10-KPeriod: FY2019

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2019

Filed February 14, 2020For Securities:CTSH

Summary

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (CTSH) reported revenues of $16.78 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 4.1% increase year-over-year (5.2% on a constant currency basis). However, income from operations decreased by 12.4% to $2.45 billion, and net income fell by 12.3% to $1.84 billion, largely due to increased costs associated with delivery personnel outpacing revenue growth, the dilutive impact of recent acquisitions, and restructuring charges related to the '2020 Fit for Growth Plan'. The company is executing a multi-year plan to accelerate revenue growth, focusing on digital transformation services in areas like IoT, AI, digital engineering, and cloud. This strategy involves significant investments in technology, sales, marketing, and talent re-skilling, alongside strategic acquisitions. Management is also undertaking cost optimization measures, including exiting certain content-related work that is not aligned with their long-term strategy, which is expected to result in an estimated revenue impact of $180 million to $200 million in 2020.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$16.78B
SG&A Expenses$2.97B
Operating Income$2.45B
Interest Expense$26.00M
Net Income$1.84B
EPS (Basic)$3.30
EPS (Diluted)$3.29
Shares Outstanding (Basic)559.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)560.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Cognizant reported $16.78 billion in revenue for 2019, a 4.1% increase year-over-year, indicating continued top-line growth.
  • 2Despite revenue growth, operating income and net income declined by 12.4% and 12.3% respectively, primarily due to rising personnel costs and strategic investments/restructuring.
  • 3The company is actively pursuing digital transformation services, with key focus areas in IoT, AI, digital engineering, and cloud, signaling a shift towards higher-value offerings.
  • 4Cognizant is implementing a '2020 Fit for Growth Plan' which includes cost optimization measures and strategic investments, aiming to improve operational efficiency and fund growth initiatives.
  • 5A significant strategic decision was made to exit certain content-related work, projected to impact 2020 revenues by $180-$200 million, highlighting a focus on core strategic alignment.
  • 6The company returned $2.61 billion to stockholders in 2019 through share repurchases ($2.16 billion) and dividends ($453 million), demonstrating a commitment to capital return.
  • 7While North America remains the largest market (75.8% of revenue), growth was notably strong in the Products and Resources (10.4%) and Communications, Media, and Technology (11.5%) segments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cognizant reported a 4.1% increase in revenue to $16.78 billion in 2019. However, profitability was impacted, with income from operations decreasing by 12.4% and net income by 12.3%. This was attributed to increased costs related to delivery personnel, the impact of recent acquisitions, and restructuring charges associated with their '2020 Fit for Growth Plan'.

Cognizant's strategic priorities revolve around accelerating revenue growth by focusing on digital transformation services in areas like IoT, AI, digital engineering, and cloud. They are investing in technology, sales, marketing, and talent re-skilling, alongside pursuing strategic acquisitions. The company is also implementing cost optimization measures to fund these investments and improve operational efficiency.

The '2020 Fit for Growth Plan' is a multi-year initiative aimed at improving operational and commercial models, implementing cost reductions, and investing in digital capabilities. It involves exiting certain content-related work, which is expected to reduce revenue by $180-$200 million in 2020, and incurring additional restructuring charges of $100-$150 million in 2020. The plan is designed to generate annualized gross savings of approximately $500-$550 million.

In 2019, Cognizant returned $2.61 billion to shareholders through $2.16 billion in share repurchases and $453 million in dividend payments. The company also announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend and an expanded stock repurchase program authorization. Liquidity remains strong, with cash generated from operations and available credit facilities.