Kyndryl (US:KD)2026-02-09 14:32Financial 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]