Kyndryl (KD) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Kyndryl - **Date**: September 03, 2025 - **Speakers**: Martin Schroeder (CEO), David Weiser (CFO) Key Points Company Strategy and Transformation - Kyndryl has undergone a significant cultural transformation since its spin-off from IBM, focusing on becoming a services-oriented business rather than a product-centric one [2][7] - The company emphasizes two main advantages post-spin: the ability to invest in new capabilities and the freedom to form partnerships with major technology players like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and SAP [5][6] - Kyndryl's strategy is encapsulated in the "three A's": advanced delivery, alliances, and focus accounts, which have contributed to improved profitability and growth [8][9] Financial Performance and Growth - Kyndryl's consulting activities have grown from approximately 10% to over 20% of its business, with a target of reaching 25% [11] - The company has invested heavily in skills development, particularly in hyperscaler-related capabilities, with around 35,000 to 40,000 employees now holding hyperscaler credentials [14] - Kyndryl's profitability has improved significantly, with a projected increase from a -3% PTI margin at the time of the spin-off to a +5% margin [16] Focus Accounts Initiative - The focus accounts initiative has been a major contributor to profitability, with annualized benefits reaching $925 million, with a target of $1 billion [19][27] - Kyndryl inherited a challenging revenue profile from IBM, with a backlog of $20 billion and annual revenue of $8 billion, necessitating a reimagining of customer relationships [20][21] - The company has engineered a decline in revenue to improve profitability, removing over $1 billion in revenue while adding over $6.6 billion in profit dollars [22][23] Revenue Growth and Market Dynamics - Kyndryl aims for mid-single-digit revenue growth by fiscal year 2028, supported by strong book-to-bill ratios and growth in alliances and consulting [30][34] - The company has faced challenges in the first quarter, with revenue falling short of expectations, but anticipates improvement in subsequent quarters [28][40] - The inherited backlog and the transition to a more profitable business model are expected to drive future growth [35][38] AI and Infrastructure Services - Kyndryl is leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, automate processes, and improve service delivery, with significant monthly automation activities [60][62] - The company views AI as a tailwind for profit growth, as it allows for reduced labor costs while maintaining service quality [63][67] - AI presents both opportunities and challenges in the infrastructure services sector, with Kyndryl positioned to capitalize on its unique capabilities [66][70] Capital Allocation Strategy - Kyndryl plans to utilize its free cash flow for acquisitions and share repurchase programs, with a focus on small tuck-in acquisitions to enhance its service offerings [72][73] - The company has initiated a share repurchase program and is considering further authorizations to return capital to shareholders [74] Additional Insights - Kyndryl's ability to adapt to market demands and invest in new technologies positions it well for future growth [10][18] - The company is focused on maintaining strong customer relationships and delivering mission-critical services, which are essential for its long-term success [24][25]