Cognizant Incurs Loss of ₹518 Crores Resulting in Layoffs of 20,000 Employees
Cognizant's Result in Loss of 518 Crore Rupees in Q4 of FY22
Recently, technology giant Cognizant became the latest company to join the trend of layoffs, firing over 20000 of its employees. This event has resulted in the company losing 518 Crore Rupees in the Q4 of the financial year.
Why were employees fired?
The reason behind the layoffs is due to an attempt to use fraudulent letters from fake firms to obtain job offers. This issue has been seen at other tech companies as well, including Accenture India, where the use of forged documents and fake experience letters resulted in the sacking of employees. The numbers of layoffs due to failed background checks and moonlighting have increased over the last few months as companies have resumed work-from-office and have been conducting more background checks.
Impact of Layoffs on the Company and its Employees
Although corporations have fired workers largely to save costs, this has had an impact on thousands of people who have lost their employment quickly. Cognizant's net profit decreased 9.6% in the fourth quarter to $521 million due to impairment expenses and higher operating costs. The company's revenue, however, rose 1.3% on year to $4.84 billion for the three-month period, slightly above street estimates of $4.83 billion. Despite the decline in profit, the full-year FY22 net income was up 7.2% YoY to $2.29 billion, with a full-year revenue of $19.4 billion, up 7.5% in constant currency.
New CEO and Company's Future Plans
The newly appointed CEO, Ravi Kumar S, has stated that his immediate focus is on creating the conditions for the company's associates to excel and operate with a growth mindset. Cognizant's first quarter revenue is expected to be $4.71-$4.76 billion, a decline of 1.5% to 2.5%, or a decline of 1.0% to flat in constant currency. The company did not provide full-year guidance and intends to provide an update in its next earnings release in early May. On the operational front, the operating margin fell 120 basis points on year to 14.2%.
It is important to note that the technology industry has been affected by the global pandemic, leading to a slowdown in the economy and causing companies to take measures such as layoffs to cut costs. However, companies such as Cognizant are working towards a better future, with new leadership and plans for growth and success.
Cognizant's Q4 Financial Results and Layoffs: An Analysis
Cognizant, a leading technology major, recently faced a major setback in its operations. In the Q4 of the financial year, the company lost 518 Crore Rupees and faced an involuntary attrition of 6% in Q2. Furthermore, more than 20000 employees were fired after the company discovered an attempt to use letters from fraudulent firms to obtain job offers, with fake experience letters leading to the layoffs. This event has become increasingly common in the tech industry as companies continue to lay off employees to reduce their workforce, with the numbers of layoffs due to failed background checks and moonlighting increasing in recent months.
As the world continues to face economic hardships and recessions, tech companies have had to take drastic measures to reduce costs and stay afloat. This has resulted in thousands of people losing their jobs, with the events at Cognizant being no different. The company's net profit decreased by 9.6% in the fourth quarter, to $521 million, largely due to impairment expenses and higher operating costs. However, its revenue saw an uptick, rising 1.3% YoY to $4.84 billion for the three-month period.
Other tech companies, including Twitter and Meta, have also faced large-scale layoffs in recent months. Despite the decrease in profit, Cognizant's revenue for the full year FY22 was up 7.2% YoY to $2.29 billion. The full-year revenue came in at $19.4 billion, up 7.5% in constant currency, surpassing the guided $19.3 billion figure.
Cognizant's newly appointed CEO, Ravi Kumar S, has stated that his immediate focus is on creating the conditions for the company's associates to "excel and operate with a growth mindset." The company is expected to see a decline in revenue for the first quarter, with estimates of $4.71-$4.76 billion, a decline of 1.5% to 2.5%, or a decline of 1.0% to flat in constant currency. The operating margin also fell 120 basis points YoY to 14.2%, primarily due to a $59 million impairment charge related to a large volume-based contract with a health sciences customer.
The events at Cognizant raise several questions about the state of the tech industry and its future. The increasing number of layoffs and the decrease in profit at leading tech majors suggest that the industry may be facing some challenges in the near future. It is essential for tech companies to adapt to these changes and find ways to continue to grow and prosper in an ever-changing market.
One potential solution to these challenges could be the adoption of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies can help companies automate many of their processes and reduce costs, allowing them to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Furthermore, companies can also look towards expanding into new markets and finding new sources of revenue to ensure their long-term success.
In conclusion, the events at Cognizant serve as a reminder of the need for tech companies to remain adaptable and innovative in the face of changing market conditions. While the company's layoffs and financial losses may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity for the company to regroup, restructure, and emerge stronger in the future. With a focus on growth, innovation, and adaptation, tech companies like Cognizant can continue to thrive and remain at the forefront of their industry.