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Cognizant Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results
Annual Revenue of $3.279 billion, up 16% year-over-year

TEANECK, N.J., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (Nasdaq: CTSH), a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, today announced its fourth quarter and full year 2009 financial results.

Highlights – Fourth Quarter 2009

  • Quarterly revenue rose to $902.7 million, up 20% from the year-ago quarter and 6% sequentially.
  • Quarterly diluted EPS on a GAAP basis was $0.47, compared to $0.38 in the year-ago quarter.
  • Quarterly diluted EPS on a non-GAAP basis, which excludes stock-based compensation expense, was $0.50, compared to $0.41 in the year-ago quarter.
  • GAAP and non-GAAP diluted EPS includes the impact of $0.01 in net non-operating foreign currency exchange losses.
  • Net headcount additions for the quarter exceeded 10,300; year-end headcount approximately 78,400.

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2009 rose to $902.7 million, up 20% from $753.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. GAAP net income was $144.0 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to $112.3 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2008. Diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis was $0.50. GAAP operating margin for the quarter was 18.5%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense of $12.8 million, non-GAAP operating margin was 19.9%, in line with the Company's targeted 19 to 20% range. Earnings for the quarter included $4.5 million of net pre-tax non-operating foreign exchange losses. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP operating results and diluted EPS are included at the end of this release.

"Despite a very difficult economy, Cognizant delivered strong results with 16% annual revenue growth. The investments we made in our business leave us in an even stronger position than when we entered 2009," said Francisco D'Souza, President and CEO of Cognizant. "During the year, we grew our workforce by more than 16,700 people, improved our employee utilization, strengthened our client partnerships, and brought new services and capabilities to market. We believe Cognizant is set to deliver robust performance in 2010 and will continue to set new standards for our industry."

Highlights – Full Year 2009

  • Revenue increased to $3.279 billion, up 16% from the previous year.
  • Diluted EPS on a GAAP basis was $1.78, compared to $1.44 in the previous year.
  • Diluted EPS on a non-GAAP basis, which excludes $0.12 in stock-based compensation expense and stock-based Indian fringe benefit tax expenses, was $1.90, compared to $1.59 in the previous year.  

Revenue for 2009 increased to $3.279 billion, up 16% from $2.816 billion for 2008. GAAP net income was $535.0 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, compared to $430.8 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, for 2008.  Diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis was $1.90. GAAP operating margin was 18.9%.  Excluding stock-based compensation expense of $44.8 million and stock-based Indian fringe benefit tax expense of $0.9 million, non-GAAP operating margin was 20.3%. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP operating results and diluted EPS are included in the table at the end of this release.

First Quarter & Full Year 2010 Outlook

The Company is providing the following guidance:

  • First quarter 2010 revenue anticipated to be at least $935 million.
  • First quarter 2010 diluted EPS expected to be $0.48 on a GAAP basis and $0.52 on a non-GAAP basis, which excludes $0.04 of estimated stock-based compensation expense.
  • Fiscal 2010 revenue expected to be at least $3.935 billion, up at least 20% compared to 2009.
  • Fiscal 2010 diluted EPS expected to be at least $2.03 on a GAAP basis, and $2.19 on a non-GAAP basis, which excludes $0.16 of estimated stock-based compensation expense.
  • Due to continued volatility in the currency markets, EPS guidance excludes any non-operating foreign currency exchange gain or loss.

"Cognizant delivered exceptional performance in 2009.  A continued focus on operational excellence, combined with aggressive hiring in the latter part of last year, leaves us well positioned for a strong 2010," said Gordon Coburn, Chief Financial and Operating Officer. "In addition, we further strengthened our balance sheet in 2009 with our cash, short- and long-term investments increasing by over $210 million during the fourth quarter, and over $625 million for the full year, to a total of approximately $1.55 billion."

Conference Call

Cognizant will host a conference call February 9, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss the Company's quarterly and full year 2009 results. To listen to the conference call, please dial (800) 374-0467 (domestically) and (706) 679-3288 (internationally) and provide the following conference ID number: 50233460.

The conference call will also be available live via the Internet by accessing the Cognizant web site at www.cognizant.com. Please go to the web site at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register and to download and install any necessary audio software.

For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available by dialing (800) 642-1687 for domestic callers or (706) 645-9291 for international callers and entering 50233460 from a half hour after the end of the call until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern) on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. The replay will also be available at Cognizant's web site www.cognizant.com for 30 days following the call.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services. Cognizant's single-minded passion is to dedicate our global technology and innovation know-how, our industry expertise and worldwide resources to working together with clients to make their businesses stronger. With over 50 global delivery centers and approximately 78,400 employees as of December 31, 2009, we combine a unique onsite/offshore delivery model infused by a distinct culture of customer satisfaction. A member of the NASDAQ-100 Index and S&P 500 Index, Cognizant is a Forbes Global 2000 company and a member of the Fortune 1000 and is ranked among the top information technology companies in BusinessWeek's Hot Growth and Top 50 Performers listings. Visit us online at www.cognizant.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions and the factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cognizant undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, this press release includes the following measures defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. These non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, these non-GAAP measures, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations of Cognizant's GAAP financial statements to such non-GAAP measures should be carefully evaluated.

We seek to manage the company to a targeted operating margin, excluding stock-based compensation costs and applicable stock-based Indian fringe benefit tax, of 19% to 20% of revenues. Accordingly, we believe that non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding stock-based compensation costs and applicable stock-based Indian fringe benefit tax, are meaningful measures for investors to evaluate our financial performance. For our internal management reporting and budgeting purposes, we use financial statements that do not include stock-based compensation expense and applicable stock-based Indian fringe benefit tax for financial and operational decision making, to evaluate period-to-period comparisons and for making comparisons of our operating results to those of our competitors. Moreover, because of varying available valuation methodologies permitted under U.S. GAAP and the variety of award types that companies can use, we believe that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude stock-based compensation expense allows investors to make additional comparisons between our operating results to those of other companies. Accordingly, we believe that the presentation of non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, when read in conjunction with our reported GAAP results, can provide useful supplemental information to our management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations.

A limitation of using non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share versus operating margin and diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP is that non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share exclude costs, namely, stock-based compensation that is recurring and applicable stock-based Indian fringe benefit tax that was repealed during the third quarter of 2009 retroactive to April 1, 2009. Stock-based compensation will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in our business. In addition, other companies may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than us, thereby limiting the usefulness of these non-GAAP financial measures as a comparative tool. We compensate for this limitation by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share and evaluating such non-GAAP financial measures with financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

- tables to follow -

    
    
                    COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORPORATION  
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS           
                                    (Unaudited)                        
                                                                              
                   (In thousands, except per share amounts)                   
                                                                              
                                     Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended 
                                        December 31,          December 31,   
                                    -------------------   -------------------
                                        2009      2008        2009       2008 
                                        ----      ----        ----       ---- 
                                                                              
      Revenues                      $902,721  $753,045  $3,278,663 $2,816,304 
                                                                              
      Operating expenses:                                                     
      Cost of revenues (exclusive                                             
       of depreciation and                                                    
       amortization expense shown                                             
       separately below)             520,796   419,748   1,849,443  1,572,816 
      Selling, general and                                                    
       administrative expenses       190,678   169,378     721,359    652,021 
      Depreciation and                                                        
       amortization expense           24,339    21,253      89,371     74,797 
                                      ------    ------      ------     ------ 
      Income from operations         166,908   142,666     618,490    516,670 
                                     -------   -------     -------    ------- 
                                                                              
      Other income (expense), net:                                            
      Interest income                  6,139     5,760      15,895     22,188 
      Other income / (expense), net   (4,450)  (12,340)      2,566    (23,648)
                                      ------   -------       -----    ------- 
      Total other income /                                                    
       (expense), net                  1,689    (6,580)     18,461     (1,460)
                                       -----    ------      ------     ------ 
                                                                              
      Income before provision for                                             
       income taxes                  168,597   136,086     636,951    515,210 
                                                                              
      Provision for income taxes      24,593    23,798     101,988     84,365 
                                                                              
                                    --------  --------    --------   -------- 
      Net income                    $144,004  $112,288    $534,963   $430,845 
                                    ========  ========    ========   ======== 
                                                                              
                                       -----     -----       -----      ----- 
      Basic earnings per share         $0.49     $0.39       $1.82      $1.49 
                                       =====     =====       =====      ===== 
                                                                              
                                       -----     -----       -----      ----- 
      Diluted earnings per share       $0.47     $0.38       $1.78      $1.44 
                                       =====     =====       =====      ===== 
                                                                              
      Weighted average number of                                              
       common shares                 -------   -------     -------    ------- 
       outstanding                   295,602   291,261     293,304    290,121 
                                     =======   =======     =======    ======= 
                                                                              
      Weighted average number of                                              
       common and dilutive           -------   -------     -------    ------- 
       shares outstanding            304,615   297,570     301,115    298,940 
                                     =======   =======     =======    ======= 
    
    
    
                   COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORPORATION              
      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)  
                                 (In thousands)                            
                                                                           
                                                  December 31, December 31,
                                                  ------------ ------------
                                                     2009         2008
                                                     ----         ----
    Assets                                                              
                                                                        
    Current Assets                                                      
                                                                        
      Cash and cash equivalents                  $1,100,930     $735,066
                                                                        
      Short-term investments                        298,402       27,513
                                                                        
      Trade accounts receivable, net of 
       allowances of $16,465 and $13,441,
       respectively                                 626,288      517,481
                                                                        
      Unbilled accounts receivable                   82,952       62,158
                                                                        
      Deferred income tax assets, net                73,791       48,315
                                                                        
      Other current assets                          125,205       77,586
                                                  ---------    ---------
               Total Current Assets               2,307,568    1,468,119
                                                                        
    Property and equipment, net                     481,516      455,254
                                                                        
    Long-term investments                           151,131      161,693
                                                                        
    Goodwill                                        192,372      154,035
                                                                        
    Intangible assets, net                           75,757       47,790
                                                                        
    Deferred income tax assets, net                  80,618       52,816
                                                                        
    Other assets                                     49,278       34,853
                                                 ----------   ----------
    Total Assets                                 $3,338,240   $2,374,560
                                                 ==========   ==========
                                                                        
    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                                
                                                                        
    Current Liabilities                                                 
                                                                        
    Accounts payable                                $54,640      $39,970
                                                                        
    Deferred revenue                                 51,605       38,123
                                                                        
    Accrued expenses and other current                            
     liabilities                                    540,363      309,484
                                                                        
                                                    -------      -------
           Total Current Liabilities                646,608      387,577
                                                                        
    Deferred income tax liabilities, net                  -        7,294
                                                                        
    Other noncurrent liabilities                     38,455       14,111
                                                                        
                                                    -------      -------
    Total Liabilities                               685,063      408,982
                                                    -------      -------
                                                                        
                                                  ---------    ---------
    Stockholders' Equity                          2,653,177    1,965,578
                                                  ---------    ---------
                                                                        
                                                 ----------   ----------
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   $3,338,240   $2,374,560
                                                 ==========   ==========
    
    
    
                      COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORPORATION            
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Comparable GAAP Measures
                      (In thousands, except per share amounts)                
                                                                             
                         Three Months Ended             Three Months Ended   
                            December 31,                    December 31,     
                    --------------------------     --------------------------
                              2009                          2008      
                    2009     Adjust-    2009       2008    Adjust-     2008   
                    GAAP      ments   Non-GAAP     GAAP     ments    Non-GAAP 
                    ----     -------  --------     ----    -------   -------- 
                                                                              
    Income from                                                              
     operations   $166,908   12811(a) $179,719  $142,666   11600 (c) $154,266
                  ========   =====    ========  ========   =====     ========
                                                                              
    Operating                                                                 
     margin           18.5%    1.4%(a)    19.9%     18.9%    1.6%(c)     20.5%
                      ====     ===        ====      ====     ===         ==== 
                                                                              
    Diluted                                                                  
     earnings per 
     share           $0.47    0.03(e)    $0.50     $0.38   0.034 (e)    $0.41
                     =====    ====       =====     =====   =====        =====
                                                                            
                                                                           
                                                                        
                        Twelve Months Ended             Twelve Months Ended 
                           December 31,                    December 31,     
                    -------------------------      ------------------------- 
                              2009                          2008      
                    2009     Adjust-    2009       2008    Adjust-    2008   
                    GAAP      ments   Non-GAAP     GAAP     ments    Non-GAAP 
                    ----     -------  --------     ----    -------   -------- 
                                                                        
    Income from                                                           
     Operations   $618,490   45761(b) $664,251  $516,670   52049 (d) $568,719 
                  ========   =====    ========  ========   =====     ======== 
                                                                           
    Operating                                                         
     margin           18.9%    1.4%(b)    20.3%     18.3%    1.9%(d)     20.2%
                      ====     ===       =====     =====    ====        ===== 
                                                                            
    Diluted                                                                 
     earnings                                                               
     per share       $1.78    0.12(e)    $1.90     $1.44     0.15(e)    $1.59 
                     =====    ====       =====     =====     ====       ===== 
    
    Notes:
    (a)  Adjustment to exclude stock-based compensation of $12,811 from income
    from operations of which $3,416 was reported in cost of revenues and 
    $9,395 was reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in our
    unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.  During the 
    quarter ended September 30, 2009, the repeal of the Indian fringe benefit
    tax, retroactive to April 1, 2009, was enacted into law.  Accordingly, 
    stock-based Indian fringe benefit tax expense was not recorded in the 
    quarter ended December 31, 2009.
    
    (b)  Adjustment to exclude stock-based compensation of $44,816 and stock-
    based Indian fringe benefit tax expense, incurred during the quarter ended
    March 31, 2009, of $945 from income from operations of which $15,076 was 
    reported in cost of revenues and $30,685 was reported in selling, general
    and administrative expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated 
    statements of operations.
     
    (c)  Adjustment to exclude stock-based compensation of $10,943 and stock-
    based Indian fringe benefit tax expense of $657 from income from 
    operations of which $4,049 was reported in cost of revenues and $7,551 
    was reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in our 
    unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
    
    (d)  Adjustment to exclude stock-based compensation of $43,900 and stock-
    based Indian fringe benefit tax expense of $8,149 from income from 
    operations of which $21,446 was reported in cost of revenues and $30,603 
    was reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in our 
    unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
    
    (e)  Adjustment to exclude the per share effect of stock-based 
    compensation expense net of the related tax benefit and stock-based 
    Indian fringe benefit tax expense, if any.  The stock-based Indian fringe
    benefit tax expense is a nondeductible expense since the cost is recovered
    from employees.
    

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