Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023

Overview

(Dollars in millions)

(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. For definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, see “Segment Results” below.

(Dollars in millions)

Organization of Information

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM in September 2021 to hold the operations of the infrastructure services unit of IBM’s Global Technology Services segment. On November 3, 2021, Kyndryl separated from IBM through a spin-off that was tax-free for U.S. federal tax purposes. Following the Separation, Kyndryl became an independent, publicly-traded company and the world’s leading IT infrastructure services provider.

Financial Performance Summary

Macro Dynamics

In fiscal year 2024, we have seen continuing demand for information technology services, despite concerns about economic growth, increased geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and government efforts to stem inflation. Although government efforts to stem inflation are expected to suppress economic growth, most economists, including the International Monetary Fund, continue to expect positive global macroeconomic growth in calendar year 2024.

Financial Performance

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, we reported $3.9 billion in revenue, a decline of 9 percent compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce unprofitable and low-margin components of its customer relationships. United States revenue declined 18 percent, Japan revenue declined 4 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 2 percent and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 9 percent, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022. Net loss of $12 million improved by $94 million versus the prior-year period driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies, increased margins and the impact of an agreement to collect previously reserved receivables from our former Parent.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2023, we reported $12.2 billion in revenue, a decline of 4 percent compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2022. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce unprofitable and low-margin components of its customer relationships. United States revenue declined 8 percent, Japan revenue declined 5 percent, Principal Markets revenue declined 1 percent and Strategic Markets revenue decreased 5 percent, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2022. Net loss of $295 million improved by $342 million versus the prior-year period driven by progress on our key initiatives to drive operating efficiencies, increased margins and the impact of an agreement to collect previously reserved receivables from our former Parent.

Segment Results

The following table presents our reportable segments’ revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Segment revenue and revenue growth in constant currency exclude any transactions between the segments.

(Dollars in millions)

NM – not meaningful

(1) Revenue growth in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial metrics. See the information below for definitions of these metrics and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss).

(2) Represents net amounts not allocated to segments.

We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We also present certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide useful supplemental information to investors. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures as we believe it enhances visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance and enables better comparison to peer companies.

Revenue growth in constant currency is a non-GAAP measure that eliminates the effects of exchange rate fluctuations when translating from foreign currencies to the United States dollar. It is calculated by using the average exchange rates that existed for the same period of the prior year. Constant-currency measures are provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends.

Additionally, management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and defined as net income (loss) excluding net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of capitalized contract costs), charges related to ceasing to use leased/fixed assets, charges related to lease terminations, transaction-related costs and benefits, pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, stock-based compensation expense, workforce rebalancing charges, impairment expense, significant litigation costs and currency impacts of highly inflationary countries. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a helpful supplemental measure to assist investors in evaluating our operating results as it excludes certain items whose fluctuation from period to period does not necessarily correspond to changes in the operations of our business. We provide this non-GAAP financial measure as we believe it enhances visibility to underlying results and the impact of management decisions on operational performance, enables better comparison to peer companies and allows us to provide a long-term strategic view of the business.

These disclosures are provided in addition to and not as a substitute for the percentage change in revenue and profit or loss measures on a U.S. GAAP basis compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.

The following table provides a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:

(Dollars in millions)

* Other adjustments represent pension expenses other than pension servicing costs and multi-employer plan costs, significant litigation costs, currency impacts of highly inflationary countries, and an adjustment to reduce amortization expense for the amount already included in transaction-related costs (benefits) above.

United States

(Dollars in millions)

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, United States revenue of $1.0 billion decreased 18 percent compared to the prior-year quarter, driven by the Company’s efforts to reduce certain low-margin revenues and lower revenue from contracts with minimum annual revenue commitments. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $77 million from the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by lower revenue from contracts with minimum annual revenue commitments and an increase in software costs of $16 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2023, United States revenue of $3.3 billion decreased 8 percent compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2022, driven by the Company’s efforts to reduce certain low-margin revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $32 million from the prior-year period, primarily driven by an increase in software costs of $48 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments, partially offset by increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings.

Japan

(Dollars in millions)

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, Japan revenue of $581 million decreased 4 percent compared to the prior-year quarter, driven by an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of four points. Adjusted EBITDA increased $4 million from the prior-year quarter, due to a decrease in software costs of $3 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2023, Japan revenue of $1.8 billion decreased 5 percent compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2022, driven primarily by an unfavorable currency exchange rate impact of four points. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $40 million from the prior-year period, primarily driven by unfavorable currency movements that impacted both non-yen-denominated costs and the translation of earnings into U.S. dollars.

Principal Markets

(Dollars in millions)

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, Principal Markets revenue of $1.4 billion decreased 2 percent compared to the prior-year quarter, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customers relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $116 million from the prior-year quarter, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings and a decrease in software costs of $20 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2023, Principal Markets revenue of $4.4 billion decreased 1 percent compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2022, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $312 million from the prior-year period, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings and a decrease in software costs of $59 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.

Strategic Markets

(Dollars in millions)

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, Strategic Markets revenue of $877 million decreased 9 percent compared to the prior-year quarter, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of four points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA was largely unchanged from the prior-year quarter, due to increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings, offset by an increase in software costs of $7 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2023, Strategic Markets revenue of $2.7 billion decreased 5 percent compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2022, including a favorable currency exchange rate impact of three points. The revenue decline was largely attributable to actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Adjusted EBITDA increased $76 million from the prior-year period, primarily due to increased operating efficiencies and higher margins on recent signings, partially offset by an increase in software costs of $20 million resulting from an amendment of the contract with a software provider that re-allocated costs among our segments.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and other had an adjusted EBITDA loss of $25 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a loss of $16 million in the three months ended December 31, 2022. Corporate and other had an adjusted EBITDA loss of $71 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a loss of $57 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2022.

Costs and Expenses

(Dollars in millions)

NM – not meaningful

Cost of services was 80.9% of revenue in the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 83.6% in the three months ended December 31, 2022, driven by increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings, and actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17.9% of revenue in the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 17.0% in the prior-year quarter, driven by lower revenue, partially offset by reduced expenses. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.5% of revenue in the three months ended December 31, 2023 versus 0.2% of revenue in the prior-year quarter, due to workforce rebalancing actions taken in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Transaction-related costs (benefits) were (2.0)% of revenue in the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 1.1% in the prior-year quarter, driven by the impact of an agreement to collect previously reserved receivables from our former Parent. Interest expense was 0.8% of revenue in the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 0.6% in the prior-year quarter.

(Dollars in millions)

NM – not meaningful

Cost of services was 82.4% of revenue in the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 85.2% in the nine months ended December 31, 2022, driven by increased operating efficiencies, higher margins on recent signings and actions the Company has taken to reduce low-margin components of its customer relationships. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 16.9% of revenue in the nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 16.7% in the nine months ended December 31, 2022, driven by lower revenue, partially offset by reduced expenses. Workforce rebalancing charges were 0.9% of revenue in the nine months ended December 31, 2023 versus 0.1% of revenue in the prior-year period, due to workforce rebalancing actions taken in the first nine months of fiscal 2024. Transaction-related costs were 0.1% of revenue in the nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 1.7% in the prior-year period, driven by reduced rebranding and employee-retention costs and the favorable impact of an agreement to collect previously reserved receivables from our former Parent. Interest expense was 0.8% of revenue in the nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 0.5% in the prior-year period.

Stock-Based Compensation

In the nine months ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted equity awards to employees. These awards included 2.8 million restricted stock units that will vest ratably over four years; 2.0 million performance-conditioned stock units that are based on the attainment of operational milestones; and 0.6 million market-conditioned performance stock units that are based on the performance of the Company’s stock relative to that of its peers. Both types of performance-based awards will cliff vest based on the extent to which the performance criteria have been achieved as soon as practicable following the completion of the performance period on March 31, 2026. The total grant date fair value of the RSUs was determined using the stock price at the grant date and will be recognized as stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis net of actual forfeitures over the vesting period. The fair value of the performance-conditioned performance stock units ($13.37 per unit) was determined using the stock price at the grant date and will be adjusted and recognized as stock-based compensation expense based upon the probability of achievement of performance targets at each reporting period over the vesting period. The fair value of the market-conditioned performance stock units ($14.10 per unit) was determined at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model and will be recognized as stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis net of actual forfeitures over the vesting period. Dividend equivalents are not paid on the stock awards described above. The expense associated with these awards were $6 million and $9 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

Transaction-Related Costs (Benefits)

The Company classifies certain expenses and benefits related to the Separation, acquisitions and divestitures (if any) as “transaction-related costs (benefits)” in the Consolidated Income Statement. Transaction-related costs include expenditures incurred to prepare for and execute the Separation and establish Kyndryl as a standalone business. These include employee retention expenses, information technology costs, marketing expenses to establish the Kyndryl brand, legal, accounting, consulting and other professional service costs required to prepare for and execute the Separation, costs and benefits resulting from settlements with our former Parent associated with pre-Separation and Separation-related matters, and other costs related to contract and supplier novation and integration.

Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges

During the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, management initiated certain actions to reduce our overall cost structure and increase our operating efficiency. These actions include workforce rebalancing charges, charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets, and charges related to lease terminations. Workforce rebalancing charges arise from cost-reduction actions to enhance productivity and cost-competitiveness and to rebalance skills that result in payments to the terminated employees. In addition, we identified certain leased and owned assets that were inherited from IBM as a result of the Separation that we determined will no longer provide any economic benefit to Kyndryl. As a result, we disposed of these assets through abandonment or early termination. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $19 million in workforce rebalancing charges and $14 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets and lease termination charges. During the nine months ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $115 million in workforce rebalancing charges and $24 million in charges related to ceasing to use leased and owned fixed assets and lease termination charges.

Management expects total future charges for this program to be approximately $25 million, primarily relating to workforce rebalancing. The Company estimates that the program in aggregate will require a cash outlay of approximately $300 million, of which approximately $170 million has been paid through December 31, 2023 (including $30 million of contractual payments toward leased assets we have ceased to use) and approximately $60 million is expected to be paid through the end of fiscal year 2024, and the remainder thereafter. Management expects that these workforce rebalancing and site-rationalization activities will reduce payroll costs, rent expenses and depreciation of property and equipment by approximately $300 million in fiscal year 2024. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve our expected cost savings. The Company will continue to seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, which may result in additional charges in future periods. For additional information, see Note 14 – Workforce Rebalancing and Site-Rationalization Charges in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was $65 million of expense, compared to a $32 million benefit for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Our income tax expense for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations, uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances recorded in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized. Our income tax benefits for the three months ended December 31, 2022 were primarily due to return-to-provision adjustments related to the filing of income tax returns.

The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 was $131 million of expense, compared to $74 million of expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2022. Our income tax expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations and valuation allowances recorded in certain jurisdictions against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized. Our income tax expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2022 was primarily related to taxes on foreign operations and an increase in valuation allowances against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized, partially offset by the benefit resulting from return-to-provision adjustments related to the filing of income tax returns.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available evidence for each jurisdiction, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, the reversal of existing temporary differences, and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and actions. Estimates of future taxable income and loss could change, perhaps materially, which may require us to revise our assessment of the recoverability of the deferred tax asset at that time.

Financial Position

Dynamics

Total assets of $11.0 billion decreased by $495 million (and decreased by $572 million adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2023, primarily driven by: a decrease in deferred costs of $326 million due to amortization outpacing additions; and a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $159 million mainly due to our net loss in the period; partially offset by an increase of $135 million in accounts receivable due to the timing of billing and collection and the release of reserves for certain receivables from our former Parent.

Total liabilities of $9.7 billion decreased by $326 million (and decreased by $352 million adjusted for currency) from March 31, 2023, primarily as a result of: a decrease in accounts payable of $297 million due to lower costs and the timing of payments; and a decrease in deferred income of $63 million; partially offset by an increase in accrued contract costs of $169 million due to the timing of vendors’ billings.

Total equity of $1.3 billion decreased $169 million from March 31, 2023, principally due to our comprehensive loss in the period.

Working Capital

(Dollars in millions)

Working capital decreased $396 million from March 31, 2023. Current assets decreased $112 million (and decreased $128 million adjusted for currency) primarily driven by: a decrease of $159 million in cash and cash equivalents and a decrease of $147 million in deferred costs (current); partially offset by an increase of $135 million in accounts receivable. Current liabilities increased $285 million (and increased $269 million adjusted for currency) driven by the $500 million floating-rate term loan due in November 2024 being classified as a current liability and an increase in accrued contract costs of $169 million; partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable of $297 million.

Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities

Noncurrent assets of $6.1 billion at December 31, 2023 decreased by $383 million (and decreased by $444 million adjusted for currency) compared to March 31, 2023, driven by a decrease in deferred costs (noncurrent) of $179 million; a decrease in operating right-of-use assets of $49 million; and a decrease in deferred tax assets of $41 million.

Noncurrent liabilities of $4.5 billion at December 31, 2023 decreased by $610 million (and decreased by $620 million adjusted for currency) compared to March 31, 2023, mainly driven by the $500 million floating-rate term loan due in November 2024 being classified as a current liability and a decrease in deferred income (noncurrent) of $36 million.

Cash Flow

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are summarized in the table below.

(Dollars in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities was $309 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to net cash provided of $769 million in the prior-year period mainly due to the timing of receivable collections and vendor payments.

Net cash used in investing activities was $350 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net cash use of $699 million in the prior-year period due to lower capital expenditures.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $123 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $100 million in the prior-year period.

Other Information

Signings

The following table presents the Company’s signings for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

(Dollars in billions)

Signings increased by $492 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023, or 15%, compared to the prior-year quarter. Signings increased by $289 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2023, or 3%, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2022. We believe that the estimated values of signings provide insight into the Company’s potential future revenue and are a tool to monitor trends in the business, including the business’ ability to attract new customers and sell additional scope into our existing customer base, and we believe signings are helpful information for investors. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of signings. We define signings as an initial estimate of the value of a customer’s commitment under a contract. The calculation involves estimates and judgments to gauge the extent of a customer’s commitment, including the type and duration of the agreement and the presence of termination charges or wind-down costs. Contract extensions and increases in scope are treated as signings only to the extent of the incremental new value. Signings can vary over time due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the timing of signing a small number of larger outsourcing contracts as well as the length of those contracts. The conversion of signings into revenue may vary based on the types of services and solutions, customer decisions and other factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the macroeconomic environment or external events.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and the Revolving Credit Agreement entered into in October 2021, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months.

Senior Unsecured Notes

In October 2021, in preparation for our Spin-off, we completed the offering of $2.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured fixed-rate notes as follows: $700 million aggregate principal amount of 2.05% Senior Notes due 2026, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.70% Senior Notes due 2028, $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Senior Notes due 2031 and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.10% Senior Notes due 2041 (the “Notes”). The Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. The Notes are subject to customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default for financings of this type and are redeemable at our option in a customary manner.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the Notes, pursuant to which we completed a registered offering to exchange each series of Notes for new notes with substantially identical terms during the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility

In October 2021, we entered into a $500 million three-year variable rate term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”). In November 2021, we drew down the full $500 million available under the Term Loan Credit Agreement. The term loan due in November 2024 became classified as a current liability in November 2023. We intend to refinance this term loan in the first half of calendar year 2024, prior to its maturity, subject to market conditions.

In October 2021, we entered into a $3.15 billion multi-currency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement” and, together with the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”) for our future liquidity needs.

In June 2023, we amended the Credit Agreements by replacing the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as the interest rate benchmark for U.S. Dollar borrowings with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The first repricing date using SOFR was in July 2023.

The Revolving Credit Agreement expires, unless extended, in October 2026, and the Term Loan Credit Agreement matures, unless extended, in November 2024. Interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Agreements are based on prevailing market interest rates, plus a margin, as further described in the Credit Agreements. As of December 31, 2023, there were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

We may voluntarily prepay our debt without premium or penalty, subject to customary “breakage” costs. The Company is in compliance with all of its debt covenants for all periods presented.

Transfers of Financial Assets

The Company has entered into agreements with third-party financial institutions to sell certain financial assets (primarily trade receivables) without recourse. The Company has determined these are true sales. The carrying value of the financial asset sold is derecognized, and a net gain or loss on the sale is recognized, at the time of the transfer. The first agreement, which was executed in November 2021 and subsequently amended, enabled us to sell certain of our trade receivables to the counterparty. The initial term of this agreement was 18 months, and the agreement automatically resets to a term of 18 months after every six months, unless either party elects not to extend. The second agreement was executed in June 2022 with a separate third-party financial institution and renews automatically on its anniversary date.

The net proceeds from these agreements are reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Gross proceeds from receivables sold to third parties under such programs were $846 million and $2.9 billion for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $930 million and $2.3 billion for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The fees associated with the transfers of receivables were $11 million and $39 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $14 million and $34 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The application of U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about certain items and future events that directly affect our reported financial condition. There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 for more information; we refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 as the “Form 10-K”.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this report, including, without limitation, statements concerning the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business condition, results of operations, financial position, business outlook and business trends and other non-historical statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements often contain words such as “will,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “project,” “contemplate,” “plan,” “forecast,” “future,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “target,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “outlook,” “goal,” “objective,” “seek,” “aim,” “believe” and other similar words or expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereon. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current assumptions and beliefs regarding future business and financial performance. The Company’s actual business, financial condition or results of operations may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties which include, among others:

• risks related to the Company’s spin-off from IBM;
• failure to attract new customers, retain existing customers or sell additional services to customers;
• technological developments and the Company’s response to such developments;
• failure to meet growth and productivity objectives;
• competition;
• impacts of relationships with critical suppliers and partners;
• inability to attract, retain and/or manage key personnel and other skilled employees;
• impact of local legal, economic, political, health and other conditions;
• a downturn in economic environment and customer spending budgets;
• damage to the Company’s reputation;
• inability to accurately estimate the cost of services and the timeline for completion of contracts;
• its implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system and other systems and processes;
• service delivery issues;
• the Company’s ability to successfully manage acquisitions, alliances and dispositions, including integration challenges, failure to achieve objectives, the assumption of liabilities, and higher debt levels;
• the impact of our business with government customers;
• failure of the Company’s intellectual property rights to prevent competitive offerings and the failure of the Company to obtain necessary licenses;
• the impairment of our goodwill or long-lived assets;
• risks relating to cybersecurity and data privacy;
• risks relating to non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
• adverse effects from tax matters and environmental matters;
• legal proceedings and investigatory risks and potential indemnification obligations;
• impact of changes in market liquidity conditions and customer credit risk on receivables;
• the Company’s pension plans;
• the impact of currency fluctuations; and
• risks related to the Company’s common stock and the securities market.

Additional risks and uncertainties include, among others, those risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Website and Social Media Disclosure

The Company may use its website and/or social media outlets, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), as distribution channels of material company information. Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely posted on and accessible through the Company’s website at https://investors.kyndryl.com, its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kyndryl, its LinkedIn page at https://linkedin.com/company/kyndryl and its X (formerly Twitter) account (@Kyndryl) at https://X.com/Kyndryl. We may also use our Investors Relations website, https://investors.kyndryl.com, as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about the Company when you enroll your email address by visiting the “Investor Email Alerts” section under the “Resources” section at https://investors.kyndryl.com.

For our disclosures about market risk, see the information under the heading “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the Company’s disclosure about market risk in the Form 10-K.

The Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the nine months ended December 31, 2023, we completed the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system. The implementation included changes to certain financial processes impacting key controls related to our internal controls over financial reporting. We have updated our internal controls as appropriate in light of the system implementation and will continue to monitor the impact of the implementation on our processes, procedures and internal control over financial reporting. There have been no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023. There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in the Form 10-K.