts to stem inflation are expected to suppress economic growth, most economists, including the International Monetary Fund, continue to expect positive global macroeconomic growth in calendar year 2024.
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Fiscal 2024 Financial Performance
For the year ended March 31, 2024, we reported $16.1 billion in revenue, a decline of 6 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce unprofitable and low-margin components of its customer relationships. United States revenue declined 9 percent, Japan revenue declined 6 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 2 percent and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 7 percent, compared to the year ended March 31, 2023. Net loss of $340 million improved by $1.0 billion versus the prior-year period driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies, increased margins and reduced transaction-related costs tied to our Separation.
Fiscal 2023 Financial Performance
For the year ended March 31, 2023, we reported $17.0 billion in revenue, a decline of 7 percent when compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, primarily driven by a seven-point negative impact from currency. Among our segments, United States revenue was unchanged, Japan revenue declined 13 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 13 percent, and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 1 percent compared to the prior twelve-month period, with the declines primarily due to currency movements. Net loss of $1.4 billion improved by $665 million versus the prior twelve-month period, primarily driven by lower impairment expense, lower transaction-related costs, and lower cost of services as a percentage of revenue, reflecting our progress on our key initiatives.
Basis of Presentation
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. We prepared these estimates based on the most current and best available information, but actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.
Prior to November 3, 2021, the accompanying financial statements of Kyndryl were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of the former Parent as if the Company operated on a standalone basis during this period and reflect allocations of certain IBM corporate, infrastructure and shared services expenses, including centralized research, legal, human resources, payroll, finance and accounting, employee benefits, real estate, insurance, information technology, telecommunications, treasury and other expenses. Where possible, these charges were allocated based on direct usage, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of headcount, gross profit, asset or other allocation methodologies that are considered to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided or the benefit received by Kyndryl during the periods presented. The accompanying financial statements through the Separation date may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the financial position, results of operations and cash flows would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions between IBM and Kyndryl prior to the Separation were included within Net Parent investment on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
After the Separation on November 3, 2021, the Company’s financial statements for the periods from November 4, 2021, through March 31, 2024, are consolidated financial statements based on our reported results as a standalone company. All significant transactions and accounts between Kyndryl entities were eliminated.
Prior to the Separation, our operations were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local and foreign income tax returns filed by IBM, where applicable. Income tax liabilities, including amounts for unrecognized tax benefits related to our activities included in IBM’s income tax returns, were deemed to be immediately settled with IBM through the Net Parent investment account in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reflected in Net transfers from Parent in the financing activities section in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company also filed certain separate foreign income tax returns. For purposes of the historical periods presented on a “carve-out” basis, the income tax provisions have been calculated using the separate return basis, as if we filed separate tax returns.
Post-Separation, the income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as our tax return elections and assertions.
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Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying whole-dollar amounts.
Segment Results
The following table presents our reportable segments’ revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Segment revenue and revenue growth in constant currency exclude any transactions between the segments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | Twelve | | | | | | | |||
| | | | | | | Months Ended | | | | | | | ||||||
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | March 31, | | Year-over-Year Change | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | | 2024 vs. 2023 | | 2023 vs. 2022 | |||||||||
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 4,295 | | | $ | 4,726 | | | $ | 4,745 | | | (9) | % | | (0) | % |
| Japan | | | 2,344 | | | | 2,502 | | | | 2,866 | | | (6) | % | | (13) | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 5,823 | | | | 5,957 | | | | 6,838 | | | (2) | % | | (13) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 3,590 | | | | 3,840 | | | | 3,867 | | | (7) | % | | (1) | % |
| Total revenue | | $ | 16,052 | | | $ | 17,026 | | | $ | 18,317 | | | (6) | % | | (7) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | (6) | % | | | 0 | % | | | (5) | % | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 781 | | | $ | 839 | | | $ | 910 | | | (7) | % | | (8) | % |
| Japan | | | 361 | | | | 407 | | | | 532 | | | (11) | % | | (23) | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 740 | | | | 371 | | | | 387 | | | 99 | % | | (4) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 579 | | | | 436 | | | | 535 | | | 33 | % | | (19) | % |
| Corporate and other(2) | | | (95) | | | | (77) | | | | (170) | | | NM | | | NM | |
| Total adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 2,367 | | | $ | 1,975 | | | $ | 2,195 | | | 20 | % | | (10) | % |
NM – not meaningful
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. See the information below for definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss).
(2) Represents net amounts not allocated to segments
We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We also present certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide useful supplemental information to investors. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures as we believe they enhance visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance, enables better comparison to peer companies and allows us to provide a long-term strategic view of the business going forward.
Revenue growth in constant currency is a non-GAAP measure that eliminates the effects of exchange rate fluctuations when translating from foreign currencies to the United States dollar. It is calculated by using the average exchange rates that existed for the same period of the prior year. Constant-currency measures are provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends.
Additionally, management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and defined as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of capitalized contract costs), charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets, charges related to lease terminations, transaction-related costs and benefits, pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, stock-based compensation expense, workforce rebalancing charges incurred prior to March 31, 2024, impairment expense, significant litigation costs and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a helpful supplemental measure to assist
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investors in evaluating our operating results as it excludes certain items whose fluctuation from period to period does not necessarily correspond to changes in the operations of our business.
These disclosures are provided in addition to and not as a substitute for the percentage change in revenue and profit or loss measures on a U.S. GAAP basis compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | |||
| | | | | | | Twelve | |||
| | | | | | | Months Ended | |||
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | March 31, | |||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 (unaudited) | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | | $ | (340) | | $ | (1,374) | | $ | (2,039) |
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | | | 172 | | | 524 | | | 350 |
| Interest expense | | | 122 | | | 94 | | | 71 |
| Depreciation of property, equipment and capitalized software | | | 834 | | | 900 | | | 1,206 |
| Amortization expense | | | 1,287 | | | 1,245 | | | 1,310 |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | | 138 | | | 71 | | | (13) |
| Charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets and lease terminations | | | 39 | | | 80 | | | — |
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | (46) | | | 264 | | | 630 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | | | 95 | | | 113 | | | 86 |
| Impairment expense | | | — | | | — | | | 469 |
| Other adjustments* | | | 68 | | | 59 | | | 124 |
| Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | | $ | 2,367 | | $ | 1,975 | | $ | 2,195 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| * | Other adjustments represent pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, significant litigation costs, currency impacts of highly inflationary countries, and an adjustment to reduce amortization expense for the amount already included in transaction-related costs (benefits) above. |
United States
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 4,295 | | | $ | 4,726 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (9) | % | | | (0) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 781 | | | | 839 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (7) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2024, United States revenue of $4.3 billion decreased 9 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, driven by the Company’s efforts to reduce certain low-margin revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $58 million from the prior year, primarily driven by an increase in software costs of $67 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments, partially offset by increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings.
For the year ended March 31, 2023, United States revenue of $4.7 billion was unchanged compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $71 million from the prior twelve-month period, primarily driven by certain software agreements moving from prepaid and amortized agreements to monthly subscription agreements as well as investments made to support being an independent company, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives.
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Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 2,344 | | | $ | 2,502 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (6) | % | | | (13) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | 0 | % | | | 5 | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 361 | | | | 407 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (11) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2024, Japan revenue of $2.3 billion decreased 6 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, driven primarily by an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of six points. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $46 million from the prior year, primarily driven by unfavorable currency movements that impacted both non-yen-denominated costs and the translation of earnings into U.S. dollars.
For the year ended March 31, 2023, Japan revenue of $2.5 billion decreased 13 percent compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Revenue decreased due to an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of 18 points, partially offset by recent signings of incremental business, including increased Kyndryl Consult revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $125 million from the prior twelve-month period, primarily driven by unfavorable currency impacts, partially offset by lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM and progress on our key initiatives.
Principal Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 5,823 | | | $ | 5,957 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (2) | % | | | (13) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (4) | % | | | (4) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 740 | | | | 371 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | 99 | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2024, Principal Markets revenue of $5.8 billion decreased 2 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of two points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $369 million from the prior year, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings and a decrease in software costs of $80 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.
For the year ended March 31, 2023, Principal Markets revenue of $6.0 billion decreased 13 percent compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Revenue decreased due to certain joint ventures not transferring to us in connection with the Separation as well as an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of nine points, primarily driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and British pound. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $16 million from the prior twelve-month period, due to unfavorable currency exchange rates, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives.
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Strategic Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,590 | | | $ | 3,840 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (7) | % | | | (1) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (10) | % | | | 6 | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 579 | | | | 436 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | 33 | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2024, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.6 billion decreased 7 percent compared to the year ended March 31, 2023, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $143 million from the prior year, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings, partially offset by an increase in software costs of $23 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.
For the year ended March 31, 2023, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.8 billion decreased 1 percent compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 driven by a seven-point headwind from currency exchange rates, primarily the Euro, partially offset by signings of incremental business, including increased Kyndryl Consult revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $99 million from the prior twelve-month period, since the majority of Strategic Markets countries were not charged for IBM software pre-Separation and software cost allocations began post-Separation, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and other generated an adjusted EBITDA loss of $95 million in the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to a loss of $77 million in the year ended March 31, 2023. Corporate and other generated an adjusted EBITDA loss of $77 million in the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to a loss of $170 million in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, driven by lower executive expenses incurred by Kyndryl post-Separation compared to corporate expenses allocated by the former Parent in the prior-year period.
Costs and Expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | 2024 | | 2023 | 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 16,052 | | $ | 17,026 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (6) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 13,189 | | | 14,498 | | 82.2 | % | | 85.2 | % | (9) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,773 | | | 2,914 | | 17.3 | % | | 17.1 | % | (5) | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 138 | | 71 | 0.9 | % | | 0.4 | % | 95 | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs (benefits) | | | (46) | | | 264 | | (0.3) | % | | 1.5 | % | | NM | |
| Interest expense | | 122 | | 94 | 0.8 | % | | 0.5 | % | 30 | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 45 | | 35 | 0.3 | % | | 0.2 | % | 27 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (168) | | $ | (851) | | | | | |
NM – not meaningful
Cost of services was 82.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to 85.2% in the year ended March 31, 2023, driven by increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings and actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.3% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to 17.1% in the year ended March 31, 2023, driven by lower revenue, partially offset by reduced expenses. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.9% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 versus 0.4% of revenue in the prior-year period, due to increased workforce rebalancing actions taken in fiscal 2024. Transaction-related costs (benefits) were (0.3)% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to 1.5% in the prior-year, driven by reduced rebranding and employee-retention costs and the favorable
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resolution of certain pre-Separation and Separation-related matters with our former Parent. Interest expense was 0.8% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to 0.5% in the prior year due to higher interest rates in fiscal 2024.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year | | Twelve | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Ended | | Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | 2023 | | 2022 | 2023 vs. 2022 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 17,026 | | $ | 18,317 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (7) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 14,498 | | | 16,057 | | 85.2 | % | | 87.7 | % | (10) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,914 | | | 2,752 | | 17.1 | % | | 15.0 | % | 6 | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 71 | | (13) | 0.4 | % | | (0.1) | % | NM | | ||||
| Transaction-related costs | | | 264 | | | 630 | | 1.5 | % | | 3.4 | % | | (58) | % |
| Impairment expense | | — | | 469 | — | | | 2.6 | % | | (100) | % | |||
| Interest expense | | 94 | | 71 | 0.5 | % | | 0.4 | % | 31 | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 35 | | 40 | 0.2 | % | | 0.2 | % | (12) | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (851) | | $ | (1,689) | | | | | |
NM – not meaningful
Cost of services was 85.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to 87.7% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, primarily driven by progress on our key initiatives and lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM, offset in part by certain site-rationalization activities. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.1% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 15.0% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, driven by expenses associated with operating as an independent public company, the impact of currency on revenue compared to our U.S. dollar-denominated expenses, and certain site-rationalization activities. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to employees terminated in the ongoing course of business. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.4% of revenue in fiscal 2023 compared to (0.1)% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, due to a workforce reduction in the fourth quarter of 2023. Transaction-related costs were 1.5% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 3.4% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, primarily driven by higher employee-retention expense and pre-spin consultancy expense incurred in the prior year. Impairment expense was zero in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 2.6% of revenue in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, driven by an impairment of goodwill in the former EMEA and Americas segments in the quarter ended December 31, 2021. Interest expense was 0.5% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 0.4% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, due to our average debt balance having been lower prior to the Separation. Other expense was 0.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 0.2% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
Transaction-Related Costs (Benefits)
The Company classifies certain expenses and benefits related to the Separation, acquisitions and divestitures (if any) as “transaction-related costs (benefits)” in the Consolidated Income Statement. Transaction-related costs include employee retention expenses, information technology costs, marketing expenses to establish the Kyndryl brand, legal, accounting, consulting and other professional service costs required, pre-Separation and post-Separation, to prepare for and execute the Separation, costs and benefits resulting from settlements with our former Parent associated with pre-Separation and Separation-related matters, and other costs related to contract and supplier novation and integration.
Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges
During the year ended March 31, 2023, management initiated certain actions to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure and increase our operating efficiency, which continued through the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These actions include workforce rebalancing charges, charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, and charges related to lease terminations. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to the terminated employees. In addition, we identified certain leased and owned assets that were inherited from IBM as a result of the Separation that we determined will no longer provide any economic benefit to Kyndryl. As a result, we disposed of these assets through
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abandonment or early termination. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company recognized $135 million in workforce rebalancing charges (excluding individual terminations outside of this Company-wide workforce rebalancing program) and $39 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets and lease termination charges.
Total cash outlays for this program are expected to be approximately $300 million, of which approximately $210 million has been paid through March 31, 2024 (including approximately $40 million of contractual payments toward leased assets we have ceased to use) and approximately $60 million is expected to be paid in fiscal year 2025. Management expects that these workforce rebalancing and site-rationalization activities will reduce payroll costs, rent expenses and depreciation of property and equipment by approximately $400 million in fiscal year 2025. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve our expected cost savings. The Company will continue to seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, which may result in additional charges in future periods. For additional information, see Note 19 – Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
The Company’s consolidated provision for income taxes and effective tax rate were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | Twelve Months | ||
| | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | | Ended March | ||||||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | 31, 2022 | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | (unaudited) | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | | $ | 172 | | | $ | 524 | | | $ | 350 | |
| Effective tax rate | | | (102.2) | % | | | (61.6) | % | | | (20.7) | % |
In the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded income tax expense of $172 million, $524 million and $350 million, respectively, on pretax losses, which resulted in negative effective tax rates. Our income tax expense for the year ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations and uncertain tax positions. Our income tax expense for the year ended March 31, 2023 was primarily related to the increases in valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized, taxes on foreign operations and uncertain tax positions. Our income tax expense for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations, uncertain tax positions, tax charges related to the transfer of Kyndryl’s operations from Parent in contemplation of the Company’s separation from IBM and the establishment of valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized.
The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2024 was lower (more negative) compared to the year ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to the Company’s pretax loss being significantly lower in fiscal year 2024. The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2023 was lower compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized. For more information, see Note 5 – Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Position
Dynamics
Total assets of $10.6 billion at March 31, 2024 decreased by $873 million (and decreased by $737 million adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2023, primarily driven by: a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $295 million mainly due to our net loss in the period; a decrease in deferred costs of $236 million due to amortization outpacing additions; and a decrease in fixed assets of $105 million due to depreciation outpacing new capital expenditures.
Total liabilities of $9.5 billion at March 31, 2024 decreased by $533 million (and decreased by $384 million adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2023, primarily as a result of: a decrease in accounts payable of $366 million due
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to lower costs and the timing of payments; a decrease in other liabilities (non-current) of $118 million due in part to the decrease of deferred taxes; and a decrease in other accrued expenses and liabilities (current) of $102 million due in part to workforce rebalancing payments and partially offset by an increase in accrued contract costs of $142 million due to the timing of vendors’ billings.
Total equity of $1.1 billion at March 31, 2024 decreased $340 million from March 31, 2023, principally due to our comprehensive loss in the period.
Overall pension funded status as of March 31, 2024 was 75% of estimated pension benefit obligation, an increase from 74% at March 31, 2023.
Cash Flow
Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are summarized in the table below.
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended March 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | | | ||||
| Operating activities | | $ | 454 | | $ | 781 |
| Investing activities | | (553) | | (835) | ||
| Financing activities | | (170) | | (141) | ||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | (37) | | (100) | ||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | $ | (306) | | $ | (294) |
Net cash provided by operating activities was $454 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $781 million for the year ended March 31, 2023. This change was driven by lower cash from working capital, partially offset by our reduced net loss.
Net cash used by investing activities was $553 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to a net cash use of $835 million for the year ended March 31, 2023 due to lower capital expenditures and the sale of certain fixed assets. Capital expenditures consist of payments for property and equipment, and purchased and internally-developed software.
Net cash used by financing activities totaled $170 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to net cash used by financing activities of $141 million for the year ended March 31, 2023 mainly driven by higher repayments of finance lease obligations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and the Revolving Credit Agreement entered into in October 2021 will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months.
Senior Unsecured Notes
In October 2021, in preparation for our Spin-off, we completed the offering of $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured fixed-rate notes as follows: $700 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% Senior Notes due 2026, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.70% Senior Notes due 2028, $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Senior Notes due 2031 and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.10% Senior Notes due 2041 (the “Initial Notes”). The Initial Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. In connection with the issuance of the Initial Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the purchasers of the Initial Notes, pursuant to which we completed a registered offering to exchange each series of Initial Notes for new notes with substantially identical terms during the quarter ended September 30, 2022.
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In February 2024, we completed a registered offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.35% senior unsecured notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes”). We received proceeds of $494 million, net of debt issuance costs and discounts, which were capitalized as a reduction to the carrying value of debt and are being amortized as interest expense over the term of the notes. The 2034 Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness.
The Initial Notes and the 2034 Notes are subject to customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default for financings of this type and are redeemable at our option in a customary manner.
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility
In October 2021, we entered into a $500 million three-year variable rate term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), which was scheduled to mature in November 2024. In November 2021, we drew down the full $500 million available under the Term Loan Credit Agreement. The interest rate on this term loan was equal to one-month U.S. Dollar London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin of 1.125%. In June 2023, we amended the Term Loan Credit Agreement by replacing LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The first repricing date using SOFR was in July 2023. In February 2024, the Company used the net proceeds from the offering of the 2034 Notes, together with cash on hand, to prepay the full amount outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, at no penalty.
In October 2021, we entered into a $3.15 billion multi-currency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), which expires, unless extended, in October 2026. The Revolving Credit Agreement was amended in June 2023, replacing LIBOR with SOFR. Interest rates on borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be based on prevailing market interest rates, plus a margin, as further described in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The total facility fees recorded by the Company for the Revolving Credit Agreement were $5 million for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Facility fees were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2024, there has been no drawdown on the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The Revolving Credit Agreement includes certain customary mandatory prepayment provisions. In addition, it includes customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants as well as a maintenance covenant that will require that the ratio of our indebtedness for borrowed money to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants.
Transfers of Financial Assets
The Company has entered into agreements with third-party financial institutions to sell certain financial assets (primarily trade receivables) without recourse. The Company has determined these are true sales. The carrying value of the financial asset sold is derecognized, and a net gain or loss on the sale is recognized, at the time of the transfer. The first agreement, which was executed in November 2021 and subsequently amended, enabled us to sell certain of our trade receivables to the counterparty. The initial term of this agreement was 18 months, and the agreement automatically resets to a term of 18 months after every six months, unless either party elects not to extend. The second agreement was executed in June 2022 with a separate third-party financial institution and renews automatically on its anniversary date.
The net proceeds from these arrangements are reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Gross proceeds from receivables sold to third parties under the aforementioned programs were $3.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2024 and $3.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2023. The fees associated with the transfers of receivables were $49 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 and $47 million for the year ended March 31, 2023.
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Supplier Financing Program
In the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company initiated a supplier financing program with a third-party financial institution under which the Company agrees to pay the financial institution the stated amounts of invoices from participating suppliers on the originally invoiced due date, which have an average term of 90 to 120 days. The financial institution offers earlier payment of the invoices at the sole discretion of the supplier for a discounted amount. The Company does not provide secured legal assets or other forms of guarantees under the arrangements. The Company is not a party to the arrangement between its suppliers and the financial institution. The Company or the financial institution may terminate the agreement upon at least 180 days notice. The Company’s obligations under this program continue to be recognized as accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The obligations outstanding under this program at March 31, 2024 were immaterial.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
From time to time, we may enter into (i) off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by SEC Financial Reporting Release 67 (FRR-67), “Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations” or (ii) purchase commitments, which we expect to use in the ordinary course of business.
At March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, we had no such off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We do not have retained interests in assets transferred to unconsolidated entities or other material off-balance sheet interests or instruments.
At March 31, 2024, the Company’s material future contractual obligations were primarily related to leases, debt and pension liabilities. See Note 9 – Leases, Note 11 – Borrowings, Note 12 – Other Liabilities and Note 16 – Retirement-Related Benefits of Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company has contractual commitments that are noncancellable with certain software, hardware and cloud partners used in the delivery of services to customers. Certain of these commitments were allocated to the Company as part of the Separation from its former Parent. The Company has determined that these commitments may exceed the Company’s needs over the next two to three years. If the Company is unable to satisfy, reduce or amend its contractual commitments, it will record the future charges for any payments related to excess commitments as cost of services. At March 31, 2024, we had short-term (April 2024 through March 2025), mid-term (April 2025 through March 2027) and long-term (April 2027 onward) purchase commitments in the amount of $0.6 billion, $0.4 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively.
Other Information
Signings
The following table presents the Company’s signings for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and the twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | Twelve | |
| | | | | | | | | Months | |
| | | | | | | Ended | |||
| | | Year Ended March 31, | | March 31, | |||||
| (Dollars in billions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Total signings | | $ | 12.5 | | $ | 12.2 | | $ | 14.2 |
Signings increased by $332 million, or 3%, in the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to the prior year. Signings decreased by $2.0 billion, or 14%, for the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, in part due to a six-point negative currency impact on signings. Signings also declined as a result of an increased focus on higher-margin services, which tend to be shorter in length and therefore smaller in value than historical agreements.
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Management uses signings as a tool to monitor the performance of the business including the business’ ability to attract new customers and sell additional scope into our existing customer base. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of signings. We define signings as an initial estimate of the value of a customer’s commitment under a contract. The calculation involves estimates and judgments to gauge the extent of a customer’s commitment, including the type and duration of the agreement and the presence of termination charges or wind-down costs. Contract extensions and increases in scope are treated as signings only to the extent of the incremental new value. Signings can vary over time due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the timing of signing a small number of larger outsourcing contracts as well as the length of those contracts. The conversion of signings into revenue may vary based on the types of services and solutions, customer decisions and other factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the macroeconomic environment or external events.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The application of U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about certain items and future events that directly affect our reported financial condition. The accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.
A quantitative sensitivity analysis is provided where that information is reasonably available, can be reliably estimated and provides material information to investors. The amounts used to assess sensitivity (e.g., 1 percent, 10 percent, etc.) are included to allow users of this report to understand a general effect of changes in the estimates and do not represent management’s predictions of variability. For all of these estimates, it should be noted that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted and estimates require regular review and adjustment.
Revenue Recognition
Application of GAAP related to the measurement and recognition of revenue requires us to make judgments and estimates. Specifically, complex arrangements with nonstandard terms and conditions may require significant contract interpretation to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether promised goods and services specified in an arrangement are separate performance obligations. In certain arrangements, revenue is recognized based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation using a cost-to-cost measure of progress. The estimation of future costs, which is updated as the project progresses, is complex and requires us to make judgments. Other significant judgments include determining whether we are acting as the principal in a transaction and whether separate contracts should be combined and considered part of one arrangement.
Revenue recognition is also impacted by our ability to determine when a contract is probable of collection and to estimate variable consideration, including, for example, rebates, price concessions, service-level penalties and performance bonuses. We consider various factors when making these judgments, including a review of specific transactions, historical experience and market and economic conditions. Evaluations are conducted each quarter to assess the adequacy of the estimates.
Costs to Complete Service Contracts
During the contractual period, revenue, cost and profits may be impacted by estimates of the ultimate profitability of each contract, especially contracts for which we use cost-to-cost method to measure progress. The Company performs ongoing profitability analyses of its design-and-build services contracts accounted for using a cost-to-cost measure of progress to determine whether the latest estimates of revenues, costs and profits require updating. If at any time these estimates indicate that the contract will be unprofitable on a gross-margin basis, the entire estimated loss for the remainder of the contract is recorded immediately. For other types of services contracts, any losses are recorded as incurred. Key factors reviewed to estimate the future costs to complete each contract are future labor costs, product costs and expected productivity efficiencies.
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Capitalization of Contract Costs
In connection with services arrangements, we incur and capitalize direct costs for transition and setup activities performed at the inception of these long-term contracts that are necessary to enable us to perform under the terms of the arrangement. These costs are capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit. We perform periodic reviews to assess the recoverability of deferred contract transition and setup costs. To assess recoverability, undiscounted estimated cash flows of the contract are projected over its remaining life and compared to the carrying amount of contract-related assets, including the unamortized deferred cost balance. Such estimates require judgment and assumptions, and actual future cash flows could differ from these estimates. A significant change in an estimate or assumption on one or more contracts could have a material effect on our results of operations.
Retirement-related Benefit Plan Assumptions
For Company-sponsored and co-sponsored defined benefit pension plans, the measurement of the benefit obligation to plan participants and net periodic benefit cost requires the use of certain assumptions, including, among others, estimates of discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
Changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the actuarial (gain)/loss amortization, service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit cost calculation and the projected benefit obligation (PBO). If the average discount rate assumption for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans had increased or decreased by 25-basis-points from 3.30% on March 31, 2024, this would not result in a material change to pretax net periodic benefit cost recognized in fiscal 2025. Further changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the PBO which, in turn, may impact our funding decisions if the PBO exceeds plan assets. A 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the discount rate would result in an approximate corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, of approximately $42 million in the Plans’ estimated PBO and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) based upon March 31, 2024 data.
The expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is used in calculating the net periodic benefit cost. Expected returns on plan assets are calculated based on the market-related value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets systematically over a five-year period in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost. The differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected long-term return on plan assets are recognized over five years in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost and also as a component of actuarial (gains)/losses, which are recognized over the service lives or life expectancy of the participants, depending on the plan, provided such amounts exceed thresholds which are based upon the benefit obligation or the value of plan assets, as provided by accounting standards.
To the extent the outlook for long-term returns changes such that management changes its expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the expected long-term return on plan assets assumption would not have a material estimated decrease or increase on the following year’s pretax net periodic benefit cost (based upon plan assets at March 31, 2024 and expected contributions and benefit payments for fiscal 2025).
We may voluntarily make contributions or be required, by law, to make contributions to our pension plans. Actual results that differ from the estimates may result in more or less future funding into the pension plans than is planned by management. Impacts of these types of changes on our pension plans would vary depending upon the status of each respective plan.
In addition to the above, we evaluate other pension assumptions involving demographic factors, such as retirement age and mortality and update these assumptions to reflect experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year can differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.
For additional information on our pension plans and the development of these assumptions, see Note 16 – Retirement-Related Benefits to our consolidated financial statements.
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Income Taxes
Prior to the Separation, our operations were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local and foreign income tax returns filed by IBM. The Company also filed certain separate foreign income tax returns. Income tax liabilities including amounts for unrecognized tax benefits related to our activities included in IBM’s income tax returns were deemed to be immediately settled with IBM through the Net Parent investment account in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reflected in Net transfers from Parent in the financing activities section in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. For purposes of the financial statements presented on a “carve-out” basis, the income tax provisions were calculated as if we filed separate tax returns and include transactions related to our Separation attributed to us, even if the related tax liabilities were our former Parent’s responsibility.
Prior to the Separation, the Company recorded deferred tax assets for stock-based compensation awards that result in tax deductions in the consolidated financial statements calculated using the separate return basis, the amount of compensation cost recognized and the relevant statutory tax rates. Post-Separation, the differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on the Company’s income tax return are recorded as a benefit or expense to the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Post-Separation, our income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as our tax return elections and assertions. Liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits for which the Company is liable are reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheet based upon tax authorities’ ability to assert the Company may be the primary obligor for historical taxes, among other factors. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available evidence for each jurisdiction including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and actions. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Valuation of Assets
The application of valuation and impairment accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Impairment testing for assets, other than goodwill, requires the allocation of cash flows to those assets or group of assets and if required, an estimate of fair value for the assets or group of assets. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management’s assumptions, which would not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. Assumptions used to perform a recoverability test are consistent with those used for goodwill impairment; see “Valuation of Goodwill” for further detail.
Valuation of Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable by first assessing qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value.
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We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill including relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of reporting units. Examples include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic, industry and market conditions, as well as other individual factors such as:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A significant adverse shift in the operating environment of the reporting unit such as unanticipated competition; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Significant pending litigation; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A loss of key personnel; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | An adverse action or assessment by a regulator. |
We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. This quantitative test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
If a quantitative test is required, we use an income-based approach where fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model that requires significant judgment with respect to revenue and growth rates, based upon annual budgets and long-term strategic plans. Fair value estimates employed in our annual impairment review of goodwill involve using various assumptions. Assumptions critical to our fair value were discount rates used in determining the fair value of the reporting unit, expected revenue growth and projected EBITDA margins. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and may change based on different facts and circumstances. We believe the assumptions used to estimate future cash flows are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expected cash flows will be realized. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease discounted cash flows or earnings projections and therefore, could change impairment determinations.
In conjunction with our annual review of goodwill for impairment, we prepared qualitative and quantitative valuation analysis as of January 1, 2024. For the reporting units subject to quantitative tests, we determined that their fair values exceeded their book values by over 100%. We also performed a sensitivity analysis on the calculation of fair value using discounted cash flows. A hypothetical 100-basis-point increase in the discount rate or a hypothetical 100-basis-point decline in revenue growth rate, combined with no other changes to other inputs and assumptions used in the analysis, would not result in a potential impairment. See Note 10 – Intangible Assets Including Goodwill for further discussion.
Loss Contingencies
We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. At least quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. These revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Change in Accounting Estimate
In March 2024, we completed our assessment of the useful lives of our property, plant and equipment. Based on our usage experience and data analysis, we determined we should increase the estimated useful lives of our information technology equipment from five to six years. This change in accounting estimate will be effective beginning April 1,
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2024 and applied on a prospective basis to the assets on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2024, as well as future asset purchases. Based on the carrying value of information technology equipment included in property, plant and equipment, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2024, we estimate this change will decrease non-cash depreciation expense in fiscal year 2025 by approximately $180 million.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this report, including statements concerning the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business condition, results of operations, financial position, business outlook and business trends and other non-historical statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements often contain words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “position,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “seek,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other similar words or expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereon. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current assumptions and beliefs regarding future business and financial performance. The Company’s actual business, financial condition or results of operations may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties which include, among others:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure to attract new customers, retain existing customers or sell additional services to customers; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure to meet growth and productivity objectives; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | competition; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | impacts of relationships with critical suppliers and partners; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure to address and adapt to technological developments and trends; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | inability to attract and retain key personnel and other skilled employees; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | impact of economic, political, public health and other conditions; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | damage to the Company’s reputation; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | inability to accurately estimate the cost of services and the timeline for completion of contracts; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | service delivery issues; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the Company’s ability to successfully manage acquisitions and dispositions, including integration challenges, failure to achieve objectives, the assumption of liabilities and higher debt levels; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the impact of our business with government customers; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | failure of the Company’s intellectual property rights to prevent competitive offerings and the failure of the Company to obtain, retain and extend necessary licenses; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the impairment of our goodwill or long-lived assets; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks relating to cybersecurity, data governance and privacy; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks relating to non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | adverse effects from tax matters and environmental matters; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | legal proceedings and investigatory risks and potential indemnification obligations; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | impact of changes in market liquidity conditions and customer credit risk on receivables; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the Company’s pension plans; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the impact of currency fluctuations; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks related to the Company’s spin-off from IBM; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks related to deficiencies identified in our information technology general control; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | risks related to the Company’s common stock and the securities market. |
Additional risks and uncertainties include, among others, those risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of this report, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001558370-23-010545.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations:
Overview
In January 2022, the Company changed its fiscal year-end to March 31 from December 31. Included below are selected results and year-over-year comparisons for the year ended March 31, 2023, the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 (unaudited), the three-month transition period ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company is presenting unaudited results of operations for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 because management believes this comparison will be helpful to a reader’s understanding of our fiscal year 2023 results. Results for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 were derived from our quarterly consolidated financial statements as previously reported. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. For further information on the comparisons between the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 not covered in the “Segment Results” below, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Amendment No. 1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on May 27, 2022 (the “8-K/A”). We refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, revised and updated as set forth on Exhibit 99.1 to the 8-K/A, as the “2021 Form 10-K”.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | Twelve | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | | | | | Months Ended | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Year Ended | | March 31, | | Year Ended | | Year Ended | ||||||||
| | | March 31, | | 2022 | | December 31, | | December 31, | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2023 | | (unaudited) | | 2021 | | 2020 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 17,026 | | | $ | 18,317 | | | $ | 18,657 | | | $ | 19,352 | |
| Revenue growth (GAAP) | | | (7) | % | | | (5) | % | | | (4) | % | | | (5) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | 0 | % | | | (5) | % | | | (5) | % | | | (5) | % |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | (1,374) | | | $ | (2,039) | | | $ | (2,304) | | | $ | (2,007) | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 1,975 | | | $ | 2,195 | | | $ | 2,069 | | | $ | 2,185 | |
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. For definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, see “⸺Segment Results.”
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | March 31, | | December 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Assets | | $ | 11,464 | | $ | 13,442 | | $ | 13,213 |
| Liabilities | | | 10,002 | | | 10,730 | | | 10,446 |
| Equity | | | 1,462 | | | 2,711 | | | 2,767 |
Organization of Information
Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM in September 2021 to hold the operations of the managed infrastructure services unit of IBM’s Global Technology Services segment. On November 3, 2021, IBM distributed shares representing 80.1% of Kyndryl’s outstanding common stock to holders of record of IBM’s common stock as of the close of business on October 25, 2021 in a spin-off that was tax-free for U.S. federal tax purposes. Following the distribution, Kyndryl became an independent, publicly-traded company and is the world’s leading managed infrastructure services provider. IBM disposed of its 19.9% retained interest in Kyndryl common stock in the year following the Spin-off.
Kyndryl utilized allocations and carve-out methodologies through November 3, 2021 to prepare historical financial statements. The consolidated financial statements for the pre-Separation periods herein may not be indicative of our future performance, do not necessarily include the actual expenses that would have been incurred by us and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows had we been a separate, standalone company during the historical periods presented. For additional information, see “Basis of Presentation” in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Financial Performance Summary
Macro Dynamics
In calendar year 2021, we saw a broad-based macroeconomic recovery in most regions of the world. Demand for technology services rebounded after declines resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as large organizations again demonstrated a need for assistance in designing, building, managing and modernizing their technology systems. In fiscal year 2023, we saw continuing demand for information technology services, despite declining economic growth, increased geopolitical tensions, lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures and government efforts to stem inflation. Although the risk of economic slowdowns in certain geographies has recently increased, most economists, including the International Monetary Fund, expect positive global macroeconomic growth in calendar years 2023 and 2024.
Fiscal 2023 Financial Performance
For the year ended March 31, 2023, we reported $17.0 billion in revenue, a decline of 7 percent when compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, primarily driven by a seven-point negative impact from currency. Among our segments, United States revenue was unchanged, Japan revenue declined 13 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 13 percent, and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 1 percent compared to the prior twelve-month period, with the declines primarily due to currency movements. Net loss of $1.4 billion improved by $665 million versus the prior twelve-month period, primarily driven by lower impairment expense, lower transaction-related costs, and lower cost of services as a percentage of revenue, reflecting our progress on our key initiatives. See Part I. Item 1, “Business – Our Strategies” for additional information on our key initiatives.
Transition Period Financial Performance
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we reported $4.4 billion in revenue, a decline of 7 percent when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily driven by a four-point negative impact from currency. Among our segments, United States revenue declined 5 percent, Japan revenue declined 7 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 14 percent, and Strategic Markets revenue increased 2 percent compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021, with the declines primarily due to currency movements. Net loss of $229 million improved by $265 million versus the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by cost reductions, including the benefit from workforce actions taken in prior periods.
2021 Financial Performance
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we reported $18.7 billion in revenue, a decline of 4 percent when compared to the prior year primarily driven by lower contract volumes due to existing and new clients pausing activities during our planned Separation from our former Parent, as well as expected price declines in certain new and renewed customer contracts. This was a consistent trend across all segments. United States revenue declined 5 percent, Japan declined 4 percent, Principal Markets declined 1 percent and Strategic Markets declined 5 percent compared to 2020. Net loss of $2.3 billion increased by $297 million versus the prior year. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 included a goodwill impairment charge of $469 million, transaction-related costs of $627 million and litigation charges for certain long-standing claims and disputes of $52 million, as well as cost allocations from our former Parent.
Basis of Presentation
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. We prepared these estimates based on the most current and best available information, but actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.
Prior to November 4, 2021, the accompanying financial statements of Kyndryl were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of the Parent as if the Company operated on a standalone basis
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during the periods presented and were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Historically, the Company consisted of the managed infrastructure services unit of the Parent’s Global Technology Services segment and did not operate as a separate standalone company. Accordingly, the Parent had reported the financial position and results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity of the Company in the Parent’s consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying financial statements through the Separation date reflect allocations of certain IBM corporate, infrastructure and shared services expenses, including centralized research, legal, human resources, payroll, finance and accounting, employee benefits, real estate, insurance, information technology, telecommunications, treasury and other expenses. Where possible, these charges were allocated based on direct usage, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of headcount, gross profit, asset or other allocation methodologies that are considered to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided or the benefit received by Kyndryl during the periods presented. The accompanying financial statements through the Separation date may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the financial position, results of operations and cash flows would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented.
After the Separation on November 3, 2021, the Company’s financial statements for the periods from November 4, 2021, through March 31, 2023, are consolidated financial statements based on our reported results as a standalone company. All significant transactions and accounts between Kyndryl entities were eliminated. All significant intercompany transactions between IBM and Kyndryl prior to the Separation were included within Net Parent investment on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Prior to the Separation, our operations were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local and foreign income tax returns filed by IBM, where applicable. The Company also filed certain separate foreign income tax returns. For purposes of the historical periods presented on a “carve-out” basis, the income tax provisions have been calculated using the separate return basis, as if we filed separate tax returns.
Post-Separation, the income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as tax return elections and assertions. Current income tax liabilities including amounts for unrecognized tax benefits related to our activities included in IBM’s income tax returns were deemed to be immediately settled with IBM through the Net Parent investment account in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reflected in Net transfers from Parent in the financing activities section in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying whole-dollar amounts.
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Segment Results
The following table presents our reportable segments’ revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the year ended March 31, 2023, the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, and the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Segment revenue and revenue growth in constant currency exclude any transactions between the segments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Twelve | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||
| | | Year Ended | | Months Ended | | Year Ended | | | | | | | ||||||||||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | December 31, | | Year-over-Year Change | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2023 vs. 2022 | | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 4,726 | | | $ | 4,745 | | | $ | 4,805 | | | $ | 5,084 | | | (0) | % | | (5) | % |
| Japan | | | 2,502 | | | | 2,866 | | | | 2,923 | | | | 3,042 | | | (13) | % | | (4) | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 5,957 | | | | 6,838 | | | | 7,085 | | | | 7,187 | | | (13) | % | | (1) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 3,840 | | | | 3,867 | | | | 3,844 | | | | 4,040 | | | (1) | % | | (5) | % |
| Total revenue | | $ | 17,026 | | | $ | 18,317 | | | $ | 18,657 | | | $ | 19,352 | | | (7) | % | | (4) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | 0 | % | | | (5) | % | | | (5) | % | | | (5) | % | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 839 | | | $ | 910 | | | $ | 842 | | | $ | 940 | | | (8) | % | | (10) | % |
| Japan | | | 407 | | | | 532 | | | | 501 | | | | 534 | | | (23) | % | | (6) | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 371 | | | | 387 | | | | 341 | | | | 375 | | | (4) | % | | (9) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 436 | | | | 535 | | | | 540 | | | | 488 | | | (19) | % | | 11 | % |
| Corporate and other(2) | | | (77) | | | | (170) | | | | (154) | | | | (153) | | | NM | | | NM | |
| Total adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 1,975 | | | $ | 2,195 | | | $ | 2,069 | | | $ | 2,185 | | | (10) | % | | (5) | % |
NM – not meaningful
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. See the information below for definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss).
(2) Represents net amounts not allocated to segments
We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We also present certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide useful supplemental information to investors. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures as we believe it improves visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance and enables better comparison to peer companies.
Revenue growth in constant currency is a non-GAAP measure that eliminates the effects of exchange rate fluctuations when translating from foreign currencies to the United States dollar. It is calculated by using the average exchange rates that existed for the same period of the prior year. Constant-currency measures are provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends.
Additionally, management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and defined as net income (loss) excluding net interest expense, depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of capitalized contract costs), charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets, charges related to lease terminations, transaction-related costs, pension costs other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, stock-based compensation expense, workforce rebalancing charges, impairment expense, significant litigation costs and foreign currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a helpful supplemental measure to assist investors in evaluating our operating results as it excludes certain items whose fluctuation from period to period does not necessarily correspond to changes in the operations of our business. We provide this non-GAAP financial measure as we believe it improves visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance, enables better comparison to peer companies and allows us to provide a long-term strategic view of the business.
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These disclosures are provided in addition to and not as a substitute for the percentage change in revenue and profit or loss measures on a U.S. GAAP basis compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Year | | Twelve | | | | | | | ||
| | | Ended | | Months Ended | | | | | | | ||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 (unaudited) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | | $ | (1,374) | | $ | (2,039) | | $ | (2,304) | | $ | (2,007) |
| Provision for income taxes | | | 524 | | | 350 | | | 402 | | | 247 |
| Workforce rebalancing charges (benefits) | | | 71 | | | (13) | | | 39 | | | 918 |
| Charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets and lease terminations | | | 80 | | | — | | | — | | | — |
| Transaction-related costs | | | 264 | | | 630 | | | 627 | | | 21 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | | | 113 | | | 86 | | | 71 | | | 64 |
| Impairment expense | | | — | | | 469 | | | 469 | | | — |
| Interest expense | | | 94 | | | 71 | | | 64 | | | 63 |
| Depreciation of property, equipment and capitalized software | | | 900 | | | 1,206 | | | 1,300 | | | 1,445 |
| Amortization expense | | | 1,245 | | | 1,310 | | | 1,314 | | | 1,408 |
| Other adjustments* | | | 59 | | | 124 | | | 88 | | | 27 |
| Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | | $ | 1,975 | | $ | 2,195 | | $ | 2,069 | | $ | 2,185 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| * | Other adjustments represent pension expense other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, significant litigation costs and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. |
United States
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Twelve | |||
| | | Year Ended | | Months Ended | ||||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 4,726 | | | $ | 4,745 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (0) | % | | | (6) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 839 | | | | 910 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (8) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2023, United States revenue of $4.7 billion was unchanged compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $71 million from the prior twelve-month period, primarily driven by certain software agreements moving from prepaid and amortized agreements to monthly subscription agreements as well as investments made to support being an independent company, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period), United States revenue of $1.2 billion decreased 5 percent compared to the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by reduced signings in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA increased $68 million from the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM, partially offset by lower revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, United States revenue of $4.8 billion decreased 5 percent as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by lower contract volumes due to clients pausing activities during the pandemic and our planned Separation as well as lower pricing. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $99 million from the prior year, primarily due to lower revenue, partially offset by cost reductions.
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Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Twelve | |||
| | | Year Ended | | Months Ended | ||||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 2,502 | | | $ | 2,866 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (13) | % | | | (7) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | 5 | % | | | (1) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 407 | | | | 532 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (23) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2023, Japan revenue of $2.5 billion decreased 13 percent compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Revenue decreased due to an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of 18 points, partially offset by recent signings of incremental business, including increased Kyndryl Consult revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $125 million from the prior twelve-month period, primarily driven by unfavorable currency impacts, partially offset by lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM and progress on our key initiatives.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period), Japan revenue of $706 million decreased 7 percent as compared to the prior-year quarter. Revenue decreased primarily due to unfavorable currency impacts, as well as a delay in the transfer of a joint venture from IBM that was finalized mid-quarter, which was captured in the operating results of the pre-Separation period under the carve-out assumptions of our former Parent. Adjusted EBITDA increased $31 million from the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM, partially offset by unfavorable currency impacts.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, Japan revenue of $2.9 billion decreased 4 percent as compared to the prior year. Revenue decreased primarily as a result of currency exchange rates. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $33 million from the prior year largely due to decreased revenue.
Principal Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Twelve | |||
| | | Year Ended | | Months Ended | ||||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 5,957 | | | $ | 6,838 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (13) | % | | | (5) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (4) | % | | | (7) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 371 | | | | 387 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (4) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2023, Principal Markets revenue of $6.0 billion decreased 13 percent compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Revenue decreased due to certain joint ventures not transferring to us in connection with the Separation as well as an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of nine points, primarily driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and British pound. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $16 million from the prior twelve-month period, due to unfavorable currency exchange rates, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period), Principal Markets revenue of $1.6 billion decreased 14 percent as compared to the prior-year quarter. Revenue decreased due to certain joint ventures not transferring to us in connection with the Separation as well as an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of five points, primarily driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and British pound. Adjusted EBITDA increased $46 million from the prior-year quarter, primarily due to the benefit from cost-reduction actions taken in prior periods as well as lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM.
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For the year ended December 31, 2021, Principal Markets revenue of $7.1 billion decreased 1 percent as compared to the prior year. Revenue decreased due to certain joint ventures not transferring to us in connection with the Separation partially offset by a favorable currency exchange rate impact of 4 points, primarily driven by the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and British pound. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $34 million from the prior year, primarily due to lower revenue, partially offset by cost-reductions actions taken in the prior year.
Strategic Markets
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Twelve | |||
| | | Year Ended | | Months Ended | ||||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,840 | | | $ | 3,867 | |
| Revenue year-over-year change | | | (1) | % | | | (2) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | 6 | % | | | (2) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 436 | | | | 535 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year change | | | (19) | % | | | | |
For the year ended March 31, 2023, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.8 billion decreased 1 percent compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 driven by a seven-point headwind from currency exchange rates, primarily the Euro, partially offset by signings of incremental business, including increased Kyndryl Consult revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $99 million from the prior twelve-month period, since the majority of Strategic Markets countries were not charged for IBM software pre-Separation and software cost allocations began post-Separation, partially offset by progress on our key initiatives.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period), Strategic Markets revenue of $978 million increased 2 percent as compared to the prior-year quarter, despite a four-point headwind from currency exchange rates. Revenue increased due to recent signings of incremental business. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $4 million from the prior-year quarter, since the majority of Strategic Markets countries were not charged for IBM software pre-Separation and software cost allocations began post-Separation. The increased software costs from IBM were partially offset by higher revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.8 billion decreased 5 percent as compared to the prior year. Revenue decreased due to certain joint-ventures not transferring to us in connection with the Separation and impacts from exiting low-margin accounts, partially offset by a favorable currency exchange rate impact of 2 points, primarily driven by the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro. Adjusted EBITDA increased $52 million from the prior year, primarily due to exiting low-margin accounts and realizing benefits from cost-reduction actions taken in the prior year.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and other generated an adjusted EBITDA loss of $77 million in the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to a loss of $170 million in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. Corporate and other had an adjusted EBITDA loss of $56 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period), compared to a loss of $40 million in the prior-year quarter. The improvements were driven by lower executive expenses incurred by Kyndryl post-Separation compared to corporate expenses allocated by the former Parent in prior-year periods. Corporate and other had an adjusted EBITDA loss of $154 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a loss of $153 million in the prior year.
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Costs and Expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year | | Twelve | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Ended | | Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | | 2022 (unaudited) | 2023 | | 2022 | 2023 vs. 2022 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 17,026 | | $ | 18,317 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (7) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 14,498 | | | 16,057 | | 85.2 | % | | 87.7 | % | (10) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,914 | | | 2,752 | | 17.1 | % | | 15.0 | % | 6 | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges (benefits) | | 71 | | (13) | 0.4 | % | | (0.1) | % | NM | | ||||
| Transaction-related costs | | | 264 | | | 630 | | 1.5 | % | | 3.4 | % | | (58) | % |
| Impairment expense | | | — | | | 469 | | — | | | 2.6 | % | | (100) | % |
| Interest expense | | 94 | | 71 | 0.5 | % | | 0.4 | % | 31 | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 35 | | 40 | 0.2 | % | | 0.2 | % | (12) | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (851) | | $ | (1,689) | | | | | |
NM – not meaningful
Cost of services was 85.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to 87.7% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, primarily driven by progress on our key initiatives and lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM, offset in part by certain site-rationalization activities. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.1% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 15.0% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, driven by expenses associated with operating as an independent public company, the impact of currency on revenue compared to our U.S. dollar-denominated expenses, and certain site-rationalization activities. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to employees terminated in the ongoing course of business. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.4% of revenue in fiscal 2023 compared to (0.1)% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, due to a workforce reduction in the fourth quarter of 2023. Transaction-related costs were 1.5% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 3.4% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, primarily driven by higher employee-retention expense and pre-spin consultancy expense incurred in the prior year. Impairment expense was zero in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 2.6% of revenue in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, driven by an impairment of goodwill in the former EMEA and Americas segments in the quarter ended December 31, 2021. Interest expense was 0.5% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 0.4% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, due to our average debt balance having been lower prior to the Separation. Other expense was 0.2% of revenue in the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to 0.2% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2022 | | 2021 | 2022 | | 2021 | 2022 vs. 2021 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 4,431 | | $ | 4,771 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (7) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 3,824 | | | 4,318 | | 86.3 | % | | 90.5 | % | (11) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 690 | | | 714 | | 15.6 | % | | 15.0 | % | (3) | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | — | | 52 | — | % | | 1.1 | % | (100) | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs | | | 58 | | | 55 | | 1.3 | % | | 1.2 | % | | 5 | % |
| Interest expense | | 21 | | 14 | 0.5 | % | | 0.3 | % | 54 | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 27 | | 22 | 0.6 | % | | 0.5 | % | 21 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (189) | | $ | (403) | | | | NM | |
Cost of services were 86.3% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period), compared to 90.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily driven by benefits realized from cost-reduction actions taken in prior periods as well as lower costs from our post-Separation commercial agreements with IBM. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 15.6% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 15.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily driven by our stand-alone expense structure compared to pre-Separation allocations incurred in the prior year. Workforce rebalancing charges were not incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2022 and were 1.1% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2021. Transaction-related costs were 1.3% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 1.2% in the three months ended
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March 31, 2021. Interest expense was 0.5% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 0.3% in the three months ended March 31, 2021. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included interest expense associated with the indebtedness we incurred in connection with our Separation. Other expense was 0.6% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 0.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended December 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | 2021 | | 2020 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 18,657 | | $ | 19,352 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (4) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 16,550 | | | 17,137 | | 88.7 | % | | 88.6 | % | (3) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,776 | | | 2,948 | | 14.9 | % | | 15.2 | % | (6) | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 39 | | 918 | 0.2 | % | | 4.7 | % | (96) | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs | | | 627 | | | 21 | | 3.4 | % | | 0.1 | % | | NM | |
| Impairment expense | | 469 | | — | 2.5 | % | | — | % | — | % | ||||
| Interest expense | | 64 | | 63 | 0.3 | % | | 0.3 | % | 2 | % | ||||
| Other expense | | 35 | | 25 | 0.2 | % | | 0.1 | % | 40 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (1,903) | | $ | (1,760) | | | | NM | |
Costs of services were 88.7% of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 88.6% in the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily driven by the impact of a revenue decrease related to advisory & implementation services and price decreases embedded in certain new and renewed contracts mostly offset by benefits realized from prior-year cost-reduction actions. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 14.9% of revenue in 2021 compared to 15.2% in 2020, primarily driven by benefits realized from prior-year cost-reduction actions, partially offset by additional legal liabilities recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to employees terminated in the ongoing course of business. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.2% of revenue in 2021 compared to 4.7% in 2020, when the Company announced a significant workforce reduction, primarily in Europe, in the fourth quarter of 2020. Transaction-related costs were 3.4% of revenue in 2021 compared to 0.1% in 2020, primarily driven by costs related to our Separation, including legal, consulting, audit and other professional fees, information technology transition costs, and employee retention expenses. Impairment expenses were 2.5% of revenue in 2021, primarily driven by an impairment of goodwill we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021. Interest expense was 0.3% of revenue in 2021 compared to 0.3% in 2020, and includes interest expense associated with the indebtedness we incurred in connection with our Separation. Other expense was 0.2% of revenue in 2021 compared to 0.1% in 2020.
Transaction-related Charges
The Company classifies certain expenses related to the Separation, acquisitions and divestitures (if any) as “transaction-related costs” in the Consolidated Income Statement. Transaction-related costs include expenditures incurred to prepare for and execute the Separation and establish Kyndryl as a standalone business, such as employee retention expenses, information technology costs, marketing expenses to establish the Kyndryl brand, legal, accounting, consulting and other professional services costs required to prepare for and execute the Separation.
Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges
During the year ended March 31, 2023, management initiated certain actions to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure and increase our operating efficiency. These actions include workforce rebalancing charges, charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, and charges related to lease terminations. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to the terminated employees. In addition, we identified certain leased and owned assets that were inherited from IBM as a result of the Separation that we determined will no longer provide any economic benefit to Kyndryl. As a result, we disposed of these assets through abandonment or early termination. During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $55 million in workforce rebalancing charges (excluding individual terminations outside of this Company-wide workforce rebalancing program) and $80 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets and lease termination charges.
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Management expects total future charges for this program to be approximately $135 million, consisting of $95 million in workforce rebalancing charges and $40 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets and lease termination charges. The Company estimates that the program in aggregate will require a cash outlay of approximately $260 million, of which approximately $190 million will be paid in fiscal year 2024, and the remainder thereafter. Management expects that these workforce rebalancing activities will reduce future payroll costs, rent expenses and depreciation of property and equipment by approximately $200 million in fiscal year 2024. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve our expected cost savings. The Company will continue to seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, which may result in additional charges in future periods. For additional information, see Note 19 – Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
The Company’s consolidated provision for income taxes and effective tax rate were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | Twelve Months | | | | | ||
| | | Year Ended | | Ended March | | Year Ended | ||||||
| | | March 31, | | 31, 2022 | | December 31, | ||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | (unaudited) | 2021 | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | | $ | 524 | | | $ | 350 | | | $ | 402 | |
| Effective tax rate | | | (61.6) | % | | | (20.7) | % | | | (21.1) | % |
In the year ended March 31, 2023, the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded income tax expense of $524 million, $350 million and $402 million, respectively, on pretax book losses, which resulted in negative effective tax rates. Our income tax expense for the year ended March 31, 2023 was primarily related to the increases in valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized, taxes on foreign operations and uncertain tax positions. Our income tax expense for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations, uncertain tax positions, tax charges related to the transfer of Kyndryl’s operations from Parent in contemplation of the Company’s separation from IBM and the establishment of valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized. Our 2021 income tax expense was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations generating taxable income, uncertain tax positions and tax charges related to the transfer of Kyndryl’s operations from Parent in contemplation of the Company’s Separation from IBM.
The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2023 was lower compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized. For more information, see Note 5 – Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Position
Dynamics
Total assets of $11.5 billion decreased by $2.0 billion (and decreased by $1.5 billion adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2022, primarily driven by a decrease of $748 million in accounts receivable due to collections and sales of accounts receivables outpacing new billings and currency impacts; a decrease in operating right-of-use assets of $348 million due to amortization of leases inherited from former Parent; abandonment and early termination of leased assets and currency impacts; a decrease in deferred tax assets of $308 million primarily due to the increases in valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized; a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $287 million with $100 million of the decline due to the effects of exchange rates on the Company’s cash balances; a decrease in deferred costs of $151 million due to our business strategies to lower the volume of prepaid software and currency impacts; and a decrease in property and equipment of $55 million primarily due to currency impacts.
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Total liabilities of $10.0 billion at March 31, 2023 decreased by $729 million (and decreased by $458 million adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2022, primarily as a result of a decrease in accrued contract costs of $331 million due to timing of vendors billing Kyndryl for the first time as an independent company in the prior year; a decrease in operating lease liabilities of $280 million due to payments and currency impacts; a decrease in retirement and nonpension postretirement benefit obligations of $212 million mainly due to remeasurement primarily driven by higher discount rates; and a decrease in deferred income of $152 million mainly due to lower volumes and currency impacts; partially offset by an increase of accounts payables of $220 million due to the timing of payments. Total equity at March 31, 2023 of $1.5 billion decreased $1.2 billion from March 31, 2022 due to comprehensive loss in the period.
Overall pension funded status as of March 31, 2023 was 74% of estimated pension benefit obligation, an increase from 68% at March 31, 2022.
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2022 (transition period) were $2.1 billion, down $89 million compared to December 31, 2021. Total assets of $13.4 billion increased by $228 million from December 31, 2021, primarily driven by an increase in deferred costs of $201 million due to billings for prepaid software that typically occur in the first calendar quarter of the year, an increase of $188 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets due to increased spending on cloud-computing arrangements, an increase in goodwill of $91 million and an increase in intangible assets of $108 million primarily from the transfer of a majority interest (51%) of a joint venture in Japan from our former Parent that could not be completed prior to the Separation due to local regulatory approvals, partially offset by a decrease in deferred tax assets of $120 million and a decrease in property and equipment of $89 million due to depreciation outpacing capital expenditures.
Total liabilities of $10.7 billion at March 31, 2022 increased by $284 million from December 31, 2021, primarily as a result of an increase in accounts payable of $415 million due to timing of invoice receipts from vendors, an increase in accrued contract costs of $178 million that was established with our former Parent and certain other vendors for the first time as an independent entity post-Separation, and an increase in accrued compensation and benefits of $128 million due to semi-annual incentive-compensation accruals in certain regions and the timing of salary payments. This was partially offset by a decrease in retirement obligations of $140 million primarily due to higher discount rates used in the March 2022 remeasurement of pension obligations. Total equity at March 31, 2022 of $2.7 billion decreased $56 million from December 31, 2021, principally due to our net loss in the period, partially offset by the change in pension obligations.
Overall pension funded status as of March 31, 2022, was 68% of estimated pension benefit obligation, an increase from 64% at December 31, 2021.
Working Capital
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | March 31, | | December 31, | |||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Current assets | $ | 4,963 | $ | 6,092 | $ | 5,777 | |||
| Current liabilities | | 4,868 | | 5,058 | | 4,457 | |||
| Working capital | | $ | 95 | | $ | 1,035 | | $ | 1,320 |
Working capital at March 31, 2023 decreased $940 million from March 31, 2022. Current assets decreased $1.1 billion (and decreased $928 million adjusted for currency) primarily driven by a decrease of $748 million in accounts receivable; a decrease of $287 million in cash and cash equivalents; and a decrease in deferred costs (current portion) of $72 million. Current liabilities decreased $190 million (and decreased $8 million adjusted for currency) primarily driven by a decrease in current accrued contract costs of $331 million and a decrease in deferred income (current portion) of $62 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $220 million.
Working capital at March 31, 2022 (transition period) decreased $285 million from December 31, 2021. Current assets increased $315 million due to an increase of $223 million in deferred costs (current portion) and an increase of $188 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets, partially offset by a decrease of cash of $89
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million. Current liabilities increased $601 million as a result of an increase in accounts payable of $415 million and an increase in accrued contract costs of $178 million.
Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities
Noncurrent assets of $6.5 billion at March 31, 2023 decreased by $849 million (and decreased by $604 million adjusted for currency) compared to March 31, 2022, primarily driven by a decline in right-of-use assets of $348 million and a decrease in deferred tax assets of $307 million.
Noncurrent liabilities of $5.1 billion at March 31, 2023 decreased $539 million (and decreased by $450 million adjusted for currency) compared to March 31, 2022, mainly driven by a decrease in operating lease liabilities (noncurrent portion) of $221 million; a decrease in retirement and nonpension postretirement benefit obligations of $212 million; and a decrease in deferred income (noncurrent portion) of $90 million.
Noncurrent assets of $7.3 billion at March 31, 2022 (transition period) decreased by $87 million (and decreased by $9 million adjusted for currency) compared to December 31, 2021, primarily driven by a decline in deferred tax assets of $120 million, a decline in property and equipment of $89 million and a decline in noncurrent right-of-use assets of $49 million, partially offset by an increase in goodwill of $91 million and intangible assets of $108 million due to the business combinations in the quarter (see Note 10 – Intangible Assets Including Goodwill).
Noncurrent liabilities of $5.7 billion at March 31, 2022 (transition period) decreased $317 million (and decreased by $277 million adjusted for currency) compared to December 31, 2021, mainly driven by a decrease in retirement and nonpension postretirement benefit obligations of $140 million, a decrease in operating lease liabilities (noncurrent portion) of $78 million and a decrease in other noncurrent liabilities of $73 million related to lower deferred tax liabilities.
Cash Flow
Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are summarized in the table below.
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Twelve | | | | |
| | | Year Ended | | Months Ended | | Year Ended | |||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | December 31, | |||
| (Dollars in millions) | | 2023 | 2022 (unaudited) | 2021 | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | | | | | | ||||
| Operating activities | | $ | 781 | | $ | 398 | | $ | (119) |
| Investing activities | | (835) | | (697) | | (572) | |||
| Financing activities | | (141) | | 2,429 | | 2,915 | |||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | (100) | | (26) | | (22) | |||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | $ | (294) | | $ | 2,104 | | $ | 2,203 |
Net cash provided by operating activities was $781 million for the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $398 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. This change was driven by our reduced net loss, partially offset by changes in working capital.
Net cash used by investing activities was $835 million for the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to a net cash use of $697 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 due to lower capital expenditures in the pre-Separation period. Capital expenditures consist of payments for property and equipment, and purchased and internally-developed software.
Net cash used by financing activities totaled $141 million for the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $2.4 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. This change was primarily driven by the proceeds from debt issuance partially offset by transfers to former Parent in the prior-year period.
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Net cash provided by operating activities of $189 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period) compared to a net cash use of $328 million in the prior-year period, driven by a decrease in net loss and cash provided by accounts payables, accrued compensation and benefits and accrued contract costs.
Net cash used by investing activities of $225 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period) compared to a net cash use of $100 million in the prior-year period, driven by the sale of a data center in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, that provided net cash proceeds of $90 million and cash used for business combinations in the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Net cash used by financing activities of $43 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022 (transition period) compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $443 million in the prior-year period, driven by a decrease in net transfers from former Parent of $460 million, as transfers from former Parent did not continue post-Separation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and the Revolving Credit Agreement entered into in October 2021 will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months.
Senior Unsecured Notes
In October 2021, in preparation for our Spin-off, we completed the offering of $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured fixed-rate notes as follows: $700 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% Senior Notes due 2026, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.70% Senior Notes due 2028, $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Senior Notes due 2031 and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.10% Senior Notes due 2041 (the “Notes”). The Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. The Notes are subject to customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default for financings of this type and are redeemable at our option in a customary manner.
In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the Notes, pursuant to which we completed a registered offering to exchange each series of Notes for new notes with substantially identical terms during the quarter ended September 30, 2022.
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility
In October 2021, we entered into a $500 million three-year variable rate term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”). In November 2021, we drew down the full $500 million available under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
In October 2021, we entered into a $3.15 billion multi-currency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement” and, together with the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”) for our future liquidity needs. The Revolving Credit Agreement expires, unless extended, in October 2026, and the Term Loan Credit Agreement matures, unless extended, in November 2024. Interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Agreements are based on prevailing market interest rates, plus a margin, as further described in the Credit Agreements. As of March 31, 2023, there has been no drawdown on the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The Notes and the Credit Agreements were initially guaranteed by IBM. Approximately $900 million of the net proceeds from the term loan and the sale of the Notes was transferred to IBM in conjunction with the Separation. Following the completion of the Separation, the guarantee was released, and the Notes and the Credit Agreements are no longer obligations of IBM.
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We may voluntarily prepay borrowings under the Credit Agreements without premium or penalty, subject to customary “breakage” costs. The Credit Agreements include certain customary mandatory prepayment provisions. In addition, the Credit Agreements include customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants as well as a maintenance covenant that will require that the ratio of our indebtedness for borrowed money to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreements) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants.
Transfers of Financial Assets
The Company has entered into agreements with third-party financial institutions to sell certain financial assets (primarily trade receivables) without recourse. The Company determined these are true sales. The carrying value of the financial asset sold is derecognized, and a net gain or loss on the sale is recognized, at the time of the transfer. An agreement with a third-party financial institution executed in November 2021 enabled us to sell, at any one time, on a revolving basis, up to $1.1 billion of our trade receivables with payment terms from three to nine months and was subsequently amended to decrease such amount to $1.0 billion. This agreement was further amended during the quarter ended December 31, 2022 to provide that we may sell an additional amount of trade receivables with payment terms of less than three months, contingent on the approval of the counterparty to purchase such receivables with no defined limit on such sales. The initial term of this agreement was 18 months, and the agreement automatically resets to a term of 18 months after every six months, unless one of the parties elects not to extend. Beginning in June 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with a separate third-party financial institution in which the sale of receivables is contingent on the approval of the counterparty with no defined facility limit. The initial term of this agreement is 12 months.
The net proceeds from these arrangements are reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Gross proceeds from receivables sold to third parties under the aforementioned programs were $3.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2023. Gross proceeds from receivables sold to third parties and the financing division of our former Parent were $2.2 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. The fees associated with the transfers of receivables were $47 million for the year ended March 31, 2023, and $11 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
From time to time, we may enter into (i) off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by SEC Financial Reporting Release 67 (FRR-67), “Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations” or (ii) purchase commitments, which we expect to use in the ordinary course of business.
At March 31, 2023, March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had no such off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We do not have retained interests in assets transferred to unconsolidated entities or other material off-balance sheet interests or instruments.
At March 31, 2023, the Company’s material future contractual obligations were primarily related to leases, debt and pension liabilities. See Note 9 – Leases, Note 11 – Borrowings, Note 12 – Other Liabilities and Note 16 – Retirement-Related Benefits of Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company has contractual commitments that are noncancellable with certain software, hardware and cloud partners used in the delivery of services to customers. Certain of these commitments were allocated to the Company as part of the Separation from its former Parent. The Company has determined that these commitments may exceed the Company’s needs over the next four to six years. If the Company is unable to satisfy, reduce or amend its contractual commitments, it will record the future charges for any payments related to excess commitments as cost of services. At March 31, 2023, we had short-term (April 2023 through March 2024), mid-term (April 2024 through March 2026) and long-term (April 2026 onward) purchase commitments in the amount of $0.7 billion, $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
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Other Information
Signings
The following table presents the Company’s signings for the year ended March 31, 2023, the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, and the year ended December 31, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Twelve | | | | |
| | | | | | Months | | | | |
| | | Year Ended | | Ended | | Year Ended | |||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | December 31, | |||
| (Dollars in billions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Total signings | | $ | 12.2 | | $ | 14.2 | | $ | 13.5 |
The following table presents the total contract value for the Company’s signings greater than $100 million for new and existing customers for the year ended March 31, 2023, the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Twelve | | | | |
| | | | | | Months | | | | |
| | | Year Ended | | Ended | | Year Ended | |||
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | December 31, | |||
| (Dollars in billions) | | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| New customers | | $ | 0.2 | | $ | 0.6 | | $ | 0.8 |
| Existing customers | | $ | 2.6 | | $ | 4.2 | | $ | 3.4 |
Signings decreased by $2.0 billion, or 14%, for the year ended March 31, 2023 compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, in part due to a 6-point negative currency impact on signings. Signings also declined as a result of an increased focus on higher-margin services, which tend to be shorter in length and therefore smaller in value than historical agreements.
Management uses signings as a tool to monitor the performance of the business including the business’ ability to attract new customers and sell additional scope into our existing customer base. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of signings. We define signings as an initial estimate of the value of a customer’s commitment under a contract. The calculation involves estimates and judgments to gauge the extent of a customer’s commitment, including the type and duration of the agreement and the presence of termination charges or wind-down costs. Contract extensions and increases in scope are treated as signings only to the extent of the incremental new value. Signings can vary over time due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the timing of signing a small number of larger outsourcing contracts as well as the length of those contracts. The conversion of signings into revenue may vary based on the types of services and solutions, customer decisions and other factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the macroeconomic environment or external events.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The application of U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about certain items and future events that directly affect our reported financial condition. The accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.
A quantitative sensitivity analysis is provided where that information is reasonably available, can be reliably estimated and provides material information to investors. The amounts used to assess sensitivity (e.g., 1 percent, 10 percent, etc.) are included to allow users of this report to understand a general effect of changes in the estimates and do not represent management’s predictions of variability. For all of these estimates, it should be noted that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted and estimates require regular review and adjustment.
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Revenue Recognition
Application of GAAP related to the measurement and recognition of revenue requires us to make judgments and estimates. Specifically, complex arrangements with nonstandard terms and conditions may require significant contract interpretation to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether promised goods and services specified in an arrangement are separate performance obligations. In certain arrangements, revenue is recognized based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation using a cost-to-cost measure of progress. The estimation of cost at completion is complex and requires us to make judgments and estimates. Other significant judgments include determining whether we are acting as the principal in a transaction and whether separate contracts should be combined and considered part of one arrangement.
Revenue recognition is also impacted by our ability to determine when a contract is probable of collection and to estimate variable consideration, including, for example, rebates, price concessions, service-level penalties and performance bonuses. We consider various factors when making these judgments, including a review of specific transactions, historical experience and market and economic conditions. Evaluations are conducted each quarter to assess the adequacy of the estimates.
Costs to Complete Service Contracts
During the contractual period, revenue, cost and profits may be impacted by estimates of the ultimate profitability of each contract, especially contracts for which we use cost-to-cost method to measure progress. The Company performs ongoing profitability analyses of its design-and-build services contracts accounted for using a cost-to-cost measure of progress to determine whether the latest estimates of revenues, costs and profits require updating. If at any time these estimates indicate that the contract will be unprofitable, the entire estimated loss for the remainder of the contract is recorded immediately. For other types of services contracts, any losses are recorded as incurred. Key factors reviewed to estimate the future costs to complete each contract are future labor costs and product costs and expected productivity efficiencies.
Capitalization of Contract Costs
In connection with services arrangements, we incur and capitalize direct costs for transition and setup activities performed at the inception of these long-term contracts that are necessary to enable us to perform under the terms of the arrangement. These costs are capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit. We perform periodic reviews to assess the recoverability of deferred contract transition and setup costs. To assess recoverability, undiscounted estimated cash flows of the contract are projected over its remaining life and compared to the carrying amount of contract-related assets, including the unamortized deferred cost balance. Such estimates require judgment and assumptions, and actual future cash flows could differ from these estimates. A significant change in an estimate or assumption on one or more contracts could have a material effect on our results of operations.
Retirement-related Benefit Plan Assumptions
For Company-sponsored and co-sponsored defined benefit pension plans, the measurement of the benefit obligation to plan participants and net periodic benefit cost requires the use of certain assumptions, including, among others, estimates of discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
Changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the actuarial (gain)/loss amortization and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit cost calculation and the projected benefit obligation (PBO). If the average discount rate assumption for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans had increased or decreased by 25-basis-points from 3.57 percent on March 31, 2023, this would not result in a material change to pretax income recognized in fiscal 2024. Further changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the PBO which, in turn, may impact our funding decisions if the PBO exceeds plan assets. A 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the discount rate would result in an approximate corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, of approximately $42 million in the Plans’ estimated PBO and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) based upon March 31, 2023 data.
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The expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is used in calculating the net periodic benefit cost. Expected returns on plan assets are calculated based on the market-related value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets systematically over a five-year period in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost. The differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected long-term return on plan assets are recognized over five years in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost and also as a component of actuarial (gains)/losses, which are recognized over the service lives or life expectancy of the participants, depending on the plan, provided such amounts exceed thresholds which are based upon the benefit obligation or the value of plan assets, as provided by accounting standards.
To the extent the outlook for long-term returns changes such that management changes its expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a 25-basis-point increase or decrease in the expected long-term return on plan assets assumption would not have a material estimated decrease or increase on the following year’s pretax net periodic benefit cost (based upon plan assets at March 31, 2023 and expected contributions and benefit payments for fiscal 2024).
We may voluntarily make contributions or be required, by law, to make contributions to our pension plans. Actual results that differ from the estimates may result in more or less future funding into the pension plans than is planned by management. Impacts of these types of changes on our pension plans would vary depending upon the status of each respective plan.
In addition to the above, we evaluate other pension assumptions involving demographic factors, such as retirement age and mortality and update these assumptions to reflect experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year can differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.
For additional information on our pension plans and the development of these assumptions, see Note 16 – Retirement-Related Benefits to our consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
Prior to the Separation, our operations were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local and foreign income tax returns filed by IBM. The Company also filed certain separate foreign income tax returns. For purposes of the financial statements presented on a “carve-out” basis, the income tax provisions were calculated as if we filed separate tax returns and include transactions related to our Separation attributed to us, even if the related tax liabilities were our former Parent’s responsibility.
Post-Separation, our income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as our tax return elections and assertions. Current income tax liabilities including amounts for unrecognized tax benefits related to our activities included in IBM’s income tax returns were deemed to be immediately settled with IBM through the Net Parent investment account in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reflected in Net transfers from Parent in the financing activities section in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Post-Separation, liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits for which the Company is liable are reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheet based upon tax authorities’ ability to assert the Company may be the primary obligor for historical taxes, among other factors. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available evidence for each jurisdiction including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and actions. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Prior to the Separation, the Company recorded deferred tax assets for stock-based compensation awards that result in tax deductions in the consolidated financial statements calculated using the separate return basis based on the amount of compensation cost recognized and the relevant statutory tax rates. Post-Separation, the differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on the Company’s income tax return are recorded as a benefit or expense to the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Income Statement.
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Valuation of Assets
The application of valuation and impairment accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Impairment testing for assets, other than goodwill, requires the allocation of cash flows to those assets or group of assets and if required, an estimate of fair value for the assets or group of assets. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management’s assumptions, which would not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. Assumptions used to perform a recoverability test are consistent with those used for goodwill impairment; see “Valuation of Goodwill” for further detail.
Valuation of Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable by first assessing qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value. The fair values of the reporting units were determined using a discounted cash flow model. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies include estimates of future projected business results, long-term growth rates and the weighted-average cost of capital.
We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill including relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of reporting units. Examples include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic, industry and market conditions, as well as other individual factors such as:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A significant adverse shift in the operating environment of the reporting unit such as unanticipated competition; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Significant pending litigation; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A loss of key personnel; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | An adverse action or assessment by a regulator. |
We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. This quantitative test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
We use an income-based approach where fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model that requires significant judgment with respect to revenue and growth rates, based upon annual budgets and long-term strategic plans. Fair value estimates employed in our annual impairment review of goodwill involve using various assumptions. Assumptions critical to our fair value were discount rates used in determining the fair value of the reporting unit, expected revenue growth and projected EBITDA margins. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and may change based on different facts and circumstances. We believe the assumptions used to estimate future cash flows are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expected cash flows will be realized. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease discounted cash flows or earnings projections and therefore, could change impairment determinations.
In conjunction with our annual review of goodwill for impairment, we prepared qualitative and quantitative valuation analysis as of October 1, 2022 and January 1, 2023. The annual goodwill impairment assessment date was changed from October 1 to January 1 to better align the assessment date with the change in our annual planning and budgeting process for the new fiscal year-end. As a result of the January 1 analysis, we determined that the fair value of the Canada reporting unit within the Principal Markets segment exceeded book value by 93%. We performed a sensitivity analysis on the discounted cash flow valuation that was prepared to estimate the enterprise value of the
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Canada reporting unit. A hypothetical 200-basis-point increase in the discount rate or decline in revenue growth, combined with no other changes to other inputs and assumptions used in the analysis, would not result in a potential impairment for the Canada reporting unit. See Note 10 – Intangible Assets Including Goodwill for further discussion.
Loss Contingencies
We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. At least quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. These revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001558370-22-003291.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations:
Overview
Included below are year-over-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020. For further information on year-over-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019 not covered in the “Segment Results” below, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Form 10 for the period, which was filed with the SEC on September 28, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | |||||
| Revenue | | $ | 18,657 | | | $ | 19,352 | |
| Revenue growth (GAAP) | | | (4) | % | | | (5) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | (5) | % | | | (5) | % |
| Net income (loss) | | | (2,319) | | | | (2,011) | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | | 2,049 | | | | 2,179 | |
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. For definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, see “⸺Segment Results.”
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
| | At December 31, | |||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Assets | | $ | 13,213 | | $ | 11,205 |
| Liabilities | | | 10,511 | | | 6,274 |
| Equity | | | 2,702 | | | 4,931 |
Organization of Information
Kyndryl was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM in September 2021 to hold the operations of the managed infrastructure services unit of IBM’s Global Technology Services segment. On November 3, 2021, IBM distributed shares representing 80.1% of Kyndryl’s outstanding common stock to holders of record of IBM’s common stock as of the close of business on October 25, 2021, in a Spin-off that is tax-free for U.S. federal tax purposes. Following the distribution, Kyndryl became an independent, publicly-traded company and is the world’s leading managed infrastructure services provider.
Kyndryl utilized allocations and carve-out methodologies through the date of distribution to prepare historical financial statements. The consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the Separation herein may not be indicative of our future performance, do not necessarily include the actual expenses that would have been incurred by us and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows had we been a separate, standalone company during the historical periods presented. For additional information, see “Basis of Presentation” in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Performance Summary
Macro Dynamics
The COVID-19 pandemic and related macroeconomic uncertainty beginning in March 2020 caused many clients to experience declines in their business volumes and resulted in client priorities shifting toward maintaining operational stability, flexibility, and preservation of cash. The declines in business volumes and shifting client priorities negatively impacted demand for technology services in 2020.
In 2021, we saw a broad-based macroeconomic recovery in most regions of the world. Demand for technology services rebounded, as large organizations again demonstrated a need for assistance in designing, building, managing
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and modernizing their technology systems. Most economists, including the International Monetary Fund, expect global macroeconomic growth to continue in 2022.
2021 Financial Performance
In 2021, we reported $18.7 billion in revenue, a decline of 4 percent when compared to the prior year primarily driven by lower contract volumes due to existing and new clients pausing activities during our planned Separation from our former Parent, as well as expected price declines in certain new and renewed customer contracts. This was a consistent trend across all segments. United States revenue declined 5 percent, Japan declined 4 percent, Principal Markets declined 1 percent and Strategic Markets declined 5 percent compared to 2020. Net loss of $2.3 billion increased by $308 million versus the prior year. The current year Net loss includes a goodwill impairment charge of $469 million, transaction-related costs of $627 million and litigation charges for certain long-standing claims and disputes of $52 million, as well as cost allocations from our former Parent.
2020 Financial Performance
In 2020, we reported $19.4 billion in revenue, a decline of 5 percent when compared to the prior year which was primarily driven by declines in the United States. Revenue declined primarily due to a reduction in client volumes within industries heavily impacted by the global pandemic. Net loss was $2.0 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion when compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher workforce rebalancing charges of $759 million. We took these structural actions to simplify and optimize our operating model.
Basis of Presentation
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. We prepared these estimates based on the most current and best available information, but actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions. COVID-19 has had and we expect will continue to have, significant effects on economic activity, on demand for our services and on our results of operations in 2022.
Prior to November 4, 2021, the accompanying financial statements of Kyndryl were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of the Parent as if the Company operated on a standalone basis during the periods presented and were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Historically, the Company consisted of the managed infrastructure services unit of the Parent’s Global Technology Services segment and did not operate as a separate standalone company. Accordingly, the Parent had reported the financial position and results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity of the Company in the Parent’s consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying financial statements through the Separation date reflect allocations of certain IBM corporate, infrastructure and shared services expenses, including centralized research, legal, human resources, payroll, finance and accounting, employee benefits, real estate, insurance, information technology, telecommunications, treasury and other expenses. Where possible, these charges were allocated based on direct usage, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of headcount, gross profit, asset or other allocation methodologies that are considered to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided or the benefit received by Kyndryl during the periods presented. The accompanying financial statements through the Separation date may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the financial position, results of operations and cash flows would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented.
After the Separation on November 3, 2021, the Company’s financial statements for the periods from November 4, 2021, through December 31, 2021, are consolidated financial statements based on our reported results as a standalone company. All significant transactions and accounts between Kyndryl entities were eliminated. All significant intercompany transactions between IBM and Kyndryl prior to the Separation were included within Net Parent investment on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Prior to the Separation, our operations were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local and foreign income tax returns filed by IBM, where applicable. The Company also files certain separate foreign income tax returns. For purposes of the historical periods presented on a “carve-out” basis, the income tax provisions have been calculated using the separate return basis, as if we filed separate tax returns.
Post-Separation, the income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as tax return elections and assertions. Current income tax liabilities including amounts for unrecognized tax benefits related to our activities included in IBM’s income tax returns were deemed to be immediately settled with IBM through the Net Parent investment account in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reflected in Net transfers from Parent in the financing activities section in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying whole-dollar amounts. Certain items have been recast to conform to current-period presentation.
Segment Results
As a result of the Separation, in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company implemented a new operating model and reporting structure resulting in four reportable segments: United States, Japan, Principal Markets and Strategic Markets. Principal Markets consists of our operations in Australia/New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, India, Spain/Portugal and United Kingdom/Ireland. Strategic Markets consists of our operations in all other countries. In addition to this change, the measures of segment operating performance changed to revenue and adjusted EBITDA.
The following table presents our reportable segments’ revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Segment revenue and revenue growth in constant currency exclude any transactions between the segments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Year-over-Year Change | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2021 vs. 2020 | | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 4,805 | | | $ | 5,084 | | | $ | 5,340 | | | (5) | % | | (5) | % |
| Japan | | | 2,923 | | | | 3,042 | | | | 2,929 | | | (4) | % | | 4 | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 7,085 | | | | 7,187 | | | | 7,587 | | | (1) | % | | (5) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 3,844 | | | | 4,040 | | | | 4,424 | | | (5) | % | | (9) | % |
| Total revenue | | $ | 18,657 | | | $ | 19,352 | | | $ | 20,279 | | | (4) | % | | (5) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency(1) | | | (5) | % | | | (5) | % | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| United States | | $ | 757 | | | $ | 859 | | | $ | 855 | | | (12) | % | | 0 | % |
| Japan | | | 823 | | | | 924 | | | | 757 | | | (11) | % | | 22 | % |
| Principal Markets | | | 144 | | | | 162 | | | | 430 | | | (11) | % | | (62) | % |
| Strategic Markets | | | 479 | | | | 386 | | | | 662 | | | 24 | % | | (42) | % |
| Corporate and other(2) | | | (154) | | | | (153) | | | | (144) | | | NM | | | NM | |
| Total adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 2,049 | | | $ | 2,179 | | | $ | 2,561 | | | (6) | % | | (15) | % |
NM – not meaningful
(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. See the information below for definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
(2) Represents net amounts not allocated to segments
We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. We also present certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide useful supplemental information to investors. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures as
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we believe it improves visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance and enables better comparison to peer companies.
Revenue growth in constant currency is a non-GAAP measure that eliminates the effects of exchange rate fluctuations when translating from foreign currencies to the United States dollar. It is calculated by using the average exchange rates that existed for the same period of the prior year. Constant-currency measures are provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends.
Additionally, management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and defined as net income (loss) excluding net interest expense, depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of capitalized contract costs), pension costs other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, early extinguishment of debt charges, workforce rebalancing and restructuring charges, transaction-related and integration-related items, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges, foreign currency impacts of highly inflationary countries, significant litigation costs, stock-based compensation expense and income taxes. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a helpful supplemental measure to assist investors in evaluating our operating results as it excludes certain items whose fluctuation from period to period does not necessarily correspond to changes in the operations of our business. We provide this non-GAAP financial measure as we believe it improves visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance, enables better comparison to peer companies and allows us to provide a long-term strategic view of the business.
These disclosures are provided in addition to and not as a substitute for the percentage change in revenue and profit or loss measures on a GAAP basis compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:
| | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | | 2019 | |||||
| Net income (loss) | | $ | (2,319) | | $ | (2,011) | | $ | (943) |
| Provision for income taxes | | | 397 | | | 246 | | | 364 |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | | 39 | | | 918 | | | 159 |
| Transaction-related costs | | | 627 | | | 21 | | | 0 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | | | 71 | | | 64 | | | 51 |
| Impairment expense | | | 469 | | | — | | | — |
| Interest expense | | | 64 | | | 63 | | | 76 |
| Depreciation expense | | | 1,300 | | | 1,445 | | | 1,469 |
| Amortization expense | | | 1,314 | | | 1,408 | | | 1,335 |
| Other adjustments * | | | 88 | | | 25 | | | 50 |
| Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | | $ | 2,049 | | $ | 2,179 | | $ | 2,561 |
* Other adjustments represents pension expense other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, significant litigation costs and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries.
United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Year-over-Year | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | | Change | ||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 4,805 | | | $ | 5,084 | | | (5) | % |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 757 | | | | 859 | | | (12) | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2021, United States revenue of $4.8 billion decreased 5 percent as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by lower contract volumes due to clients pausing activities during the pandemic and our planned Separation as well as lower pricing. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $102 million from the prior year, primarily due to lower revenue, partially offset by cost reductions. For the year ended December 31, 2020, United States
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revenue of $5.1 billion decreased 5 percent as compared to the prior year, driven by declines across the contract portfolio and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusted EBITDA increased $4 million from the prior year benefited from travel and discretionary cost reductions due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as realizing benefits from structural actions taken in first quarter of 2020.
Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Year-over-Year | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | | Change | ||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 2,923 | | | $ | 3,042 | | | (4) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (1) | % | | | 2 | % | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 823 | | | | 924 | | | (11) | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2021, Japan revenue of $2.9 billion decreased 4 percent as compared to the prior year. Revenue decreased primarily as a result of currency exchange rates. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $101 million from the prior year largely due to decreased revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Japan revenue of $3.0 billion increased 4 percent as compared to the prior year driven by strong performance in new client contracts. Adjusted EBITDA increased $167 million from the prior year behind the strength of revenue growth mixed with lower travel and discretionary costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Principal Markets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Year-over-Year | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | | Change | ||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 7,085 | | | $ | 7,187 | | | (1) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (6) | % | | | (6) | % | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 144 | | | | 162 | | | (11) | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2021, Principal Markets revenue of $7.1 billion decreased 1 percent as compared to the prior year. Revenue decreased due to certain joint ventures not transferring to us in connection with the Separation partially offset by a favorable currency exchange rate impact of 4 points, primarily driven by the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the euro and British pound. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $18 million from the prior year, primarily due to lower revenue, partially offset by cost reductions from structural actions taken in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Principal Markets revenue of $7.2 billion decreased 5 percent as compared to the prior year, driven by declines across the contract portfolio and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $268 million from the prior year, primarily due to revenue decline in these higher fixed-cost European countries.
Strategic Markets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Year-over-Year | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | | Change | ||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 3,844 | | | $ | 4,040 | | | (5) | % |
| Revenue growth in constant currency | | | (7) | % | | | (7) | % | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | | 479 | | | | 386 | | | 24 | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2021, Strategic Markets revenue of $3.8 billion decreased 5 percent as compared to the prior year. Revenue decreased due to certain joint-ventures not transferring to us in connection with the Separation and impacts from exiting low-margin accounts, partially offset by a favorable currency exchange rate impact of 2 points, primarily driven by the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the euro. Adjusted EBITDA increased $93 million from the prior year, primarily due to exiting low-margin accounts and realizing benefits from structural actions taken in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Strategic Markets revenue of $4.0 billion decreased 9 percent as compared to the prior year, driven primarily by strategic decisions to exit certain loss-making contracts to strengthen our go-forward profit position. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $276 million from the prior year, primarily due
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to lower revenue as a result of both client volumes and pause of small-deal signings after the announcement of our Separation in the higher fixed-cost European countries.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and other had an adjusted EBITDA loss of $154 million in 2021 compared to a loss of $153 million in 2020. Corporate and other had an adjusted EBITDA loss of $144 million in 2019.
Costs and Expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended December 31, | | Percent of Revenue | | Change | |||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | | 2020 | 2021 | | 2020 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||
| Revenue | | $ | 18,657 | | $ | 19,352 | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | (4) | % |
| Cost of services | | | 16,570 | | | 17,143 | | 88.8 | % | | 88.6 | % | (3) | % | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 2,776 | | | 2,948 | | 14.9 | % | | 15.2 | % | (6) | % | |
| Workforce rebalancing charges | | 39 | | 918 | 0.2 | % | | 4.7 | % | (96) | % | ||||
| Transaction-related costs | | | 627 | | | 21 | | 3.4 | % | | 0.1 | % | | NM | |
| Impairment expense | | 469 | | — | 2.5 | % | | — | % | — | % | ||||
| Interest expense | | 64 | | 63 | 0.3 | % | | 0.3 | % | 2 | % | ||||
| Other (income) and expense | | 35 | | 25 | 0.2 | % | | 0.1 | % | 43 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | (1,922) | | $ | (1,766) | | | | NM | |
NM – not meaningful
Costs of services were 88.8% of revenue in 2021 compared to 88.6% in 2020, primarily driven by the impact of revenue decrease of advisory & implementation services and price decreases embedded in certain new and renewed contracts mostly offset by benefits realized from prior-year structural actions. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 14.9% of revenue in 2021 compared to 15.2% in 2020, primarily driven by benefits realized from prior-year structural actions, partially offset by additional legal liabilities recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021. Workforce rebalancing charges arising from structural actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to employees terminated in the ongoing course of business. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.2% of revenue in 2021 compared to 4.7% in 2020, when the Company announced a significant workforce reduction, primarily in Europe, in the fourth quarter of 2020. Transaction-related costs were 3.4% of revenue in 2021 compared to 0.1% in 2020, primarily driven by costs related to our Separation, including legal, consulting, audit and other professional fees, information technology transition costs, and employee retention expenses. Impairment expenses were 2.5% of revenue in 2021, primarily driven by an impairment of goodwill we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021. Interest expense was 0.3% of revenue in 2021 compared to 0.3% in 2020, and includes interest expense associated with the indebtedness we incurred in connection with our Separation. Other (income) and expenses were 0.2% of revenue in 2021 compared to 0.1% in 2020.
Transaction-related Charges
The process of completing our Separation involves significant costs and expenses. Transaction-related charges are primarily related to additional spend to establish certain standalone functions and information technology systems, professional services fees, employee retention expenses and other spend related to contract and supplier novation agreements. These costs primarily include items that are incremental and one-time in nature. Transaction-related charges totaled $627 million in 2021. Transaction-related charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $21 million and $0, respectively. The $498 million of transaction-related charges incurred in the periods prior to Separation had no tax effect due to the valuation allowances discussed in Note 5 – Taxes. The tax impact of the $129 million of transaction-related charges incurred post-Separation was $33 million.
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Income Taxes
The Company’s consolidated provision for income taxes and effective tax rate were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Provision for income taxes | | $ | 397 | | | $ | 246 | |
| Effective tax rate | | | (20.6) | % | | | (13.9) | % |
In 2021 and 2020, we recorded income tax expense of $397 million and $246 million, respectively, on a pretax book loss, which resulted in a negative effective tax rate. Our 2021 income tax expense was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations generating taxable income, uncertain tax positions, and tax charges related to the transfer of Kyndryl’s operations from Parent in contemplation of the Company’s Separation from IBM.
The effective tax rate for 2021 was lower compared to 2020 due primarily to tax charges related to the transfer of Kyndryl’s operations from Parent in contemplation of the Company’s Separation and nondeductible goodwill impairment. For more information, see Note 5 – Taxes.
Financial Position
Dynamics
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2021, were $2.2 billion, an increase of $2.2 billion when compared to prior year-end since Kyndryl’s cash was managed by the Parent’s centralized treasury system in 2020.
Total assets of $13.2 billion increased by $2.0 billion from December 31, 2020 predominantly driven by an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $2.2 billion driven by proceeds from debt issuances net of payment made to former Parent; an increase in accounts receivable of $835 million primarily driven by a reduction in factoring of receivables, new commercial activity with our former Parent, and receivables with the former Parent that are no longer settled immediately post-Separation; and an increase in right-of-use assets of $230 million primarily due to entering into post-Separation leases with the former Parent for spaces that are partially occupied by Kyndryl employees. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in property and equipment of $1.1 billion mainly driven by the disposal of certain properties with net book value of approximately $200 million, removal of property and equipment of approximately $300 million that were previously attributable to Kyndryl but did not transfer to Kyndryl upon Separation and depreciation outpacing capital expenditures in 2021, a decrease of goodwill of $497 million primarily due to an impairment charge of $469 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021 and a decrease of deferred costs of $460 million driven by lower revenue and joint ventures previously attributed to Kyndryl that did not transfer to Kyndryl upon Separation.
Total liabilities of $10.5 billion increased by $4.2 billion from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of a $3.0 billion increase in indebtedness, an increase in value-added and income tax liabilities of $357 million because the Company’s tax liabilities were paid by the Parent through the Separation date, an increase of accounts payable of $221 million primarily due to commercial activity with our former Parent and balances owed to our former Parent that are no longer settled immediately post-Separation, an increase in right-of-use liabilities of $184 million primarily due to entering into post-Separation leases with the former Parent for spaces that are partially occupied by Kyndryl employees, and an increase in retirement and nonpension postretirement benefit obligations of $307 million driven by pension obligations transferred to Kyndryl after establishment of Kyndryl’s legal entities in the third quarter of 2021; see Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies for more details. This was partially offset by a decrease in workforce rebalancing liabilities of $513 million driven by payments to employees. Total equity of $2.7 billion decreased $2.2 billion from year-end 2020, mainly driven by our loss from operations of $2.3 billion.
Overall pension funded status as of December 31, 2021, was 64% of estimated pension benefit obligation, an increase from 55% at year-end 2020.
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Working Capital
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | At December 31, | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Current assets | $ | 5,777 | $ | 2,843 | ||
| Current liabilities | | 4,544 | | 3,910 | ||
| Working capital | | $ | 1,233 | | $ | (1,067) |
Working capital increased $2.3 billion from the year-end 2020 position. Current assets increased $2.9 billion due to an increase of $2.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents primarily driven by proceeds from our debt issuance and an increase of $835 million in accounts receivable primarily driven by a reduction in factoring of receivables, new commercial activity with our former Parent, and receivables with the former Parent that are no longer settled immediately post-Separation. Current liabilities increased $633 million as a result of an increase in value-added and income taxes of $357 million, and an increase in accounts payable of $221 million primarily due to commercial activity with our former Parent and balances owed to our former Parent that are no longer settled immediately post-Separation.
Cash Flow
Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows are summarized in the table below.
| | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | For the year ended December 31: | | ||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | | | | ||||
| Operating activities | | $ | (119) | | $ | 628 | |
| Investing activities | | (572) | | (953) | | ||
| Financing activities | | 2,915 | | 312 | | ||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | (22) | | 1 | | ||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | $ | 2,203 | | $ | (13) | |
The change in net cash used of $119 million compared to a net cash provided by operating activities of $628 million in prior year was driven by payments of workforce rebalancing liabilities of $370 million arising from restructuring actions taken by the former Parent in the fourth quarter of 2020 and cash used due to an increase in accounts receivable of $1.1 billion primarily driven by a reduction in factoring of receivables, new commercial activity with our former Parent, and receivables with the former Parent that are no longer settled immediately post-Separation; partially offset by an increase in operating liabilities and accrued costs of approximately $400 million that were established by the Company for the first time as an independent entity.
Net cash used by investing activities decreased $381 million in 2021 when compared to the prior year driven by sales of two data centers and lower capital expenditures than in 2020.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased $2.6 billion in 2021 when compared to the prior year driven by debt issuances of $3.0 billion, partially offset by a reduction in transfer from former Parent of $408 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and the Revolving Credit Agreement entered into in October 2021 will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months.
Senior Unsecured Notes
In October 2021, in preparation for our Spin-off, we completed the offering of $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured fixed-rate notes as follows: $700 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% Senior Notes due 2026, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.70% Senior Notes due 2028, $650 million
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aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Senior Notes due 2031 and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.10% Senior Notes due 2041 (the “Notes”). The Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. The Notes are subject to customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default for financings of this type and are redeemable at our option in a customary manner. In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the Notes, pursuant to which we will use commercially reasonable efforts to file and have declared effective a registration statement with respect to a registered offer to exchange each series of Notes for new notes with substantially identical terms by October 15, 2022. If the exchange offer is not completed on or before October 15, 2022, and under certain other circumstances, we are required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file and have declared effective a shelf registration statement relating to the resale of the Notes.
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility
In October 2021, we entered into a $500 million three-year variable rate term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”). In November 2021, we drew down the full $500 million available under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
In October 2021, we entered into a $3.15 billion multi-currency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement” and, together with the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”) for our future liquidity needs. The Revolving Credit Agreement expires, unless extended, in October 2026, and the Term Loan Credit Agreement matures, unless extended, in November 2024. Interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Agreements will be based on prevailing market interest rates, plus a margin, as further described in the Credit Agreements.
The Notes and the Credit Agreements were initially guaranteed by IBM. Approximately $900 million of the net proceeds from the term loan and the sale of the Notes was transferred to IBM in conjunction with the Separation. Following the completion of the Separation, the guarantee was released, and the Notes and the Credit Agreements are no longer obligations of IBM.
We expect to be able to voluntarily prepay borrowings under the Credit Agreements without premium or penalty, subject to customary “breakage” costs. The Credit Agreements include certain customary mandatory prepayment provisions. In addition, the Credit Agreements include customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants as well as a maintenance covenant that will require that the ratio of our indebtedness for borrowed money to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreements) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00.
Receivables Purchase Agreement
A portion of our receivables with extended payment terms were historically assigned to IBM’s Global Financing business. In connection with the assignment, these receivables were not recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. In October 2021, in preparation for the Separation, we entered into a receivables purchase agreement with an unaffiliated bank with similar volumes to the amounts historically financed by IBM (the “Receivables Agreement”). Pursuant to the Receivables Agreement, we may sell at any one time, on a revolving basis, up to $1.1 billion of our trade receivables. Under the Receivables Agreement, from time to time, we sell certain customers’ trade receivables with extended payment terms at a discount on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are accounted for as sales. The initial term of the Receivables Agreement is 18 months.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
From time to time, we may enter into (i) off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by SEC Financial Reporting Release 67 (FRR-67), “Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations.” or (ii) purchase commitments, which we expect to use in the ordinary course of business.
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At December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we had no such off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We do not have retained interests in assets transferred to unconsolidated entities or other material off-balance sheet interests or instruments.
At December 31, 2021, the Company’s material future contractual obligations were related to tax indemnifications, leases, debt and pension liabilities. See Note 5 – Taxes, Note 9 – Leases, Note 11 – Borrowings, Note 12 – Other Liabilities and Note 16 – Retirement-Related Benefits of Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company uses several software and cloud partners to provides services to its customers. The majority of the Company’s purchase obligations relate to noncancelable commitments to those third parties. At December 31, 2021, we had short-term (in 2022), mid-term (in 2023 and 2024) and long-term (after 2024) purchase commitments in the amount of $0.8 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
Other Information
Signings
The following table presents the Company’s signings for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Year Ended December 31, | |||||
| ($ in billions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Total signings | | $ | 13.5 | | $ | 17.8 |
A significant portion of the year-over-year decline in signings was driven by large renewals of existing client contracts in the first and third quarters of 2020.
The following table presents the total contract value for the Company’s signings greater than $100 million for new and existing customers for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended December 31, | ||||
| ($ in millions) | | 2021 | | 2020 | ||
| New customers | | $ | 775 | | $ | 1,484 |
| Existing customers | | $ | 3,401 | | $ | 6,770 |
We believe that the estimated values of signings provide insight into the Company’s potential future revenue and a tool to monitor trends in the business, including the business’ ability to attract new customers and sell additional scope into our existing customer base, and we believe signings are helpful information for investors. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of signings. We define signings as an initial estimate of the value of a customer’s commitment under a contract. The calculation involves estimates and judgments to gauge the extent of a customer’s commitment, including the type and duration of the agreement and the presence of termination charges or wind-down costs. Contract extensions and increases in scope are treated as signings only to the extent of the incremental new value. Signings can vary over time due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the timing of signing a small number of larger outsourcing contracts. The conversion of signings into revenue may vary based on the types of services and solutions, customer decisions and other factors, which may include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic environment or external events.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The application of GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about certain items and future events that directly affect our reported financial condition. The accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.
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The inputs into certain of our critical accounting estimates considered the macroeconomic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These estimates included but were not limited to, the allowances for credit losses, the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets and other long-lived assets, valuation allowances for tax assets and revenue recognition. The macroeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our critical accounting estimates reflected in our 2021 results. Given the inherent uncertainty of the magnitude of future impacts from and/or the duration of the pandemic, our estimates may change materially in future periods.
A quantitative sensitivity analysis is provided where that information is reasonably available, can be reliably estimated and provides material information to investors. The amounts used to assess sensitivity (e.g., 1 percent, 10 percent, etc.) are included to allow users of this report to understand a general effect of changes in the estimates and do not represent management’s predictions of variability. For all of these estimates, it should be noted that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted and estimates require regular review and adjustment.
Revenue Recognition
Application of GAAP related to the measurement and recognition of revenue requires us to make judgments and estimates. Specifically, complex arrangements with nonstandard terms and conditions may require significant contract interpretation to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether promised goods and services specified in an arrangement are distinct performance obligations. In certain arrangements revenue is recognized based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation using a cost-to-cost measure of progress. The estimation of cost at completion is complex and requires us to make judgements and estimates. Other significant judgments include determining whether we are acting as the principal in a transaction and whether separate contracts should be combined and considered part of one arrangement.
Revenue recognition is also impacted by our ability to determine when a contract is probable of collection and to estimate variable consideration, including, for example, rebates, price concessions, service-level penalties and performance bonuses. We consider various factors when making these judgments, including a review of specific transactions, historical experience and market and economic conditions. Evaluations are conducted each quarter to assess the adequacy of the estimates. If the estimates were changed by 10 percent in 2021, the impact on net income would have been immaterial.
Costs to Complete Service Contracts
During the contractual period, revenue, cost and profits may be impacted by estimates of the ultimate profitability of each contract, especially contracts for which we use cost-to-cost method to measure progress. If at any time these estimates indicate the contract will be unprofitable, the entire estimated loss for the remainder of the contract is recorded immediately in cost. We perform ongoing profitability analyses of these services contracts in order to determine whether the latest estimates require updating. Key factors reviewed to estimate the future costs to complete each contract are future labor costs and product costs and expected productivity efficiencies.
Capitalization of Contract Costs
In connection with services arrangements, we incur and capitalize direct costs for transition and setup activities performed at the inception of these long-term contracts that are necessary to enable us to perform under the terms of the arrangement. These costs are capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit. We perform periodic reviews to assess the recoverability of deferred contract transition and setup costs. To assess recoverability, undiscounted estimated cash flows of the contract are projected over its remaining life and compared to the carrying amount of contract-related assets, including the unamortized deferred cost balance. Such estimates require judgment and assumptions, and actual future cash flows could differ from these estimates. A significant change in an estimate or assumption on one or more contracts could have a material effect on our results of operations.
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Pension Assumptions
For Company-sponsored and co-sponsored defined benefit pension plans, the measurement of the benefit obligation to plan participants and net periodic benefit cost requires the use of certain assumptions, including, among others, estimates of discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
Changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the actuarial (gain)/loss amortization and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit cost calculation and the projected benefit obligation (PBO). If the average discount rate assumption for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans had increased or decreased by 25 basis points from 1.19 percent on December 31, 2021, this would not result in a material change to pretax income recognized in 2022. Further changes in the discount rate assumptions would impact the PBO which, in turn, may impact our funding decisions if the PBO exceeds plan assets. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in the discount rate would result in an approximate corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, of $85 million in the Plans’ estimated PBO and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) based upon December 31, 2021 data.
The expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is used in calculating the net periodic benefit cost. Expected returns on plan assets are calculated based on the market-related value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets systematically over a five-year period in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost. The differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected long-term return on plan assets are recognized over five years in the expected return on plan assets line in net periodic benefit cost and also as a component of actuarial (gains)/losses, which are recognized over the service lives or life expectancy of the participants, depending on the plan, provided such amounts exceed thresholds which are based upon the benefit obligation or the value of plan assets, as provided by accounting standards.
To the extent the outlook for long-term returns changes such that management changes its expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a 50 basis point increase or decrease in the expected long-term return on plan assets assumption would not have a material estimated decrease or increase on the following year’s pretax net periodic benefit cost (based upon plan assets at December 31, 2021 and expected contributions and benefit payments for 2022).
We may voluntarily make contributions or be required, by law, to make contributions to our pension plans. Actual results that differ from the estimates may result in more or less future funding into the pension plans than is planned by management. Impacts of these types of changes on our pension plans would vary depending upon the status of each respective plan.
In addition to the above, we evaluate other pension assumptions involving demographic factors, such as retirement age and mortality and update these assumptions to reflect experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year can differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.
For additional information on our pension plans and the development of these assumptions, see Note 16 – Retirement-Related Benefits to our consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
Prior to the Separation, our operations were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local and foreign income tax returns filed by IBM. The Company also filed certain separate foreign income tax returns. For purposes of the financial statements presented on a “carve-out” basis, the income tax provisions were calculated as if we filed separate tax returns and include transactions related to our Separation attributed to us, even if the related tax liabilities were our former Parent’s responsibility.
Post-Separation, our income tax provisions are calculated based on Kyndryl’s operating footprint, as well as our tax return elections and assertions. Current income tax liabilities including amounts for unrecognized tax benefits related to our activities included in IBM’s income tax returns were deemed to be immediately settled with IBM through the Net Parent investment account in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and reflected in Net transfers from Parent in the financing activities section in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Post-Separation, liabilities related to unrecognized tax
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benefits for which the Company is liable are reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheet based upon tax authorities’ ability to assert the Company may be the primary obligor for historical taxes, among other factors. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available evidence for each jurisdiction including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and actions. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Prior to the Separation, the Company recorded deferred tax assets for stock-based compensation awards that result in tax deductions in the consolidated financial statements calculated using the separate return basis based on the amount of compensation cost recognized and the relevant statutory tax rates. Post-Separation, the differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on the Company’s income tax return are recorded as a benefit or expense to the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Valuation of Assets
The application of valuation and impairment accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Impairment testing for assets, other than goodwill, requires the allocation of cash flows to those assets or group of assets and if required, an estimate of fair value for the assets or group of assets. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management’s assumptions, which would not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. Assumptions used to perform a recoverability test are consistent with those used for goodwill impairment; see “Valuation of Goodwill” for further detail.
Valuation of Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable by first assessing qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value. The fair values of the reporting units were determined using a discounted cash flow model. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation methodologies include estimates of future projected business results, long-term growth rates and the weighted-average cost of capital.
We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill including relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of reporting units. Examples include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic, industry and market conditions, as well as other individual factors such as:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A significant adverse shift in the operating environment of the reporting unit such as unanticipated competition; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Significant pending litigation; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A loss of key personnel; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | A more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | An adverse action or assessment by a regulator. |
We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. This quantitative test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. After performing the annual goodwill impairment qualitative analysis during the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company determined it was necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test.
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We use an income-based approach where fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model that requires significant judgment with respect to revenue and growth rates, based upon annual budgets and long-term strategic plans. Fair value estimates employed in our annual impairment review of goodwill involve using various assumptions. Assumptions critical to our fair value were discount rates used in determining the fair value of the reporting unit, expected revenue growth and projected EBITDA margins. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and may change based on different facts and circumstances. We believe the assumptions used to estimate future cash flows are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expected cash flows will be realized. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease discounted cash flows or earnings projections and therefore, could change impairment determinations.
As a result of the impairment testing performed in the fourth quarter, we determined that $293 million of the goodwill balance was impaired in our legacy EMEA segment and $176 million of the goodwill was impaired in our new United States segment. As of October 1, 2021, the estimated fair value of the Strategic Markets reporting unit, which had goodwill of $176 million, exceeded its carrying amount by greater than 50 percent. Management’s cash flow projections for this reporting unit included significant judgments and assumptions relating to expected revenue growth and projected EBITDA margins. A decline in the expected revenue growth rate of 50 basis points or projected EBITDA margins of 50 basis points would not have resulted in an impairment of the Strategic Market reporting unit. See Note 10 – Intangible Assets Including Goodwill for further discussion.
Loss Contingencies
We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. At least quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. These revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.