Kyndryl (US:KD)2026-02-09 14:30Financial 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]