Kyndryl (US:KD)2025-08-05 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2026, revenue totaled $3.7 billion, reflecting a slight increase from the prior year quarter on a reported basis, but a 2.6% decline in constant currency due to focus accounts initiative [21][22] - Adjusted pre-tax income grew 39% to $128 million, with an adjusted pre-tax margin increasing by 100 basis points year over year [22][31] - Adjusted EBITDA was $647 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.3%, up 240 basis points year over year [22][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kindrel Consult revenues grew 30% year over year, indicating strong growth in higher-margin advisory services [21][22] - Hyperscaler-related revenue nearly doubled from a year ago to $400 million in Q1, progressing towards a fiscal 2026 target of $1.8 billion [8][23] - Aggregate signings increased by 2% year over year, totaling $18.3 billion, a 43% increase from the previous year [22][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a book-to-bill ratio above 1%, indicating strong demand for services and a healthy pipeline [8][22] - The focus accounts initiative has increased cumulative annualized profit from these accounts by $25 million to $925 million [24][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving margin expansion and sustainable profitable growth through strategic initiatives, including partnerships and innovation in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity [5][8] - Investments in technology alliances and advanced delivery initiatives are central to the company's strategy, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency [9][23] - The company aims to achieve over $1 billion in adjusted free cash flow and $1.2 billion in adjusted pre-tax income by fiscal 2028, requiring mid-single-digit revenue growth [19][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve financial and operational goals, citing strong customer demand and a solid pipeline [20][75] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 includes expectations for approximately $550 million in free cash flow and positive 1% constant currency revenue growth [19][32] - Management highlighted the importance of AI adoption and modernization initiatives as key drivers of future growth [16][68] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 1.8 million shares at a cost of $65 million during the quarter, with $141 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization [26][50] - The cash balance at June 30 was $1.5 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 0.6 times adjusted EBITDA, indicating a strong financial position [26][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did first quarter revenue come in versus planned? - Management indicated good momentum in growth vectors, with Kindrel Consult showing strong growth and a healthy pipeline supporting future revenue [35][37] Question: What trends have been noticed among focus accounts? - Management noted that while some deals were pushed out, they are confident in the ongoing progress and innovation being delivered to these accounts [43][46] Question: What catalysts could drive margin expansion beyond account renegotiation? - Management highlighted the increasing contribution of new contracts to the P&L, reduced software cost increases, and improved efficiency in SG&A as key factors for margin expansion [53][56] Question: What is the visibility on the triple, double, single strategy? - Management expressed strong visibility into achieving the triple, double, single goals, citing a solid cash flow forecast and a favorable margin outlook [64][72]