Core Insights - Kyndryl and the University of Liverpool are collaborating to develop next-generation healthcare technologies using AI, specifically through Kyndryl's Agentic AI Framework and the University's research expertise [1] - The initiative aims to enhance patient interaction and healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations, by creating AI-driven solutions such as conversational AI services [1] - The collaboration aligns with the Liverpool City Region's Life Sciences Innovation Zone, positioning the area as a hub for health and life sciences innovation [1] Group 1: Collaboration Details - The partnership will co-develop blueprints for healthcare technologies, focusing on AI projects that improve patient experiences [1] - Phase one of the collaboration will evaluate conceptual AI projects aimed at enhancing patient interaction and healthcare service utilization [1] - The projects will utilize population health datasets and testbed environments to create a library of innovation-ready models [1] Group 2: Impact and Goals - The collaboration seeks to address significant health disparities in the Liverpool area, where life expectancy can differ by up to 15 years between affluent and disadvantaged communities [1] - The initiative aims to provide more preventive and personalized care while effectively targeting resources to assist vulnerable populations [1] - Kyndryl's AI innovation lab, launched in May 2025, will play a crucial role in developing solutions for real-world health challenges [1] Group 3: Institutional Background - Kyndryl is a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, operating in over 60 countries [1] - The University of Liverpool is a prominent research-intensive institution with an annual turnover of £708.3 million and a research income of £163.1 million [1] - The University is ranked among the top 150 universities globally and is a member of the Russell Group, reflecting its significant academic influence [1]

Group 1 - Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:KD) is considered one of the best affordable tech stocks to buy currently, with a Buy rating maintained by Guggenheim analyst Jonathan Lee, who lowered the price target to $28 from $30 due to concerns about potential deal slippages impacting revenue growth for FY2026 [1][2] - Kyndryl has extended its technology services agreement with The Hertz Corporation for an additional five years, continuing their partnership focused on technology transformation initiatives [3] - During the extension period, Kyndryl will utilize its Agentic AI Framework and Kyndryl Consult services to modernize Hertz's technology ecosystem, enhancing workflows through AI deployment [4] Group 2 - Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. provides IT infrastructure services, including cloud migration, network management, cybersecurity, and digital workplace solutions, and was spun off from IBM in 2021 [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $3.9 billion for the third quarter, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year on a reported basis, unchanged in constant currency [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% year-over-year to $696 million, while Adjusted Pre-Tax Income grew by 5% year-over-year to $168 million [16][18] - Free cash flow generated in the third quarter was $217 million, with a net CapEx of $210 million [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kyndryl Consult experienced a strong performance with a 20% year-over-year growth in constant currency, now representing 25% of total revenue [15][16] - Hyperscaler-related revenue reached $500 million in the third quarter, marking a 58% increase year-over-year, exceeding initial growth expectations [17] - The company signed contracts totaling $3.9 billion in the quarter, with a trailing 12-month revenue book-to-bill ratio remaining above 1.0 [5][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a slowdown in attrition rates, particularly in strategic markets and the UK, which has led to increased local hiring costs [31][32] - The evolving partnership with IBM has resulted in a significant reduction in annualized spend from nearly $4 billion to approximately $2 billion, impacting revenue growth [9][58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its capabilities in AI and private cloud services, responding to increased demand driven by data sovereignty and security requirements [12][66] - The strategic direction emphasizes the importance of long-term customer relationships and adapting to changing market dynamics [13][66] - The company aims to achieve fiscal 2028 targets, projecting approximately $1.1 billion in Adjusted Pre-Tax Income and over $1 billion in adjusted free cash flow [14][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that longer sales cycles and evolving customer consumption models are impacting revenue expectations [24][28] - The company remains confident in its growth strategy despite current challenges, emphasizing the importance of adapting to industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes [7][39] - Management reiterated that they do not expect a restatement of financial statements despite ongoing SEC reviews [25][36] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased 3.7 million shares in the quarter, representing 1.6% of outstanding shares, as part of its capital allocation strategy [18][19] - The financial position remains strong with a cash balance of $1.35 billion and a net leverage ratio of 0.7x Adjusted EBITDA [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook and Revision Factors - Analysts inquired about the reasons behind the revised outlook, focusing on sales cycle delays and the evolving IBM partnership [27][28] - Management explained that the sales cycles have lengthened due to market dynamics and regulatory discussions, impacting growth expectations [28][29] Question: Strategic Market Changes - Questions were raised regarding changes in strategic markets, particularly in the UK, and the associated costs and benefits [30][31] - Management indicated that investments in local markets are necessary but may take time to yield results [31][32] Question: Free Cash Flow and Working Capital - Analysts sought clarification on the factors affecting free cash flow projections, particularly in relation to pre-tax income revisions [49][50] - Management confirmed that the primary driver of the change in free cash flow guidance is linked to the revision in pre-tax income [50] Question: Confidence in Fiscal 2028 Targets - Questions were posed about the building blocks supporting confidence in achieving fiscal 2028 targets despite current shortfalls [56][57] - Management highlighted the importance of cash flow growth, profitability improvements, and the shift towards higher-margin contracts as key factors [58][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $3.9 billion for the third quarter, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year on a reported basis, unchanged in constant currency [15] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% year-over-year to $696 million, while Adjusted Pre-Tax Income grew by 5% year-over-year to $168 million [16] - Free cash flow generated in the third quarter was $217 million, with a net CapEx of $210 million [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kyndryl Consult experienced a strong performance with a 20% year-over-year growth in constant currency, now representing 25% of total revenue [15][16] - Hyperscaler-related revenue reached $500 million in the third quarter, marking a 58% increase year-over-year [17] - Signings for the quarter totaled $3.9 billion, with a trailing 12-month revenue book-to-bill ratio remaining above 1.0x [5][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a slowdown in attrition rates, which has led to higher labor costs in the near term [7] - The evolving partnership with IBM has resulted in a significant reduction in annualized spend from nearly $4 billion to approximately $2 billion [9] - The company is addressing market dynamics such as data sovereignty and AI, which are impacting customer decision-making processes [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its capabilities in AI and private cloud services, responding to increased demand driven by industry trends [12][66] - The strategic partnership with IBM is evolving, with efforts to enhance the value proposition for customers [8][10] - The company aims to achieve fiscal 2028 targets, with a focus on margin expansion and profitability through high-value service offerings [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that longer sales cycles and evolving customer consumption models are impacting revenue growth expectations [24] - The company remains confident in its growth strategy despite recent challenges, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market dynamics [7][13] - Management expects to generate approximately $800 million in free cash flow over fiscal 2025 and 2026 combined [14][23] Other Important Information - The company disclosed a delay in filing its quarterly report due to an ongoing review of cash management practices by the SEC, but does not expect a restatement of financial statements [25] - The company has repurchased 3.7 million shares in the quarter, representing 1.6% of outstanding shares, as part of its capital allocation strategy [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook and Revision Factors - Analysts inquired about the reasons behind the revised outlook, focusing on longer sales cycles and the evolving IBM partnership [27][28] - Management explained that the sales cycle extension affected multiple business areas, including Consult and hyperscaler services [28][29] Question: Strategic Markets and UK Operations - Questions were raised regarding changes in Strategic Markets and the UK, with management indicating that local investments are more expensive and adjustments will take time [30][31] Question: Impact of Review on Forward Commentary - Analysts asked about the impact of the SEC review on future guidance, to which management reiterated confidence in achieving fiscal 2028 goals without expecting a restatement [36] Question: Sales Cycle Length and Deal Timelines - Analysts sought clarification on the timeframe for closing deals affected by extended sales cycles, with management indicating that many discussions are linked to customer renewals and should stabilize within a couple of quarters [61][63] Question: Free Cash Flow and Working Capital - Questions were raised about the decrease in free cash flow guidance, attributed primarily to changes in pre-tax income [49][50] Question: Confidence in Fiscal 2028 Targets - Analysts asked about the building blocks supporting confidence in fiscal 2028 targets, with management highlighting improved cash flow and profitability driven by high-margin backlog [56][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the third quarter totaled $3.9 billion, representing a 3% increase year-over-year on a reported basis, unchanged in constant currency [16] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% year-over-year to $696 million, while Adjusted Pre-Tax Income grew by 5% year-over-year to $168 million [17] - Free cash flow generated in the third quarter was $217 million, with a net CapEx of $210 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kyndryl Consult experienced a strong performance with a 20% year-over-year growth in constant currency, now representing 25% of total revenue [16][17] - Hyperscaler-related revenue reached $500 million in the third quarter, a 58% increase year-over-year, putting the company on track to exceed 50% growth for the year [18] - Signings for the quarter totaled $3.9 billion, with a trailing 12-month revenue book-to-bill ratio remaining above 1.0 [5][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a slowdown in strategic markets, particularly in the UK, which contributed to longer sales cycles [16][32] - The evolving partnership with IBM has impacted revenue growth, with a noted decline in IBM-related spending from nearly $4 billion to approximately $2 billion [10][53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its capabilities in AI and private cloud services, responding to increased demand driven by data sovereignty and security requirements [13][61] - Kyndryl aims to drive margin expansion through its Three-A's initiative and is committed to maintaining strong liquidity while investing in business growth [21][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that longer sales cycles and evolving customer consumption models are affecting revenue expectations, particularly in the context of AI and data sovereignty [5][24] - The company remains confident in achieving its fiscal 2028 targets, despite the challenges faced in the current fiscal year [35][53] Other Important Information - The filing of the quarterly report will be delayed due to an ongoing review of cash management practices by the SEC, but no restatement of financial statements is expected [25] - The company has repurchased 3.7 million shares in the quarter, representing 1.6% of outstanding shares, as part of its capital allocation strategy [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook and Revision Factors - The management discussed the unexpected lengthening of sales cycles and the evolving IBM partnership as primary factors affecting the revised outlook [27][30] Question: Strategic Market Changes - Management indicated that investments in strategic markets, particularly in the UK, are being addressed, although changes may take time to implement [31][32] Question: Impact of Review on Forward Commentary - The company cannot comment on the ongoing SEC review until it is complete, but remains confident in its fiscal 2028 goals [35] Question: Sales Cycle Elongation - Management noted that the elongation of sales cycles is not expected to be multi-year and is linked to customer renewals [56] Question: Free Cash Flow Changes - The decrease in expected free cash flow is primarily attributed to changes in pre-tax income, with working capital also playing a role [46][47] Question: Confidence in Fiscal 2028 Targets - Management highlighted the importance of cash flow growth and the shift towards higher-margin contracts as key drivers for achieving fiscal 2028 targets [51][53]

Core Viewpoint - Hertz Global Holdings, Inc has announced an expanded technology partnership with Kyndryl Holdings to modernize its critical systems and operations, which is expected to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Group 1: Partnership Details - Kyndryl has extended its collaboration with Hertz for five years to advance the car rental company's technology ecosystem [2] - The partnership will utilize Kyndryl's Agentic AI Framework to modernize Hertz's core technology and operations [2][3] Group 2: Operational Improvements - Kyndryl's consulting services will help Hertz make its systems faster, more reliable, and easier to manage [3] - The collaboration aims to streamline key processes and improve customer experiences at Hertz [3] Group 3: Technology Integration - Kyndryl will assist Hertz in migrating legacy mainframe systems to cloud-based architectures to centralize technology platforms [4] - The integration of AI-driven automation into Hertz's workflow is expected to optimize operational tasks and reduce complexity [5] Group 4: Strategic Goals - The extended partnership reflects Hertz's broader effort to evolve its technology stack and support future business needs [5]

Core Insights - Kyndryl has announced a five-year extension of its agreement with Hertz to enhance Hertz's technology ecosystem using its Agentic AI Framework and consulting services [1][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The extension allows Kyndryl to continue its collaboration with Hertz, focusing on advancing technology and streamlining critical processes [2] - Kyndryl's services aim to modernize Hertz's core technology and operations, improving system reliability and operational efficiency [3] Group 2: Technology and Operations - Key components of the partnership include migrating mainframe systems to cloud-based architectures and consolidating IT platforms for a more integrated technology environment [3] - The integration of AI-driven automation capabilities through Kyndryl's Agentic AI Framework is expected to optimize Hertz's operational workflows [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Kyndryl is a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, operating in over 60 countries and focusing on IT infrastructure services [4]

Group 1 - Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:KD) is recognized as one of the most undervalued tech stocks to buy in 2026, with a recent multi-year partnership with Wayne State University aimed at creating a research hub and pilot factory [1] - The partnership will focus on testing AI-driven manufacturing technology, utilizing advanced AI, hands-on training, and automation to modernize factories, with the goal of building intelligent and agentic AI for autonomous manufacturing [2] - Kyndryl is expected to release its fiscal Q3 2026 results on February 4, with Wall Street anticipating revenue of approximately $3.89 billion and a GAAP EPS of $0.47, reflecting a 38.83% upside potential from current levels [3] Group 2 - Kyndryl Holdings Inc. is an IT infrastructure services provider that specializes in designing, building, managing, and modernizing complex technology systems, helping enterprises adopt and scale AI solutions through consulting and strategic partnerships [4]

Core Insights - Kyndryl has launched new AI-powered services that enhance managed services delivery for IBM Z customers, combining mainframe expertise with agentic AI and hybrid IT capabilities to improve application development and operational agility [1][2][3] AI-Powered Services - The new agentic AI mainframe services are designed to help IBM z/OS customers adopt innovative technologies, facilitating faster decision-making and simplifying complex processes in application and infrastructure management [2][3] - Kyndryl's AI services integrate with the Kyndryl Bridge platform, providing intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and insights across mainframe infrastructure and applications [4][5] Collaboration and Expertise - Kyndryl collaborates with IBM to enhance AI capabilities in core business systems, enabling clients to leverage advanced AI on mainframes for improved decision-making and operational agility [5][6] - The company utilizes its intellectual property and expertise in mainframe transformation, along with technologies from cloud hyperscalers, to drive innovation for customers [6][7] Market Insights - According to Kyndryl's 2025 State of Mainframe Modernization Survey, 88% of respondents have implemented or plan to implement AI in their mainframe environments, with expected benefits including increased business agility (37%), faster operational actions (32%), and cost savings (31%) [8][9] - The survey predicts that AI will generate $12.7 billion in cost savings and $19.5 billion in increased revenues over the next three years, with key use cases in performance enhancement, fraud detection, and security [9]

Core Insights - Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. has successfully transitioned from traditional IT services to next-generation infrastructure and AI-driven solutions, making it one of the best-performing mid-cap tech stocks in the last three years [1] - The company launched an Agentic AI-powered Aviation Industry Cloud Solution in collaboration with Google Cloud, aimed at modernizing airline and travel-sector operations [2] - Kyndryl's Agentic AI Framework has been expanded to enable customers to orchestrate, secure, and scale AI agents across business environments, facilitating the transition from proof-of-concept to full enterprise deployment [3] Company Overview - Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. is based in New York City and specializes in designing, building, and managing critical technology systems for enterprises globally, increasingly integrating AI-native automation into its core IT modernization services [4]