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Cognizant Technology Solutions Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2024

Filing Date
Filed May 2, 2024
Period End
March 31, 2024
Security
CTSH
In the record · 2016–202610-K1110-Q338-K105

CTSH filed 11 annual reports (10-K), 33 quarterly reports (10-Q) and 105 current reports (8-K) between 2016 and 2026.

  1. Leadership change8-K · Jun ’18Jun ’18
  2. Leadership change8-K · Jul ’20Jul ’20
  3. Material agreement8-K · Oct ’22Oct ’22
  4. Material agreement8-K · Oct ’26Oct ’26

Summary

Summary of the 10-Q filed May 2, 2024. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.

Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) reported a slight decrease in revenue for the first quarter of 2024, with revenues down 1.1% year-over-year to $4.76 billiona.

This decline was primarily attributed to weaker performance in the Financial Services and Health Sciences segments, though partially offset by growth in Communications, Media & Technology and Products & Resources segments. The company also noted that its recently completed acquisitions contributed positively to revenue. Operating income saw a modest decline of 1.0%b, but adjusted operating income increased by 2.3%, indicating operational improvements when excluding certain charges.

Despite the revenue dip, Cognizant's operational efficiency is improving, reflected in a flat operating margin of 14.6%c and an increase in adjusted operating margin to 15.1%. This improvement was aided by savings from the NextGen restructuring program and the favorable impact of a depreciating Indian Rupee.

The company is also making strategic investments in AI, acknowledging its potential to both create new opportunities and disrupt existing service models. Looking ahead, Cognizant anticipates continued client focus on digital transformation and plans significant investments in AI capabilities.

Key Highlights

  1. Revenue declined 1.1% year-over-year to $4.76 billion in Q1 2024, with constant currency revenue down 1.2%.
  2. Operating income decreased by 1.0% to $695 million, while adjusted operating income increased by 2.3% to $718 million.
  3. The NextGen restructuring program incurred $23 million in charges in Q1 2024, with total expected costs of $300 million.
  4. Voluntary attrition decreased significantly to 13.1% for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2024, down from 23.1% in the prior year.
  5. Acquisitions contributed 70 basis points to revenue growth.
  6. The company expects to incur approximately $70 million in NextGen program costs in 2024.
  7. Significant investments are planned for AI capabilities to meet client demand and leverage the technology.

Financial Statements

Q1 FY2024 against Q1 FY2023

Line itemQ1 FY2024Q1 FY2023Change
Revenue$4.76B$4.81B−1.1%
SG&A Expenses$765.00M$835.00M−8.4%
Operating Income$695.00M$702.00M−1.0%
Interest Expense$11.00M$9.00M+22.2%
Net Income$546.00M$580.00M−5.9%
EPS (Basic)$1.10$1.14−3.5%
EPS (Diluted)$1.10$1.14−3.5%
Shares Outstanding (Basic)497.00M509.00M−2.4%
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)498.00M509.00M−2.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What was the primary driver for the revenue decrease in the first quarter of 2024?

    The primary driver for the revenue decrease was weakness in the Financial Services and Health Sciences segments. While other segments like Communications, Media and Technology and Products and Resources showed growth, it was not enough to offset the declines in these key areas.

  2. How is Cognizant addressing its operating model simplification?

    Cognizant initiated the 'NextGen program' in the second quarter of 2023, aimed at simplifying its operating model, optimizing corporate functions, and consolidating office space. This program is expected to generate savings that will fund investments in people, growth opportunities, and office modernization. The company incurred $23 million in charges related to this program in Q1 2024 and expects to incur approximately $70 million more in 2024.

  3. What is the company's outlook on Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

    Cognizant is increasingly using AI, including Generative AI, in its client offerings and internal operations. The company plans significant investments in its AI capabilities to meet client needs. However, it also acknowledges that AI may lead to reduced demand for certain current services or impact pricing power.

  4. How has employee attrition changed?

    Cognizant has seen a significant reduction in voluntary attrition. For the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2024, voluntary attrition was 13.1%, a substantial decrease from 23.1% in the prior year's comparable period. This indicates improved employee retention.