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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

1-2360

(Commission file number)

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York

13-0871985

(State of incorporation)

(IRS employer identification number)

One New Orchard Road

Armonk, New York

10504

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

914-499-1900

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

    

Trading symbol

    

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Capital stock, par value $.20 per share

 

IBM

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

 

 

 

NYSE Chicago

2.750%  Notes due 2020

 

IBM 20B

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.875%  Notes due 2020

 

IBM 20A

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.500%  Notes due 2021

 

IBM 21B

 

New York Stock Exchange

2.625%  Notes due 2022

 

IBM 22A

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.250%  Notes due 2023

 

IBM 23A

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.375%  Notes due 2023

 

IBM 23B

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.125%  Notes due 2024

 

IBM 24A

 

New York Stock Exchange

2.875%  Notes due 2025

 

IBM 25A

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.950%  Notes due 2025

 

IBM 25B

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.875%  Notes due 2025

 

IBM 25C

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.300%  Notes due 2026

 

IBM 26B

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.250%  Notes due 2027

 

IBM 27B

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.300% Notes due 2028

IBM 28B

New York Stock Exchange

1.750%  Notes due 2028

 

IBM 28A

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.500%  Notes due 2029

 

IBM 29

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.750%  Notes due 2031

 

IBM 31

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.650% Notes due 2032

IBM 32A

New York Stock Exchange

1.200% Notes due 2040

IBM 40

New York Stock Exchange

7.00%    Debentures due 2025

 

IBM 25

 

New York Stock Exchange

6.22%    Debentures due 2027

 

IBM 27

 

New York Stock Exchange

6.50%    Debentures due 2028

 

IBM 28

 

New York Stock Exchange

7.00%    Debentures due 2045

 

IBM 45

 

New York Stock Exchange

7.125%  Debentures due 2096

 

IBM 96

 

New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section l3 or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes     No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes     No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.Act).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes     No 

The registrant had 887,891,957891,057,116 shares of common stock outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2020.

Table of Contents

Index

9

Page

Part I - Financial Information:

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):

Consolidated Income Statement for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

3

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

4

Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

5

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

7

Consolidated Statement of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

44

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

74

Part II - Other Information:

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

75

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

75

Item 6. Exhibits

76

2

Table of Contents

Part I - Financial Information:

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:Statements (Unaudited):

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

    

2020

    

2019

Revenue:

 

  

 

  

Services

$

11,373

$

11,915

*

Sales

 

5,895

 

5,862

*

Financing

 

302

 

404

Total revenue

 

17,571

 

18,182

Cost:

 

  

 

  

Services

 

7,843

 

8,272

*

Sales

 

1,624

 

1,603

*

Financing

 

181

 

264

Total cost

 

9,649

 

10,139

Gross profit

 

7,922

 

8,043

Expense and other (income):

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative

 

5,955

 

4,691

Research, development and engineering

 

1,625

 

1,433

Intellectual property and custom development income

 

(116)

 

(101)

Other (income) and expense

 

182

 

(73)

Interest expense

 

326

 

210

Total expense and other (income)

 

7,972

 

6,160

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

(49)

 

1,883

Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes

 

(1,226)

 

289

Income from continuing operations

$

1,176

$

1,593

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(1)

 

(2)

Net income

$

1,175

$

1,591

Earnings/(loss) per share of common stock:

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution:

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

1.31

$

1.78

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.00

Total

$

1.31

$

1.78

Basic:

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

1.32

$

1.79

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.00

Total

$

1.32

$

1.79

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: (millions)

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

 

895.0

 

893.9

Basic

 

888.0

 

889.6

* Reclassified

Consolidated Income Statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

3

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

4

Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

5

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

7

Consolidated Statement of Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

8

Notes to conform to current period presentation. Refer to note 1, “BasisConsolidated Financial Statements

10

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Presentation,” for additional information.Results of Operations and Financial Condition

51

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral partItem 4. Controls and Procedures

94

Part II - Other Information:

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

95

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of the financialEquity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

95

Item 6. Exhibits

96

2

Table of Contents

Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended September 30, 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

    

2020

    

2019

     

2020

    

2019

Revenue:

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Services

$

11,180

$

11,703

$

33,490

$

35,454

Sales

 

6,106

 

5,981

 

18,918

 

18,817

Financing

 

275

 

343

 

845

 

1,099

Total revenue

 

17,560

 

18,028

 

53,253

 

55,370

Cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Services

 

7,357

 

7,840

 

22,720

 

24,293

Sales

 

1,601

 

1,635

 

4,964

 

4,979

Financing

 

172

 

217

 

517

 

710

Total cost

 

9,130

 

9,692

 

28,202

 

29,982

Gross profit

 

8,430

 

8,336

 

25,052

 

25,388

Expense and other (income):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative

 

4,647

 

5,024

 

15,849

 

15,171

Research, development and engineering

 

1,515

 

1,553

 

4,722

 

4,393

Intellectual property and custom development income

 

(134)

 

(166)

 

(453)

 

(489)

Other (income) and expense

 

253

 

(31)

 

614

 

(850)

Interest expense

 

323

 

432

 

971

 

990

Total expense and other (income)

 

6,603

 

6,813

��

21,704

 

19,215

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

1,827

 

1,522

 

3,348

 

6,173

Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes

 

128

 

(151)

 

(888)

 

407

Income from continuing operations

$

1,698

$

1,673

$

4,237

$

5,766

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

(5)

Net income

$

1,698

$

1,672

$

4,234

$

5,761

Earnings/(loss) per share of common stock:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

1.89

$

1.87

$

4.72

$

6.46

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

(0.01)

Total

$

1.89

$

1.87

$

4.72

$

6.45

Basic:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

1.90

$

1.89

$

4.76

$

6.50

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

(0.01)

Total

$

1.90

$

1.89

$

4.76

$

6.49

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: (millions)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

 

897.3

 

892.8

 

895.8

 

892.5

Basic

 

891.4

 

886.0

 

889.6

 

887.3

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.)

3

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Net income

$

1,175

$

1,591

Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(919)

 

171

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

 

0

 

(1)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to net income

 

 

Total net changes related to available-for-sale securities

 

0

 

(1)

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

 

(180)

 

(352)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to net income

 

91

 

98

Total unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

 

(90)

 

(254)

Retirement-related benefit plans:

 

  

 

  

Prior service costs/(credits)

 

(4)

 

Net (losses)/gains arising during the period

 

8

 

(4)

Curtailments and settlements

 

8

 

1

Amortization of prior service (credits)/costs

 

1

 

(3)

Amortization of net (gains)/losses

 

570

 

464

Total retirement-related benefit plans

 

582

 

458

Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax

 

(427)

 

375

Income tax (expense)/benefit related to items of other comprehensive income

 

(260)

 

(67)

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

 

(686)

 

308

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

$

489

$

1,899

Three Months Ended September 30, 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

     

2020

    

2019

Net income

$

1,698

$

1,672

$

4,234

$

5,761

Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(439)

 

(509)

 

(1,354)

 

(333)

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

 

(1)

 

3

 

0

 

1

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to net income

 

 

 

 

Total net changes related to available-for-sale securities

 

(1)

 

3

 

0

 

1

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

 

(32)

 

(439)

 

(249)

 

(798)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to net income

 

(69)

 

488

 

(37)

 

418

Total unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

 

(101)

 

49

 

(285)

 

(380)

Retirement-related benefit plans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Prior service costs/(credits)

 

(1)

 

 

(5)

 

Net (losses)/gains arising during the period

 

0

 

0

 

65

 

113

Curtailments and settlements

 

21

 

3

 

42

 

7

Amortization of prior service (credits)/costs

 

0

 

(3)

 

1

 

(9)

Amortization of net (gains)/losses

 

586

 

461

 

1,722

 

1,385

Total retirement-related benefit plans

 

607

 

461

 

1,826

 

1,496

Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax

 

66

 

4

 

187

 

784

Income tax (expense)/benefit related to items of other comprehensive income

 

106

 

(249)

 

(175)

 

(380)

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

 

172

 

(245)

 

12

 

404

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

$

1,870

$

1,427

$

4,247

$

6,165

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.)

4

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(UNAUDITED)

ASSETS

    

At March 31, 

    

At December 31, 

    

At September 30, 

    

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

    

2019

2020

    

2019

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Current assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

11,218

$

8,172

$

14,393

$

8,172

Restricted cash

 

152

 

141

 

160

 

141

Marketable securities

 

647

 

696

 

1,200

 

696

Notes and accounts receivable — trade (net of allowances of $337 in 2020 and $299 in 2019)

 

6,927

 

7,870

Short-term financing receivables (net of allowances of $186 in 2020 and $188 in 2019)

 

12,126

 

14,192

Other accounts receivable (net of allowances of $28 in 2020 and $33 in 2019)

 

1,616

 

1,733

Notes and accounts receivable — trade (net of allowances of $354 in 2020 and $299 in 2019)

 

6,099

 

7,870

Short-term financing receivables (net of allowances of $205 in 2020 and $188 in 2019)

 

10,848

 

14,192

Other accounts receivable (net of allowances of $32 in 2020 and $33 in 2019)

 

923

 

1,733

Inventory, at lower of average cost or net realizable value:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Finished goods

 

298

 

220

 

287

 

220

Work in process and raw materials

 

1,488

 

1,399

 

1,662

 

1,399

Total inventory

 

1,786

 

1,619

 

1,949

 

1,619

Deferred costs

 

1,948

 

1,896

 

2,084

 

1,896

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2,509

 

2,101

 

2,188

 

2,101

Total current assets

 

38,931

 

38,420

 

39,845

 

38,420

Property, plant and equipment

 

31,089

 

32,028

 

32,432

 

32,028

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

21,464

 

22,018

 

22,474

 

22,018

Property, plant and equipment — net

 

9,626

 

10,010

 

9,958

 

10,010

Operating right-of-use assets — net

 

4,871

 

4,996

 

4,715

 

4,996

Long-term financing receivables (net of allowances of $52 in 2020 and $33 in 2019)

 

7,708

 

8,712

Long-term financing receivables (net of allowances of $59 in 2020 and $33 in 2019)

 

6,423

 

8,712

Prepaid pension assets

 

6,933

 

6,865

 

7,636

 

6,865

Deferred costs

 

2,459

 

2,472

 

2,438

 

2,472

Deferred taxes

 

8,782

 

5,182

 

8,852

 

5,182

Goodwill

 

57,517

 

58,222

 

58,355

 

58,222

Intangible assets — net

 

14,666

 

15,235

 

13,962

 

15,235

Investments and sundry assets

 

1,911

 

2,074

 

1,944

 

2,074

Total assets

$

153,403

$

152,186

$

154,128

$

152,186

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.)

5

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

At March 31, 

    

At December 31, 

    

At September 30, 

    

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions except per share amount)

2020

    

2019

2020

    

2019

Liabilities:

Current liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Taxes

$

2,348

$

2,839

$

2,375

$

2,839

Short-term debt

 

11,642

 

8,797

 

10,285

 

8,797

Accounts payable

 

4,172

 

4,896

 

3,985

 

4,896

Compensation and benefits

 

3,029

 

3,406

 

3,602

 

3,406

Deferred income

 

13,377

 

12,026

 

11,681

 

12,026

Operating lease liabilities

 

1,327

 

1,380

 

1,336

 

1,380

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

 

4,777

 

4,357

 

4,730

 

4,357

Total current liabilities

 

40,673

 

37,701

 

37,993

 

37,701

Long-term debt

 

52,685

 

54,102

 

55,129

 

54,102

Retirement and nonpension postretirement benefit obligations

 

16,474

 

17,142

 

16,732

 

17,142

Deferred income

 

3,769

 

3,851

 

3,820

 

3,851

Operating lease liabilities

 

3,799

 

3,879

 

3,635

 

3,879

Other liabilities

 

15,874

 

14,526

 

15,484

 

14,526

Total liabilities

 

133,275

 

131,202

 

132,794

 

131,202

Equity:

 

 

  

 

 

  

IBM stockholders’ equity:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Common stock, par value $0.20 per share, and additional paid-in capital

 

56,092

 

55,895

 

56,366

 

55,895

Shares authorized: 4,687,500,000

 

 

  

 

 

  

Shares issued: 2020 - 2,238,932,461

 

 

  

Shares issued: 2020 - 2,241,658,034

 

 

  

2019 - 2,237,996,975

 

 

  

 

 

  

Retained earnings

 

162,626

 

162,954

 

162,806

 

162,954

Treasury stock - at cost

 

(169,437)

 

(169,413)

 

(169,380)

 

(169,413)

Shares: 2020 - 1,351,040,504

 

 

  

Shares: 2020 - 1,350,600,918

 

 

  

2019 - 1,350,886,521

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

(29,283)

 

(28,597)

 

(28,584)

 

(28,597)

Total IBM stockholders’ equity

 

19,999

 

20,841

 

21,208

 

20,841

Noncontrolling interests

 

129

 

144

 

126

 

144

Total equity

 

20,128

 

20,985

 

21,334

 

20,985

Total liabilities and equity

$

153,403

$

152,186

$

154,128

$

152,186

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.)

6

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net income

$

1,175

$

1,591

$

4,234

$

5,761

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Depreciation

 

1,012

 

1,143

 

3,138

 

3,188

Amortization of intangibles

 

622

 

303

 

1,858

 

1,221

Stock-based compensation

 

189

 

113

 

658

 

468

Net (gain)/loss on asset sales and other

 

315

 

(176)

 

80

 

(828)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions/divestitures

 

1,162

 

1,785

 

2,370

 

1,509

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

4,476

 

4,759

 

12,337

 

11,319

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Payments for property, plant and equipment

 

(630)

 

(539)

 

(1,940)

 

(1,710)

Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment

 

46

 

81

 

147

 

452

Investment in software

 

(153)

 

(156)

 

(469)

 

(468)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

(13)

 

(1)

 

(37)

 

(32,630)

Divestitures of businesses, net of cash transferred

 

26

 

33

 

510

 

927

Non-operating finance receivables — net

 

(20)

 

193

 

29

 

6,096

Purchases of marketable securities and other investments

 

(1,096)

 

(1,138)

 

(5,012)

 

(2,813)

Proceeds from disposition of marketable securities and other investments

 

938

 

674

 

4,302

 

3,081

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

 

(902)

 

(853)

 

(2,470)

 

(27,064)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Proceeds from new debt

 

6,055

 

5,979

 

10,337

 

31,496

Payments to settle debt

 

(5,285)

 

(1,768)

 

(8,802)

 

(8,891)

Short-term borrowings/(repayments) less than 90 days — net

 

586

 

21

 

(467)

 

(2,140)

Common stock repurchases

 

 

(920)

 

 

(1,361)

Common stock repurchases for tax withholdings

 

(44)

 

(61)

 

(225)

 

(186)

Financing — other

 

13

 

9

 

72

 

68

Cash dividends paid

 

(1,440)

 

(1,397)

 

(4,343)

 

(4,269)

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

 

(115)

 

1,863

 

(3,428)

 

14,717

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(403)

 

(102)

 

(200)

 

(352)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

3,057

 

5,668

 

6,239

 

(1,379)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at January 1

 

8,314

 

11,604

 

8,314

 

11,604

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at March 31

$

11,371

$

17,272

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at September 30

$

14,553

$

10,225

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.)

7

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

 

Common

Stock and

Accumulated

Additional

Other

Total IBM

Non-

Paid-in

Retained

Treasury

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

  

Capital

  

Earnings

   

Stock

   

Income/(Loss)

   

Equity

   

Interests

   

Equity

Equity - July 1, 2020

$

56,135

$

162,559

$

(169,386)

$

(28,757)

$

20,551

$

137

$

20,688

Net income plus other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net income

 

  

 

1,698

 

  

 

  

 

1,698

 

  

 

1,698

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

172

 

172

 

  

 

172

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

1,870

 

  

$

1,870

Cash dividends paid — common stock ($1.63 per share)

 

  

 

(1,453)

 

  

 

  

 

(1,453)

 

  

 

(1,453)

Common stock issued under employee plans (429,304 shares)

 

232

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

232

 

  

 

232

Purchases (110,415 shares) and sales (159,479 shares) of treasury stock under employee plans — net

 

  

 

2

 

7

 

  

 

9

 

  

 

9

Changes in noncontrolling interests

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(11)

 

(11)

Equity – September 30, 2020

$

56,366

$

162,806

$

(169,380)

$

(28,584)

$

21,208

$

126

$

21,334

 

Common

Stock and

Accumulated

Additional

Other

Total IBM

Non-

Paid-in

Retained

Treasury

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

   

Capital

   

Earnings

   

Stock

   

Income/(Loss)

   

Equity

   

Interests

   

Equity

Equity - January 1, 2020

$

55,895

$

162,954

$

(169,413)

$

(28,597)

$

20,841

$

144

$

20,985

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle*

(66)

(66)

(66)

Net income plus other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net income

 

  

 

1,175

 

  

 

  

 

1,175

 

  

 

1,175

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(686)

 

(686)

 

  

 

(686)

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

489

 

  

$

489

Cash dividends paid — common stock ($1.62 per share)

 

  

 

(1,440)

 

  

 

  

 

(1,440)

 

  

 

(1,440)

Common stock issued under employee plans (935,486 shares)

 

197

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

197

 

  

 

197

Purchases (310,454 shares) and sales (156,471 shares) of treasury stock under employee plans — net

 

  

 

3

 

(24)

 

  

 

(21)

 

  

 

(21)

Changes in noncontrolling interests

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(15)

 

(15)

Equity – March 31, 2020

$

56,092

$

162,626

$

(169,437)

$

(29,283)

$

19,999

$

129

$

20,128

  

Common

  

  

  

  

  

  

Stock and

Accumulated

Additional

Other

Total IBM

Non-

Paid-in

Retained

Treasury

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Capital

Earnings

Stock

Income/(Loss)

Equity

Interests

Equity

Equity - July 1, 2019

$

55,404

$

160,467

$

(169,385)

$

(28,841)

$

17,645

$

131

$

17,776

Net income plus other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

�� 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net income

 

  

 

1,672

 

  

 

  

 

1,672

 

  

 

1,672

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(245)

 

(245)

 

  

 

(245)

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

1,427

 

  

$

1,427

Cash dividends paid — common stock ($1.62 per share)

 

  

 

(1,436)

 

  

 

  

 

(1,436)

 

  

 

(1,436)

Common stock issued under employee plans (353,035 shares)

 

404

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

404

 

  

 

404

Purchases (241,779 shares) and sales (473,196 shares) of treasury stock under employee plans — net

 

  

 

6

 

27

 

  

 

32

 

  

 

32

Other treasury shares purchased, not retired (822,159 shares)

 

  

 

  

 

(115)

 

  

 

(115)

 

  

 

(115)

Changes in noncontrolling interests

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

8

 

8

Equity - September 30, 2019

$

55,808

$

160,709

$

(169,474)

$

(29,086)

$

17,956

$

139

$

18,096

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.)

8

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

Common

Stock and

Accumulated

Additional

Other

Total IBM

Non-

Paid-in

Retained

Treasury

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Stock

  

Income/(Loss)

  

Equity

  

Interests

  

Equity

Equity - January 1, 2020

$

55,895

$

162,954

$

(169,413)

$

(28,597)

$

20,841

$

144

$

20,985

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle*

(66)

(66)

(66)

Net income plus other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net income

 

  

 

4,234

 

  

 

  

 

4,234

 

  

 

4,234

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

12

 

12

 

  

 

12

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

4,247

 

  

$

4,247

Cash dividends paid — common stock ($4.88 per share)

 

  

 

(4,343)

 

  

 

  

 

(4,343)

 

  

 

(4,343)

Common stock issued under employee plans (3,661,059 shares)

 

471

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

471

 

  

 

471

Purchases (1,731,915 shares) and sales (2,017,518 shares) of treasury stock under employee plans — net

 

  

 

26

 

33

 

  

 

59

 

  

 

59

Changes in noncontrolling interests

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(18)

 

(18)

Equity - September 30, 2020

$

56,366

$

162,806

$

(169,380)

$

(28,584)

$

21,208

$

126

$

21,334

*Reflects the adoption of the FASB guidance on current expected credit losses. Refer to note 2, “Accounting Changes.”

  

Common

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Common

  

  

  

  

  

  

Stock and

Accumulated

Stock and

Accumulated

Additional

Other

Total IBM

Non-

Additional

Other

Total IBM

Non-

Paid-in

Retained

Treasury

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

Paid-in

Retained

Treasury

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Controlling

Total

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Capital

Earnings

Stock

Income/(Loss)

Equity

Interests

Equity

Capital

Earnings

Stock

Income/(Loss)

Equity

Interests

Equity

Equity - January 1, 2019

$

55,151

$

159,206

$

(168,071)

$

(29,490)

$

16,796

$

134

$

16,929

$

55,151

$

159,206

$

(168,071)

$

(29,490)

$

16,796

$

134

$

16,929

Net income plus other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net income

 

  

 

1,591

 

  

 

  

 

1,591

 

  

 

1,591

 

  

 

5,761

 

  

 

  

 

5,761

 

  

 

5,761

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

308

 

308

 

  

 

308

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

404

 

404

 

  

 

404

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

1,899

 

  

$

1,899

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

6,165

 

  

$

6,165

Cash dividends paid — common stock ($1.57 per share)

 

  

 

(1,397)

 

  

 

  

 

(1,397)

 

  

 

(1,397)

Common stock issued under employee plans (1,391,989 shares)

 

137

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

137

 

  

 

137

Purchases (454,710 shares) and sales (82,862 shares) of treasury stock under employee plans — net

 

  

 

2

 

(50)

 

  

 

(48)

 

  

 

(48)

Other treasury shares purchased, not retired (6,856,678 shares)

 

  

 

  

 

(900)

 

  

 

(900)

 

  

 

(900)

Cash dividends paid — common stock ($4.81 per share)

 

  

 

(4,269)

 

  

 

  

 

(4,269)

 

  

 

(4,269)

Common stock issued under employee plans (3,628,250 shares)

 

657

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

657

 

  

 

657

Purchases (1,377,598 shares) and sales (886,907 shares) of treasury stock under employee plans — net

 

  

 

16

 

(72)

 

  

 

(56)

 

  

 

(56)

Other treasury shares purchased, not retired (9,979,516 shares)

 

  

 

  

 

(1,331)

 

  

 

(1,331)

 

  

 

(1,331)

Changes in other equity

(5)

(5)

(5)

 

  

 

(5)

 

  

 

  

 

(5)

 

  

 

(5)

Changes in noncontrolling interests

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(8)

 

(8)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

6

 

6

Equity - March 31, 2019

$

55,287

$

159,396

$

(169,021)

$

(29,182)

$

16,481

$

126

$

16,607

Equity - September 30, 2019

$

55,808

$

160,709

$

(169,474)

$

(29,086)

$

17,956

$

139

$

18,096

(Amounts may not add due to rounding.)

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.)

89

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis ofof Presentation:

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes of the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM or the company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The financial statements and footnotes are unaudited. In the opinion of the company’s management, these statements include all adjustments, which are only of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present a fair statement of the company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs, expenses and other comprehensive income/(loss) that are reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events, historical experience, actions that the company may undertake in the future and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. As a result, actual results may be different from these estimates.

On October 8, 2020, the company announced that it will separate its managed infrastructure services unit of its Global Technology Services (GTS) segment into a new public company (NewCo). The separation is expected to be achieved through a U.S. federal tax-free spin-off to IBM shareholders and completed by the end of 2021. It will be subject to customary market, regulatory and other closing conditions, including final IBM Board of Directors’ approval. The announcement did not have any classification impact to the company’s consolidated financial statements or segment reporting. The company expects the managed infrastructure services unit to meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations upon separation.

In the first quarter of 2020, the company realigned offerings and the related management system to reflect divestitures completed in the second half of 2019 and tighter integration of certain industry-related consulting services. These changes impacted a few of the company’s reportable segments, but did not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to note 4, “Segments,” for additional information on the company’s reportable segments. The periods presented in this Form 10-Q are reported on a comparable basis. On April 6, 2020, Arvind Krishna became Chief Executive Officer of IBM and announced a number of management changes which did not impact the company’s reportable segments.

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the company recordedreported a provision for income taxes of $128 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the company reported a benefit from income taxes of $1,226$888 million. The tax benefit was primarily related to the tax impacts of an intra-entity sale of certain of the company’s intellectual property in the first quarter, which required the recognition of a $3,442 million deferred tax asset. The recognition of this deferred tax asset and the related impacts resulted in a net one-time benefit in the first quarter of $939 million. The company also recorded other discrete tax benefits inFor the quarter primarily related to changes in tax law.In the first quarter ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the company reported a benefit from income taxes of $151 million and a provision for income taxes of $289 million.$407 million, respectively.

On July 9, 2019, the company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Red Hat, Inc. (Red Hat). Refer to note 5, “Acquisitions & Divestitures,” and note 10, “Intangible Assets Including Goodwill,” for additional information.

Noncontrolling interest amounts of $4.5$3.4 million and $7.0$7.1 million, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $14.7 million and $19.0 million, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are included as a reduction within other (income) and expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of financial results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the company’s 2019 Annual Report.

Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying whole-dollar amounts. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Specifically, beginning in the third-quarter 2019, revenues and related costs for post-contract support provided for perpetual (one-time charge) software licenses have been reclassified from Services Revenue to Sales Revenue and Services Cost to Sales Cost within the Consolidated Income Statement. The revenue and cost amounts reclassified were $0.5 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2019. This reclassification had no impact on total revenue, total cost, net income, financial position or cash flows for any periods presented. Other immaterial reclassifications have been annotated where applicable.

910

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

amounts. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. This is annotated where applicable.

2. Accounting Changes:

New Standards to be Implemented

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

Standard/Description–Issuance date: December 2019. This guidance simplifies various aspects of income tax accounting by removing certain exceptions to the general principle of the guidance and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistency in application.

Effective Date and Adoption Considerations–The guidance is effective January 1, 2021 and early adoption is permitted. The company will adopt the guidance as of the effective date.

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters–The companyguidance is evaluatingnot expected to have a material impact in the impact of the guidance and adoption date.

consolidated financial results.

Standards Implemented

Reference Rate Reform

Standard/Description–Issuance date: March 2020. This guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued, subject to meeting certain criteria.

Effective Date and Adoption Considerations–The guidance is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters–The company made a policy election in the first quarter of 2020 to adopt the practical expedient which allows for the continuation of fair value hedge accounting for interest rate derivative contracts upon the transition from LIBOR to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) or another reference rate alternative, without any impact to the Consolidated Income Statement. However, it is still uncertain when the transition from LIBOR to another reference rate will occur or whether SOFR will become the accepted market alternative to LIBOR. The company is continuing to evaluate the potential impact of the replacement of the LIBOR benchmark on its interest rate risk management activities.activities; however, it is not expected to have a material impact in the consolidated financial results.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

Standard/Description–Issuance date: January 2017. This guidance simplifies the goodwill impairment test by removing Step 2. It also requires disclosure of any reporting units that have zero or negative carrying amounts if they have goodwill allocated to them.

Effective Date and Adoption Considerations–The guidance was effective January 1, 2020 and early adoption was permitted. The company adopted the guidance on a prospective basis as of the effective date.

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters–The guidance did not have a material impact in the consolidated financial results.

Financial Instruments–Credit Losses

Standard/Description–Issuance date: June 2016, with amendments in 2018, 2019 and 2020. This changes the guidance for credit losses based on an expected loss model rather than an incurred loss model. It requires the consideration of all available relevant information when estimating expected credit losses, including past events, current conditions and forecasts and their implications for expected credit losses. It also expands the scope of financial instruments subject to impairment, including off-balance sheet commitments and residual value.

1011

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Effective Date and Adoption Considerations–The guidance was effective January 1, 2020 with one-year early adoption permitted. The company adopted the guidance as of the effective date, using the transition optionmethodology whereby prior comparative periods were not retrospectively presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters–At January 1, 2020, an increase in the allowance for credit losses of $81 million was recorded for accounts receivable–trade and financing receivables (inclusive of its related off-balance sheet commitments). Additionally, net deferred taxes were reduced by $14 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, resulting in a cumulative-effect net decrease to retained earnings of $66 million. Refer to note 8, “Financing Receivables,” and note 12, “Commitments,” for additional information.

Leases

Standard/Description–Issuance date: February 2016, with amendments in 2018 and 2019. This guidance requires lessees to recognize right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities for most leases in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For lessors, it also eliminated the use of third-party residual value guarantee insurance in the lease classification test, and overall aligns with revenue recognition guidance. Due to changes in lease termination guidance, when equipment is returned to the company prior to the end of the lease term, the carrying amounts of lease receivables are reclassified to loan receivables. The guidance also requires qualitative and quantitative disclosures to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

Effective Date and Adoption Considerations–The company adopted the guidance on its effective date of January 1, 2019, using the transition option whereby prior comparative periods were not retrospectively presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The company elected the package of practical expedients not to reassess prior conclusions related to contracts containing leases, lease classification and initial direct costs and the lessee practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components for all asset classes. The company made a policy election to not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases for all asset classes.

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters–The guidance had a material impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the effective date. As a lessee, at adoption, the company recognized operating and financing ROU assets of $4.8 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively, and operating and financing lease liabilities of $5.1 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively. The transition adjustment recognized in retained earnings on January 1, 2019 was not material. None of the other changes to the guidance had a material impact in the company’s consolidated financial results at the effective date.

For all other standards that the company adopted in 2019, there was no material impact in the consolidated financial results.

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

3. Revenue Recognition:

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables provide details of revenue by major products/service offerings and by geography.

12

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Revenue by Major Products/Service Offerings

    

    

 

(Dollars in millions)

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

 

Cognitive Applications

$

1,182

$

1,238

*

Cloud & Data Platforms

 

2,536

 

1,917

Transaction Processing Platforms

 

1,520

 

1,812

Total Cloud & Cognitive Software

5,238

4,967

*

Consulting

 

2,071

 

2,001

*

Application Management

 

1,840

 

1,908

Global Process Services

 

225

 

247

Total Global Business Services

4,136

4,155

*

Infrastructure & Cloud Services

 

4,916

 

5,209

Technology Support Services

 

1,550

 

1,665

Total Global Technology Services

6,467

6,875

Systems Hardware

 

997

 

914

Operating Systems Software

 

371

 

414

Total Systems

1,368

1,328

Global Financing**

 

299

 

406

Other

 

62

 

451

*

Total revenue

$

17,571

$

18,182

    

    

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

 

Cloud & Data Platforms

$

2,775

$

2,308

$

8,108

$

6,398

Cognitive Applications

1,317

1,305

*

3,745

3,914

*

Transaction Processing Platforms

 

1,461

 

1,589

 

4,687

 

5,419

Total Cloud & Cognitive Software

$

5,553

$

5,201

*

$

16,540

$

15,731

*

Consulting

 

1,966

 

2,016

*

 

5,973

 

6,037

*

Application Management

 

1,758

 

1,897

 

5,332

 

5,724

Global Process Services

 

240

 

247

 

687

 

752

Total Global Business Services

$

3,965

$

4,160

*

$

11,992

$

12,513

*

Infrastructure & Cloud Services

 

4,933

 

5,071

 

14,663

 

15,454

Technology Support Services

 

1,528

 

1,629

 

4,582

 

4,958

Total Global Technology Services

$

6,462

$

6,700

$

19,245

$

20,412

Systems Hardware

 

919

 

1,117

 

3,404

 

3,358

Operating Systems Software

 

338

 

364

 

1,074

 

1,204

Total Systems

$

1,257

$

1,481

$

4,477

$

4,562

Global Financing**

 

273

 

343

 

837

 

1,100

Other

 

50

 

142

*

 

163

 

1,053

*

Total revenue

$

17,560

$

18,028

$

53,253

$

55,370

*  Recast to conform to current period presentation. Refer to note 4, “Segments,” for additional information.

** Contains lease and loan/working capital financing arrangements which are not subject to the guidance on revenue from contracts with customers.

Revenue by Geography

(Dollars in millions)

    

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

 

2019

Americas

$

8,166

$

8,493

Europe/Middle East/Africa

 

5,517

 

5,727

Asia Pacific

 

3,888

 

3,961

Total

$

17,571

$

18,182

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Americas

$

8,139

$

8,514

$

24,755

$

25,813

Europe/Middle East/Africa

 

5,564

 

5,477

 

16,775

 

17,354

Asia Pacific

 

3,857

 

4,036

 

11,723

 

12,203

Total

$

17,560

$

18,028

$

53,253

$

55,370

Remaining Performance Obligations

The remaining performance obligationsobligation (RPO) disclosure provides the aggregate amount of the transaction price yet to be recognized as of the end of the reporting period and an explanation as to when the company expects to recognize these amounts in revenue. It is intended to be a statement of overall work under contract that has not yet been performed and does not include contracts in which the customer is not committed, such as certain as-a-Service, governmental, term software license and services offerings. The customer is not considered committed when they are able to terminate for convenience without payment of a substantive penalty. The disclosure includes estimates of variable consideration, except when the variable consideration is a sales-based or usage-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property. Additionally, as a practical expedient, the company does not include contracts that have an original duration of one year or less. RPO estimates are subject to change and are affected by several factors, including terminations, changes in the scope of contracts, periodic revalidations, adjustment for revenue that has not materialized and adjustments for currency.

At September 30, 2020, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to RPO related to customer contracts that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied was $117 billion. Approximately 60 percent of the amount is expected to be

1213

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

terminations, changes in the scope of contracts, periodic revalidations, adjustments for revenue that has not materialized and adjustments for currency.

At March 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to RPO related to customer contracts that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied was $118 billion. Approximately 60 percent of the amount was expected to be recognized as revenue in the subsequent two years, approximately 35 percent in the subsequent three to five years and the balance (mostly Infrastructure & Cloud Services) thereafter.

Revenue Recognized for Performance Obligations Satisfied (or Partially Satisfied) in Prior Periods

For the three and nine months ending March 31,ended September 30, 2020, revenue was increased by $12 million and reduced by $14$45 million, respectively, for performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous periods mainly due to changes in estimates on contracts with cost-to-cost measures of progress.percentage-of-completion based contracts.

Reconciliation of Contract Balances

The following table provides information about notes and accounts receivables —receivable – trade, contract assets and deferred income balances:

    

At March 31, 

    

At December 31, 

    

At September 30, 

    

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Notes and accounts receivable — trade (net of allowances of $337 and $299 at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

$

6,927

$

7,870

Notes and accounts receivable — trade (net of allowances of $354 in 2020 and $299 in 2019)

$

6,099

$

7,870

Contract assets (1)

 

488

 

492

 

528

 

492

Deferred income (current)

 

13,377

 

12,026

 

11,681

 

12,026

Deferred income (noncurrent)

 

3,769

 

3,851

 

3,820

 

3,851

(1)Included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The amount of revenue recognized during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 that was included within the deferred income balance at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $4.2 billion and $8.6 billion, respectively, and was primarily related to services and software.

The following table provides roll forwards of the notes and accounts receivable – trade allowance for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019:

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

January 1, 2020*

Additions / (Releases)

Write-offs 

Other**

September 30, 2020

$

316

$

79

$

(39)

$

(2)

$

354

January 1, 2019

Additions / (Releases)

Write-offs 

Other**

December 31, 2019

$

309

$

98

$

(113)

$

5

$

299

*

Opening balance does not equal the allowance at December 31, 2019 due to the adoption of the guidance for current expected credit losses. Refer to note 2, “Accounting Changes,” for additional information.

**

Primarily represents translation adjustments.

The contract assets allowance for credit losses was not material in any of the periods presented.

14

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

4. Segments:

During the first quarter of 2020, the company realigned offerings and the related management system to reflect divestitures completed in the second half of 2019 and tighter integration of certain industry-related consulting services. Accordingly, the company updated its Cloud & Cognitive Software segment, Global Business Services segment and the Other – divested businesses category in the first quarter of 2020 and recast the related historical information for consistency with the go-forward performance. Total recast revenue for full-year 2019 was approximately $0.3 billion of IBM’s total $77 billion. There was no change to the Global Technology Services, Systems or Global Financing segments, and there was no impact to IBM’s consolidated results. The following table displays the segment updates:

Management System Change

    

Resulting Segment Implications

Divestitures of IBM's Risk Analytics and Regulatory Offerings and Sales Performance Management Offerings

 

- Cloud & Cognitive Software (Cognitive Applications)

+ Other—Other – divested businesses

 

Realignment of certain industry-related consulting offerings to the Global Business Services segment

 

- Cloud & Cognitive Software (Cognitive Applications)

 

+ Global Business Services (Consulting)

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

SEGMENT INFORMATION

    

Cloud &

    

Global

    

Global

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

    

Cloud &

    

Global

    

Global

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

Cognitive

Business

Technology

Global

Total

 

Cognitive

Business

Technology

Global

Total

 

(Dollars in millions)

Software

Services

Services

Systems

Financing

Segments

 

Software

Services

Services

Systems

Financing

Segments

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

For the three months ended September 30, 2020:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

External revenue

$

5,238

$

4,136

$

6,467

$

1,368

$

299

$

17,508

$

5,553

$

3,965

$

6,462

$

1,257

$

273

$

17,510

Internal revenue

 

813

 

46

 

294

 

148

 

212

 

1,514

 

875

 

49

 

312

 

240

 

208

 

1,683

Total revenue

$

6,052

$

4,183

$

6,761

$

1,516

$

511

$

19,023

$

6,428

$

4,014

$

6,774

$

1,497

$

480

$

19,193

Pre-tax income/(loss) from continuing operations

$

933

$

271

$

(178)

$

(217)

$

194

$

1,003

$

1,834

$

570

$

399

$

(37)

$

196

$

2,962

Revenue year-to-year change

 

4.2

%  

 

(1.1)

%  

 

(5.6)

%  

 

1.7

%  

 

(27.6)

%  

 

(1.9)

%

 

9.2

%  

 

(5.1)

%  

 

(3.1)

%  

 

(10.6)

%  

 

(25.6)

%  

 

(1.2)

%

Pre-tax income year-to-year change

 

(47.7)

%  

 

(9.1)

%  

 

(164.7)

%  

 

7.6

%  

 

(32.7)

%  

 

(59.0)

%

Pre-tax income/(loss) year-to-year change

 

42.2

%  

 

0.6

%  

 

(18.7)

%  

 

nm

 

(28.9)

%  

 

11.3

%

Pre-tax income/(loss) margin

 

15.4

%  

 

6.5

%  

 

(2.6)

%  

 

(14.3)

%  

 

37.9

%  

 

5.3

%

 

28.5

%  

 

14.2

%  

 

5.9

%  

 

(2.5)

%  

 

40.7

%  

 

15.4

%

For the three months ended March 31, 2019:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

For the three months ended September 30, 2019:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

External revenue

$

4,967

*

$

4,155

*

$

6,875

$

1,328

$

406

$

17,731

*

$

5,201

*

$

4,160

*

$

6,700

$

1,481

$

343

$

17,886

*

Internal revenue

 

841

 

74

 

290

 

163

 

300

 

1,668

 

686

 

70

 

287

 

195

 

302

 

1,541

Total revenue

$

5,808

*

$

4,229

*

$

7,164

$

1,491

$

706

$

19,398

*

$

5,888

*

$

4,230

*

$

6,988

$

1,676

$

645

$

19,427

*

Pre-tax income/(loss) from continuing operations

$

1,785

*

$

298

*

$

275

$

(202)

$

288

$

2,445

*

Pre-tax income/(loss) margin

 

30.7

%*

 

7.0

%*

 

3.8

%

 

(13.5)

%  

 

40.8

%  

 

12.6

%*

Pre-tax income from continuing operations

$

1,290

*

$

567

*

$

490

$

39

$

275

$

2,661

*

Pre-tax income margin

 

21.9

%*

 

13.4

%*

 

7.0

%

 

2.3

%  

 

42.6

%  

 

13.7

%*

nm - not meaningful

Reconciliations to IBM as Reported:

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019

 

Revenue:

 

  

 

  

Total reportable segments

$

19,193

$

19,427

*

Other — divested businesses

 

4

 

83

*

Other revenue

 

46

 

59

Eliminations of internal transactions

 

(1,683)

 

(1,541)

Total consolidated revenue

$

17,560

$

18,028

Pre-tax income from continuing operations:

 

  

 

  

Total reportable segments

$

2,962

$

2,661

*

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

(459)

 

(473)

Acquisition-related (charges)/income

 

(1)

 

(255)

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(291)

 

(145)

Eliminations of internal transactions

 

(158)

 

(84)

Other — divested businesses

 

(20)

 

(25)

*

Unallocated corporate amounts

 

(206)

 

(157)

Total pre-tax income from continuing operations

$

1,827

$

1,522

* Recast to conform to current period presentation.

16

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

SEGMENT INFORMATION

    

Cloud &

    

Global

    

Global

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

Cognitive

Business

Technology

Global

Total

 

(Dollars in millions)

Software

Services

Services

Systems

Financing

Segments

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

External revenue

$

16,540

$

11,992

$

19,245

$

4,477

$

837

$

53,090

Internal revenue

 

2,431

 

150

 

911

 

628

 

660

 

4,780

Total revenue

$

18,971

$

12,142

$

20,155

$

5,106

$

1,497

$

57,870

Pre-tax income/(loss) from continuing operations

$

4,475

$

1,203

$

471

$

(7)

$

566

$

6,708

Revenue year-to-year change

 

6.2

%  

 

(4.6)

%  

 

(5.3)

%  

 

0.3

%  

 

(24.5)

%  

 

(1.8)

%

Pre-tax income/(loss) year-to-year change

 

(11.9)

%  

 

4.2

%  

 

(53.0)

%  

 

(93.6)

%  

 

(29.5)

%  

 

(15.5)

%

Pre-tax income/(loss) margin

 

23.6

%  

 

9.9

%  

 

2.3

%  

 

(0.1)

%  

 

37.8

%  

 

11.6

%

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

External revenue

$

15,731

*

$

12,513

*

$

20,412

$

4,562

$

1,100

$

54,317

*

Internal revenue

 

2,135

 

213

 

879

 

528

 

884

 

4,638

Total revenue

$

17,865

*

$

12,726

*

$

21,291

$

5,091

$

1,983

$

58,956

*

Pre-tax income/(loss) from continuing operations

$

5,082

*

$

1,154

*

$

1,000

$

(101)

$

803

$

7,938

*

Pre-tax income/(loss) margin

 

28.4

%*

 

9.1

%*

 

4.7

%

 

(2.0)

%  

 

40.5

%  

 

13.5

%*

Reconciliations to IBM as Reported:

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

 

    

    

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

 

Revenue:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total reportable segments

$

19,023

$

19,398

*

$

57,870

$

58,956

*

Other—divested businesses

 

18

 

377

*

Other — divested businesses

 

36

 

863

*

Other revenue

 

44

 

74

 

127

 

190

Eliminations of internal transactions

 

(1,514)

 

(1,668)

 

(4,780)

 

(4,638)

Total consolidated revenue

$

17,571

$

18,182

$

53,253

$

55,370

Pre-tax income from continuing operations:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total reportable segments

$

1,003

$

2,445

*

$

6,708

$

7,938

*

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

(473)

 

(173)

 

(1,404)

 

(816)

Acquisition-related (charges)/income

 

0

 

(39)

 

(3)

 

(396)

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(264)

 

(138)

 

(829)

 

(419)

Eliminations of internal transactions

 

(55)

 

(89)

 

(334)

 

(233)

Other—divested businesses

 

25

 

(56)

*

Other — divested businesses

 

(17)

 

480

*

Unallocated corporate amounts

 

(284)

 

(67)

 

(773)

 

(380)

Total pre-tax income from continuing operations

$

(49)

$

1,883

$

3,348

$

6,173

*Recast to conform to current yearperiod presentation.

1417

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

5. Acquisitions & Divestitures:

Acquisitions

Purchase price consideration for all acquisitions was paid primarily in cash. All acquisitions, except otherwise stated were for 100 percent of the acquired business and are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, net of acquired cash and cash equivalents.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the company completed 1 acquisition3 acquisitions in the Cloud & Cognitive Software segment. Thesegment with 1 acquisition closing in each of the first three quarters of 2020. These acquisitions did not have a material impact in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On July 9, 2019, the company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Red Hat at an aggregate cost of $35 billion. Red Hat’s portfolio of open-source and cloud technologies combined with IBM’s innovative hybrid cloud technology and industry expertise are deliveringaccelerating the delivery of the hybrid multi-cloudcloud platform capabilities required to address the next chapter of cloud implementations.

On the acquisition date, Red Hat shareholders received $190 per share in cash, representing a total equity value of approximately $34 billion. The company funded the transaction through a combination of cash on hand and proceeds from debt issuances.

The following table reflects the purchase price and the resulting purchase price allocation as of March 31,September 30, 2020. An immaterial net purchase price adjustment was recorded in the first-quarter 2020 related to current tax liabilities.

Amortization

Allocated

(Dollars in millions)

    

Life (in years)

    

Amount

Current assets*

$

3,186

Property, plant and equipment/noncurrent assets

 

939

Intangible assets:

Goodwill

 

N/A

 

23,137

Client relationships

 

10

 

7,215

Completed technology

 

9

 

4,571

Trademarks

 

20

 

1,686

Total assets acquired

$

40,735

Current liabilities**

 

1,390

Noncurrent liabilities

 

4,265

Total liabilities assumed

$

5,655

Total purchase price

$

35,080

Amortization

Allocated

(Dollars in millions)

    

Life (in years)

    

Amount

Current assets*

$

3,186

Property, plant and equipment/noncurrent assets

 

948

Intangible assets:

Goodwill

 

N/A

 

22,985

Client relationships

 

10

 

7,215

Completed technology

 

9

 

4,571

Trademarks

 

20

 

1,686

Total assets acquired

$

40,592

Current liabilities**

 

1,395

Noncurrent liabilities

 

4,117

Total liabilities assumed

$

5,512

Total purchase price

$

35,080

*

Includes $2.2 billion of cash and cash equivalents.

**

Includes $485 million of short-term debt related to the convertible notes acquired from Red Hat that were recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date, which was fully settled as of October 1, 2019.

N/A - not applicable

The goodwill generated is primarily attributable to the assembled workforce of Red Hat and the increased synergies expected to be achieved from the integration of Red Hat products into the company’s various integrated solutions neither of which qualify as an amortizable intangible asset.

The overall weighted-average useful life of the identified amortizable intangible assets acquired was 10.9 years. These identified intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, which approximates the pattern that the assets’ economic benefits are expected to be consumed over time. The following table presents the goodwill allocated to the segments as of March 31,September 30, 2020.

1518

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(Dollars in billions)

    

Goodwill

Segment

 

Allocated* 

Cloud & Cognitive Software

$

18.5

Global Technology Services

 

3.1

Global Business Services

 

1.1

Systems

 

0.4

Total

$

23.1

(Dollars in billions)

    

Goodwill

Segment

 

Allocated* 

Cloud & Cognitive Software

$

18.4

Global Technology Services

 

3.1

Global Business Services

 

1.1

Systems

 

0.4

Total

$

23.0

*

It is expected that approximately 76 percent of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes.

The valuationfollowing table presents the supplemental consolidated financial results of the assets acquired,company for the three and liabilities assumed is subject to revision. If additional information becomes available,nine months ended September 30, 2019 on an unaudited pro forma basis, as if the company may further reviseacquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2018 through the purchase price allocation as soon as practical, but no later than one year from Red Hat’s acquisition date. Any such revisions or changes may be material.periods shown below. The primary areaadjustments reflected in the pro forma results relate to: (1) the debt used to fund the acquisition, (2) changes driven by acquisition accounting, including amortization of intangible assets and the deferred revenue fair value adjustment, (3) employee retention plans, (4) elimination of intercompany transactions between IBM and Red Hat, and (5) the presentation of acquisition-related costs.

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below does not purport to represent the actual results of operations that IBM and Red Hat would have achieved had the companies been combined during the periods presented, and was not intended to project the future results of operations that the combined company could achieve after the acquisition. Historical fiscal periods are not aligned under this presentation. The unaudited pro forma financial information did not reflect any potential cost savings, operating efficiencies, long-term debt pay down estimates, suspension of IBM’s share repurchase program, financial synergies or other strategic benefits as a result of the purchase price allocation that is subjectacquisition or any restructuring costs to revision relates to certain tax matters.achieve those benefits.

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

    

2019

2019

Revenue

$

18,567

$

57,424

Net income

$

2,249

$

5,664

Divestitures

Select IBM Software Products – On June 30, 2019, IBM and HCL Technologies Limited (HCL) closed a transaction, in which HCL acquired select standalone Cloud & Cognitive Software products from IBM for $1,775 million, inclusive of $150 million of contingent consideration. The transaction included commercial software, intellectual property and services offerings. Inofferings in addition the transaction includesto transition services for IT and other services.

The company received cash of $812 million at closing and $40 million of the contingent consideration in the third quarter of 2019. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2020, the company transferred a participating interest in the outstanding receivable to a third-party bank and received $164 million in cash. The company expects to receive the remaining $648 million (net of any additional contingent consideration) by June 30, 2020. The outstanding contingent consideration is expected to be earned within 24 months of the closing. IBM will remit payment to HCL predominantly for servicing certain customer contracts until such contracts are terminated or entitlements are assumed by HCL. Cash of $139 million was remitted during the three months ended March 31, 2020 related to deferred revenue that existed prior to closing. IBM expects to remit an additional $185 million of cash to HCL by the end of 2021. The total pre-tax gain recognized on this transaction as of March 31,September 30, 2020 was $625$640 million. The total gain on sale may change in the future due to contingent consideration or changes in other transaction estimates, however, material changes are not expected.

The company received cash of $812 million at closing and $812 million in the second quarter of 2020. The company also received $90 million of contingent consideration as of the third quarter of 2020. Any earned outstanding contingent consideration is expected to be paid to IBM within 27 months of the closing. In addition, IBM remits payment to HCL predominantly for servicing certain customer contracts until such contracts are terminated or entitlements are assumed by HCL, related to deferred revenue that existed prior to closing. IBM made cash payments to HCL of $51 million and $270 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, for such contracts.

Select IBM Marketing Platform and Commerce Offerings – On April 4, 2019, IBM and Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (Centerbridge) announced a definitive agreement, in which Centerbridge would acquire select marketing platform and commerce offerings from IBM. The transaction included commercial software and services offerings. In addition, the companyIBM is providing Centerbridge with IT transition services. All other contracted transition services including IT, supply chain management, and other services. have concluded as of June 30, 2020. Upon closing, Centerbridge announced that this business would be re-branded under the name Acoustic. The

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

closing completed for the U.S. on June 30, 2019. The company received a net cash payment of $240 million and recognized an immaterial pre-tax gain on the U.S. closing. The company expects to receive an additional $150 million of cash within 36 months of the U.S. closing.

A subsequent closing occurred in most other countries on March 31, 2020 and the company recognized an immaterial pre-tax gain.2020. The company expects to close theclosing of all remaining countries by May 31,occurred as of June 30, 2020. The timingpre-tax gain recognized on this transaction as of September 30, 2020 was $80 million, and was not material to the remaining closingconsolidated financial results in any quarter. The pre-tax gain is subject to change as more information becomes available. The amount ofadjustment in the pre-tax gain for the remaining countries will not be determinable until the valuation of the final balance sheet transferred is completed, however, it isfuture due to changes in transaction-related estimates which are not expected to be material.

IBM Risk Analytics and Regulatory OfferingsOn September 24, 2019, IBM and SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (SS&C) entered into a definitive agreement in which SS&C would acquire certain Algorithmics and related assets from IBM. The transaction closed in the fourth quarter of 2019. The company recognized an immaterial pre-tax gain on the sale for the year ended December31, 2019.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Sales Performance Management OfferingsOn November 20, 2019, IBM and Varicent Parent Holdings Corporation (Varicent) entered into a definitive agreement in which Varicent would acquire certain sales performance management assets from IBM. The initial closing of certain countries was completed on December 31, 2019. The company received a net cash payment of $230 million and recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $136 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. A subsequent closing for the remaining countries occurred on March 31, 2020 and the company recognized an immaterial pre-tax gain.

The above divested businesses are reported in Other–divested businesses as described in note 4, "Segments."

The pre-tax gains recognized on the divestitures above were recorded in other (income) and expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

6. Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:

The following table providestables provide the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019.

For the Three Months Ended

For the Three Months Ended

    

March 31, 2020

    

March 31, 2019

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

    

September 30, 2020

    

September 30, 2019

Number of shares on which basic earnings per share is calculated:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Weighted-average shares outstanding during period

 

887,969,345

 

889,581,542

 

891,381,032

 

886,018,372

Add — Incremental shares under stock-based compensation plans

 

5,740,415

 

3,372,460

 

4,595,327

 

5,368,268

Add — Incremental shares associated with contingently issuable shares

 

1,329,477

 

956,524

 

1,315,874

 

1,453,105

Number of shares on which diluted earnings per share is calculated

 

895,039,238

 

893,910,526

 

897,292,233

 

892,839,745

Income from continuing operations (millions)

$

1,176

$

1,593

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (millions)

 

(1)

 

(2)

Net income on which basic earnings per share is calculated (millions)

$

1,175

$

1,591

Income from continuing operations

$

1,698

$

1,673

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(1)

 

(1)

Net income on which basic earnings per share is calculated

$

1,698

$

1,672

Income from continuing operations (millions)

$

1,176

$

1,593

Net income applicable to contingently issuable shares (millions)

 

(2)

 

Income from continuing operations on which diluted earnings per share is calculated (millions)

$

1,174

$

1,593

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, on which basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated (millions)

 

(1)

 

(2)

Net income on which diluted earnings per share is calculated (millions)

$

1,173

$

1,591

Income from continuing operations

$

1,698

$

1,673

Net income applicable to contingently issuable shares

 

 

Income from continuing operations on which diluted earnings per share is calculated

$

1,698

$

1,673

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, on which basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated

 

(1)

 

(1)

Net income on which diluted earnings per share is calculated

$

1,698

$

1,672

Earnings/(loss) per share of common stock:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

1.31

$

1.78

$

1.89

$

1.87

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

Total

$

1.31

$

1.78

$

1.89

$

1.87

Basic

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

1.32

$

1.79

$

1.90

$

1.89

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

Total

$

1.32

$

1.79

$

1.90

$

1.89

Stock options to purchase 1,136,8991,510,886 shares and 1,137,019761,659 shares were outstanding as of March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price during the respective period was greater than the average market price of the common shares, and, therefore, the effect would have been antidilutive.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

For the Nine Months Ended

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

    

September 30, 2020

    

September 30, 2019

Number of shares on which basic earnings per share is calculated:

 

  

 

  

Weighted-average shares outstanding during period

 

889,595,181

 

887,291,199

Add — Incremental shares under stock-based compensation plans

 

4,875,369

 

4,007,433

Add — Incremental shares associated with contingently issuable shares

 

1,286,300

 

1,228,726

Number of shares on which diluted earnings per share is calculated

 

895,756,850

 

892,527,357

Income from continuing operations

$

4,237

$

5,766

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(2)

 

(5)

Net income on which basic earnings per share is calculated

$

4,234

$

5,761

Income from continuing operations

$

4,237

$

5,766

Net income applicable to contingently issuable shares

 

(2)

 

0

Income from continuing operations on which diluted earnings per share is calculated

$

4,234

$

5,766

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, on which basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated

 

(2)

 

(5)

Net income on which diluted earnings per share is calculated

$

4,232

$

5,762

Earnings/(loss) per share of common stock:

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

4.72

$

6.46

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

(0.01)

Total

$

4.72

$

6.45

Basic

 

  

 

  

Continuing operations

$

4.76

$

6.50

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

(0.01)

Total

$

4.76

$

6.49

Stock options to purchase 1,386,591 shares and 886,899 shares (average of first, second and third quarter share amounts) were outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price during the respective period was greater than the average market price of the common shares, and, therefore, the effect would have been antidilutive.

7. Financial Assets & Liabilities:

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The company classifies certain assets and liabilities based on the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date;

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

When available, the company uses unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets to measure the fair value and classifies such items as Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use current market-based or independently sourced market parameters such as interest rates and currency rates. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation.

The determination of fair value considers various factors including interest rate yield curves and time value underlying the financial instruments. For derivatives and debt securities, the company uses a discounted cash flow analysis using discount rates commensurate with the duration of the instrument.

In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the company considers certain market valuation adjustments to the “base valuations” calculated using the methodologies described below for several parameters that market participants would consider in determining fair value:

Counterparty credit risk adjustments are applied to financial instruments, taking into account the actual credit risk of a counterparty as observed in the credit default swap market to determine the true fair value of such an instrument.

Credit risk adjustments are applied to reflect the company’s own credit risk when valuing all liabilities measured at fair value. The methodology is consistent with that applied in developing counterparty credit risk adjustments, but incorporates the company’s own credit risk as observed in the credit default swap market.

The company holds investments primarily in time deposits, certificates of deposit, and U.S. government and agency debt and corporate debt securities that are designated as available-for-sale. The primary objective of the company’s cash and debt investment portfolio is to maintain principal by investing in short-termvery liquid and highly liquid securities with a credit rating ofrated investment grade Aa2 or higher.

securities.

Available-for-sale securities are measured for impairment on a recurring basis by comparing the security’s fair value with its amortized cost basis. Effective January 1, 2020 with the adoption of the new standard on credit losses, if the fair value of the security falls below its amortized cost basis, the change in fair value is recognized in the period the impairment is identified when the loss is due to credit factors. The change in fair value due to non-credit factors is recorded in other comprehensive income when the company does not intend to sell and has the ability to hold the investment. The company’s standard practice is to hold all of its debt security investments classified as available-for-sale until maturity. NaN impairmentThere were 0 impairments for credit losses and no materialor non-credit impairment was recordedimpairments for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. Prior to the adoption of the new standard, available-for-sale securities were measured for impairment using an other-than-temporary impairment model. NaN impairment was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Certain nonfinancial assets such as property, plant and equipment, operating right-of-use assets, land, goodwill and intangible assets are also subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements if they are deemed to be impaired. The impairment models used for nonfinancial assets depend on the type of asset. There were no material impairments of nonfinancial assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

impairment using an other-than-temporary impairment model. NaN impairment was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Certain non-financial assets such as property, plant and equipment, operating right-of-use assets, land, goodwill and intangible assets are also subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements if they are deemed to be impaired. The impairment models used for non-financial assets depend on the type of asset. There were no material impairments of non-financial assets for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table presents the company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Fair Value

Fair Value

Hierarchy

At March 31, 2020

At December 31, 2019

Hierarchy

At September 30, 2020

At December 31, 2019

(Dollars in millions)

    

Level

    

Assets (7)

    

Liabilities (8)

    

Assets (7)

    

Liabilities (8)

    

Level

    

Assets (7)

    

Liabilities (8)

    

Assets (7)

    

Liabilities (8)

Cash equivalents (1)

Time deposits and certificates of deposit (2)

2

$

7,166

$

N/A

$

4,392

$

N/A

2

$

9,880

$

N/A

$

4,392

$

N/A

Money market funds

1

526

N/A

427

N/A

1

658

N/A

427

N/A

U.S. government securities (2)

2

100

N/A

N/A

Total cash equivalents

$

7,692

$

N/A

$

4,819

$

N/A

$

10,638

$

N/A

$

4,819

$

N/A

Equity investments (3)

1

1

N/A

0

N/A

1

1

N/A

0

N/A

Debt securities-current (2)(4)

2

647

N/A

696

N/A

2

1,200

N/A

696

N/A

Debt securities-noncurrent (2)(5)

2

33

N/A

65

N/A

2

N/A

65

N/A

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Interest rate contracts

2

104

56

2

98

56

Foreign exchange contracts

2

384

446

175

635

2

93

566

175

635

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Foreign exchange contracts

2

30

16

10

33

2

9

11

10

33

Equity contracts (6)

1,2

1

50

1

4

1,2

4

7

1

4

Total

$

8,892

$

511

$

5,823

$

673

$

12,043

$

583

$

5,823

$

673

(1)Included within cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2)Available-for-sale securities with an amortized cost basis that approximates fair value.
(3)Included within investments and sundry assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(4)Primarily includes time deposits and U.S. treasury bills that are reported within marketable securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(5)Primarily includes corporate debt securities with a maximum maturitymaturities of less than two years that are reported within investments and sundry assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(6)Level 1 includes immaterial amounts related to equity futures contracts.
(7)The gross balances of derivative assets contained within prepaid expenses and other current assets, and investments and sundry assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31,September 30, 2020 were $427$83 million and $92$121 million, respectively, and at December 31, 2019 were $149 million and $94 million, respectively.
(8)The gross balances of derivative liabilities contained within other accrued expenses and liabilities, and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31,September 30, 2020 were $253$480 million and $259$103 million, respectively, and at December 31, 2019 were $167 million and $506 million, respectively.

N/A - not applicable

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

Short-Term Receivables and Payables

Notes and other accounts receivable and other investments are financial assets with carrying values that approximate fair value. Accounts payable, other accrued expenses and short-term debt (excluding the current portion of long-term debt and including short-term finance lease liabilities) are financial liabilities with carrying values that approximate fair value. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, except for short-term debt which would be classified as Level 2.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Loans and Long-Term Receivables

Fair values are based on discounted future cash flows using current interest rates offered for similar loans to clients with similar credit ratings for the same remaining maturities. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the difference between the carrying amount and estimated fair value for loans and long-term receivables was immaterial. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Long-Term Debt

Fair value of publicly-traded long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market. For other long-term debt (including long-term finance lease liabilities) for which a quoted market price is not available, an expected present value technique that uses rates currently available to the company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities is used to estimate fair value. The carrying amount of long-term debt was $52,685$55,129 million and $54,102 million, and the estimated fair value was $56,760$61,783 million and $58,431 million at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, long-term debt (including the current portion) would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

8. Financing Receivables:

Financing receivables primarily consist of client loan and installment payment receivables (loans) and investment in sales-type and direct financing leases (collectively referred to as client financing receivables) and commercial financing receivables. Loans are provided primarily to clients to finance the purchase of hardware, software and services. Payment terms on these financing arrangements are generally for terms up to seven years. Investment in sales-type and direct financing leases relate principally to the company’s Systems products and are for terms ranging generally from two to six years. Commercial financing receivables relate primarily to working capital financing for dealers and remarketers of IBM products. Payment terms for working capital financing generally range from 30 to 90 days.

Effective January 1, 2020, the company adopted the new accounting standard related to credit losses, using the transition optionmethodology whereby prior comparative periods were not retrospectively presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to note 2, “Accounting Changes,” for additional information. Under this new guidance, the amortized cost basis of a financial asset represents the original amount of the financing receivable (including residual value) adjusted for unearned income, deferred initial direct costs, cash collected, write-offs and any foreign exchange adjustments. The allowance for credit losses represents future expected credit losses over the life of the receivables based on past experience, current information and forward-looking economic considerations. Prior to the effective date, financing receivables were measured at recorded investment, which does not include residual value. As a result, of the company’s transition option, all prior periods are presented at recorded investment, while current period information is presented at amortized cost. Additionally, current period information reflects updates to the portfolio segments, and other presentation changes within the following tables, as a result of the adoption of this new guidance.

A summary of the components of the company’s financing receivables is presented as follows:

Client Financing Receivables

    

Client Loan and

    

Investment in

    

    

    

    

Installment Payment

Sales-Type and

Commercial

(Dollars in millions)

Receivables

Direct Financing

Financing

At September 30, 2020:

(Loans)

Leases

Receivables

Total

Financing receivables, gross

$

11,599

$

4,124

$

2,127

$

17,849

Unearned income

(479)

 

(339)

(3)

(822)

Residual value*

 

507

507

Amortized cost

$

11,119

$

4,292

$

2,124

$

17,534

Allowance for credit losses

(162)

 

(92)

(9)

(264)

Total financing receivables, net

$

10,957

$

4,200

$

2,114

$

17,271

Current portion

$

6,921

$

1,813

$

2,114

$

10,848

Noncurrent portion

$

4,036

$

2,387

$

$

6,423

* Includes guaranteed and unguaranteed residual value.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

A summary of the components of the company’s financing receivables is presented as follows:

    

Investment in

    

    

    

Client Loan and

    

    

Sales-Type and

Commercial

Installment Payment

(Dollars in millions)

Direct Financing

Financing

Receivables

At March 31, 2020:

Leases

Receivables

(Loans)

Total

Financing receivables, gross

$

5,479

$

2,334

$

12,605

$

20,418

Unearned income

 

(471)

(3)

(517)

(991)

Residual value*

 

646

646

Amortized cost

$

5,654

$

2,331

$

12,087

$

20,072

Allowance for credit losses

 

(79)

(12)

(147)

(238)

Total financing receivables, net

$

5,575

$

2,319

$

11,940

$

19,834

Current portion

$

2,112

$

2,319

$

7,695

$

12,126

Noncurrent portion

$

3,463

$

$

4,245

$

7,708

* Includes guaranteed and unguaranteed residual value.

Client Financing Receivables

    

Investment in

    

    

    

Client Loan and

    

    

Client Loan and

    

Investment in

    

    

    

Sales-Type and

Commercial

Installment Payment

Installment Payment

Sales-Type and

Commercial

(Dollars in millions)

Direct Financing

Financing

Receivables

Receivables

Direct Financing

Financing

At December 31, 2019:

Leases

Receivables

(Loans)

Total

(Loans)

Leases

Receivables

Total

Financing receivables, gross

$

6,077

$

3,836

$

13,592

$

23,504

$

13,592

$

6,077

$

3,836

$

23,504

Unearned income

 

(509)

(4)

(570)

(1,083)

(570)

 

(509)

(4)

(1,083)

Recorded investment

$

5,567

$

3,831

$

13,022

$

22,421

$

13,022

$

5,567

$

3,831

$

22,421

Allowance for credit losses

 

(72)

(11)

(138)

(221)

(138)

 

(72)

(11)

(221)

Unguaranteed residual value

 

652

652

 

652

652

Guaranteed residual value

 

53

53

 

53

53

Total financing receivables, net

$

6,199

$

3,820

$

12,884

$

22,904

$

12,884

$

6,199

$

3,820

$

22,904

Current portion

$

2,334

$

3,820

$

8,037

$

14,192

$

8,037

$

2,334

$

3,820

$

14,192

Noncurrent portion

$

3,865

$

$

4,847

$

8,712

$

4,847

$

3,865

$

$

8,712

The company utilizeshas a long-standing practice of taking mitigation actions, in certain circumstances, to transfer credit risk to third parties, with enhanced focus in this unprecedented environment of itsthe COVID-19 pandemic. These actions may include credit insurance, financial guarantees, nonrecourse borrowings, transfers of receivables recorded as true sales in accordance with accounting guidance or sales of equipment under operating lease. Sales of receivables arrangements are also utilized in the normal course of business as part of the company’s cash and liquidity management.

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the company sold $899 million of financing receivables, consisting of lease and loan receivables of $435 million and $464 million, respectively. At the time of sale, more than half of the receivables sold were due within the next 12 months. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the company sold $1,610 million of financing receivables consisting of lease and loan receivables of $852 million and $758 million, respectively. The transfer of these receivables qualified as collateraltrue sales and therefore reduced Global Financing receivables, resulting in a benefit to cash flows from operating activities. The impact to the Consolidated Income Statement, including fees and net gain associated with the transfer of these receivables for nonrecourse borrowings. the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, was not material.

The company did not have any material financing receivables held for sale as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Financing receivables pledged as collateral for borrowings were $914$596 million and $1,062 million at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

The company did not have any financing receivables held for sale at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Financing Receivables

Refer to note A, “Significant Accounting Policies,” in the company’s 2019 Annual Report for a full description of its accounting policies for trade and financing receivables, contract assets and related allowances. The descriptions below include any changes to those policies due to the new standard.

Effective with the adoption of the new credit losses standard, the company’s estimates of its allowances for expected credit losses include consideration of: past events, including any historical default, historical concessions and resulting troubled debt restructurings, current economic conditions, taking into account any non-freestanding mitigating credit enhancements and certain forward-looking information, including reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Collectively Evaluated Financing Receivables

The company determines its allowance for credit losses based on 2 portfolio segments: client financing receivables and commercial financing receivables, and further segments the portfolio into 3 classes: Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

For client financing receivables, the company uses a credit loss model to calculate allowances based on its internal loss experience and current conditions and forecasts, by class of financing receivable. The company records an unallocated reserve that is calculated by applying a reserve rate to its portfolio, excluding accounts that have been individually evaluated and specifically reserved. This reserve rate is based upon credit rating, probability of default, term and loss history. The allowance is adjusted quarterly for expected recoveries of amounts that were previously written off or are expected to be written off. Recoveries cannot exceed the aggregated amount of the previous write-off or expected write-off.

Macroeconomic variables attributed to the expected credit losses for client financing receivables may vary by class of financing receivables based on historical experiences, portfolio composition and current environment. In addition to a qualitative review of credit risk factors across the portfolio, the company considers forward-looking macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product, unemployment rates, equity prices and corporate profits when quantifying the impact of economic forecasts on its client financing receivables expected allowance for expected credit losses. The company also considers the impact of current conditions and economic forecasts relating to specific industries, geographical areas, and client-specific exposuresclient-credit ratings on the portfolio. Under this approach, forecasts of these variables over two years are considered reasonable and supportable. Beyond two years, the company reverts to long-term average loss experience. Forward-looking estimates require the use of judgment, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. WithConsistent with the first half of 2020, the company continues to monitor the evolving global impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its impact on external economic models, which have been revised with increased frequency and with alternative scenarios.throughout the year. The company’s allowances at March 31,September 30, 2020, reflect the qualitative process described above. Any changes to economic models that occurred after the balance sheet date will be reflected in future periods.

The allowance for commercial financing receivables is estimated based on a combination of write-off history and current economic conditions, excluding any individually evaluated accounts. The commercial financing receivables portfolio segment is excluded from the tables in the sections below as the receivables are short term in nature and the current estimated risk of loss and resulting impact to the company’s financial results are not material.

At January 1, 2020, upon adoption of the new standard, the company recorded an additional allowance for client and commercial financing receivables (including related off-balance sheet commitments) of $64 million. This was primarily driven by an increase in the client financing receivables allowance. Refer to note 12, “Commitments,” for additional information regarding off-balance sheet commitments.

Client Financing Receivables

The following tables present the amortized cost basis or recorded investment for the client financing receivables portfolio segment at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, further segmented by 3 classes: Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific. The commercial financing receivables portfolio segment is excluded from this presentation, as it is short term in nature and the current estimated risk of loss and resulting impact to the company’s financing results is not material.

22

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

At March 31, 2020:

Americas

EMEA

Asia Pacific

Total

Amortized cost

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Lease receivables

$

3,609

$

1,122

$

923

$

5,654

Loan receivables

 

6,151

 

3,663

2,273

12,087

Ending balance

$

9,760

$

4,785

$

3,196

$

17,741

Allowance for credit losses

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Beginning balance at December 31, 2019

$

120

$

54

$

36

$

210

Adjustment for adoption of new standard

21

15

5

41

Beginning balance at January 1, 2020

  

  

  

Lease receivables

$

44

$

27

$

18

$

89

Loan receivables

 

98

 

42

22

163

Total

$

142

$

69

$

41

$

252

Write-offs

$

(16)

$

(1)

$

(2)

$

(19)

Recoveries

 

0

 

1

1

Provision

 

3

 

7

(1)

9

Other*

 

(13)

 

(2)

(1)

(16)

Ending balance at March 31, 2020

$

117

$

73

$

36

$

226

Lease receivables

$

41

$

23

$

15

$

79

Loan receivables

$

75

$

50

$

22

$

147

*

 Primarily represents translation adjustments.

2327

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

At December 31, 2019:

Americas

EMEA

Asia Pacific

Total

Recorded investment

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Lease receivables

$

3,419

$

1,186

$

963

$

5,567

Loan receivables

 

6,726

 

3,901

2,395

13,022

Ending balance

$

10,144

$

5,087

$

3,359

$

18,590

Recorded investment collectively evaluated for impairment

$

10,032

$

5,040

$

3,326

$

18,399

Recorded investment individually evaluated for impairment

$

112

$

47

$

32

$

191

Allowance for credit losses

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Beginning balance at January 1, 2019

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Lease receivables

$

53

$

22

$

24

$

99

Loan receivables

 

105

 

43

32

179

Total

$

158

$

65

$

56

$

279

Write-offs

$

(42)

$

(3)

$

(18)

$

(63)

Recoveries

 

1

 

0

1

2

Provision

 

5

 

(7)

(3)

(5)

Other*

 

(1)

 

0

(1)

(2)

Ending balance at December 31, 2019

$

120

$

54

$

36

$

210

Lease receivables

$

33

$

23

$

16

$

72

Loan receivables

$

88

$

31

$

20

$

138

Related allowance, collectively evaluated for impairment

$

25

$

11

$

4

$

39

Related allowance, individually evaluated for impairment

$

96

$

43

$

32

$

171

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

At September 30, 2020:

Americas

EMEA

Asia Pacific

Total

Amortized cost

 

$

7,631

$

4,813

$

2,968

$

15,411

Allowance for credit losses

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Beginning balance at December 31, 2019

$

120

$

54

$

36

$

210

Adjustment for adoption of new standard

21

15

5

41

Beginning balance at January 1, 2020

$

142

$

69

$

41

$

252

Write-offs

$

(27)

$

(1)

$

(3)

$

(31)

Recoveries

 

0

 

0

2

2

Additions/(releases)

 

33

 

8

(1)

40

Other*

 

(11)

 

2

0

(9)

Ending balance at September 30, 2020

$

137

$

78

$

39

$

254

* Primarily represents translation adjustments.

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

At December 31, 2019:

Americas

EMEA

Asia Pacific

Total

Recorded investment

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Lease receivables

$

3,419

$

1,186

$

963

$

5,567

Loan receivables

 

6,726

 

3,901

2,395

13,022

Ending balance

$

10,144

$

5,087

$

3,359

$

18,590

Recorded investment collectively evaluated for impairment

$

10,032

$

5,040

$

3,326

$

18,399

Recorded investment individually evaluated for impairment

$

112

$

47

$

32

$

191

Allowance for credit losses

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Beginning balance at January 1, 2019

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Lease receivables

$

53

$

22

$

24

$

99

Loan receivables

 

105

 

43

32

179

Total

$

158

$

65

$

56

$

279

Write-offs

$

(42)

$

(3)

$

(18)

$

(63)

Recoveries

 

1

 

0

1

2

Additions/(releases)

 

5

 

(7)

(3)

(5)

Other*

 

(1)

 

0

(1)

(2)

Ending balance at December 31, 2019

$

120

$

54

$

36

$

210

Lease receivables

$

33

$

23

$

16

$

72

Loan receivables

$

88

$

31

$

20

$

138

Related allowance, collectively evaluated for impairment

$

25

$

11

$

4

$

39

Related allowance, individually evaluated for impairment

$

96

$

43

$

32

$

171

* Primarily represents translation adjustments.

Write-offs of lease receivables and loan receivables were $16 million and $47 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Provisions for credit losses recorded for lease receivables and loan receivables were a release of $6 million and an addition of $2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019.

28

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Past Due Financing Receivables

The company considers a client’s financing receivable balance past due when any installment is aged over 90 days. The following tables summarize information about the amortized cost basis or recorded investment in lease and loanclient financing receivables, including amortized cost or recorded investment aged over 90 days and still accruing, billed invoices aged over 90 days and still accruing, and amortized cost or recorded investment not accruing.

24

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

    

    

    

    

Amortized

    

Billed

    

    

    

    

    

Amortized

    

Billed

    

Total

Amortized

Cost

Invoices

Amortized

Total

Amortized

Cost

Invoices

Amortized

(Dollars in millions)

Amortized

Cost

> 90 Days and

> 90 Days and

Cost Not

Amortized

Cost

> 90 Days and

> 90 Days and

Cost Not

At March 31, 2020:

Cost

> 90 Days (1)

Accruing (1)

Accruing

Accruing (2)

At September 30, 2020:

Cost

> 90 Days (1)

Accruing (1)

Accruing

Accruing (2)

Americas

$

3,609

$

144

$

110

$

8

$

40

$

7,631

$

257

$

166

$

31

$

102

EMEA

 

1,122

20

6

0

16

 

4,813

99

13

5

93

Asia Pacific

 

923

24

13

1

10

 

2,968

60

27

6

34

Total lease receivables

$

5,654

$

188

$

129

$

9

$

65

Americas

$

6,151

$

115

$

62

$

11

$

54

EMEA

 

3,663

74

7

3

69

Asia Pacific

 

2,273

27

10

1

17

Total loan receivables

$

12,087

$

215

$

80

$

16

$

140

Total

$

17,741

$

403

$

209

$

26

$

206

Total client financing receivables

$

15,411

$

416

$

206

$

41

$

229

(1)At a contract level, which includes total billed and unbilled amounts for financing receivables aged greater than 90 days.
(2)Of the amortized cost not accruing, there wasis a related allowance of $148$170 million. Financing income recognized on these receivables was immaterial for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020.September 30, 2020, respectively.

    

    

    

    

    

Recorded

    

Billed

    

Recorded

Total

Recorded

Investment

Invoices

Investment

(Dollars in millions)

Recorded

Investment

> 90 Days and

> 90 Days and

Not

At December 31, 2019:

Investment

> 90 Days (1)

Accruing (1)

Accruing

Accruing (2)

Americas

$

3,419

$

187

$

147

$

11

$

41

EMEA

 

1,186

28

13

2

17

Asia Pacific

 

963

19

7

1

11

Total lease receivables

$

5,567

$

234

$

168

$

14

$

69

Americas

$

6,726

$

127

$

71

$

11

$

72

EMEA

 

3,901

77

8

3

72

Asia Pacific

 

2,395

26

6

2

21

Total loan receivables

$

13,022

$

231

$

85

$

15

$

166

Total

$

18,590

$

465

$

253

$

29

$

235

(1)At a contract level, which includes total billed and unbilled amounts for financing receivables aged greater than 90 days.
(2)Of the recorded investment not accruing, $191 million wasis individually evaluated for impairment with a related allowance of $171 million. Financing income recognized on these receivables was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

Credit Quality Indicators

The company’s credit quality indicators, which are based on rating agency data, publicly available information and information provided by customers, are reviewed periodically based on the relative level of risk. The resulting indicators are a numerical rating system that maps to Moody’s Investors Service credit ratings as shown below. The company uses information provided annually by Moody’s, where available, as one of many inputs in its determination of customer credit ratings. The credit quality of the customer is evaluated based on these indicators and is assigned the same risk rating whether the receivable is a lease or a loan.

The following tables present the amortized cost basis or recorded investment for financing receivables, excluding commercialclient financing receivables by credit quality indicator at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Receivables with a credit quality indicator ranging from Aaa to Baa3 are considered investment grade. All others are considered non-investment grade. Effective January 1, 2020, under the new guidance for credit losses, the company discloses its credit quality by year of origination. Additionally, under the new guidance, the amortized cost is presented on a gross basis, whereas under the prior guidance, the company presented the recorded investment net of the allowance

2529

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

prior guidance, the company presented the recorded investment net of the allowance for credit losses. TheAt September 30, 2020, the credit quality indicators do not reflect any mitigationmitigating credit enhancement actions taken to transfer creditby customers which reduces the risk to third parties.IBM.

(Dollars in millions)

Americas

    

EMEA

    

Asia Pacific

Americas

    

EMEA

    

Asia Pacific

At March 31, 2020:

    

Aaa – Baa3

    

Ba1 – D

    

Aaa – Baa3

    

Ba1 – D

    

Aaa – Baa3

    

Ba1 – D

At September 30, 2020:

    

Aaa – Baa3

    

Ba1 – D

    

Aaa – Baa3

    

Ba1 – D

    

Aaa – Baa3

    

Ba1 – D

Vintage year:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

2020

$

1,422

$

883

$

633

$

806

$

251

$

163

$

1,786

$

1,301

$

1,038

$

1,352

$

710

$

287

2019

2,213

1,601

966

1,043

1,607

678

1,334

763

745

614

609

170

2018

 

1,148

736

400

359

208

82

 

1,002

489

372

296

448

188

2017

 

722

386

141

191

79

37

 

422

194

92

147

225

66

2016

 

292

309

94

68

36

20

 

108

78

44

55

142

40

2015 and prior

 

18

30

45

40

20

16

 

41

112

33

25

58

23

Total

$

5,815

$

3,945

$

2,278

$

2,506

$

2,200

$

996

$

4,694

$

2,937

$

2,324

$

2,489

$

2,193

$

775

(Dollars in millions)

Lease Receivables

Loan Receivables

At December 31, 2019:

    

Americas

    

EMEA

    

Asia Pacific

    

Americas

    

EMEA

    

Asia Pacific

Credit rating:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Aaa – Aa3

$

465

$

54

$

43

$

1,028

$

193

$

189

A1 – A3

 

750

181

454

1,186

395

892

Baa1 – Baa3

 

955

409

147

1,882

1,527

619

Ba1 – Ba2

 

746

326

154

1,513

921

388

Ba3 – B1

 

215

140

101

471

564

205

B2 – B3

 

242

50

47

522

253

72

Caa – D

 

13

2

2

36

18

10

Total

$

3,385

$

1,162

$

947

$

6,638

$

3,871

$

2,376

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The company did not have any significant troubled debt restructurings during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 or for the year ended December 31, 2019.

9. Leases:

Accounting for Leasesleases as a Lessorlessor

The following table presents amounts included in the Consolidated Income Statement related to lessor activity:

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

 

    

2020

 

2019

2020

 

2019

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

 

2019

Lease income — sales-type and direct financing leases

 

  

  

Lease income – sales-type and direct financing leases

 

  

  

  

  

Sales-type lease selling price

$

211

$

149

$

154

$

188

$

733

$

516

Less: Carrying value of underlying assets, excluding unguaranteed residual value

 

76

 

55

Less: Carrying value of underlying assets*

 

64

 

75

 

258

 

204

Gross profit

 

135

 

94

$

90

$

113

$

475

$

312

Interest income on lease receivables

 

74

 

79

 

56

 

71

 

195

 

222

Total sales-type and direct financing lease income

$

208

$

172

$

145

$

184

$

670

$

534

Lease income — operating leases

 

71

 

90

Lease income – operating leases

 

65

 

80

 

204

 

252

Variable lease income

 

30

 

18

 

25

 

12

 

82

 

38

Total lease income

$

310

$

280

$

235

$

276

$

956

$

824

* Excludes unguaranteed residual value.

2630

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

10. Intangible Assets Including Goodwill: 

Intangible Assets

The following table presents the company's intangible asset balances by major asset class.class:

At March 31, 2020

At September 30, 2020

    

Gross Carrying

    

Accumulated

    

Net Carrying

    

Gross Carrying

    

Accumulated

    

Net Carrying

(Dollars in millions)

Amount

Amortization

Amount*

Amount

Amortization

Amount*

Intangible asset class

Capitalized software

$

1,760

$

(764)

$

997

$

1,769

$

(785)

$

984

Client relationships

 

8,854

 

(1,669)

 

7,185

 

8,698

 

(1,852)

 

6,847

Completed technology

 

6,225

 

(1,566)

 

4,658

 

5,900

 

(1,531)

 

4,369

Patents/trademarks

 

2,287

 

(483)

 

1,804

 

2,210

 

(467)

 

1,743

Other**

 

56

 

(33)

 

22

 

56

 

(37)

 

18

Total

$

19,181

$

(4,515)

$

14,666

$

18,634

$

(4,672)

$

13,962

At December 31, 2019

    

Gross Carrying

    

Accumulated

    

Net Carrying

(Dollars in millions)

Amount

Amortization

Amount*

Intangible asset class

Capitalized software

$

1,749

$

(743)

$

1,006

Client relationships

 

8,921

 

(1,433)

 

7,488

Completed technology

 

6,261

 

(1,400)

 

4,861

Patents/trademarks

 

2,301

 

(445)

 

1,856

Other**

 

56

 

(31)

 

24

Total

$

19,287

$

(4,052)

$

15,235

*  Amounts as of March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 include a decreasean increase in net intangible asset balances of $92$133 million and a decrease of $42 million, respectively, due to foreign currency translation.

**

Other intangibles are primarily acquired proprietary and non-proprietary business processes, methodologies and systems.

The net carrying amount of intangible assets decreased $569$1,273 million during the first threenine months of 2020, primarily due to intangible asset amortization.amortization, partially offset by additions of capitalized software. The aggregate intangible asset amortization expense was $622$613 million and $303$1,858 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively, versus $614 million and $1,224 million for the third quarter ended March 31, 2020 and first nine months of 2019, respectively. The increase in intangible amortization expense for the first nine months of 2020 was primarily due to an increase in the gross carrying amount of intangible assets from the Red Hat acquisition which closed in the third quarter of 2019. In addition, in the first threenine months of 2020, the company retired $154$1,258 million of fully amortized intangible assets, impacting both the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization by this amount.

The future amortization expense relating to intangible assets currently recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is estimated to be the following at March 31,September 30, 2020:

    

Capitalized

    

Acquired

    

    

    

Capitalized

    

Acquired

    

    

(Dollars in millions)

Software

Intangibles

Total

Software

Intangibles

Total

Remainder of 2020

$

415

$

1,372

$

1,787

$

154

$

454

$

608

2021

 

399

 

1,738

 

2,137

 

501

 

1,766

 

2,267

2022

 

170

 

1,676

 

1,846

 

261

 

1,704

 

1,964

2023

 

12

 

1,363

 

1,375

 

68

 

1,390

 

1,458

2024

 

0

 

1,313

 

1,313

 

0

 

1,340

 

1,340

Thereafter

 

6,208

 

6,208

6,324

 

6,324

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Goodwill

The changes in the goodwill balances by segment for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows:

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Foreign

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Foreign

    

Currency

Currency

Purchase

Translation

Purchase

Translation

(Dollars in millions)

Balance

Goodwill

Price

And Other

Balance

Balance

Goodwill

Price

And Other

Balance

Segment

1/1/2020

Additions

Adjustments

Divestitures

Adjustments**

3/31/2020

1/1/2020

Additions

Adjustments

Divestitures

Adjustments**

9/30/2020

Cloud & Cognitive Software

$

43,037

$

10

$

12

$

$

(438)

$

42,620

$

43,037

$

25

$

(139)

$

$

186

$

43,109

Global Business Services

 

5,775

 

 

 

 

(102)

 

5,672

 

5,775

 

 

 

 

47

 

5,822

Global Technology Services

 

7,141

 

 

 

 

(167)

 

6,974

 

7,141

 

 

 

 

13

 

7,154

Systems

 

2,270

 

 

 

 

(19)

 

2,251

 

2,270

 

 

 

 

1

 

2,270

Other—divested businesses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

58,222

$

10

$

12

$

$

(727)

$

57,517

$

58,222

$

25

$

(139)

$

$

248

$

58,355

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Foreign

    

    

Currency

Purchase

Translation

(Dollars in millions)

Balance

Goodwill

Price

And Other

Balance

Segment

1/1/2019

Additions

Adjustments

Divestitures

Adjustments**

12/31/2019

Cloud & Cognitive Software*

$

24,463

$

18,399

$

133

$

$

41

$

43,037

Global Business Services

 

4,711

 

1,059

 

1

 

(1)

 

5

 

5,775

Global Technology Services

 

3,988

 

3,119

 

 

 

34

 

7,141

Systems

 

1,847

 

525

 

(110)

 

 

7

 

2,270

Other—divested businesses*

 

1,256

 

 

 

(1,256)

 

 

Total

$

36,265

$

23,102

$

24

$

(1,257)

$

87

$

58,222

* Recast to conform to 2020 presentation.

** Primarily driven by foreign currency translation.

There were 0 goodwill impairment losses recorded during the first threenine months of 2020 or full year 2019 and the company has 0 accumulated impairment losses. As a result of the changes in the current economic environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company considered whether there was a potential triggering event requiring the evaluation of whether goodwill should be tested for impairment. The company assessed the qualitative risk factors for the Systems reporting unit (given the results of the 2019 annual impairment test) and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying amount as of March 31, 2020.

Purchase price adjustments recorded in the first threenine months of 2020 and full-yearfull year 2019 were related to acquisitions that were still subject to the measurement period that ends at the earlier of 12 months from the acquisition date or when information becomes available. During the first nine months of 2020, net purchase price adjustments recorded to noncurrent tax assets and liabilities were related to the Red Hat acquisition. Net purchase price adjustments recorded during the first three months of 2020 andin full-year 2019 were not material.

11. Borrowings: 

Short-Term Debt

    

At March 31, 

    

At December 31, 

    

At September 30, 

    

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Commercial paper

$

2,519

$

304

$

25

$

304

Short-term loans

 

934

 

971

 

584

 

971

Long-term debt—current maturities

 

8,190

 

7,522

 

9,677

 

7,522

Total

$

11,642

$

8,797

$

10,285

$

8,797

The weighted-average interest rate for commercial paper at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was 1.4 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term loans was 5.4 percent and 6.1 percent at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

The weighted-average interest rate for commercial paper at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was 1.1 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term loans was 4.7 percent and 6.1 percent at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Long-Term Debt

Pre-Swap Borrowing

    

    

    

Balance

    

Balance

    

    

    

Balance

    

Balance

(Dollars in millions)

Maturities

3/31/2020

12/31/2019

Maturities

9/30/2020

12/31/2019

U.S. dollar debt (weighted-average interest rate at March 31, 2020):*

 

  

 

  

 

  

2.3%

 

2020

$

2,766

$

4,326

2.4%

 

2021

 

5,556

 

8,498

U.S. dollar debt (weighted-average interest rate at September 30, 2020):*

 

  

 

  

 

  

2.1%

 

2020

$

1,500

$

4,326

1.4%

 

2021

 

5,516

 

8,498

2.6%

 

2022

 

6,257

 

6,289

 

2022

 

6,245

 

6,289

3.3%

 

2023

 

2,413

 

2,388

 

2023

 

2,406

 

2,388

3.3%

 

2024

 

5,049

 

5,045

 

2024

 

5,035

 

5,045

6.7%

 

2025

 

645

 

636

 

2025

 

635

 

636

3.3%

 

2026

 

4,350

 

4,350

 

2026

 

4,373

 

4,350

4.7%

 

2027

 

969

 

969

3.0%

 

2027

 

2,219

 

969

6.5%

 

2028

313

 

313

 

2028

313

 

313

3.5%

2029

3,250

3,250

2029

3,250

3,250

2.0%

2030

1,350

5.9%

 

2032

 

600

 

600

 

2032

 

600

 

600

8.0%

 

2038

 

83

 

83

 

2038

 

83

 

83

4.5%

 

2039

 

2,745

 

2,745

 

2039

 

2,745

 

2,745

2.9%

2040

650

4.0%

 

2042

 

1,107

 

1,107

 

2042

 

1,107

 

1,107

7.0%

 

2045

 

27

 

27

 

2045

 

27

 

27

4.7%

 

2046

 

650

 

650

 

2046

 

650

 

650

4.3%

2049

3,000

3,000

2049

3,000

3,000

3.0%

2050

750

7.1%

 

2096

 

316

 

316

 

2096

 

316

 

316

$

40,097

$

44,594

$

42,771

$

44,594

Other currencies (weighted-average interest rate at March 31, 2020, in parentheses):*

 

  

 

  

 

  

Other currencies (weighted-average interest rate at September 30, 2020, in parentheses):*

 

  

 

  

 

  

Euro (1.1%)

 

2020–2040

$

18,126

$

14,306

 

2020–2040

$

19,354

$

14,306

Pound sterling (2.7%)

 

2020–2022

 

1,311

 

1,390

 

2020–2022

 

1,360

 

1,390

Japanese yen (0.3%)

 

2022–2026

 

1,349

 

1,339

 

2022–2026

 

1,379

 

1,339

Other (4.1%)

 

2020–2022

 

288

 

375

Other (3.1%)

 

2021–2024

 

242

 

375

$

61,170

$

62,003

$

65,106

$

62,003

Finance lease obligations (2.4%)

2021–2030

246

204

Finance lease obligations (1.9%)

2021–2030

291

204

$

61,417

$

62,207

$

65,397

$

62,207

Less: net unamortized discount

 

  

 

881

 

881

 

  

 

884

 

881

Less: net unamortized debt issuance costs

 

  

 

151

 

142

 

  

 

161

 

142

Add: fair value adjustment**

 

  

 

491

 

440

 

  

 

453

 

440

$

60,875

$

61,624

$

64,805

$

61,624

Less: current maturities

 

  

 

8,190

 

7,522

 

  

 

9,677

 

7,522

Total

 

  

$

52,685

$

54,102

 

  

$

55,129

$

54,102

*   Includes notes, debentures, bank loans and secured borrowings.

** 

**

The portion of the company’s fixed-rate debt obligations that was hedged was reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as an amount equal to the sum of the debt’s carrying value and a fair value adjustment representing changes in the fair value of the hedged debt obligations attributable to movements in benchmark interest rates.

The company’s indenture governing its debt securities and its various credit facilities each contain significant covenants which obligate the company to promptly pay principal and interest, limit the aggregate amount of secured

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

indebtedness and sale and leaseback transactions to 10 percent of the company’s consolidated net tangible assets, and restrict the company’s ability to merge or consolidate unless certain conditions are met. The credit facilities also include a covenant on the company’s consolidated net interest expense ratio, which cannot be less than 2.20 to 1.0, as well as a cross default provision with respect to other defaulted indebtedness of at least $500 million.

The company is in compliance with its debt covenants and provides periodic certifications to its lenders. The failure to comply with its debt covenants could constitute an event of default with respect to the debt to which such provisions apply. If certain events of default were to occur, the principal and interest on the debt to which such event of default applied would become immediately due and payable.  

In the first half of 2019, the company issued an aggregate of $20 billion of U.S. dollar fixed- and floating-rate notes and $5.7 billion of Euro fixed-rate notes. The proceeds were primarily used for the acquisition of Red Hat. For additional information on this transaction, refer to note 5, “Acquisitions & Divestitures.” In the first quarterhalf of 2020, the company issued an aggregate of $4.1 billion of Euro fixed-rate notes and $4.0 billion of U.S. dollar fixed-rate notes. The proceeds from the proceedsEuro issuance were primarily used to early redeem outstanding fixed-rate debtnotes which waswere due in 2021 in the aggregate amount of $2.9 billion. The notes were redeemed at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal plus a make-whole premium and accrued interest. The company incurred a loss of $49 million in the first quarter of 2020 upon redemption, thatwhich was recorded in other (income) and expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Pre-swap annual contractual obligations of long-term debt outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2020, are as follows:

(Dollars in millions)

    

Total

    

Total

Remainder of 2020

$

5,731

$

4,343

2021

 

6,897

 

7,003

2022

 

7,180

 

7,276

2023

 

5,342

 

5,564

2024

 

6,302

 

6,454

Thereafter

 

29,964

 

34,757

Total

$

61,417

$

65,397

Interest on Debt

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Cost of financing

$

119

$

179

$

346

$

483

Interest expense

 

326

 

210

 

971

 

990

Interest capitalized

 

5

 

2

 

6

 

5

Total interest paid and accrued

$

449

$

391

$

1,323

$

1,478

Lines of Credit

IBM has a $10.25 billion Five-Year Credit Agreement with a maturity date ofOn July 20, 2024. In addition,2, 2020, the company and IBM Credit LLC haveentered into a new $2.5 billion 364-day Credit Agreement to replace the existing $2.5 billion 364-day Credit Agreement, and aalso extended the maturity date of the existing $2.5 billion Three-Year Credit Agreement, withAgreement. The new maturity dates offor the 364-day and Three-Year Credit Agreements are July 16, 20201, 2021 and July 20, 2022,2023, respectively. The company also amended its $10.25 billion Five-Year Credit Agreement to include an option exercisable in 2021 to extend the current maturity date of July 20, 2024 by an additional two years.

At March 31,September 30, 2020, there were 0 borrowings by the company, or its subsidiaries, under these credit facilities.

12. Commitments:

The company’s extended lines of credit to third-party entities include unused amounts of $2.1$1.9 billion and $1.8 billion at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. A portion of these amounts was available to the company’s business partners to support their working capital needs. In addition, the company has committed to provide

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company’s business partners to support their working capital needs. In addition, the company has committed to provide future financing to its clients in connection with client purchase agreements for $6.0$5.3 billion and $6.3 billion at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Effective January 1, 2020, the company adopted the new standard on credit losses, which resulted in the recognition of a related allowance for non-cancellable off-balance sheet commitments. Refer to note 2, “Accounting Changes,” for additional information. The allowance for these commitments is recorded in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and was not material at March 31,September 30, 2020. The company collectively evaluates the allowance for these arrangements using a provision methodology consistent with the portfolio of the commitments. Refer to note 8, “Financing Receivables,” for additional information.

The company has applied the guidance requiring a guarantor to disclose certain types of guarantees, even if the likelihood of requiring the guarantor’s performance is remote. The following is a description of arrangements in which the company is the guarantor.

The company is a party to a variety of agreements pursuant to which it may be obligated to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Typically, these obligations arise in the context of contracts entered into by the company, under which the company customarily agrees to hold the party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations and covenants related to such matters as title to the assets sold, certain intellectual property rights, specified environmental matters, third-party performance of nonfinancial contractual obligations and certain income taxes. In each of these circumstances, payment by the company is conditioned on the other party making a claim pursuant to the procedures specified in the particular contract, the procedures of which typically allow the company to challenge the other party’s claims. While typically indemnification provisions do not include a contractual maximum on the company’s payment, the company’s obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of time and/or nature of claim, and in some instances, the company may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by the company.

It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these or similar agreements due to the conditional nature of the company’s obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by the company under these agreements have not had a material effect on the company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, the company guarantees certain loans and financial commitments. The maximum potential future payment under these financial guarantees and the fair value of these guarantees recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was not material.

Changes in the company’s warranty liability for standard warranties, which are included in other accrued expenses and liabilities and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and for extended warranty contracts, which are included in deferred income in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, are presented in the following tables.

Standard Warranty Liability

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Balance at January 1

$

113

$

118

$

113

$

118

Current period accruals

 

20

 

19

 

56

 

66

Accrual adjustments to reflect actual experience

 

(6)

 

(1)

 

(15)

 

(1)

Charges incurred

 

(26)

 

(29)

 

(73)

 

(86)

Balance at March 31

$

100

$

107

Balance at September 30

$

80

$

98

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Extended Warranty Liability

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Balance at January 1

$

477

$

533

$

477

$

533

Revenue deferred for new extended warranty contracts

 

40

 

36

 

115

 

124

Amortization of deferred revenue

 

(57)

 

(64)

 

(169)

 

(194)

Other*

 

(13)

 

(3)

 

(3)

 

(8)

Balance at March 31

$

447

$

503

Balance at September 30

$

419

$

455

Current portion

$

219

$

242

$

196

$

226

Noncurrent portion

$

228

$

261

$

223

$

230

* Other primarily consists of foreign currency translation adjustments.

13. Contingencies:

As a company with a substantial employee population and with clients in more than 175 countries, IBM is involved, either as plaintiff or defendant, in a variety of ongoing claims, demands, suits, investigations, tax matters and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. The company is a leader in the information technology industry and, as such, has been and will continue to be subject to claims challenging its IP rights and associated products and offerings, including claims of copyright and patent infringement and violations of trade secrets and other IP rights. In addition, the company enforces its own IP against infringement, through license negotiations, lawsuits or otherwise. Also, as is typical for companies of IBM’s scope and scale, the company is party to actions and proceedings in various jurisdictions involving a wide range of labor and employment issues (including matters related to contested employment decisions, country-specific labor and employment laws, and the company’s pension, retirement and other benefit plans), as well as actions with respect to contracts, product liability, securities, foreign operations, competition law and environmental matters. These actions may be commenced by a number of different parties, including competitors, clients, current or former employees, government and regulatory agencies, stockholders and representatives of the locations in which the company does business. Some of the actions to which the company is party may involve particularly complex technical issues, and some actions may raise novel questions under the laws of the various jurisdictions in which these matters arise.

The company records a provision with respect to a claim, suit, investigation or proceeding when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Any recorded liabilities, including any changes to such liabilities for the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2020 were not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In accordance with the relevant accounting guidance, the company provides disclosures of matters for which the likelihood of material loss is at least reasonably possible. In addition, the company also discloses matters based on its consideration of other matters and qualitative factors, including the experience of other companies in the industry, and investor, customer and employee relations considerations.

With respect to certain of the claims, suits, investigations and proceedings discussed herein, the company believes at this time that the likelihood of any material loss is remote, given, for example, the procedural status, court rulings, and/or the strength of the company’s defenses in those matters. With respect to the remaining claims, suits, investigations and proceedings discussed in this note, except as specifically discussed herein, the company is unable to provide estimates of reasonably possible losses or range of losses, including losses in excess of amounts accrued, if any, for the following reasons. Claims, suits, investigations and proceedings are inherently uncertain, and it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. It is the company’s experience that damage amounts claimed in litigation against it are unreliable and unrelated to possible outcomes, and as such are not meaningful indicators of the company’s potential liability. Further, the company is unable to provide such an estimate due to a number of other factors with respect to these claims, suits, investigations and proceedings, including considerations of the procedural status of the matter in question, the presence of complex or novel legal theories, and/or the ongoing discovery and development of information

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

important to the matters. The company reviews claims, suits, investigations and proceedings at least quarterly, and decisions are made with respect to recording or adjusting provisions and disclosing reasonably possible losses or range of losses (individually or in the aggregate), to reflect the impact and status of settlement discussions, discovery, procedural and substantive rulings, reviews by counsel and other information pertinent to a particular matter.

Whether any losses, damages or remedies finally determined in any claim, suit, investigation or proceeding could reasonably have a material effect on the company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will depend on a number of variables, including: the timing and amount of such losses or damages; the structure and type of any such remedies; the significance of the impact any such losses, damages or remedies may have in the Consolidated Financial Statements; and the unique facts and circumstances of the particular matter that may give rise to additional factors. While the company will continue to defend itself vigorously, it is possible that the company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be affected in any particular period by the resolution of one or more of these matters.

The following is a summary of the more significant legal matters involving the company.

The company is a defendant in an action filed on March 6, 2003 in state court in Salt Lake City, Utah by the SCO Group (SCO v. IBM). The company removed the case to Federal Court in Utah. Plaintiff is an alleged successor in interest to some of AT&T’s UNIX IP rights, and alleges copyright infringement, unfair competition, interference with contract and breach of contract with regard to the company’s distribution of AIX and Dynix and contribution of code to Linux and the company has asserted counterclaims. On September 14, 2007, plaintiff filed for bankruptcy protection, and all proceedings in this case were stayed. The court in another suit, the SCO Group, Inc. v. Novell, Inc., held a trial in March 2010. The jury found that Novell is the owner of UNIX and UnixWare copyrights; the judge subsequently ruled that SCO is obligated to recognize Novell’s waiver of SCO’s claims against IBM and Sequent for breach of UNIX license agreements. On August 30, 2011, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s ruling and denied SCO’s appeal of this matter. In June 2013, the Federal Court in Utah granted SCO’s motion to reopen the SCO v. IBM case. In February 2016, the Federal Court ruled in favor of IBM on all of SCO’s remaining claims, and SCO appealed. On October 30, 2017, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of all but 1 of SCO’s remaining claims, which was remanded to the Federal Court in Utah.

On March 9, 2017, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry sued IBM in Pennsylvania state court regarding a 2006 contract for the development of a custom software system to manage the Commonwealth’s unemployment insurance benefits programs. The matter is pending in a Pennsylvania court.

In December 2017, CIS General Insurance Limited (CISGIL) sued IBM UK regarding a contract entered into by IBM UK and CISGIL in 2015 to implement and operate an IT insurance platform. The contract was terminated by IBM UK in July 2017 for non-payment by CISGIL. CISGIL alleges wrongful termination, breach of contract and breach of warranty. The matter is pending in the London High Court with trial beginning in January 2020.

In May 2015, a putative class action was commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York related to the company’s October 2014 announcement that it was divesting its global commercial semiconductor technology business, alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Management’s Retirement Plans Committee and 3 current or former IBM executives are named as defendants. On September 29, 2017, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the first amended complaint. On December 10, 2018, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the District Court order. On January 14, 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States vacated the decision and remanded the case to the Second Circuit. On June 22, 2020, the Second Circuit reinstated its prior decision and remanded the case to the District Court.

The company is party to, or otherwise involved in, proceedings brought by U.S. federal or state environmental agencies under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), known as “Superfund,” or laws similar to CERCLA. Such statutes require potentially responsible parties to participate in remediation activities regardless of fault or ownership of sites. The company is also conducting environmental investigations, assessments or remediations at or in the vicinity of several current or former operating sites globally

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

investigations, assessments or remediations at or in the vicinity of several current or former operating sites globally pursuant to permits, administrative orders or agreements with country, state or local environmental agencies, and is involved in lawsuits and claims concerning certain current or former operating sites.

The company is also subject to ongoing tax examinations and governmental assessments in various jurisdictions. Along with many other U.S. companies doing business in Brazil, the company is involved in various challenges with Brazilian tax authorities regarding non-income tax assessments and non-income tax litigation matters. The total potential amount related to all these matters for all applicable years is approximately $750$700 million. The company believes it will prevail on these matters and that this amount is not a meaningful indicator of liability.

14. Equity Activity:

Reclassifications and Taxes Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in millions)

    

Before Tax

    

Tax (Expense)/

    

Net of Tax

    

Before Tax

    

Tax (Expense)/

    

Net of Tax

For the three months ended March 31, 2020:

Amount

Benefit

Amount

For the three months ended September 30, 2020:

Amount

Benefit

Amount

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

(919)

$

(122)

$

(1,041)

$

(439)

$

247

$

(192)

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

0

$

0

$

0

$

(1)

$

0

$

(1)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to other (income) and expense

 

 

Total net changes related to available-for-sale securities

$

0

$

0

$

0

$

(1)

$

0

$

(1)

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

(180)

$

45

$

(135)

$

(32)

$

8

$

(24)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cost of services

 

(10)

 

2

 

(7)

 

(10)

 

2

 

(7)

Cost of sales

 

(9)

 

2

 

(6)

 

4

 

(1)

 

3

Cost of financing

 

8

 

(2)

 

6

 

6

 

(2)

 

5

SG&A expense

 

(10)

 

2

 

(7)

 

5

 

(1)

 

4

Other (income) and expense

 

89

 

(22)

 

67

 

(93)

 

23

 

(70)

Interest expense

 

22

 

(5)

 

16

 

19

 

(5)

 

14

Total unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

$

(90)

$

23

$

(67)

$

(101)

$

26

$

(75)

Retirement-related benefit plans (1):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Prior service costs/(credits)

$

(4)

$

1

$

(3)

$

(1)

$

0

$

0

Net (losses)/gains arising during the period

8

(2)

6

0

0

0

Curtailments and settlements

 

8

(3)

6

 

21

(6)

14

Amortization of prior service (credits)/costs

 

1

1

1

 

0

1

1

Amortization of net (gains)/losses

 

570

(157)

412

 

586

(161)

425

Total retirement-related benefit plans

$

582

$

(160)

$

422

$

607

$

(167)

$

440

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

$

(427)

$

(260)

$

(686)

$

66

$

106

$

172

(1)These accumulated other comprehensive income/income (AOCI) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to note 17, “Retirement-Related Benefits,” for additional information.

3438

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Reclassifications and Taxes Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in millions)

    

Before Tax

    

Tax (Expense)/

    

Net of Tax

    

Before Tax

    

Tax (Expense)/

    

Net of Tax

For the three months ended March 31, 2019:

Amount

Benefit

Amount

For the three months ended September 30, 2019:

Amount

Benefit

Amount

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

171

$

0

$

172

$

(509)

$

(109)

$

(618)

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

(1)

$

0

$

(1)

$

3

$

(1)

$

2

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to other (income) and expense

 

 

Total net changes related to available-for-sale securities

$

(1)

$

0

$

(1)

$

3

$

(1)

$

2

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

(352)

$

84

$

(268)

$

(439)

$

110

$

(329)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services

 

(10)

 

3

 

(7)

 

(22)

 

6

 

(17)

Cost of sales

 

(18)

 

5

 

(13)

 

(10)

 

3

 

(7)

Cost of financing

 

29

 

(7)

 

22

 

21

 

(5)

 

15

SG&A expense

 

(22)

 

6

 

(16)

 

(11)

 

3

 

(8)

Other (income) and expense

 

87

 

(22)

 

65

 

447

 

(112)

 

334

Interest expense

 

33

 

(8)

 

24

 

64

 

(16)

 

48

Total unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

$

(254)

$

61

$

(193)

$

49

$

(12)

$

36

Retirement-related benefit plans (1):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net (losses)/gains arising during the period

$

(4)

$

1

$

(2)

$

0

$

0

$

0

Curtailments and settlements

 

1

0

1

 

3

(1)

2

Amortization of prior service (credits)/costs

 

(3)

1

(2)

 

(3)

3

(1)

Amortization of net (gains)/losses

 

464

(130)

334

 

461

(128)

333

Total retirement-related benefit plans

$

458

$

(128)

$

330

$

461

$

(127)

$

335

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

$

375

$

(67)

$

308

$

4

$

(249)

$

(245)

(1)These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to note 17, “Retirement-Related Benefits,” for additional information.

39

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Reclassifications and Taxes Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in millions)

    

Before Tax

    

Tax (Expense)/

    

Net of Tax

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020:

Amount

Benefit

Amount

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

(1,354)

$

260

$

(1,094)

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

0

$

0

$

0

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to other (income) and expense

 

 

 

Total net changes related to available-for-sale securities

$

0

$

0

$

0

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

(249)

$

63

$

(186)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cost of services

 

(18)

 

5

 

(14)

Cost of sales

 

(14)

 

4

 

(10)

Cost of financing

 

21

 

(5)

 

16

SG&A expense

 

(12)

 

3

 

(9)

Other (income) and expense

 

(74)

 

19

 

(55)

Interest expense

 

60

 

(15)

 

45

Total unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

$

(285)

$

73

$

(212)

Retirement-related benefit plans (1):

 

  

 

  

 

  

Prior service costs/(credits)

$

(5)

$

1

$

(3)

Net (losses)/gains arising during the period

65

(24)

41

Curtailments and settlements

 

42

 

(12)

 

30

Amortization of prior service (credits)/costs

 

1

 

2

 

3

Amortization of net (gains)/losses

 

1,722

 

(473)

 

1,249

Total retirement-related benefit plans

$

1,826

$

(507)

$

1,319

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

$

187

$

(175)

$

12

(1)These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to note 17, “Retirement-Related Benefits,” for additional information.

3540

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Reclassifications and Taxes Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in millions)

    

Before Tax

    

Tax (Expense)/

    

Net of Tax

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019:

Amount

Benefit

Amount

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

(333)

$

(72)

$

(405)

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

  

 

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

1

$

0

$

1

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to other (income) and expense

 

 

 

Total net changes related to available-for-sale securities

$

1

$

0

$

1

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gains/(losses) arising during the period

$

(798)

$

196

$

(601)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses to:

 

 

 

Cost of services

 

(52)

 

13

 

(38)

Cost of sales

 

(40)

 

11

 

(29)

Cost of financing

 

73

 

(18)

 

55

SG&A expense

 

(45)

 

12

 

(33)

Other (income) and expense

 

331

 

(83)

 

248

Interest expense

 

150

 

(38)

 

112

Total unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

$

(380)

$

93

$

(287)

Retirement-related benefit plans (1):

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net (losses)/gains arising during the period

$

113

$

(23)

$

90

Curtailments and settlements

 

7

 

(1)

 

6

Amortization of prior service (credits)/costs

 

(9)

 

4

 

(5)

Amortization of net (gains)/losses

 

1,385

 

(380)

 

1,005

Total retirement-related benefit plans

$

1,496

$

(401)

$

1,095

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

$

784

$

(380)

$

404

(1)These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to note 17, “Retirement-Related Benefits,” for additional information.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (net of tax)

    

    

    

    

    

Net Change

    

Net Unrealized

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Net Change

    

Net Unrealized

    

    

Net Unrealized

Foreign

Retirement-

Gains/(Losses)

Accumulated

Net Unrealized

Foreign

Retirement-

Gains/(Losses)

Accumulated

Gains/(Losses)

Currency

Related

on Available-

Other

Gains/(Losses)

Currency

Related

on Available-

Other

on Cash Flow

Translation

Benefit

For-Sale

Comprehensive

on Cash Flow

Translation

Benefit

For-Sale

Comprehensive

(Dollars in millions)

Hedges

Adjustments*

Plans

Securities

Income/(Loss)

Hedges

Adjustments*

Plans

Securities

Income/(Loss)

January 1, 2020

$

(179)

$

(3,700)

$

(24,718)

$

0

$

(28,597)

$

(179)

$

(3,700)

$

(24,718)

$

0

$

(28,597)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

(135)

 

(1,041)

 

3

 

0

 

(1,174)

 

(186)

 

(1,094)

 

37

 

0

 

(1,242)

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 

68

 

 

419

 

 

488

 

(27)

 

 

1,281

 

 

1,255

Total change for the period

$

(67)

$

(1,041)

$

422

$

0

$

(686)

$

(212)

$

(1,094)

$

1,319

$

0

$

12

March 31, 2020

$

(246)

$

(4,741)

$

(24,296)

$

0

$

(29,283)

September 30, 2020

$

(391)

$

(4,794)

$

(23,399)

$

0

$

(28,584)

*  Foreign currency translation adjustments are presented gross except for any associated hedges which are presented net of tax.

    

    

    

    

    

Net Change

    

Net Unrealized

    

    

Net Unrealized

Foreign

Retirement-

Gains/(Losses)

Accumulated

Gains/(Losses)

Currency

Related

on Available-

Other

on Cash Flow

Translation

Benefit

For-Sale

Comprehensive

(Dollars in millions)

Hedges

Adjustments*

Plans

Securities

Income/(Loss)

January 1, 2019

$

284

$

(3,690)

$

(26,083)

$

0

$

(29,490)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

(268)

 

172

 

(2)

 

(1)

 

(99)

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 

75

 

 

333

 

 

407

Total change for the period

$

(193)

$

172

$

330

$

(1)

$

308

March 31, 2019

$

90

$

(3,519)

$

(25,753)

$

(1)

$

(29,182)

41

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

    

    

    

    

    

Net Change

    

Net Unrealized

    

    

Net Unrealized

Foreign

Retirement-

Gains/(Losses)

Accumulated

Gains/(Losses)

Currency

Related

on Available-

Other

on Cash Flow

Translation

Benefit

For-Sale

Comprehensive

(Dollars in millions)

Hedges

Adjustments*

Plans

Securities

Income/(Loss)

January 1, 2019

$

284

$

(3,690)

$

(26,083)

$

0

$

(29,490)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

(601)

 

(405)

 

89

 

1

 

(916)

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 

315

 

 

1,005

 

 

1,320

Total change for the period

$

(287)

$

(405)

$

1,095

$

1

$

404

September 30, 2019

$

(3)

$

(4,095)

$

(24,988)

$

0

$

(29,086)

*Foreign currency translation adjustments are presented gross except for any associated hedges which are presented net of tax.

15. Derivative Financial Instruments:

The company operates in multiple functional currencies and is a significant lender and borrower in the global markets. In the normal course of business, the company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations, and to a lesser extent equity and commodity price changes and client credit risk. The company limits these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivatives, and, where cost effective, financing with debt in the currencies in which assets are denominated. For interest rate exposures, derivatives are used to better align rate movements between the interest rates associated with the company’s lease and other financial assets and the interest rates associated with its financing debt. Derivatives are also used to manage the related cost of debt. For foreign currency exposures, derivatives are used to better manage the cash flow volatility arising from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

In the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the company does not offset derivative assets against liabilities in master netting arrangements nor does it offset receivables or payables recognized upon payment or receipt of cash collateral against the fair values of the related derivative instruments. The amountNaN amounts were recognized in accounts payable for the right to reclaim or the obligation to return cash collateral at March 31,September 30, 2020 was $2and $26 million and 0 amount was recognized at December 31, 2019. NaN amount was recognized in other accounts receivable for the right to reclaim cash collateral at March 31, 2020 and $26 million was recognized at December 31, 2019. The company restricts the use of cash collateral received to rehypothecation, and therefore reports it in restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. NaN amount was rehypothecated at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Additionally, if derivative exposures covered by a qualifying master netting agreement had been netted in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total derivative asset and liability positions each would have been reduced by $249$191 million and $194 million, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

In its hedging programs, the company may use forward contracts, futures contracts, interest-rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, equity swaps, and options depending upon the underlying exposure. The company is not a party to leveraged derivative instruments.

A brief description of the major hedging programs, categorized by underlying risk, follows.

Interest Rate Risk

Fixed and Variable Rate Borrowings

The company issues debt in the global capital markets to fund its operations and financing business. Access to cost-effective financing can result in interest rate mismatches with the underlying assets. To manage these mismatches and to reduce overall interest cost, the company may use interest-rate swaps to convert specific fixed-rate debt issuances into variable-rate debt (i.e., fair value hedges) and to convert specific variable-rate debt issuances into fixed-rate debt (i.e., cash flow hedges). At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total notional amount of the company’s interest-rateinterest-

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

rate swaps was $3.0 billion at both periods. The weighted-average remaining maturity of these instruments at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was approximately 1.91.4 years and 2.2 years, respectively. These interest-rate contracts were accounted for as fair value hedges. The company did not have any cash flow hedges relating to this program outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Forecasted Debt Issuance

The company is exposed to interest rate volatility on future debt issuances. To manage this risk, the company may use instruments such as forward starting interest-rate swaps to lock in the rate on the interest payments related to the forecasted debt issuances. In the second quarter of 2019, the company issued an aggregate of $20 billion of indebtedness (refer to note 11, “Borrowings,” for additional information). Following the receipt of the net proceeds from this debt offering, the company terminated $5.5 billion of forward starting interest-rate swaps. There were 0 instruments outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

In connection with cash flow hedges of forecasted interest payments related to the company's borrowings, the company recorded net losses of $188$179 million and net losses of $192 million (before taxes) at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, in AOCI. The company estimates that $18 million (before taxes) of the deferred net losses on derivatives in AOCI at March 31,September 30, 2020 will be reclassified to net income within the next 12 months, providing an offsetting economic impact against the underlying interest payments.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Long-Term Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries (Net Investment)

A large portion of the company’s foreign currency denominated debt portfolio is designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign subsidiaries to reduce the volatility in stockholders’ equity caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the functional currency of major foreign subsidiaries with respect to the U.S. dollar. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the carrying value of debt designated as hedging instruments was $16.7$17.8 billion and $7.3 billion, respectively. The $9.4$10.5 billion increase is part of the company’s risk management strategy and is primarily due tothe result of the designation of new debt issuances in the first quarter of 2020 and previously hedged Euro denominated debt. The company also uses cross-currency swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts for this risk management purpose.purposes. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total notional amount of derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges was $8.4$8.6 billion and $7.9 billion, respectively. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the weighted-average remaining maturity of these instruments was approximately 0.2 years and 0.1 years, respectively.

37

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Anticipated Royalties and Cost Transactions

The company’s operations generate significant nonfunctional currency, third-party vendor payments and intercompany payments for royalties and goods and services among the company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries and with the company. In anticipation of these foreign currency cash flows and in view of the volatility of the currency markets, the company selectively employs foreign exchange forward contracts to manage its currency risk. These forward contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The maximum remaining length of time over which the company hedged its exposure is approximately four years. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total notional amount of forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted royalty and cost transactions was $9.6$8.9 billion and $9.7 billion, respectively. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the weighted-average remaining maturity of these instruments was approximately 0.7 years and 0.8 years, respectively.

At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, in connection with cash flow hedges of anticipated royalties and cost transactions, the company recorded net gainslosses of $174$72 million and net gains of $145 million (before taxes), respectively, in AOCI. The company estimates that $180$144 million (before taxes) of deferred net gainslosses on derivatives in AOCI at March 31,September 30, 2020 will be reclassified to net income within the next 12 months, providing an offsetting economic impact against the underlying anticipated transactions.

43

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Foreign Currency Denominated Borrowings

The company is exposed to exchange rate volatility on foreign currency denominated debt. To manage this risk, the company employs cross-currency swaps to convert fixed-rate foreign currency denominated debt to fixed-rate debt denominated in the functional currency of the borrowing entity. These swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges. At March 31,September 30, 2020, the maximum length of time remaining over which the company hedged its exposure iswas approximately eightseven years. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total notional amount of cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges of foreign currency denominated debt was $2.4 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively. The $5.7 billion decrease in cross-currency swaps is part of the company’s risk management strategy and the previously hedged foreign currency denominated debt has been designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign subsidiaries.

At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, in connection with cash flow hedges of foreign currency denominated borrowings, the company recorded net losses of $308$266 million and net losses of $185 million (before taxes), respectively, in AOCI. The company estimates that $21$24 million (before taxes) of deferred net losses on derivatives in AOCI at March 31,September 30, 2020 will be reclassified to net income within the next 12 months, providing an offsetting economic impact against the underlying exposure.

Subsidiary Cash and Foreign Currency Asset/Liability Management

The company uses its Global Treasury Centers to manage the cash of its subsidiaries. These centers principally use currency swaps to convert cash flows in a cost-effective manner. In addition, the company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge, on a net basis, the foreign currency exposure of a portion of the company’s nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities. The terms of these forward and swap contracts are generally less than one year. The changes in the fair values of these contracts and of the underlying hedged exposures are generally offsetting and are recorded in other (income) and expense in the Consolidated Income Statement. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total notional amount of derivative instruments in economic hedges of foreign currency exposure was $4.3$4.2 billion and $7.1 billion, respectively.

Equity Risk Management

The company is exposed to market price changes in certain broad market indices and in the company’s own stock primarily related to certain obligations to employees. Changes in the overall value of these employee compensation obligations are recorded in SG&A expense in the Consolidated Income Statement. Although not designated as accounting hedges, the company utilizes derivatives, including equity swaps and futures, to economically hedge the exposures related to its employee compensation obligations. The derivatives are linked to the total return on certain broad market indices or the total return on the company’s common stock, and are recorded at fair value with gains or losses also reported in SG&A expense in the Consolidated Income Statement. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total notional amount of derivative instruments in economic hedges of these compensation obligations was $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.

3844

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

exposures related to its employee compensation obligations. The derivatives are linked to the total return on certain broad market indices or the total return on the company’s common stock, and are recorded at fair value with gains or losses also reported in SG&A expense in the Consolidated Income Statement. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total notional amount of derivative instruments in economic hedges of these compensation obligations was $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.

Cumulative Basis Adjustments for Fair Value Hedges

At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following amounts were recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges:

    

March 31, 

    

December 31, 

 

    

September 30, 

    

December 31, 

 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

2019

 

2020

2019

 

Short-term debt:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Carrying amount of the hedged item

$

(1,314)

$

$

(1,308)

$

Cumulative hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount - assets/(liabilities)

 

(15)

 

 

(8)

 

Long-term debt:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Carrying amount of the hedged item

$

(2,147)

$

(3,411)

$

(2,117)

$

(3,411)

Cumulative hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount - assets/(liabilities)

 

(475)

(1)

 

(440)

(1)

 

(445)

(1)

 

(440)

(1)

(1)Includes ($391) million and ($404) million of hedging adjustments on discontinued hedging relationships at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

(1) Includes ($365) million and ($404) million of hedging adjustments on discontinued hedging relationships at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

The Effect of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Income Statement

The total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the Consolidated Income Statement in which the effects of fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, net investment hedges and derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded and the total effect of hedge activity on these income and expense line items are as follows:

Gains/(Losses) of

 

(Dollars in millions)

Total

Total Hedge Activity

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

Cost of services

$

7,843

$

8,272

*

$

10

$

10

Cost of sales

 

1,624

 

1,603

*

 

9

 

18

Cost of financing

 

181

 

264

 

3

 

(18)

SG&A expense

 

5,955

 

4,691

 

(191)

 

141

Other (income) and expense

 

182

 

(73)

 

(101)

 

(69)

Interest expense

 

326

 

210

 

10

 

(20)

* Reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

39

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated

Recognized on

Attributable to Risk

(Dollars in millions)

Income Statement

Derivatives

Being Hedged (2)

For the three months ended March 31:

    

Line Item

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Derivative instruments in fair value hedges (1):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest rate contracts

 

Cost of financing

$

18

$

36

$

(13)

$

(33)

 

Interest expense

 

49

 

39

 

(37)

 

(36)

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Other (income) and expense

 

(11)

 

18

 

N/A

 

N/A

Equity contracts

 

SG&A expense

 

(201)

 

119

 

N/A

 

N/A

Total

 

  

$

(146)

$

212

$

(50)

$

(69)

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income

 

(Dollars in millions)

Consolidated

Reclassified

Amounts Excluded from

 

For the three months

Recognized in OCI

Income Statement

from AOCI

Effectiveness Testing (3)

 

ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Line Item

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

Derivative instruments in cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Interest rate contracts

$

$

(171)

 

Cost of financing

$

(1)

$

$

$

 

Interest expense

 

(3)

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

(180)

 

(181)

 

Cost of services

 

10

 

10

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

9

 

18

 

 

 

Cost of financing

 

(7)

 

(29)

 

SG&A expense

 

10

 

22

 

 

 

Other (income) and expense

 

(89)

 

(87)

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(18)

 

(33)

Instruments in net investment hedges (4):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

485

 

19

 

Cost of financing

 

 

 

7

 

8

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

20

 

9

Total

$

304

$

(333)

 

  

$

(91)

$

(98)

$

27

$

17

(1)The amount includes changes in clean fair values of the derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships and the periodic accrual for coupon payments required under these derivative contracts.
(2)The amount includes basis adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged item recorded during the period and amortization of basis adjustments recorded on de-designated hedging relationships during the period.
(3)The company’s policy is to recognize all fair value changes in amounts excluded from effectiveness testing in net income each period.
(4)Instruments in net investment hedges include derivative and non-derivative instruments.

N/A - not applicable

For the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no material gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (for fair value or cash flow hedges), or associated with an underlying exposure that did not or was not expected to occur (for cash flow hedges); nor are there any anticipated in the normal course of business.

Gains/(Losses) of

 

(Dollars in millions)

Total

Total Hedge Activity

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

Cost of services

$

7,357

$

7,840

$

10

$

22

Cost of sales

 

1,601

 

1,635

 

(4)

 

10

Cost of financing

 

172

 

217

 

3

 

(11)

SG&A expense

 

4,647

 

5,024

 

58

 

20

Other (income) and expense

 

253

 

(31)

 

101

 

(561)

Interest expense

 

323

 

432

 

8

 

(35)

40

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

16. Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized over the employee requisite service period. The following table presents total stock-based compensation cost included in income from continuing operations.

(Dollars in millions)

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

Cost

$

27

$

20

Selling, general and administrative

 

117

 

74

Research, development and engineering

 

45

 

19

Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost

$

189

$

113

Income tax benefits

 

(45)

 

(25)

Total net stock-based compensation cost

$

144

$

88

Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased $76 million compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. This was primarily due to increases related to the conversions of stock-based compensation previously issued by Red Hat ($65 million), and restricted stock units ($17 million), partially offset by decreases in performance share units ($6 million).

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards at March 31, 2020 was $1.2 billion and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years.

Capitalized stock-based compensation cost was not material at March 31, 2020 and 2019.

17. Retirement-Related Benefits:

The company offers defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, as well as nonpension postretirement plans primarily consisting of retiree medical benefits. The following table provides the pre-tax cost for all retirement-related plans.

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

Change

 

Retirement-related plans — cost

 

  

 

  

 

  

Defined benefit and contribution pension plans — cost

$

584

$

437

 

33.7

%

Nonpension postretirement plans — cost

 

52

 

54

 

(4.1)

Total

$

636

$

491

 

29.5

%

4145

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated

Recognized on

Attributable to Risk

(Dollars in millions)

Income Statement

Derivatives

Being Hedged (2)

For the three months ended September 30:

    

Line Item

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Derivative instruments in fair value hedges (1):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest rate contracts

 

Cost of financing

$

0

$

3

$

7

$

0

 

Interest expense

 

0

 

9

 

20

 

0

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Other (income) and expense

 

8

 

(114)

 

N/A

 

N/A

Equity contracts

 

SG&A expense

 

63

 

9

 

N/A

 

N/A

Total

 

  

$

71

$

(94)

$

27

$

0

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income

 

(Dollars in millions)

Consolidated

Reclassified

Amounts Excluded from

 

For the three months

Recognized in OCI

Income Statement

from AOCI

Effectiveness Testing (3)

 

ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Line Item

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

Derivative instruments in cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Interest rate contracts

$

$

 

Cost of financing

$

(1)

$

(1)

$

$

 

Interest expense

 

(3)

 

(3)

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

(32)

 

(439)

 

Cost of services

 

10

 

22

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

(4)

 

10

 

 

 

Cost of financing

 

(5)

 

(20)

 

SG&A expense

 

(5)

 

11

 

 

 

Other (income) and expense

 

93

 

(447)

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(15)

 

(61)

Instruments in net investment hedges (4):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

(983)

 

435

 

Cost of financing

 

 

 

2

 

7

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

7

 

20

Total

$

(1,015)

$

(4)

 

  

$

69

$

(488)

$

9

$

27

(1)The amount includes changes in clean fair values of the derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships and the periodic accrual for coupon payments required under these derivative contracts.
(2)The amount includes basis adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged item recorded during the period and amortization of basis adjustments recorded on de-designated hedging relationships during the period.
(3)The company’s policy is to recognize all fair value changes in amounts excluded from effectiveness testing in net income each period.
(4)Instruments in net investment hedges include derivative and non-derivative instruments.

N/A - not applicable

Gains/(Losses) of

 

(Dollars in millions)

Total

Total Hedge Activity

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

Cost of services

$

22,720

$

24,293

$

18

$

52

Cost of sales

 

4,964

 

4,979

 

14

 

40

Cost of financing

 

517

 

710

 

9

 

(47)

SG&A expense

 

15,849

 

15,171

 

24

 

199

Other (income) and expense

 

614

 

(850)

 

92

 

(358)

Interest expense

 

971

 

990

 

24

 

(96)

46

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated

Recognized on

Attributable to Risk

(Dollars in millions)

Income Statement

Derivatives

Being Hedged (2)

For the nine months ended September 30:

Line Item

2020

    

2019

2020

    

2019

Derivative instruments in fair value hedges (1):

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

Interest rate contracts

 

Cost of financing

$

20

$

51

$

(3)

$

(44)

 

Interest expense

 

57

 

105

 

(9)

 

(89)

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Other (income) and expense

 

18

 

(27)

 

N/A

 

N/A

Equity contracts

 

SG&A expense

 

12

 

153

 

N/A

 

N/A

Total

 

  

$

108

$

283

$

(13)

$

(133)

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income

 

(Dollars in millions)

Consolidated

Reclassified

Amounts Excluded from

 

For the nine months

Recognized in OCI

Income Statement

from AOCI

Effectiveness Testing (3)

 

ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Line Item

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

Derivative instruments in cash flow hedges:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Interest rate contracts

$

$

(168)

 

Cost of financing

$

(3)

$

(2)

$

$

 

Interest expense

 

(10)

 

(5)

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

(249)

 

(630)

 

Cost of services

 

18

 

52

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

14

 

40

 

 

 

Cost of financing

 

(18)

 

(71)

 

SG&A expense

 

12

 

45

 

 

 

Other (income) and expense

 

74

 

(331)

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(50)

 

(146)

Instruments in net investment hedges (4):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

(1,033)

 

306

 

Cost of financing

 

 

 

13

 

19

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

37

 

38

Total

$

(1,281)

$

(491)

 

  

$

37

$

(418)

$

50

$

57

(1)The amount includes changes in clean fair values of the derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships and the periodic accrual for coupon payments required under these derivative contracts.
(2)The amount includes basis adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged item recorded during the period and amortization of basis adjustments recorded on de-designated hedging relationships during the period.
(3)The company’s policy is to recognize all fair value changes in amounts excluded from effectiveness testing in net income each period.
(4)Instruments in net investment hedges include derivative and non-derivative instruments.

N/A - not applicable

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, there were no material gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (for fair value or cash flow hedges), or associated with an underlying exposure that did not or was not expected to occur (for cash flow hedges); nor are there any anticipated in the normal course of business.

47

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

16. Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized over the employee requisite service period. The following table presents total stock-based compensation cost included in income from continuing operations.

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Cost

$

42

$

29

  

$

109

  

$

71

Selling, general and administrative

 

129

 

147

  

 

401

  

 

313

Research, development and engineering

 

50

 

44

  

 

147

  

 

84

Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost

$

222

$

220

  

$

658

  

$

468

Income tax benefits

 

(50)

 

(50)

  

 

(146)

  

 

(104)

Total net stock-based compensation cost

$

172

$

170

  

$

512

  

$

364

Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased $2 million compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. This was primarily due to increases related to restricted stock units ($49 million), offset by decreases related to performance share units ($27 million) and the conversion of stock-based compensation previously issued by Red Hat ($20 million).

Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased $189 million compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. This was primarily due to increases related to restricted stock units ($112 million) and the conversion of stock-based compensation previously issued by Red Hat ($107 million), partially offset by decreases in performance share units ($29 million).

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards at September 30, 2020 was $1.4 billion and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years.

Capitalized stock-based compensation cost was not material at September 30, 2020 and 2019.

17. Retirement-Related Benefits:

The company offers defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, as well as nonpension postretirement plans primarily consisting of retiree medical benefits. The following tables provide the pre-tax cost for all retirement-related plans.

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

 

Retirement-related plans — cost

 

  

 

  

 

  

Defined benefit and contribution pension plans — cost

$

610

$

459

 

32.9

%

Nonpension postretirement plans — cost

 

50

 

53

 

(5.9)

Total

$

660

$

512

 

28.9

%

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

 

Retirement-related plans — cost

 

  

 

  

 

  

Defined benefit and contribution pension plans — cost

$

1,789

$

1,337

 

33.8

%

Nonpension postretirement plans — cost

 

151

 

160

 

(5.2)

Total

$

1,941

$

1,497

 

29.6

%

48

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

The following table providestables provide the components of the cost/(income) for the company’s pension plans.

Cost/(Income) of Pension Plans

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

U.S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Service cost

$

$

$

95

$

93

$

$

$

99

$

93

Interest cost (1)

 

375

 

472

 

129

 

208

 

375

 

470

 

142

 

202

Expected return on plan assets (1)

 

(542)

 

(650)

 

(309)

 

(399)

 

(542)

 

(650)

 

(323)

 

(391)

Amortization of prior service costs/(credits) (1)

 

4

 

4

 

(5)

 

(6)

 

4

 

4

 

(5)

(7)

Recognized actuarial losses (1)

 

207

 

140

 

342

 

314

 

207

 

140

 

360

313

Curtailments and settlements (1)

 

 

 

8

 

1

 

 

 

21

 

3

Multi-employer plans

 

 

 

7

 

9

 

 

 

7

 

10

Other costs/(credits) (1)

 

 

 

5

 

5

 

 

 

6

 

11

Total net periodic pension (income)/cost of defined benefit plans

$

44

$

(34)

$

274

$

223

$

44

$

(36)

$

307

$

235

Cost of defined contribution plans

 

155

 

149

 

110

 

98

 

148

 

151

 

111

 

109

Total defined benefit and contribution pension plans cost recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement

$

199

$

115

$

385

$

322

$

192

$

115

$

418

$

344

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Service cost

$

$

$

289

$

279

Interest cost (1)

 

1,126

 

1,411

 

408

 

616

Expected return on plan assets (1)

 

(1,627)

 

(1,949)

 

(943)

 

(1,186)

Amortization of prior service costs/(credits) (1)

 

12

 

12

 

(14)

 

(20)

Recognized actuarial losses (1)

 

622

 

419

 

1,041

 

939

Curtailments and settlements (1)

 

 

 

42

 

7

Multi-employer plans

 

 

 

22

 

26

Other costs/(credits) (1)

 

 

 

20

 

22

Total net periodic pension (income)/cost of defined benefit plans

$

133

$

(107)

$

865

$

683

Cost of defined contribution plans

 

457

 

440

 

334

 

321

Total defined benefit and contribution pension plans cost recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement

$

590

$

333

$

1,200

$

1,004

(1)These components of net periodic pension cost are included in other (income) and expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The following table providestables provide the components of the cost for the company’s nonpension postretirement plans.

Cost of Nonpension Postretirement Plans

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. Plan

Non-U.S. Plans

U.S. Plan

Non-U.S. Plans

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Service cost

$

2

$

3

$

1

$

1

$

2

$

3

$

1

$

1

Interest cost (1)

 

26

 

36

 

10

 

12

 

26

 

36

 

8

 

12

Expected return on plan assets (1)

 

 

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

 

 

(1)

 

(1)

Amortization of prior service costs/(credits) (1)

 

1

 

(1)

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

(1)

 

0

 

0

Recognized actuarial losses (1)

 

7

 

1

 

6

 

3

 

7

 

0

 

5

3

Curtailments and settlements (1)

 

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

 

 

Total nonpension postretirement plans cost recognized in Consolidated Income Statement

$

36

$

39

$

16

$

15

$

36

$

38

$

14

$

15

(1)These components of net periodic pension cost are included in other (income) and expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.

49

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. Plan

Non-U.S. Plans

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Service cost

$

7

$

8

$

4

$

4

Interest cost (1)

 

77

 

109

 

26

 

37

Expected return on plan assets (1)

 

 

 

(3)

 

(4)

Amortization of prior service costs/(credits) (1)

 

3

 

(2)

 

0

 

0

Recognized actuarial losses (1)

 

22

 

0

 

16

 

8

Curtailments and settlements (1)

 

 

 

0

 

0

Total nonpension postretirement plans cost recognized in Consolidated Income Statement

$

109

$

115

$

43

$

45

(1)These components of net periodic pension cost are included in other (income) and expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The company does not anticipate any significant changes to the expected plan contributions in 2020 from the amounts disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report.

The table below includes contributions to the following plans:

Plan Contributions

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Dollars in millions)

Plan Contributions

    

2020

    

2019

2020

    

2019

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

U.S. nonpension postretirement benefit plan

$

136

$

194

$

65

$

35

$

265

$

262

Non-U.S. DB and multi-employer plans

 

82

 

94

 

16

 

32

 

127

 

159

Total plan contributions

$

217

$

288

$

80

$

66

$

392

$

421

During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, $255$65 million for both periods, was contributed in U.S. Treasury securities (includes the Active Medical Trust). During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, $475 million and $256$421 million, respectively, was contributed in U.S. Treasury securities which is considered a non-cash transaction (includes the Active Medical Trust).

42

Table The contribution of ContentsU.S. Treasury securities is considered a non-cash transaction.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

18. Subsequent Events:

On April 28,October 8, 2020, together with the company's announcement to separate its managed infrastructure services unit of its GTS segment into a new public company by the end of 2021 (refer to note 1, "Basis of Presentation" for additional information), the company announced that it expects to record a charge for structural actions of approximately $2.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

On October 27, 2020, the company announced that the Board of Directors approved an increase in thea quarterly dividend toof $1.63 per common share. The dividend is payable JuneDecember 10, 2020 to shareholders of record on May 8,November 10, 2020.

4350

Table of Contents

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Snapshot

Financial Results Summary — Three Months Ended March 31:September 30:

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars and shares in millions except per share amounts)

Margin

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

Change*

 

Revenue

$

17,571

$

18,182

 

(3.4)

%**

Gross profit margin

 

45.1

%  

 

44.2

%  

0.9

pts.

Total expense and other (income)

$

7,972

$

6,160

 

29.4

%

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

$

(49)

$

1,883

 

nm

Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes from continuing operations

$

(1,226)

$

289

 

nm

Income from continuing operations

$

1,176

$

1,593

 

(26.2)

%

Income from continuing operations margin

 

6.7

%  

 

8.8

%  

(2.1)

pts.

Net income

$

1,175

$

1,591

 

(26.1)

%

Earnings per share from continuing operations - assuming dilution

$

1.31

$

1.78

 

(26.4)

%

Weighted-average shares outstanding - assuming dilution

 

895.0

 

893.9

 

0.1

%

At 3/31/2020

At 12/31/2019

Assets

$

153,403

$

152,186

 

0.8

%

Liabilities

$

133,275

$

131,202

 

1.6

%

Equity

$

20,128

$

20,985

 

(4.1)

%

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars and shares in millions except per share amounts)

Margin

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

 

Revenue

$

17,560

$

18,028

 

(2.6)

%*

Gross profit margin

 

48.0

%  

 

46.2

%  

1.8

pts.

Total expense and other (income)

$

6,603

$

6,813

 

(3.1)

%

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

1,827

$

1,522

 

20.0

%

Provision for income taxes from continuing operations

$

128

$

(151)

 

nm

Income from continuing operations

$

1,698

$

1,673

 

1.5

%

Income from continuing operations margin

 

9.7

%  

 

9.3

%  

0.4

pts.

Net income

$

1,698

$

1,672

 

1.5

%

Earnings per share from continuing operations - assuming dilution

$

1.89

$

1.87

 

1.1

%

Weighted-average shares outstanding - assuming dilution

 

897.3

 

892.8

 

0.5

%

*

2020 results were impacted by Red Hat acquisition-related activity.

** (1.9) (3.5) percent adjusted for currency; 0.1(3.1) percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency.

nm - not meaningful

Organization of Information:

On October 8, 2020, we announced our plan to separate our managed infrastructure services unit of our Global Technology Services (GTS) segment into a new public company (currently referred to as NewCo and to be named later). The separation is expected to be achieved through a U.S. federal tax-free spin-off to IBM shareholders and completed by the end of 2021. It will be subject to customary market, regulatory and other closing conditions, including final IBM Board of Directors’ approval. The announcement did not have any classification impact to our consolidated financial statements or segment reporting. We expect the managed infrastructure services unit to meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations upon separation.

In the first quarter of 2020, we realigned offerings and the related management system to reflect divestitures completed in the second half of 2019 and tighter integration of certain industry-specific consulting services. These changes impacted Cloud & Cognitive Software and Global Business Services but did not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements. Total recast revenue for full-year 2019 was approximately $0.3 billion of IBM’s total $77 billion. Refer to note 4, “Segments,” for additional information on our reportable segments. The periods presented in this Form 10-Q are reported on a comparable basis. We provided recast historical segment information reflecting these changes in a Form 8-K dated April 21, 2020. Additionally, on April 6, 2020, Arvind Krishna became Chief Executive Officer of IBM and announced a number of management changes which did not impact our reportable segments.

On July 9, 2019, IBM acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Red Hat, Inc. (Red Hat). Red Hat is reported within the Cloud & Cognitive Software segment, in Cloud & Data Platforms. Compared toFor the prior-year period, the Consolidated Income Statement for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, includesthe year-to-year results reflect transaction-related impacts from purchase accounting adjustments, higher interest expense, higher intangible assets amortization and other acquisition-related activities.associated with the acquisition. Refer to note 5, “Acquisitions & Divestitures,” for additional information.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Currency:

The references to “adjusted for currency” or “at constant currency” in the Management Discussion do not include operational impacts that could result from fluctuations in foreign currency rates. When the company refers to growth rates at constant currency or adjusts such growth rates for currency, it is done so that certain financial results can be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of its business performance. Financial results adjusted for currency are calculated by translating current period activity in local currency using the comparable prior yearprior-year period’s currency conversion rate. This approach is used for countries where the functional currency is the local currency. Generally, when the dollar either strengthens or weakens against other currencies, the growth at constant currency rates or adjusting for currency will be higher or lower than growth reported at actual exchange rates. Refer to “Currency Rate Fluctuations” for additional information.

Revenue Adjusted for Divested Businesses and Constant Currency:

To provide better transparency on the recurring performance of the ongoing business, the company provides total revenue, geographic revenue and cloud revenue growth rates excluding divested businesses and at constant currency. These divested businesses are included in the category “Other–divested businesses.”

Operating (non-GAAP) Earnings:

In an effort to provide better transparency into the operational results of the business, supplementally, the company separates business results into operating and non-operating categories. Operating earnings from continuing operations is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the effects of certain acquisition-related charges, intangible asset amortization, expense resulting from basis differences on equity method investments, retirement-related costs and discontinued operations and their related tax impacts. Due to the unique, non-recurring nature of the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (U.S. tax reform), management characterizes the one-time provisional charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 and adjustments to that charge as non-operating. Adjustments include true-ups, accounting elections and any changes to regulations, laws, audit adjustments, etc. that affect the recorded one-time charge. For acquisitions, operating (non-GAAP) earnings exclude the amortization of purchased intangible assets and acquisition-related charges such as in-process research and development, transaction costs, applicable retention, restructuring and related expenses, tax charges related to acquisition integration and pre-closing charges, such as financing costs. These charges are excluded as they may be inconsistent in amount and timing from period to period and are significantly impacted by the size, type and frequency of the company’s acquisitions. All other spending for acquired companies is included in both earnings from continuing operations and in operating (non-GAAP) earnings. Throughout the Management Discussion, the impact of acquisitions over the prior 12-month period may be a driver of higher expense year to year. For retirement-related costs, management characterizes certain items as operating and others as non-operating, consistent with GAAP. The company includes defined benefit plan and nonpension postretirement benefit plan service costs, multi-employer plan costs and the cost of defined contribution plans in operating earnings. Non-operating retirement-related costs include defined benefit plan and nonpension postretirement benefit plan amortization of prior service costs, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortized actuarial gains/losses, the impacts of any plan curtailments/settlements and pension insolvency costs and other costs. Non-operating retirement-related costs are primarily related to changes in pension plan assets and liabilities which are tied to financial market performance, and the company considers these costs to be outside of the operational performance of the business.

Overall, management believes that supplementally providing investors with a view of operating earnings as described above provides increased transparency and clarity into both the operational results of the business and the performance of the company’s pension plans; improves visibility to management decisions and their impacts on operational performance; enables better comparison to peer companies; and allows the company to provide a long-term strategic view of the business going forward. Our reportable segment financial results reflect pre-tax operating earnings from continuing operations, consistent with our management and measurement system.In addition, these non-GAAP measures provide a perspective consistent with areas of interest we routinely receive from investors and analysts.

4552

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

The following table provides the company’s operating (non-GAAP) earnings for the firstthird quarter of 2020 and 2019.

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

Change*

 

Net income as reported

$

1,175

$

1,591

 

(26.1)

%

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

(58.7)

Income from continuing operations

$

1,176

$

1,593

 

(26.2)

%

Non-operating adjustments (net of tax):

 

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

 

371

 

164

 

126.7

Non-operating retirement-related costs/(income)

 

250

 

111

 

124.9

U.S. tax reform charges

 

(149)

 

141

 

nm

Operating (non-GAAP) earnings**

$

1,649

$

2,009

 

(17.9)

%

Diluted operating (non-GAAP) earnings per share

$

1.84

$

2.25

 

(18.2)

%

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

 

Net income as reported

$

1,698

$

1,672

 

1.5

%

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

(37.6)

Income from continuing operations

$

1,698

$

1,673

 

1.5

%

Non-operating adjustments (net of tax):

 

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

358

$

586

 

(38.9)

%

Non-operating retirement-related costs/(income)

 

237

 

130

 

82.8

U.S. tax reform impacts

 

21

 

5

 

320.0

Operating (non-GAAP) earnings*

$

2,315

$

2,394

 

(3.3)

%

Diluted operating (non-GAAP) earnings per share*

$

2.58

$

2.68

 

(3.7)

%

*

2020 results were impacted by Red Hat acquisition-related activity.

** Refer to page 7392 for a more detailed reconciliation of net income to operating earnings.earnings and operating earnings per share.

nm - not meaningful

Strategic Announcement:

IBM is redefining our future as a hybrid cloud platform and AI company. The October 8, 2020 announcement of our plan to separate our managed infrastructure services unit of our GTS segment into a new public company will create two industry-leading companies, each with strategic focus and flexibility to capitalize on their respective missions and drive client and shareholder value. Client buying needs for application and infrastructure services are diverging, while adoption of our hybrid cloud platform is accelerating. This change in clients’ needs makes it the right time to create two market-leading companies focused on what they do best. IBM will focus on its open hybrid cloud platform and AI capabilities to accelerate clients’ digital transformations. Upon separation, NewCo will immediately be the world's leading managed infrastructure services provider and will have greater agility to design, run and modernize the infrastructure of the world’s most important organizations.

Both IBM and NewCo will have greater agility to focus on their operating and financial models, have more freedom to partner with others and both will align their investments and capital structure to their strategic focus areas. As a result, IBM expects to drive sustainable mid-single digit revenue growth after the separation of NewCo is complete. We expect to show milestones, including improved revenue growth, by the middle of 2021 as we progress toward mid-single digit growth.

Environmental DynamicsDynamics:

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. This resulted in significant governmental measures being initiated around the globe, including travel bans and border closings, shelter-in-place orders, closures of non-essential businesses and social distancing requirements in efforts to slow down and control the spread of the virus.

The health of IBM employees, our clients, business partners and community remainremains our primary focus. We are actively engaged to ensure our preparedness plans and response activities arecontinue to be aligned with recommendations of the WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and governmental regulations.

IBM's technicalSince the pandemic began, we assembled our resources and industry leaders are considering all options to help government andbrought together the right communities of experts, including clients, governments, scientists, developers, partners, academic institutions, health agencies monitorand IBMers, to work together, and manage through the outbreak. IBM's Summit supercomputerCOVID-19 outbreak doing what we do best, applying data, knowledge, computing power and insights to solve difficult problems.

IBM is well positioned to support our clients through this crisis. The pandemic has driven companies to accelerate their digital transformations, resulting in the removal of traditional barriers to progress. The reliance on technology,

53

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Management Discussion – (continued)

particularly hybrid cloud and AI technologies that give clients the scalability and flexibility needed to adjust to the rapid market changes, has become more acute. We are helping researchers at the U.S. Departmentto advise, build, move and manage our clients’ shift of Energy identify drug compounds that could disable the coronavirus. IBM's Watson Health unit is working directly with health organizations around the worldtheir applications and workflows to better understand the nature of COVID-19. The IBM Clinical Development system has been made available, without charge, to national health agencies to reduce the time and cost of clinical trials by providing data and analysis from web-enabled devices. Our cognitive Operational Risk Insight tool has also been made available to not-for-profit organizations. IBM has extended its online education resources for teachers, students and parents on IBM Skills, offering them the ability to tap into new knowledge, skills and online credentials, anytime, anywhere and for free.our leading open hybrid cloud platform. We are also working with the City of New York through delivery of 300,000 tabletsour clients to apply AI, automation and other technologies to make their workflows more intelligent and responsive. As our clients are intensifying their focus on their most important asset, their people, we are partnering with educational software and free cellular data connectionsclients to help students learn remotely. In just a matterthem enhance employee engagement and productivity, reskill the workforce faster and reimagine ways of a few weeks, we have already committed over $200 million in terms of contributions and volunteer time.working.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented, global challenge and it has placed every company in uncharted waters. In this current environment, the underlying fundamentals of our business continue to remain sound:

IBM has always focused on the enterprise space, and within that our business is more concentrated in large enterprises;enterprises, which in total have been relatively more stable throughout the pandemic;
We run our clients’ most critical processes, such as core banking systems, supply chains,Our diversification and claims processing;mix by industry, geography and client segment provides some stability during these times;
From an industry perspective, the majority of our revenue comes from clients in financial services, telecom, and the public sector – including government and healthcare;

46

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

WeApproximately 70 percent of our revenue comes from industries that run the world’s most critical processes, such as core banking systems, supply chains, and claims processing, and those industries have long-term relationships with our clients, inbeen less impacted;
From a geographic perspective, we are continuing to see markets experience different impacts from the formpandemic over time. Our global footprint of multi-year services contracts, recurring software streams, and financing arrangements. more than 170 countries provides some natural hedge.
Approximately 60 percent of our annual revenue is in recurring businesses;
While we are not immune to disruptions in our transactional content or volume reductions, our client profile and annuity base provide some level of stability, not only in our revenue but also in profit and cash, as we manage through these challenging times;streams;
Our innovative technology and our industry-specific expertise are assets to our clients; and,
Our balance sheet remains strong with solidample liquidity and access to capital, and we remain committed to our long-standing dividend policy to provide value to shareholders.

Our industry, geographic and client profile and our annuity base provide some level of stability, not only in our revenue, but also in profit and cash, as we continue to manage through these challenging times. However, in the current macroeconomic environment, clients continue to balance short-term challenges and opportunities for transformation. Their short-term priorities continue to be focused on operational stability, flexibility and cash preservation, and as such, we have experienced some disruptions in transactional performance and delays in some services projects.

The long-term economic effects of the pandemic remain unknown. However, this environment has only reinforced the need for clients to modernize their businesses for theto succeed in this new world,normal, with hybrid cloud and AI at the core of their digital reinventions. Ourtransformations. While the current environment poses certain short-term challenges, it also presents long-term opportunities that IBM will seize as our open hybrid cloudplatform and AI platforms, together withAI-driven model delivers greater innovation, higher productivity and more strategic optionality to our expertise in running critical processes, ideally position us to guide clients on their journeys.clients.

Financial Performance Summary — Three Months Ended March 31:

Overall for the first quarter of 2020, through February we were tracking roughly in line with our expectations. As we proceeded through March and the COVID-19 health situation and resulting social distancing became more widespread, we saw a noticeable change in clients’ priorities. There was effectively a pause as clients understandably dealt with their most pressing needs. This was most pronounced in our software business where the vast majority of transactions typically close in the last two weeks of the quarter. For those clients that did engage at the end of the quarter, there was a shift to maintaining the stability of their operations and preservation of cash. Clients moved ahead with spending that addressed immediate and essential needs, including running mission critical processes and securing a remote workforce.

September 30:

In the firstthird quarter of 2020, we reported $17.6 billion in revenue, $1.2$1.7 billion in income from continuing operations and operating (non-GAAP) earnings of $1.6$2.3 billion, resulting in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.31$1.89 as reported and $1.84$2.58 on an operating (non-GAAP) basis. We also generated $4.5$4.3 billion in cash from operations, $1.4$1.1 billion in free cash flow and delivered shareholder returns of $1.4$1.5 billion through dividends. These results reflect strong performance in dividends.hybrid cloud led by Red Hat, gross and pre-tax margin expansion and solid cash generation.

Total consolidated revenue decreased 3.42.6 percent as reported but increased 0.1and 3 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency. With a macroeconomic environment relatively consistent with the second quarter, clients’ near-term priorities resulted in some project delays and purchase deferrals. This resulted in impacts to our transactional

54

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

software, project-oriented services and volume-based services. On a segment basis, Cloud & Cognitive Software increased 5.56.8 percent as reported and 76 percent adjusted for currency with strong performance in Red Hat, Internet of Things (IoT), data and AI and in security services.currency. Within this segment, Cloud & Data Platforms which includes Red Hat grew 32.220.3 percent (34(19 percent adjusted for currency) but was partially offsetled by declines inRed Hat’s strong performance with double-digit growth across infrastructure software and application development and emerging technologies. Cognitive Applications andrevenue trajectory improved with growth of 0.9 percent (flat adjusted for currency) compared to the prior-year period, while Transaction Processing Platforms.Platforms declined year to year. Global Business Services (GBS) decreased 0.54.7 percent as reported but grew 1(6 percent adjusted for currency driven by Consulting which grew 3.5 percent (5 percent adjusted for currency). This growth was led by offerings that help clients with their digital reinventions, including cloud advisory and application modernization, and offerings that leverage AI to bring intelligence into business processes. Global Technology Services (GTS) decreased 5.9 percent as reported (4 percent adjusted for currency), with declines in Infrastructure & Cloud Services and Technology Support Services. Systems grew 3.0across all lines of business. GTS decreased 3.6 percent as reported (4 percent adjusted for currency). In an environment where client behavior shifted atWithin the end ofsegment, Infrastructure & Cloud Services decreased with lower client-based business volumes in the quarter, ourmore economically-sensitive industries, while declines in Technology Support Services reflected hardware portfolio held up well reflectingproduct cycles and continuing volume impacts due to the importance of IBM Z and high-end storagepandemic. Systems decreased 15.1 percent as reported (16 percent adjusted for mission-critical operations, as well ascurrency) driven primarily by product cycle dynamics.

Total cloud revenue was $5.4of $6.0 billion in the firstthird quarter of 2020 with strong growth ofgrew 19 percent as reported 21(18 percent adjusted for currencycurrency) and 2319 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency. Over the trailing 12 months, total cloud revenue was $22.0$24.4 billion, up 1322 percent (15as reported (23 percent adjusted for currency) year to year. With the cloud architecture of Linux, containers and Kubernetes, our acquisition25 percent excluding divested businesses and integration of Red Hat has bolstered our position in hybrid cloud.adjusted for currency.

From a geographic perspective, Americas revenue declined 4.4 percent year to year as reported (3 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency). Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) increased 1.6 percent as reported, but decreased 2 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency. Asia Pacific declined 4.4 percent year to year as reported (5 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency).

Total consolidated gross margin of 48.0 percent increased 1.8 points year to year reflecting portfolio mix with strong software contribution and our focus on productivity. Operating (non-GAAP) gross margin of 49.0 percent increased 1.6 points versus the prior year, primarily driven by the same factors.

Total expense and other (income) of $6.6 billion decreased 3.1 percent in the third quarter of 2020 versus the prior-year period primarily driven by lower acquisition-related charges, expense from divested businesses, spending on travel and interest expense, partially offset by higher non-operating retirement-related costs, lower gains from divestitures and the effects of currency. Total operating (non-GAAP) expense and other (income) decreased 1.9 percent year to year, driven primarily by the factors above excluding the lower acquisition-related charges and higher non-operating retirement-related costs.

The pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1.8 billion increased 20.0 percent year to year and the pre-tax margin was 10.4 percent, an increase of 2.0 points versus the prior-year period. The continuing operations provision for income taxes in the third quarter of 2020 was $0.1 billion compared to a benefit from income taxes of $0.2 billion in the third quarter of 2019. Net income of $1.7 billion increased 1.5 percent and the net income margin was 9.7 percent, an increase of 0.4 points year to year.

Operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax income from continuing operations of $2.6 billion increased 7.6 percent year to year and the operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax margin from continuing operations increased 1.4 points to 14.7 percent. The operating (non-GAAP) provision for income taxes was $263 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $1 million in the third quarter of 2019. Operating (non-GAAP) income from continuing operations of $2.3 billion decreased 3.3 percent with an operating (non-GAAP) income margin from continuing operations of 13.2 percent, down 0.1 points year to year.

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.89 in the third quarter of 2020 increased 1.1 percent and operating (non-GAAP) diluted earnings per share of $2.58 decreased 3.7 percent versus the third quarter of 2019.

We generated $4.3 billion in cash flow provided by operating activities, an increase of $0.7 billion compared to the third quarter of 2019. In the third quarter of 2020, investing activities were a net use of cash of $0.3 billion compared to $30.4 billion in the prior year. The $30.0 billion change year to year was driven primarily by cash used for the Red Hat

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Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Fromacquisition in the prior-year period. Financing activities were a geographic perspective, Americas revenue declined 3.8use of cash of $1.7 billion in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $8.2 billion in the prior-year period driven primarily by net cash related to debt transactions. In the third quarter of 2020, net payments to settle debt were $0.3 billion versus $6.6 billion in the prior year.

Given the uncertainty in the environment, and consistent with our direction since the first quarter, we are not providing 2020 expectations. Refer to the Looking Forward section for additional information.

Financial Results Summary —Nine Months Ended September 30:

    

    

    

    

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars and shares in millions except per share amounts)

Margin

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

 

Revenue

$

53,253

$

55,370

 

(3.8)

%*

Gross profit margin

 

47.0

%  

 

45.9

%  

1.2

pts.

Total expense and other (income)

$

21,704

$

19,215

 

13.0

%

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

3,348

$

6,173

 

(45.8)

%

Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes from continuing operations

$

(888)

$

407

 

nm

Income from continuing operations

$

4,237

$

5,766

 

(26.5)

%

Income from continuing operations margin

 

8.0

%  

 

10.4

%  

(2.5)

pts.

Net income

$

4,234

$

5,761

 

(26.5)

%

Earnings per share from continuing operations - assuming dilution

$

4.72

$

6.46

 

(26.9)

%

Weighted-average shares outstanding - assuming dilution

 

895.8

 

892.5

 

0.4

%

At 9/30/2020

At 12/31/2019

Assets

$

154,128

$

152,186

 

1.3

%

Liabilities

$

132,794

$

131,202

 

1.2

%

Equity

$

21,334

$

20,985

 

1.7

%

* (3.1) percent year to year as reported but was flat excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency. Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) decreased 3.7 percent but grew 1currency; (1.6) percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency. Asia Pacific

nm - not meaningful

The following table provides the company’s operating (non-GAAP) earnings for the first nine months of 2020 and 2019.

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

  

  

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

 

Net income as reported

$

4,234

$

5,761

 

(26.5)

%

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(2)

 

(5)

 

(46.3)

Income from continuing operations

$

4,237

$

5,766

 

(26.5)

%

Non-operating adjustments (net of tax):

 

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

1,095

$

967

 

13.2

%

Non-operating retirement-related costs/(income)

 

710

 

338

 

110.2

U.S. tax reform impacts

 

(128)

 

160

 

nm

Operating (non-GAAP) earnings*

$

5,913

$

7,230

 

(18.2)

%

Diluted operating (non-GAAP) earnings per share*

$

6.60

$

8.10

 

(18.5)

%

* Refer to page 93 for a more detailed reconciliation of net income to operating earnings and operating earnings per share.

nm - not meaningful

56

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Financial Performance Summary —Nine Months Ended September 30:

In the first nine months of 2020, we reported $53.3 billion in revenue, $4.2 billion in income from continuing operations and operating (non-GAAP) earnings of $5.9 billion, resulting in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $4.72 as reported and $6.60 on an operating (non-GAAP) basis. We generated $12.3 billion in cash from operations, $4.8 billion in free cash flow and delivered shareholder returns of $4.3 billion through dividends.

Total consolidated revenue decreased 3.8 percent as reported (2 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency). Revenue dynamics were impacted by the global pandemic beginning in March. Cloud & Cognitive Software increased 5.1 percent as reported (6 percent adjusted for currency). Within this segment, Cloud & Data Platforms grew 26.7 percent (27 percent adjusted for currency) led by Red Hat, partially offset by declines in Cognitive Applications and Transaction Processing Platforms. GBS decreased 4.2 percent as reported (4 percent adjusted for currency) with declines across all lines of business. GTS decreased 5.7 percent as reported (5 percent adjusted for currency) with declines in Infrastructure & Cloud Services and Technology Support Services. Systems decreased 1.9 percent as reported (2 percent adjusted for currency) with declines in Operating Systems Software partially offset by growth in Systems Hardware driven by IBM Z growth in the first half of the year.

Total cloud revenue was $17.6 billion in the first nine months of 2020 with strong growth of 23 percent as reported, 23 percent adjusted for currency and 25 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency.

From a geographic perspective, Americas revenue declined 1.94.1 percent year to year as reported but was flat(1 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency.currency). EMEA decreased 3.3 percent as reported (2 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency). Asia Pacific declined 3.9 percent year to year as reported (3 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency).

 

Total consolidated gross margin of 45.147.0 percent increased 0.91.2 points year to year reflecting strongwith margin performanceexpansion in our services businessesSystems, GBS and the contribution of Red Hat.Cloud & Cognitive Software. Operating (non-GAAP) gross margin of 46.248.1 percent increased 1.51.6 points versus the prior year, primarily driven by the same factors as above.year.

Total expense and other (income) increased 29.413.0 percent in the first quarternine months of 2020 versus the prior-year period primarily driven by higher spending includingdue to the addition of Red Hat, lower gains from divestitures, higher non-operating retirement-related costs, amortization of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of Red Hat, interest expense,and higher workforce rebalancing charges, and non-operating retirement-related costs, partially offset by lower expense from divested businesses.businesses and lower acquisition- related charges. Total operating (non-GAAP) expense and other (income) increased 26.111.6 percent year to year, driven primarily by the factors above excluding the higher amortization of intangible assets, and non-operating retirement-related costs.costs and acquisition-related charges.

The pre-tax lossincome from continuing operations in the first quarternine months of 2020 was $49 million,$3.3 billion, compared to pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1.9$6.2 billion in the first quarternine months of 2019. The pre-tax margin was (0.3)6.3 percent, a decrease of 10.64.9 points versus the prior-year period. The current period was impacted by Red Hat acquisition-related spending. It also included charges of approximately $0.9 billion primarily for structural actions to improve competitiveness in GTS and accelerate our shift to a cognitive enterprise. The continuing operations benefit from income taxes in the first quarternine months of 2020 was $1.2$0.9 billion compared to a tax provision for income taxes of $0.3$0.4 billion in the first quarternine months of 2019. The current yearcurrent-year benefit from income taxes was primarily driven by a net tax benefit in the first quarter of 2020 related to an intra-entity sale of certain of the company’s intellectual property and the related impacts. Net income of $1.2$4.2 billion decreased 26.126.5 percent and the net income margin was 6.78.0 percent, a decrease of 2.12.5 points year to year.

Operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax income from continuing operations of $0.7$5.6 billion decreased 69.228.5 percent year to year and the operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax margin from continuing operations decreased 8.43.6 points to 3.910.5 percent. The operating (non-GAAP) benefit from income taxes was $1.0$0.3 billion in the first quarternine months of 2020, compared to a tax provision for income taxes of $0.2$0.6 billion in the first quarternine months of 2019. The current-year operating (non-GAAP) benefit from income taxes was primarily driven by the same factor described above. Operating (non-GAAP) income from continuing operations of $1.6$5.9 billion decreased 17.918.2 percent with an operating (non-GAAP) income margin from continuing operations of 9.411.1 percent, down 1.72.0 points year to year.

57

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.31$4.72 in the first quarternine months of 2020 decreased 26.426.9 percent and operating (non-GAAP) diluted earnings per share of $1.84$6.60 decreased 18.218.5 percent versus the first quarter nine months of 2019.

 

In thethird quarter, we continued to take actions to further enhance our balance sheet and liquidity position. At March 31,September 30, 2020, the balance sheet remained strong with the flexibility to support and invest in the business, with a strong cash position and ample credit available during these uncertain times. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities at quarter endSeptember 30, 2020 were $12.0$15.8 billion, an increase of $3.0$6.7 billion from December 31, 2019. We accessed the debt markets earlier in the year, taking advantage of attractive market dynamics and are in a strong position to fund upcoming debt maturities in the fourth-quarter 2020.

Key drivers in the balance sheet and total cash flows were:

 

Total assets increased $1.2$1.9 billion ($4.42.0 billion adjusted for currency) from December 31, 2019 driven by:

An increase in deferred tax assetscash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities of $3.6 billion primarily due to an intra-entity sale of IP;$6.7 billion; and

An increase in cash, restricted cash and marketable securitiesdeferred tax assets of $3.0 billion;$3.7 billion primarily due to the intra-entity sale of IP in the first quarter; partially offset by

A decrease in financing receivables of $3.1$8.2 billion primarily as a result of collections of seasonally higher year-end balances.balances and divestiture-related receivables, as well as sales of receivables.

48

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Total liabilities increased $2.1$1.6 billion ($4.20.3 billion adjusted for currency) from December 31, 2019 driven by:

An increase in total debt of $1.4$2.5 billion primarily driven by an increase in commercial paper;new debt issuances of $8.8 billion, partially offset by debt maturities and early retirements of $6.7 billion; and

An increase in other liabilities of $1.3$1.0 billion primarily driven by an increase in deferred tax liabilities related to the intra-entity IP sale; andsale in the first quarter; partially offset by

An increaseA decrease in deferred income of $1.3 billion driven by annual customer billings; partially offset by
Decreases in retirement-related liabilities of $0.7 billion and accounts payable of $0.7 billion.$0.9 billion reflecting declines from seasonally higher year-end balances.

Total equity of $20.1$21.3 billion decreased $0.9increased $0.3 billion from December 31, 2019 as a result of:

DividendsNet income of $1.4 billion$4.2 billion; and a decrease from foreign currency translation

An increase in common stock of $1.0$0.5 billion; partially offset by

An increase in net incomeDividends of $1.2$4.3 billion.

We generated $4.5$12.3 billion in cash flow provided by operating activities, a decreasean increase of $0.3$1.0 billion compared to the first quarternine months of 2019 which2019. This included an increase in interest payments on debta number of $0.2 billion.strategic actions taken to preserve cash and maintain a strong balance sheet and liquidity position. In both the first quarternine months of 2020, and the prior-year period, investing activities were a net use of cash of $0.9 billion. Financing activities were a use of cash of $0.1$2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2020 compared to a source of cash $1.9$27.1 billion in the prior year. The $2.0$24.6 billion decrease year to year was driven primarily by a decrease in net cash used for acquisitions of $32.6 billion, partially offset by a decrease of $6.1 billion in cash provided by net non-operating finance receivables. Financing activities were a net use of cash of $3.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020 compared to a net source of cash of $14.7 billion in the prior year. The $18.1 billion change year to year was primarily driven by a decrease in net cash sourced fromprovided by debt transactions.

On April 20, 2020, given thetransactions of $19.4 billion with a higher level of uncertainty aroundnet additions in the duration ofprior year to fund the COVID-19 health crisis and the potential rate and pace of economic recovery, IBM withdrew full-year 2020 expectations. We expect to reassess this position based on the clarity of the macroeconomic recovery after the second quarter. Refer to the “Looking Forward” section for additional information.

Red Hat acquisition.

4958

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Third Quarter and First QuarterNine Months in Review

Results of Continuing Operations

Segment Details

The following is an analysis of the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2020 versus the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019 reportable segment external revenue and gross margin results. Segment pre-tax income/(loss)income includes transactions between segments that are intended to reflect an arm’s-length transfer price and excludes certain unallocated corporate items.

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent/Margin

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Revenue:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cloud & Cognitive Software

$

5,238

$

4,967

*

5.5

%**  

6.8

%

Gross margin

 

75.4

%  

 

75.6

%*

(0.1)

pts.**

  

Global Business Services

 

4,136

 

4,155

*

(0.5)

%  

0.9

%

Gross margin

 

27.2

%  

 

26.2

%*

1.0

pts.

  

Global Technology Services

 

6,467

 

6,875

(5.9)

%  

(4.0)

%

Gross margin

 

34.0

%  

 

33.7

%

0.3

pts.

  

Systems

 

1,368

 

1,328

 

3.0

%  

4.1

%

Gross margin

 

50.2

%  

 

46.2

%  

4.1

pts.

  

Global Financing

 

299

 

406

 

(26.2)

%  

(24.9)

%

Gross margin

 

40.7

%  

 

34.9

%  

5.8

pts.

  

Other

 

62

 

451

*

(86.1)

%  

(86.1)

%

Gross margin

 

(254.3)

%  

 

29.1

%*

(283.4)

pts.

  

Total consolidated revenue

$

17,571

$

18,182

 

(3.4)

%***

(1.9)

%

Total consolidated gross profit

$

7,922

$

8,043

 

(1.5)

%**

  

Total consolidated gross margin

 

45.1

%  

 

44.2

%  

0.9

pts.

  

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

188

 

76

 

147.6

%  

  

Acquisition-related charges

 

Operating (non-GAAP) gross profit

$

8,110

$

8,119

 

(0.1)

%**

  

Operating (non-GAAP) gross margin

 

46.2

%  

 

44.7

%  

1.5

pts.**

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent/Margin

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Revenue:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cloud & Cognitive Software

$

5,553

$

5,201

*

6.8

5.8

%

Gross margin

 

77.1

%  

 

74.5

%*

2.6

pts.

  

Global Business Services

 

3,965

 

4,160

*

(4.7)

%  

(5.8)

%

Gross margin

 

32.9

%  

 

31.1

%*

1.9

pts.

  

Global Technology Services

 

6,462

 

6,700

(3.6)

%  

(4.3)

%

Gross margin

 

35.0

%  

 

35.8

%

(0.8)

pts.

  

Systems

 

1,257

 

1,481

 

(15.1)

%  

(16.0)

%

Gross margin

 

51.2

%  

 

52.6

%  

(1.4)

pts.

  

Global Financing

 

273

 

343

 

(20.5)

%  

(20.3)

%

Gross margin

 

37.5

%  

 

36.9

%  

0.6

pts.

  

Other

 

50

 

142

*

(64.6)

%  

(64.7)

%

Gross margin

 

(336.2)

%  

 

(98.7)

%*

(237.6)

pts.

  

Total consolidated revenue

$

17,560

$

18,028

 

(2.6)

%**

(3.5)

%

Total consolidated gross profit

$

8,430

$

8,336

 

1.1

%

  

Total consolidated gross margin

 

48.0

%  

 

46.2

%  

1.8

pts.

  

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

180

 

196

 

(8.0)

%  

  

Acquisition-related charges

 

13

(100.0)

Operating (non-GAAP) gross profit

$

8,610

$

8,545

 

0.8

%

  

Operating (non-GAAP) gross margin

 

49.0

%  

 

47.4

%  

1.6

pts.

  

Recast to reflect segment changes.

**

2020 results were impacted by Red Hat purchase accounting and acquisition-related activity.

***0.1 (3.1) percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency.

59

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent/Margin

Adjusted For

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Revenue:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cloud & Cognitive Software

$

16,540

$

15,731

*

5.1

%

5.7

%

Gross margin

 

76.6

%  

 

76.0

%*

0.6

pts.

  

Global Business Services

 

11,992

 

12,513

*

(4.2)

%  

(3.7)

%

Gross margin

 

29.5

%  

 

27.8

%*

1.7

pts.

  

Global Technology Services

 

19,245

 

20,412

(5.7)

%  

(4.6)

%

Gross margin

 

34.4

%  

 

34.6

%

(0.2)

pts.

  

Systems

 

4,477

 

4,562

 

(1.9)

%  

(1.6)

%

Gross margin

 

53.7

%  

 

51.1

%  

2.6

pts.

  

Global Financing

 

837

 

1,100

 

(23.9)

%  

(22.8)

%

Gross margin

 

39.0

%  

 

35.6

%  

3.4

pts.

  

Other

 

163

 

1,053

*

(84.5)

%  

(84.4)

%

Gross margin

 

(305.4)

%  

 

16.1

%*

(321.5)

pts.

  

Total consolidated revenue

$

53,253

$

55,370

 

(3.8)

%**

(3.1)

%

Total consolidated gross profit

$

25,052

$

25,388

 

(1.3)

%

  

Total consolidated gross margin

 

47.0

%  

 

45.9

%  

1.2

pts.

  

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

556

 

346

 

60.9

%  

  

Acquisition-related charges

 

13

(100.0)

Operating (non-GAAP) gross profit

$

25,608

$

25,747

 

(0.5)

  

Operating (non-GAAP) gross margin

 

48.1

%  

 

46.5

%  

1.6

pts.

  

Recast to reflect segment changes.

** (1.6) percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency.

Cloud & Cognitive Software

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent

Adjusted For

 

  

  

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Cloud & Cognitive Software external revenue:

$

5,238

$

4,967

*

5.5

%**

6.8

%

$

5,553

$

5,201

*

6.8

%  

5.8

%

Cloud & Data Platforms

$

2,536

$

1,917

 

32.2

%**

33.8

%

$

2,775

$

2,308

 

20.3

%  

19.1

%

Cognitive Applications

1,182

1,238

*

(4.5)

(3.4)

1,317

1,305

*

0.9

0.1

Transaction Processing Platforms

 

1,520

 

1,812

 

(16.1)

 

(14.8)

 

1,461

 

1,589

 

(8.0)

 

(8.9)

*   Recast to reflect segment changes.

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Cloud & Cognitive Software external revenue:

$

16,540

$

15,731

*

5.1

%

5.7

%

Cloud & Data Platforms

$

8,108

$

6,398

 

26.7

%

27.3

%

Cognitive Applications

3,745

3,914

*

(4.3)

(3.9)

Transaction Processing Platforms

 

4,687

 

5,419

��

(13.5)

 

(12.9)

*  Recast to reflect segment changes.

** 2020 results were impacted by Red Hat purchase accounting.

5060

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Cloud & Cognitive Software revenue of $5,238$5,553 million increased 5.56.8 percent as reported (7(6 percent adjusted for currency) in the firstthird quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year. We had strong performanceyear and reflects a sequential year-to-year improvement versus second-quarter 2020. The growth in third-quarter 2020 was driven primarily by Cloud & Data Platforms, led by Red Hat. With the one-year anniversary of the Red Hat IoT, dataacquisition in early July, Red Hat again delivered strong double-digit growth driven by infrastructure software and AIapplication development and emerging technologies. For the first nine months of the year, Cloud & Cognitive Software revenue of $16,540 million increased 5.1 percent as reported (6 percent adjusted for currency), with strong double-digit growth in security services. We entered 2020 with a robust offering portfolio and solid pipeline and had strong growth through February. As the global health crisis broadened,Cloud & Data Platforms driven primarily by Red Hat, partially offset by declines in March, software transactions stalled as our clients shifted their focus to resiliency efforts. The most notable impacts were in Cognitive Applications and Transaction Processing Platforms.Platforms and Cognitive Applications. Software has a seasonally smaller transactional base in the third quarter, which benefited us in a challenging transactional environment.

In the firstthird quarter, Cloud & Data Platforms revenue of $2,536$2,775 million increased 32.220.3 percent as reported (34(19 percent adjusted for currency) compared to the prior year, led by Red HatHat’s strong operating performance and a decline in the acquisition-related purchase accounting impacts year to year. Client adoption of our platform continued to grow, with approximately 200 clients added to our container platform in the quarter. Leveraging Red Hat’s OpenShift container platform, our AI-powered Cloud Paks provide clients with ease of use and the synergies weability to scale and secure operations across a variety of environments. We are realizing by bringing togetherexpanding and leveraging the IBM and Red Hat ecosystems with over 180 partners now selling IBM Cloud Paks. We had good penetration in our large accounts and IBM software. The number of Red Hat large deals was up from fourth quarter and first quarter includedmore than tripled the signing of the two largest deals in its history. The number of clients using Red Hat and IBM container solutions grew to over 2,200 as Red Hat and IBM emerged as the leading container platform.adopting Cloud Paks versus a year ago.

Cognitive Applications first-quarterthird-quarter revenue of $1,182$1,317 million declined 4.5increased 0.9 percent as reported (3 percentand was flat adjusted for currency)currency compared to the prior year. In March, many transformational deals were paused, especiallyyear, led by strength in the retail industry.our security and supply chain offerings. Within security, there was good demand for our Threat Management software and services as clients focused on transforming and managing their security operations. We drove adoption of our Cloud Pak for Security and QRadar on Cloud, and we had good performance in Identity and Trust services as we helped our clients with their secure digital transformations. We also had good performance in our supply chain software offerings, such as Supply Chain Order Management, which enables clients to shift to more flexible and scalable digital channels.

Transaction Processing Platforms revenue of $1,520$1,461 million decreased 16.18.0 percent as reported (15(9 percent adjusted for currency) in the firstthird quarter compared to the prior year. In March, clients shifted away from new capital expenditures to preserve cash and prioritize their operating cash needs. These are typically large engagements, and in thisConsistent with the macroeconomic environment, clients electedcontinued to defer purchasesfocus on near-term priorities resulting in purchase deferrals, which impacted perpetual license sales late in the quarter.our transactional software performance.

Within Cloud & Cognitive Software, cloud revenue of $1.3$1.8 billion grew 8464 percent as reported (86(63 percent adjusted for currency) in the firstthird quarter of 2020. We have modernized our software to be cloud-nativeFor the first nine months of 2020, cloud revenue of $4.8 billion grew 85 percent as reported and optimized on OpenShift, which provides a compelling hybrid cloud platformadjusted for clients on their digital journeys to the cloud. Given the shift in client software demands, we are focused on areas that facilitate the shift to cloud, including Red Hat and other cloud and data platform offerings, Cloud Paks for operational efficiency and QRadar on Cloud for security threats.currency.

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Margin

 

  

  

Margin

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019*

Change**

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019*

Change

 

Cloud & Cognitive Software:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

3,951

$

3,753

 

5.3

%

$

4,281

$

3,876

 

10.4

%

External gross profit margin

 

75.4

%  

 

75.6

%  

(0.1)

pts.

 

77.1

%  

 

74.5

%  

2.6

pts.

Pre-tax income

$

933

$

1,785

 

(47.7)

%

$

1,834

$

1,290

 

42.2

%

Pre-tax margin

 

15.4

%  

 

30.7

%  

(15.3)

pts.

 

28.5

%  

 

21.9

%  

6.6

pts.

Recast to reflect segment changes.changes

*

61

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Margin

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019*

Change

 

Cloud & Cognitive Software:

 

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

12,665

$

11,955

 

5.9

%

External gross profit margin

 

76.6

%  

 

76.0

%  

0.6

pts.

Pre-tax income

$

4,475

$

5,082

 

(11.9)

%

Pre-tax margin

 

23.6

%  

 

28.4

%  

(4.9)

pts.

2020 results were impacted by Red Hat purchase accounting and acquisition-related activity.Recast to reflect segment changes.

In the first quarter, Cloud & Cognitive Software gross profit margin of 75.4 percent was flat on a year-to-year basis.

Pre-tax income of $933 million decreased 47.7increased 2.6 points to 77.1 percent in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year, driven primarily by margin expansion in services and contribution from Red Hat. For the first nine months of 2020, gross profit margin increased 0.6 points to 76.6 percent, primarily driven by the same factors.

In the third quarter, pre-tax income of $1,834 million increased 42.2 percent compared to the prior year. The pre-tax margin increased 6.6 points to 28.5 percent in the third quarter, driven primarily by revenue growth and gross profit margin expansion in our Cloud & Data Platforms business. For the first nine months of 15.4the year, pre-tax income of $4,475 million decreased 11.9 percent compared to the prior year and the pre-tax margin decreased 4.9 points decreased 15.3 pointsto 23.6 percent. The year-to-year decline in margin in the first quarter. The margin decline was primarily driven bynine months of 2020 reflects transaction-related impacts from the Red Hat acquisition-related activity, andacquisition, revenue declines in Transaction Processing Platforms as well as higher charges for workforce rebalancing actions taken in the firstcurrent year.

Global Business Services

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Global Business Services external revenue:

$

3,965

$

4,160

*  

(4.7)

%  

(5.8)

%

Consulting

$

1,966

$

2,016

*  

(2.5)

%  

(3.7)

%

Application Management

 

1,758

 

1,897

(7.3)

 

(8.4)

Global Process Services

 

240

 

247

(2.8)

 

(3.4)

* Recast to reflect segment changes.

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Global Business Services external revenue:

$

11,992

$

12,513

*

(4.2)

%  

(3.7)

%

Consulting

$

5,973

$

6,037

*

(1.1)

%  

(0.7)

%

Application Management

 

5,332

 

5,724

(6.9)

 

(6.3)

Global Process Services

 

687

 

752

(8.6)

 

(7.6)

* Recast to reflect segment changes.

Global Business Services revenue of $3,965 million decreased 4.7 percent as reported and 6 percent adjusted for currency in the third quarter of 2020 which had 2.7 pointscompared to the prior year. Our revenue performance continued to reflect the current macroeconomic environment as a result of impact on the pre-tax margin.pandemic and changed client priorities, leading to project delays and less demand for more discretionary offerings. As we pivot our offerings and delivery to address client needs, GBS reported double-digit signings growth in the third quarter, and returned its backlog to growth. GBS cloud-related

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Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

signings were up over 25 percent and we added an additional 60 Red Hat client engagements in the third quarter. For the first nine months of the year, GBS revenue of $11,992 million decreased 4.2 percent as reported and 4 percent adjusted for currency.

In the third quarter, Consulting revenue of $1,966 million declined 2.5 percent as reported and 4 percent adjusted for currency as clients continued to delay certain projects and deferred more discretionary purchases.

Application Management revenue of $1,758 million declined 7.3 percent as reported and 8 percent adjusted for currency compared to the third quarter of 2019. There was decline in our traditional on-premises application management services, partially offset by growth in our cloud modernization offerings.

Global BusinessProcess Services third-quarter revenue of $240 million decreased 2.8 percent as reported and 3 percent adjusted for currency, reflecting the impact of the ongoing macroeconomic environment on volume-based services.

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019

Change

Currency

 

Global Business Services external revenue:

$

4,136

$

4,155

*

(0.5)

%

0.9

%

Consulting

$

2,071

$

2,001

*

3.5

%

4.7

%

Application Management

 

1,840

 

1,908

(3.6)

 

(2.1)

Global Process Services

 

225

 

247

(8.8)

 

(6.9)

Within GBS, cloud revenue of $1.4 billion grew 10 percent as reported (9 percent adjusted for currency) in the third quarter of 2020. For the first nine months of the year, cloud revenue of $4.1 billion grew 9 percent as reported (10 percent adjusted for currency). With the expertise and process knowledge gained through our application management incumbency, clients trust us to guide them through their architectural decisions and facilitate their transformations, with a particular expertise in application modernization at scale across all on-premises, private and public cloud environments. GBS drives adoption of our hybrid cloud platform, and is a gateway to bring the wider set of IBM capabilities to enable a client’s digital journey.

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Margin

 

For the three months ended September 30:

2020

2019*

Change

 

Global Business Services:

 

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

1,306

$

1,293

 

1.0

%

External gross profit margin

 

32.9

%  

 

31.1

%  

1.9

pts.

Pre-tax income

$

570

$

567

 

0.6

%

Pre-tax margin

 

14.2

%  

 

13.4

%  

0.8

pts.

* Recast to reflect segment changes.

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Margin

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

2020

2019*

Change

 

Global Business Services:

 

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

3,538

$

3,473

 

1.9

%

External gross profit margin

 

29.5

%  

 

27.8

%  

1.7

pts.

Pre-tax income

$

1,203

$

1,154

 

4.2

%

Pre-tax margin

 

9.9

%  

 

9.1

%  

0.8

pts.

* Recast to reflect segment changes.

Global Business Services revenueGBS third-quarter gross profit margin of $4,13632.9 percent grew 1.9 points on a year-to-year basis, primarily driven by margin expansion across the portfolio. The expansion in gross margin reflects our focus on high-value offerings, productivity and strong operational discipline, while we continued to invest in skills, resources, offerings and ecosystems.

Pre-tax income of $570 million decreased 0.5increased 0.6 percent as reported, butand pre-tax margin increased 10.8 points to 14.2 percent adjusted for currency in the firstthird quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year, primarily driven primarily by solid growththe improved gross profit margins in Consulting.

InConsulting and Application Management. For the first quarter, Consulting revenuenine months of $2,071the year, pre-tax income of $1,203 million grew 3.5 percent as reported and 5 percent adjusted for currency, led by offerings that help clients with their digital reinventions, including cloud advisory and application modernization, and offerings that leverage AI to bring intelligence into business processes. We have standardized our cloud application modernization offerings on OpenShift and built the world’s largest Red Hat consulting practice. In the quarter, we had good growth in many transformational offerings, including next-generation enterprise applications. However, as the pandemic intensified in March, clients began to deprioritize some of these projects. In this environment, we are aligning our business to the near-term opportunity. This includes addressing our clients’ challenges, such as engaging customers virtually, modernizing and migrating applications to the cloud, empowering a remote workforce, and focusing on cybersecurity and IT resiliency.

Application Management revenue of $1,840 million declined 3.6 percent as reported and 2 percent adjusted for currency compared to the first quarter of 2019.We had continued growth in Cloud Application Management which was offset by declines in the more traditional on-premise services as certain contracts completed.

Global Process Services first-quarter revenue of $225 million decreased 8.8 percent as reported and 7 percent adjusted for currency.As we continued to shift to new platforms around intelligent workflows, we had modest growth in certain cognitive process automation offerings which was offset by declines in traditional business process outsourcing.

Within GBS, cloud revenue of $1.3 billion grew 6 percent as reported (8 percent adjusted for currency) in the first quarter of 2020.

Looking forward in GBS, we have a solid base of business and a growing backlog, though in the near term, we expect customers to continue to delay and replan some projects.

    

  

    

  

    

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

  

  

Margin

 

For the three months ended March 31:

2020

2019*

Change*

 

Global Business Services:

 

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

1,125

$

1,087

 

3.5

%

External gross profit margin

 

27.2

%  

 

26.2

%  

1.0

pts.

Pre-tax income

$

271

$

298

 

(9.1)

%

Pre-tax margin

 

6.5

%  

 

7.0

%  

(0.6)

pts.

* Recast to reflect segment changes.increased 4.2

5263

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Management Discussion – (continued)

GBS first-quarter gross profitpercent and the pre-tax margin of 27.2increased 0.8 points to 9.9 percent, grew 1.0 points on a year-to-year basis, primarily driven by thegross profit margin expansion in Consulting, with our shiftpartially offset by higher charges year to higher-value offerings. We continued to benefit from delivery efficiencies, productivity and utilization improvement and from currency through the leverage of our global delivery resource model. Pre-tax income decreased to $271 million and the pre-tax margin decreased 0.6 points to 6.5 percent in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year primarily driven byfor workforce rebalancing actions recorded in the first quarter of 2020, which had 2.40.5 points of impact on the pre-tax margin.

Global Technology Services

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Global Technology Services external revenue:

$

6,467

$

6,875

(5.9)

%  

(4.0)

%

Infrastructure & Cloud Services

$

4,916

$

5,209

(5.6)

%  

(3.9)

%

Technology Support Services

 

1,550

 

1,665

(6.9)

 

(4.6)

Global Technology Services

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Global Technology Services external revenue:

$

6,462

$

6,700

(3.6)

%  

(4.3)

%

Infrastructure & Cloud Services

$

4,933

$

5,071

(2.7)

%  

(4.0)

%

Technology Support Services

 

1,528

 

1,629

(6.2)

 

(5.5)

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Global Technology Services external revenue:

$

19,245

$

20,412

(5.7)

%  

(4.6)

%

Infrastructure & Cloud Services

$

14,663

$

15,454

(5.1)

%  

(4.3)

%

Technology Support Services

 

4,582

 

4,958

(7.6)

 

(5.5)

Global Technology Services revenue of $6,467$6,462 million decreased 5.9declined 3.6 percent as reported (4 percent adjusted for currency) in the firstthird quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year. We had continued strong growth in cloud revenue which was offset by a decline in client business volumes. For the first nine months of the year, GTS revenue of $19,245 million declined 5.7 percent as reported (5 percent adjusted for currency) as compared to the prior-year period, primarily driven by declines in both business areas. GTS continued its actions to accelerate the shift to higher value segments of the marketstrategic outsourcing and took structural actionsimplementation services and in the first quarter to improve competitiveness. GTS continued to advance its joint offering and go-to-market capabilities with GBS, which is providing differentiated solutions to our clients. As clients shift mission-critical workloads to the cloud, they are looking for this integration across the application and infrastructure stack. GTS total signings and cloud signings grew at a double-digit rate.Technology Support Services.

In the firstthird quarter, Infrastructure & Cloud Services revenue of $4,916$4,933 million decreased 5.62.7 percent as reported (4 percent adjusted for currency) compared to the prior-year period. We are adopting new delivery methodscontinued to support our clients as they focus on infrastructure solutions which enhance IT resiliency and business continuity, address new cybersecurity risks, and reconfigure their IT environments for cost efficiency and business agility. While we expect an impact due toexperience lower client-based business volumes in the near term, this will ultimately leadmore economically sensitive industries. However, many clients are taking a longer-term view with a focus on modernizing their infrastructure to an accelerationcreate agility and operational efficiency. These clients turn to GTS’ managed infrastructure services with its deep expertise in the shift ofmanaging clients’ mission-critical workloads to a hybrid multi-cloud platform, built on open standards.infrastructures and next generation service delivery capabilities infused with AI and automation.

Technology Support Services first-quarter(TSS) third-quarter revenue of $1,550$1,528 million decreased 6.96.2 percent as reported (5(6 percent adjusted for currency)., primarily driven by our hardware product cycles and continued volume impacts due to the pandemic.

Within GTS, cloud revenue of $2.3 billion grew 109 percent as reported (12(8 percent adjusted for currency) in the firstthird quarter of 2020.

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

Margin

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Global Technology Services:

    

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

2,196

$

2,316

 

(5.2)

%

External gross profit margin

 

34.0

%  

 

33.7

%  

0.3

pts.

Pre-tax income/(loss)

$

(178)

$

275

 

nm

Pre-tax margin

 

(2.6)

%  

 

3.8

%  

(6.5)

pts.

nm - not meaningful

Global Technology Services gross profit margin increased 0.3 points to 34.0 percent in For the first quarternine months of 2020the year, cloud revenue of $7.0 billion grew 12 percent as compared to the prior year. The increase in margin was primarily driven by actions taken to improve our competitiveness such as continued scaling of our agile services delivery model to improve productivity. GTS had a pre-tax loss of $178reported (13 percent adjusted for currency).

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

Margin

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Global Technology Services:

    

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

2,264

$

2,400

 

(5.6)

%

External gross profit margin

 

35.0

%  

 

35.8

%  

(0.8)

pts.

Pre-tax income

$

399

$

490

 

(18.7)

%

Pre-tax margin

 

5.9

%  

 

7.0

%  

(1.1)

pts.

5364

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

Margin

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Global Technology Services:

    

  

 

  

 

  

External gross profit

$

6,618

$

7,069

 

(6.4)

%

External gross profit margin

 

34.4

%  

 

34.6

%  

(0.2)

pts.

Pre-tax income

$

471

$

1,000

 

(53.0)

%

Pre-tax margin

 

2.3

%  

 

4.7

%  

(2.4)

pts.

million

Global Technology Services gross profit margin decreased 0.8 points to 35.0 percent in the firstthird quarter of 2020 as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by our investments in public cloud and client volume impacts which come at high margin.

Pre-tax income of $399 million decreased 18.7 percent and pre-tax margin decreased 1.1 points to 5.9 percent in the third quarter compared to the prior year, driven primarily by the decline in gross profit margin. For the first nine months of the year, pre-tax income of $275$471 million indecreased 53.0 percent and pre-tax margin declined 2.4 points to 2.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2019. A significant portion of the first quarter’s structural actions addressed GTS. This improves our positionprior-year period, reflecting higher charges for the future, but resulted in a pre-tax loss in the first quarter. In this dynamic environment, we are going to continue to evaluate the cost competitiveness of the portfolio and we will take further actions if needed. The workforce rebalancing actions taken in the first quarter of 2020 which had 5.81.3 points of impact on the pre-tax margin.

Services Backlog and Signings

Yr. to Yr.

 

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

At March 31, 

At March 31, 

Percent

Adjusted For

 

At September 30, 

At September 30, 

Percent

Adjusted For

 

(Dollars in billions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Total backlog

$

107.8

$

111.6

(3.4)

%  

(0.1)

%

$

108.0

$

107.6

0.4

%  

(1.3)

%

The estimated total services backlog at March 31,September 30, 2020 was $107.8$108.0 billion, an increase of 0.4 percent as reported, but a decrease of 3.41 percent as reported and flat adjusted for currency.

Total services backlog includes Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Security Services, Consulting, Global Process Services, Application Management and Technology Support Services.TSS. Total backlog is intended to be a statement of overall work under contract which is either non-cancellable, or which historically has very low likelihood of termination, given the criticality of certain services to the company’s clients. Total backlog does not include as-a-Service arrangements that allow for termination under contractual commitment terms. Backlog estimates are subject to change and are affected by several factors, including terminations, changes in the scope of contracts, periodic revalidations, adjustments for revenue not materialized and adjustments for currency.

Services signings are management’s initial estimate of the value of a client’s commitment under a services contract. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of signings. The calculation used by management involves estimates and judgments to gauge the extent of a client’s commitment, including the type and duration of the agreement, and the presence of termination charges or wind-down costs.

Signings include Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Security Services, Consulting, Global Process Services and Application Management contracts. Contract extensions and increases in scope are treated as signings only to the extent of the incremental new value. Total Servicesservices 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 contracts, such as in Infrastructure & Cloud Services or Global Process Services.Technology Support Services (TSS) are TSS is generally not included in signings as the maintenance contracts tend to be more steady state, where revenues equal renewals. Certain longer-term TSS contracts that have characteristics similar to outsourcing contracts are included in signings.

65

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Contract portfolios purchased in an acquisition are treated as positive backlog adjustments provided those contracts meet IBM’sthe company’s requirements for initial signings. A new signing will be recognized if a new services agreement is signed incidental or coincidental to an acquisition or divestiture.

Management believes that the estimated values of services backlog and signings disclosed herein provide insight into our potential future revenue, which is used by management as a tool to monitor the performance of the business and viewed as useful decision-making information for investors. The conversion of signings and backlog into revenue may vary based on the types of services and solutions, customer decisions, and as well as other factors, which may include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic environment or external events.

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Total signings

$

9,529

$

9,047

 

5.3

%  

5.3

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Total signings

$

26,663

$

26,371

 

1.1

%  

2.2

%

In the third quarter, GBS had double-digit signings growth, and returned its backlog to growth, driven by our hybrid cloud strategy, application development and modernization and offerings that use data and AI to transform workflows. In the third quarter, GBS signed several large transformational contracts with a total value greater than $100 million, which will yield revenue over time, and our small deal signings returned to growth for the quarter.

Within GTS, signings were down 1 percent as reported (relatively flat at constant currency) in the third quarter, but signings grew double-digits in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the prior-year period, as clients contracted for new work and continue to make long term commitments with significant contract renewals as we deliver new value.

Systems

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Systems external revenue:

$

1,257

$

1,481

 

(15.1)

%  

(16.0)

%

Systems Hardware

$

919

$

1,117

 

(17.7)

%  

(18.6)

%

IBM Z

 

  

 

  

 

(18.7)

 

(19.6)

Power Systems

 

  

 

  

 

(14.6)

 

(15.6)

Storage Systems

 

  

 

  

 

(18.7)

 

(19.7)

Operating Systems Software

 

338

 

364

 

(7.3)

 

(8.0)

5466

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Systems external revenue:

$

4,477

$

4,562

 

(1.9)

%  

(1.6)

%

Systems Hardware

$

3,404

$

3,358

 

1.4

%  

1.5

%

IBM Z

 

  

 

  

 

34.5

 

34.4

Power Systems

 

  

 

  

 

(26.1)

 

(25.9)

Storage Systems

 

  

 

  

 

(1.0)

 

(0.7)

Operating Systems Software

 

1,074

 

1,204

 

(10.9)

 

(10.2)

Systems revenue of $1,257 million decreased 15.1 percent as reported and 16 percent adjusted for currency in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year. Systems Hardware revenue of $919 million declined 17.7 percent as reported and 19 percent adjusted for currency. Our transactional performance this quarter reflects the product cycle dynamics. Operating Systems Software revenue of $338 million decreased 7.3 percent as reported and 8 percent adjusted for currency compared to the prior year. For the first nine months of 2020, Systems revenue of $4,477 million decreased 1.9 percent as reported and 2 percent adjusted for currency compared to the prior-year period. The decline was primarily driven by Power Systems’ product cycle and a decline in Operating Systems Software, partially offset by solid growth in IBM Z.

IBM Z revenue decreased 18.7 percent as reported and 20 percent adjusted for currency in the third quarter compared to the prior year. Shipments of the z15 mainframe began near the end of third-quarter 2019 and there was widespread adoption of z15 and LinuxONE across many industries and countries in support of clients’ hybrid cloud journeys. IBM Z is experiencing record-setting volumes on Linux as clients leverage Red Hat OpenShift, Ansible and our cloud native DevOps offerings. However, the pandemic impacted our historical IBM Z cycle dynamics which is performing differently by industry. The platform has proven invaluable to our clients in areas such as banking and financial markets, helping them rapidly and remotely scale capacity and respond to unprecedented market volatility. These clients accelerated their adoption of z15 within the cycle. In many other industries, clients remain focused on cash preservation in the current economic environment. These client buying behaviors impacted our performance in the third quarter and will lengthen the adoption curve of the z15 cycle.

Power Systems revenue decreased 14.6 percent as reported and 16 percent adjusted for currency year to year. The decline was primarily driven by low end and midrange products due to the product cycle, and was partially offset by growth in high end systems. Power Systems’ client base of smaller enterprises continued to be impacted by the macroeconomic environment.

Storage Systems revenue declined 18.7 percent as reported and 20 percent adjusted for currency, primarily driven by declines in high-end storage reflecting product cycle dynamics.

67

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Within Systems, cloud revenue of $0.5 billion decreased 4 percent as reported and adjusted for currency in the third quarter of 2020. For the first nine months of the year, cloud revenue of $1.7 billion increased 11 percent as reported and adjusted for currency.

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

Margin

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Systems:

 

  

 

  

 

  

External Systems Hardware gross profit

$

371

$

478

 

(22.4)

%

External Systems Hardware gross profit margin

 

40.4

%  

 

42.8

%  

(2.5)

pts.

External Operating Systems Software gross profit

$

273

$

301

 

(9.2)

%

External Operating Systems Software gross profit margin

 

80.9

%  

 

82.6

%  

(1.7)

pts.

External total gross profit

$

644

$

779

 

(17.3)

%

External total gross profit margin

 

51.2

%  

 

52.6

%  

(1.4)

pts.

Pre-tax income/(loss)

$

(37)

$

39

 

nm

Pre-tax margin

 

(2.5)

%  

 

2.3

%  

(4.8)

pts.

nm - not meaningful

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

Margin

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Systems:

 

  

 

  

 

  

External Systems Hardware gross profit

$

1,522

$

1,322

 

15.2

%

External Systems Hardware gross profit margin

 

44.7

%  

 

39.4

%  

5.4

pts.

External Operating Systems Software gross profit

$

880

$

1,008

 

(12.7)

%

External Operating Systems Software gross profit margin

 

82.0

%  

 

83.7

%  

(1.8)

pts.

External total gross profit

$

2,402

$

2,330

 

3.1

%

External total gross profit margin

 

53.7

%  

 

51.1

%  

2.6

pts.

Pre-tax income/(loss)

$

(7)

$

(101)

 

(93.6)

%

Pre-tax margin

 

(0.1)

%  

 

(2.0)

%  

1.9

pts.

Systems gross profit margin decreased 1.4 points to 51.2 percent in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year, with declines in IBM Z and Storage Systems margins, partially offset by margin expansion in Power Systems and a benefit from portfolio mix. For the first nine months of 2020, Systems gross profit margin increased 2.6 points to 53.7 percent compared to the prior year, primarily driven by portfolio mix and margin expansion across the Systems hardware platforms.

In the third quarter of 2020, Systems reported a pre-tax loss of $37 million compared to pre-tax income of $39 million in the prior-year period and the pre-tax margin of (2.5) percent decreased 4.8 points year to year, primarily driven by the decline in gross profit. For the first nine months of 2020, Systems reported a pre-tax loss of $7 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $101 million in the prior-year period. Pre-tax margin of (0.1) percent increased 1.9 points year to year. The year-to-year growth was primarily driven by a mix to IBM Z and gross margin expansion across the Systems hardware platforms, partially offset by higher charges for workforce rebalancing actions in the current year.

68

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Global Financing

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

Percent/

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

Margin

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Total signings

$

8,928

$

7,637

 

16.9

%  

18.7

%

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

External revenue

$

273

$

343

 

(20.5)

%

Internal revenue

 

208

 

302

 

(31.3)

Total revenue

$

480

$

645

 

(25.6)

%

Pre-tax income

$

196

$

275

 

(28.9)

%

Systems

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Systems external revenue:

$

1,368

$

1,328

 

3.0

%  

4.1

%

Systems Hardware

$

997

$

914

 

9.1

%  

10.2

%

IBM Z

 

  

 

  

 

59.5

 

60.9

Power Systems

 

  

 

  

 

(32.7)

 

(31.8)

Storage Systems

 

  

 

  

 

17.6

 

18.6

Operating Systems Software

 

371

 

414

 

(10.5)

 

(9.3)

Systems revenue of $1,368 million increased 3.0 percent as reported and 4 percent adjusted for currency in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year. Systems Hardware revenue of $997 million grew 9.1 percent as reported and 10 percent adjusted for currency. Operating Systems Software revenue of $371 million decreased 10.5 percent as reported (9 percent adjusted for currency) compared to the prior year.

IBM Z revenue grew 59.5 percent as reported and 61 percent adjusted for currency year to year, reflecting the strong performance of the z15 mainframe during the second full quarter of its availability. The z15 proved to be a crucial element of our clients’ enterprise operations, providing a stable, secure and scalable platform in this current environment.

Power Systems revenue decreased 32.7 percent as reported (32 percent adjusted for currency) year to year. This decline reflects the product cycle, as well as the fact that this platform is skewed toward smaller enterprises, which were impacted more severely by the dynamics in March 2020 from the global pandemic.

Storage Systems revenue grew 17.6 percent as reported and 19 percent adjusted for currency, primarily driven by high-end storage systems. These systems are specifically designed for our clients’ mission-critical applications operating in a hybrid multi-cloud environment, providing comprehensive next-level cybersecurity, data availability and system resiliency.

Within Systems, cloud revenue of $0.4 billion increased 9 percent as reported (10 percent adjusted for currency) in the first quarter of 2020.

55

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent/

 

(Dollars in millions)

Margin

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Systems:

 

  

 

  

 

  

External Systems Hardware gross profit

$

380

$

264

 

43.6

%

External Systems Hardware gross profit margin

 

38.1

%  

 

28.9

%  

9.2

pts.

External Operating Systems Software gross profit

$

307

$

349

 

(11.9)

%

External Operating Systems Software gross profit margin

 

82.9

%  

 

84.2

%  

(1.3)

pts.

External total gross profit

$

687

$

613

 

12.1

%

External total gross profit margin

 

50.2

%  

 

46.2

%  

4.1

pts.

Pre-tax loss

$

(217)

$

(202)

 

7.6

%

Pre-tax margin

 

(14.3)

%  

 

(13.5)

%  

(0.8)

pts.

Systems gross profit margin increased 4.1 points to 50.2 percent in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year, primarily driven by a mix to IBM Z and margin expansion across all three hardware platforms. Systems Hardware margin of 38.1 percent increased 9.2 points compared to the prior year for the same reasons.

The pre-tax loss of $217 million in the first quarter of 2020 increased $15 million compared to the first quarter of 2019. The pre-tax margin decreased 0.8 points to (14.3) points year to year, primarily driven by workforce rebalancing actions taken in the first quarter of 2020 which had 3.5 points of impact on the pre-tax margin.

Global Financing

Yr. to Yr.

Yr. to Yr.

Percent/

Percent/

(Dollars in millions)

Margin

Margin

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

External revenue

$

299

$

406

 

(26.2)

%

$

837

$

1,100

 

(23.9)

%

Internal revenue

 

212

 

300

 

(29.4)

 

660

 

884

 

(25.3)

Total revenue

$

511

$

706

 

(27.6)

%

$

1,497

$

1,983

 

(24.5)

%

Pre-tax income

$

194

$

288

 

(32.7)

%

$

566

$

803

 

(29.5)

%

In the firstthird quarter, Global Financing total revenue of $511$480 million declined 27.625.6 percent compared to the prior year. External revenue decreased 26.220.5 percent (25(20 percent adjusted for currency), due to a decrease in external financing (down 30.022.7 percent to $235$202 million) and external used equipment sales (down 7.713.4 percent to $64$70 million). The decline in external financing was primarily due to the wind down of our OEM IT commercial financing operations and lower average asset balances within client financing. Internal revenue decreased 29.431.3 percent, driven by a decrease in internal used equipment sales (down 31.225.1 percent to $129$162 million) and internal financing (down 26.546.9 percent to $83$46 million). Internal financing was down due to lower average asset balances and yields.

The decrease in external financingtotal revenue reflects the wind down of the OEM IT commercial financing operations. The decrease in internal financing revenue24.5 percent in the first quarternine months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was due to a decrease in external revenue of 23.9 percent (23 percent adjusted for currency), driven by a decline in external financing (down 27.0 percent to $645 million) and external used equipment sales (down 10.9 percent to $192 million). The decline in external financing was primarily due to the wind down of our OEM IT commercial financing operations. Internal revenue decreased 25.3 percent, driven by a decline in internal used equipment sales (down 19.4 percent to $478 million) and internal financing (down 37.2 percent to $183 million). Internal financing was down due to lower average asset balances.balances and yields.

Sales of used equipment represented 37.8 percent of Global Financing’s revenue in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 36.5 percent in the first quarter of 2019. The percentage increase was due to a decline in financing revenue. The gross profit margin on used sales was 52.0 percent and 52.3 percent in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Global Financing pre-tax income decreased 32.728.9 percent to $194$196 million in the third quarter of 2020 and 29.5 percent to $566 million in the first quarternine months of 2020, compared to the same periodperiods in 2019,2019. The decline in both periods was primarily driven by a decline in gross profit due to lower gross profit of $115 million as a result of thefinancing revenue, decline, partially offset by a decrease in expense, of $20 million, which was in line with the segment’s revenue performance.

56

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Global Financing return on equity was 29.425.2 percent for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, compared to 13.732.4 percent for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. The decrease was due to a decline in net income. Return on equity was 26.1 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 23.0 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in return on equity in the first quarter of 2020 was driven by higher year-to-yeara lower average equity balance partially offset by a decrease in net income as the prior year included higher tax expense due to U.S. tax reform.in 2020. Refer to page 7291 for the details of the after-tax income and return on equity calculation.

Geographic Revenue

In addition to the revenue presentation by reportable segment, we also measure revenue performance on a geographic basis.

 

Yr. to Yr.

 

Yr. to Yr.

Percent Change

Percent

 

Excluding Divested

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

Businesses And

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Currency

 

Total Revenue

$

17,571

$

18,182

 

(3.4)

%  

(1.9)

%

0.1

%

Americas

$

8,166

$

8,493

 

(3.8)

%  

(2.7)

%

(0.3)

%

Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA)

 

5,517

 

5,727

 

(3.7)

 

(1.1)

0.7

Asia Pacific

 

3,888

 

3,961

 

(1.9)

 

(1.1)

0.2

69

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

 

Yr. to Yr.

 

Yr. to Yr.

Percent Change

Percent

 

Excluding Divested

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

Businesses And

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

Adjusted For

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Currency

 

Total Revenue

$

17,560

$

18,028

 

(2.6)

%  

(3.5)

%

(3.1)

%

Americas

$

8,139

$

8,514

 

(4.4)

%  

(3.1)

%

(2.6)

%

Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA)

 

5,564

 

5,477

 

1.6

 

(2.7)

(2.3)

Asia Pacific

 

3,857

 

4,036

 

(4.4)

 

(5.4)

(5.1)

 

Yr. to Yr.

 

Yr. to Yr.

Percent Change

Percent

 

Excluding Divested

 

Yr. to Yr.

Change

 

Businesses And

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

Adjusted For

 

Adjusted For

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Currency

 

Currency

 

Total Revenue

$

53,253

$

55,370

 

(3.8)

%  

(3.1)

%

(1.6)

%

Americas

$

24,755

$

25,813

 

(4.1)

%  

(2.7)

%

(1.0)

%

Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA)

 

16,775

 

17,354

 

(3.3)

 

(3.1)

(1.6)

Asia Pacific

 

11,723

 

12,203

 

(3.9)

 

(3.8)

(2.9)

Total revenue of $17,571$17,560 million decreased 3.4 percent as reported (2 percent adjusted for currency), but was flat excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency in the first quarter compared to the prior year.

Americas revenue of $8,166 million decreased 3.82.6 percent as reported (3 percent adjusted for currency), but was flatcurrency and excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency.currency) in the third quarter compared to the prior-year period.

Americas revenue of $8,139 million decreased 4.4 percent as reported (3 percent adjusted for currency and excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency). Within Americas, the U.S. decreased 3.12.7 percent as reported compared to the prior year. Canada increased 1.0decreased 2.1 percent as reported and 21 percent adjusted for currency. Latin America decreased 11.918.0 percent as reported and 37 percent adjusted for currency, with Brazil declining 15.427.4 percent as reported and 49 percent adjusted for currency.

In EMEA, total revenue of $5,517$5,564 million decreased 3.7increased 1.6 percent as reported (1(decreased 3 percent adjusted for currency and 2 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency),. Within EMEA, the UK decreased 3.8 percent as reported (8 percent adjusted for currency) and Germany declined 1.1 percent as reported (6 percent adjusted for currency). France increased 0.3 percent as reported, but declined 5 percent adjusted for currency. Italy grew 8.2 percent as reported and 3 percent adjusted for currency.

Asia Pacific revenue of $3,857 million decreased 4.4 percent as reported (5 percent adjusted for currency and excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency). Within Asia Pacific, Japan decreased 2.1 percent as reported and 3 percent adjusted for currency. China declined 10.9 percent as reported and 12 percent adjusted for currency. Australia decreased 6.6 percent as reported and 11 percent adjusted for currency. India decreased 4.5 percent as reported, but grew modestly adjusted for currency.

For the first nine months of 2020, total revenue of $53,253 million decreased 3.8 percent as reported (3 percent adjusted for currency and 2 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency) compared to the prior-year period.

Americas revenue of $24,755 million decreased 4.1 percent as reported (3 percent adjusted for currency and 1 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency.currency). Within EMEA,Americas, the UKU.S. decreased 11.82.9 percent as reported (10 percent adjusted for currency) and Germany declined 10.7compared to the prior year. Canada decreased 4.5 percent as reported (8 percent adjusted for currency). Italy decreased 0.4 percent as reported, but grewand 3 percent adjusted for currency. FranceLatin America decreased 0.9 percent as reported, but grew 2 percent adjusted for currency. The Middle East and Africa region decreased 3.9 percent as reported (2 percent adjusted for currency).

Asia Pacific revenue of $3,888 million decreased 1.9 percent as reported (1 percent adjusted for currency), but was flat excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency. Within Asia Pacific, Japan increased 2.312.1 percent as reported and 1 percent adjusted for currency, compared to the prior year. Australia decreased 16.4with Brazil declining 14.7 percent as reported, (9 percent adjusted for currency), and China decreased 3.7 percent as reported (2 percent adjusted for currency). India grew 5.5 percent as reported and 9but growing 2 percent adjusted for currency.

In EMEA, total revenue of $16,775 million decreased 3.3 percent as reported (3 percent adjusted for currency and 2 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency). Within EMEA, the UK decreased 12.9 percent as

5770

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

reported (13 percent adjusted for currency) and Germany declined 7.8 percent as reported (8 percent adjusted for currency). France decreased 0.5 percent as reported and declined modestly adjusted for currency. Italy was flat as reported and adjusted for currency.

Asia Pacific revenue of $11,723 million decreased 3.9 percent as reported (4 percent adjusted for currency and 3 percent excluding divested businesses and adjusted for currency). Within Asia Pacific, Japan was flat as reported, but decreased 1 percent adjusted for currency compared to the prior year. China declined 14.3 percent as reported (13 percent adjusted for currency) and Australia declined 10.2 percent as reported (7 percent adjusted for currency). India decreased 2.7 percent as reported, but grew 3 percent adjusted for currency.

Expense

Total Expense and Other (Income)

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change*

 

Total consolidated expense and other (income)

$

7,972

$

6,160

 

29.4

%

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(285)

$

(98)

192.0

%

Acquisition-related charges

 

0

(39)

(99.2)

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(264)

(138)

92.0

Operating (non-GAAP) expense and other (income)

$

7,422

$

5,886

26.1

%

Total consolidated expense-to-revenue ratio

 

45.4

%  

33.9

%  

11.5

pts.

Operating (non-GAAP) expense-to-revenue ratio

 

42.2

%  

32.4

%  

9.9

pts.

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Total consolidated expense and other (income)

$

6,603

$

6,813

 

(3.1)

%

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(279)

$

(277)

0.7

%

Acquisition-related charges

 

(1)

(241)

(99.4)

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(291)

(145)

99.9

Operating (non-GAAP) expense and other (income)

$

6,032

$

6,150

(1.9)

%

Total consolidated expense-to-revenue ratio

 

37.6

%  

37.8

%  

(0.2)

pts.

Operating (non-GAAP) expense-to-revenue ratio

 

34.4

%  

34.1

%  

0.2

pts.

* 2020 results were impacted by Red Hat acquisition-related activity.

The following Red Hat-related expenses are included in the current period, with no corresponding expense in the prior-year period: Red Hat operational spending, interest expense from debt issuances to fund the acquisition and other acquisition-related activity, primarily amortization of acquired intangible assets associated with the transaction.

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Total consolidated expense and other (income)

$

21,704

$

19,215

 

13.0

%

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(848)

$

(470)

 

80.3

%

Acquisition-related charges

 

(3)

 

(383)

 

(99.2)

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(829)

 

(419)

 

97.5

Operating (non-GAAP) expense and other (income)

$

20,024

$

17,942

 

11.6

%

Total consolidated expense-to-revenue ratio

 

40.8

%  

 

34.7

%  

6.1

pts.

Operating (non-GAAP) expense-to-revenue ratio

 

37.6

%  

 

32.4

%  

5.2

pts.

Total expense and other (income) increased 29.4decreased 3.1 percent in the firstthird quarter of 2020 versus the prior year primarily driven by higherlower acquisition-related charges, lower expense from divested businesses, lower spending including Red Hat, higher amortization of acquired intangible assets associated with the Red Hat transaction, higher workforce rebalancing chargeson travel and lower interest expense, partially offset by higher non-operating retirement-related costs, partially offset by lower expensegains from divested businesses.divestitures and the effects of currency. Total operating (non-GAAP) expense and other (income) increased 26.1decreased 1.9 percent year to year, driven primarily by the factors described above excluding the lower acquisition-related charges and higher non-operating retirement-related costs.

Total expense and other income year-to-year results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 were impacted by the Red Hat acquisition which closed in July 2019. As a result, in the current-year period there were nine months of expenses for: Red Hat operational spending, amortization of acquired intangible assets and higher non-operating retirement-related costs.interest expense associated with the funding of the acquisition.

For additional information regarding total expense and other (income) for both expense presentations, see the following analyses by category.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Selling, general and administrative expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative — other

$

4,341

$

4,048

 

7.2

%

Advertising and promotional expense

 

428

 

432

 

(0.9)

Workforce rebalancing charges

 

728

 

19

 

nm

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

284

 

97

 

193.2

Stock-based compensation

 

117

 

74

 

57.3

Expected credit loss expense

 

56

 

20

 

188.9

Total consolidated selling, general and administrative expense

$

5,955

$

4,691

 

27.0

%

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(284)

$

(97)

 

193.2

%

Acquisition-related charges

 

0

 

(27)

 

(98.8)

Operating (non-GAAP) selling, general and administrative expense

$

5,670

$

4,566

 

24.2

%

nm — not meaningful

Total selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense increased 27.0 percent in the first quarter of 2020 versus the prior year driven primarily by the following factors:

5871

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Selling, general and administrative expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative — other

$

3,864

$

4,183

 

(7.6)

%

Advertising and promotional expense

 

361

 

381

 

(5.3)

Workforce rebalancing charges

 

18

 

24

 

(23.6)

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

278

 

276

 

0.7

Stock-based compensation

 

129

 

147

 

(11.7)

Expected credit loss expense

 

(4)

 

14

 

nm

Total consolidated selling, general and administrative expense

$

4,647

$

5,024

 

(7.5)

%

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(278)

$

(276)

 

0.7

%

Acquisition-related charges

 

(1)

 

(175)

 

(99.2)

Operating (non-GAAP) selling, general and administrative expense

$

4,367

$

4,573

 

(4.5)

%

nm - not meaningful

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Selling, general and administrative expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative — other

$

12,444

$

12,566

 

(1.0)

%

Advertising and promotional expense

 

1,152

 

1,234

 

(6.6)

Workforce rebalancing charges

 

883

 

538

 

64.1

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

846

 

468

 

80.6

Stock-based compensation

 

401

 

313

 

28.1

Expected credit loss expense

 

122

 

51

 

142.0

Total consolidated selling, general and administrative expense

$

15,849

$

15,171

 

4.5

%

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(846)

$

(468)

 

80.6

%

Acquisition-related charges

 

(3)

 

(256)

 

(98.8)

Operating (non-GAAP) selling, general and administrative expense

$

15,000

$

14,447

 

3.8

%

Total selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased 7.5 percent in the third quarter of 2020 versus the prior year driven primarily by the following factors:

Higher workforce rebalancing charges (15Lower spending reflecting reductions in travel and lower expenses due to prior restructuring actions (5 points); and
Higher spending fromPrior-year acquisition-related charges associated with the Red Hat (12transaction (4 points), driving up total spending (7 points); and.

Operating (non-GAAP) expense decreased 4.5 percent year to year primarily driven by the same factors excluding the acquisition-related charges.

SG&A expense increased 4.5 percent in the first nine months of 2020 versus the prior year driven primarily by the following factors:

Higher amortization of acquired intangible assets associated with the Red Hat transaction (4(3 points);
Higher workforce rebalancing charges (2 points); and

72

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Higher spending (1 point) including Red Hat expense for nine months in 2020, compared to three months in 2019 (9 points) and reductions associated with COVID-19 restrictions; partially offset by
Lower acquisition-related charges associated with the Red Hat transaction (2 points).

Operating (non-GAAP) expense increased 24.23.8 percent year to year, primarily driven by the same factors excluding the amortization of acquired intangible assets and acquisition-related charges associated with the Red Hat transaction.

Expected credit loss expense increased $37$72 million year to year in the first threenine months of 2020 primarily driven by an increasedue to increases in specific and unallocated reserves. The receivables provision coverage was 2.12.6 percent at March 31,September 30, 2020, an increase of 4090 basis points from both December 31, 2019 and March 31,60 basis points from September 30, 2019. The higher coverage rate at March 31,September 30, 2020 also reflects the adoption of the new guidance for credit losses.

Research, Development and Engineering

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Research, development and engineering expense

$

1,625

$

1,433

 

13.4

%

Non-operating adjustment:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

$

 

Operating (non-GAAP) research, development and engineering expense

$

1,625

$

1,433

 

13.4

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Research, development and engineering expense

$

1,515

$

1,553

 

(2.4)

%

Non-operating adjustment:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

$

(53)

 

(100.0)

%

Operating (non-GAAP) research, development and engineering expense

$

1,515

$

1,500

 

1.0

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Research, development and engineering expense

$

4,722

$

4,393

 

7.5

%

Non-operating adjustment:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

$

(53)

 

(100.0)

%

Operating (non-GAAP) research, development and engineering expense

$

4,722

$

4,340

 

8.8

%

Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expense was 9.28.6 percent and 8.9 percent of revenue in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2020, respectively, compared to 8.6 percent and 7.9 percent in the prior-year periods, respectively.

RD&E expense in the third quarter of 2020 decreased 2.4 percent year to year primarily driven by:

Lower acquisition-related charges associated with the Red Hat transaction (4 points); partially offset by
Higher spending (1 point) driven by Red Hat.

Operating (non-GAAP) expense increased 1.0 percent year to year primarily driven by the higher spending in the current-year period.

RD&E expense in the first quarternine months of 2020 increased 13.47.5 percent year to year primarily driven by:

Higher spending (14(9 points) including Red Hat spending (16for nine months in 2020, compared to three months in 2019 (12 points); partially offset by
Lower acquisition-related charges associated with the Red Hat transaction (1 point).

73

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Operating (non-GAAP) expense increased 8.8 percent year to year primarily driven by the higher spending in the current-year period.

Intellectual Property and Custom Development Income

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Intellectual Property and Custom Development Income:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Licensing of intellectual property including royalty-based fees

$

34

$

50

 

(32.3)

%

Custom development income

 

76

 

51

 

49.1

Sales/other transfers of intellectual property

 

7

 

0

 

nm

Total

$

116

$

101

 

14.8

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Intellectual Property and Custom Development Income:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Licensing of intellectual property including royalty-based fees

$

60

$

93

 

(35.1)

%

Custom development income

 

62

 

62

 

1.4

Sales/other transfers of intellectual property

 

11

 

11

 

1.7

Total

$

134

$

166

 

(19.1)

%

nm — not meaningful

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Intellectual Property and Custom Development Income:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Licensing of intellectual property including royalty-based fees

$

222

$

287

 

(22.6)

%

Custom development income

 

212

 

174

 

21.5

Sales/other transfers of intellectual property

 

19

 

28

 

(30.8)

Total

$

453

$

489

 

(7.3)

%

Total intellectual property and custom development income increased 14.8decreased 19.1 percent and 7.3 percent year to year driven by custom development income which grew 49.1 percent driven by new agreements in the third quarter and first quarternine months of this year.2020, respectively. This was partially offsetprimarily driven by a decrease in licensing of intellectual property including royalty-based fees. The timing and amount of licensing, sales or other transfers of IP may vary significantly from period to period depending upon the timing of licensing agreements, economic conditions, industry consolidation and the timing of new patents and know-how development.

Other (Income) and Expense

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Other (income) and expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency transaction losses/(gains)

$

109

$

(597)

 

nm

(Gains)/losses on derivative instruments

 

(101)

 

561

 

nm

Interest income

 

(15)

 

(63)

 

(75.9)

%

Net (gains)/losses from securities and investment assets

 

(6)

 

(3)

 

149.7

Retirement-related costs/(income)

 

291

 

145

 

99.9

Other

 

(25)

 

(74)

 

(66.7)

Total consolidated other (income) and expense

$

253

$

(31)

 

nm

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(1)

$

(1)

 

Acquisition-related charges

 

 

10

 

(100.0)

%

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(291)

 

(145)

 

99.9

Operating (non-GAAP) other (income) and expense

$

(39)

$

(166)

 

(76.8)

%

nm - not meaningful

5974

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Other (Income) and Expense

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Other (income) and expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency transaction losses/(gains)

$

(126)

$

(172)

 

(26.8)

%

(Gains)/losses on derivative instruments

 

101

 

69

 

46.2

Interest income

 

(51)

 

(70)

 

(27.5)

Net (gains)/losses from securities and investment assets

 

(5)

 

(4)

 

33.4

Retirement-related costs/(income)

 

264

 

138

 

92.0

Other

 

0

 

(32)

 

nm

Total consolidated other (income) and expense

$

182

$

(73)

 

nm

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(1)

$

(1)

 

Acquisition-related charges

 

 

24

 

(100.0)

%

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(264)

 

(138)

 

92.0

Operating (non-GAAP) other (income) and expense

$

(83)

$

(187)

 

(55.8)

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Other (income) and expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign currency transaction losses/(gains)

$

45

$

(598)

 

nm

(Gains)/losses on derivative instruments

 

(92)

 

358

 

nm

Interest income

 

(90)

 

(301)

 

(70.3)

%

Net (gains)/losses from securities and investment assets

 

(11)

 

(26)

 

(55.1)

Retirement-related costs/(income)

 

829

 

419

 

97.5

Other

 

(67)

 

(703)

 

(90.5)

Total consolidated other (income) and expense

$

614

$

(850)

 

nm

Non-operating adjustments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

$

(2)

$

(2)

 

Acquisition-related charges

 

 

154

 

(100.0)

%

Non-operating retirement-related (costs)/income

 

(829)

 

(419)

 

97.5

Operating (non-GAAP) other (income) and expense

$

(217)

$

(1,118)

 

(80.6)

%

nm - not meaningful

Total consolidated other (income) and expense was expense of $182$253 million in the firstthird quarter of 2020 compared to income of $73$31 million in the prior-year period. The year-to-year change was primarily driven by:

Higher non-operating retirement-related costs ($145 million). Refer to “Retirement-Related Plans” for additional information;
Lower gains from divestitures reflected in other ($65 million);
Lower interest income ($48 million) primarily due to lower average interest rates in the current-year period; and
Net exchange losses (including derivative instruments) in the current year versus net exchange gains (including derivative instruments) in the prior year ($44 million). Our hedging programs help mitigate currency impacts in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Operating (non-GAAP) other (income) and expense was $39 million of income in the third quarter of 2020 and decreased $128 million compared to the prior-year period. The year-to-year change was driven primarily by the lower gains from divestitures, lower interest income and the effects of currency described above.

Total consolidated other (income) and expense was expense of $614 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to income of $850 million in the prior year. The year-to-year change was primarily driven by:

Lower gains from divestitures reflected in other ($578 million);
Higher non-operating retirement-related costs ($127409 million). Refer to “Retirement-Related Plans” for additional information;
Lower interest income ($212 million) due to lower average cash balances and interest rates in the current year; and
Lower net exchange gains (including derivative instruments) of $78$193 million. Our hedging programs help mitigate currency impacts in the Consolidated Income Statement.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Operating (non-GAAP) other (income) and expense was income$217 million of $83 millionincome in the first quarternine months of 2020 and decreased $104$901 million compared to the prior-year period. The year-to-year change was driven primarily by the lower gains from divestitures and lower net exchange gains described above.

Interest Expense

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Interest expense

$

326

$

210

 

54.8

%

Non-operating adjustment:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

$

(36)

 

(100.0)

Operating (non-GAAP) interest expense

$

326

$

174

 

86.8

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Interest expense

$

323

$

432

 

(25.3)

%

Non-operating adjustment:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

$

(24)

 

(100.0)

Operating (non-GAAP) interest expense

$

323

$

408

 

(21.0)

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Interest expense

$

971

$

990

 

(1.9)

%

Non-operating adjustment:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Acquisition-related charges

$

$

(228)

 

(100.0)

Operating (non-GAAP) interest expense

$

971

$

762

 

27.4

%

Interest expense increased $115decreased $109 million and $19 million year to year in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2020, compared to the prior-year period.respectively. Interest expense is presented in cost of financing in the Consolidated Income Statement if the related external borrowings are to support the Global Financing external business. Overall interest expense (excluding capitalized interest) for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2020 was $444$432 million an increaseand $1,317 million, respectively, a decrease of $55$140 million and $156 million versus the comparable prior-year period,periods. The decrease for the third quarter was driven by lower average interest rates and a lower average debt balance compared to the prior-year period. The year-to-year decrease for the first nine months of 2020 was primarily driven by lower average interest rates, partially offset by a higher average debt balance partially offset by lower average interest rates in the current year.

Operating (non-GAAP) interest expense decreased $86 million and increased $151$209 million year to year in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2020, compared to the prior year.respectively. The prior-year periodperiods excluded Red Hat pre-closing debt financing costs.

60

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Retirement-Related Plans

The following table provides the total pre-tax cost for all retirement-related plans. The operating cost amounts are included in the Consolidated Income Statement within the caption (e.g., Cost, SG&A, RD&E) relating to the job function of the plan participants. The non-operating cost amounts are included in other (income) and expense.

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Retirement-related plans — cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Service cost

$

99

$

97

 

1.9

%

Multi-employer plans

 

7

 

9

 

(13.3)

Cost of defined contribution plans

 

265

 

248

 

7.0

Total operating costs/(income)

$

371

$

353

 

5.1

%

Interest cost

$

540

$

728

 

(25.8)

%

Expected return on plan assets

 

(852)

 

(1,051)

 

(18.9)

Recognized actuarial losses

 

563

 

458

 

23.0

Amortization of prior service costs/(credits)

 

1

 

(3)

 

nm

Curtailments/settlements

 

8

 

1

 

782.5

Other costs

 

5

 

5

 

10.8

Total non-operating costs/(income)

$

264

$

138

 

92.0

%

Total retirement-related plans — cost

$

636

$

491

 

29.5

%

76

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Retirement-related plans — cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Service cost

$

103

$

97

 

6.0

%

Multi-employer plans

 

7

 

10

 

(22.0)

Cost of defined contribution plans

 

259

 

260

 

(0.4)

Total operating costs/(income)

$

369

$

367

 

0.7

%

Interest cost

$

551

$

721

 

(23.5)

%

Expected return on plan assets

 

(867)

 

(1,042)

 

(16.8)

Recognized actuarial losses

 

579

 

455

 

27.3

Amortization of prior service costs/(credits)

 

0

 

(3)

 

nm

Curtailments/settlements

 

21

 

3

 

539.3

Other costs

 

6

 

11

 

(48.6)

Total non-operating costs/(income)

$

291

$

145

 

99.8

%

Total retirement-related plans — cost

$

660

$

512

 

28.9

%

nm - not meaningful

Yr. to Yr.

 

(Dollars in millions)

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Retirement-related plans — cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Service cost

$

300

$

290

 

3.2

%

Multi-employer plans

 

22

 

26

 

(16.9)

Cost of defined contribution plans

 

791

 

761

 

3.9

Total operating costs/(income)

$

1,112

$

1,078

 

3.2

%

Interest cost

$

1,637

$

2,172

 

(24.6)

%

Expected return on plan assets

 

(2,573)

 

(3,139)

 

(18.0)

Recognized actuarial losses

 

1,701

 

1,366

 

24.5

Amortization of prior service costs/(credits)

 

1

 

(9)

 

nm

Curtailments/settlements

 

42

 

7

 

487.1

Other costs

 

20

 

22

 

(7.8)

Total non-operating costs/(income)

$

829

$

419

 

97.5

%

Total retirement-related plans — cost

$

1,941

$

1,497

 

29.6

%

nm - not meaningful

Total pre-tax retirement-related plan cost increased by $145$148 million compared to the firstthird quarter of 2019 primarily driven by lower expected return on plan assets ($198175 million) and an increase in recognized actuarial losses ($105124 million), partially offset by lower interest costs ($188170 million). Total cost for the first nine months of 2020 increased $444 million versus the first nine months of 2019, primarily driven by lower expected return on plan assets ($566 million) and an increase in recognized actuarial losses ($335 million), partially offset by lower interest costs ($535 million).

As described in the “Operating (non-GAAP) Earnings” section, management characterizes certain retirement-related costs as operating and others as non-operating. Utilizing this characterization, operating retirement-related costs in the firstthird quarter of 2020 were $371$369 million, an increase of $18$3 million compared to the firstthird quarter of 2019, primarily driven by higher defined contribution plans cost ($17 million).2019. For the first nine months of 2020, operating retirement-related costs were $1,112 million, an increase of $35 million compared to the prior-year period. Non-operating costs of $264$291 million in the firstthird quarter of 2020 increased $127$145 million year to year driven by lower expected return on plan assets ($198 million) and for the first nine months of 2020 were $829 million, an increase in recognized actuarial losses ($105 million), partially offsetof $409 million compared to the prior-year period. These non-operating cost increases were driven primarily by lower interest costs ($188 million).the same factors as described above.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Taxes

The continuing operations provision for income taxes for the third quarter of 2020 was $128 million, compared to a benefit from income taxes of $151 million in the third quarter of 2019. The operating (non-GAAP) provision for income taxes for the third quarter of 2020 was $263 million, compared to $1 million in the third quarter of 2019.

The continuing operations benefit from income taxes for the first quarternine months of 2020 was $1,226$888 million, compared to a tax provision for income taxes of $289$407 million infor the first quarternine months of 2019. The operating (non-GAAP) benefit from income taxes for the first quarternine months of 2020 was $961$329 million, compared to a tax provision for income taxes of $224$575 million infor the first quarternine months of 2019.

The benefit from income taxes infor the first quarternine months of 2020 was primarily driven by a net tax benefit in the first quarter related to an intra-entity sale of certain of the company’s intellectual property and the related impacts of $939 million and an adjustment to the U.S. tax reform charge due to a foreign tax law change in the first quarter of 2020.change. The operating (non-GAAP) benefit from income taxes was primarily driven by the same factors, except for the adjustment to the U.S. tax reform charge.

IBM’s full-year tax provision and effective tax rate are impacted by recurring factors including the geographic mix of income before taxes, state and local taxes, the effects of various global income tax strategies and any discrete tax events, such as the settlement of income tax audits and changes in or new interpretations of tax laws. The GAAP tax

61

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

provision and effective tax rate could also be affected by adjustments to the previously recorded charges for U.S. tax reform attributable to any changes in law, new regulations and guidance, audit adjustments, among others.

The company is no longer subject to income tax examination of its U.S. federal tax returns for years prior to 2013. The company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2013 and 2014 continue to be examined by the IRS with specific focus on certain cross-border transactions in 2013. With respect to major U.S. state and foreign taxing jurisdictions, the company is generally no longer subject to tax examinations for years prior to 2014. The company is involved in a number of income tax-related matters in India challenging tax assessments issued by the India Tax Authorities. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, the company has recorded $704$727 million as prepaid income taxes representing cash tax deposits paid over time to protect the company’s right to appeal various income tax assessments made by the India Tax Authorities. Tax years still subject to examination contain matters that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations as it relates to the amount and/or timing of income, deductions and tax credits. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for any adjustments that are expected to result for these years.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at March 31,September 30, 2020 is $8,392$8,513 million which can be reduced by $585$614 million associated with timing adjustments, U.S. tax credits, potential transfer pricing adjustments, and state income taxes. The net amount of $7,807$7,899 million, if recognized, would favorably affect the company’s effective tax rate.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and stock awards.

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Earnings per share of common stock from continuing operations:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

$

1.31

$

1.78

 

(26.4)

%

Basic

$

1.32

$

1.79

 

(26.3)

%

Diluted operating (non-GAAP)

$

1.84

$

2.25

 

(18.2)

%

Weighted-average shares outstanding: (in millions)

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

 

895.0

 

893.9

 

0.1

%

Basic

 

888.0

 

889.6

 

(0.2)

%

78

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

For the three months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Earnings per share of common stock from continuing operations:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

$

1.89

$

1.87

 

1.1

%

Basic

$

1.90

$

1.89

 

0.5

%

Diluted operating (non-GAAP)

$

2.58

$

2.68

 

(3.7)

%

Weighted-average shares outstanding: (in millions)

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

 

897.3

 

892.8

 

0.5

%

Basic

 

891.4

 

886.0

 

0.6

%

Yr. to Yr.

 

Percent

 

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

Earnings per share of common stock from continuing operations:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

$

4.72

$

6.46

 

(26.9)

%

Basic

$

4.76

$

6.50

 

(26.8)

%

Diluted operating (non-GAAP)

$

6.60

$

8.10

 

(18.5)

%

Weighted-average shares outstanding: (in millions)

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assuming dilution

 

895.8

 

892.5

 

0.4

%

Basic

 

889.6

 

887.3

 

0.3

%

Actual shares outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2020 were 887.9 891.1 million. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding assuming dilution during the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2020 was 1.1were 4.5 million (0.5 percent) and 3.2 million (0.4 percent) shares (0.1 percent) higher, respectively, than the same periodperiods of 2019.

Financial Position

Dynamics

At March 31,September 30, 2020, the balance sheet remained strong with flexibility to support the business. We continue to manage the investment portfolio to meet our capital preservation and liquidity objectives.objectives. In this unprecedented environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while we are supporting our clients and improving the flexibility and competitive position of our operations, we are also takingcontinuing to take actions to enhance our balance sheet strength and liquidity position. We accessed the debt markets in early February 2020 with $4,117 million of issuances, while reducing $4,491 million of current and 2021 refinancing needs. In addition, while we do not rely on commercial paper for our funding requirements, it was prudent in the first quarter to take advantage of our access to the market. At March 31, 2020, we

62

Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

had $2,519 million of commercial paper, which increased both our cash and debt balances. Cash, restricted cash and marketable securities at quarter end were $12,017$15,753 million, an increase of $3,008$6,744 million since December 31, 2019. Total debt of $64,327$65,414 million at March 31,September 30, 2020 increased $1,428$2,515 million from December 31, 2019.2019, driven by new debt issuances of $8,774 million, partially offset by debt maturities and early retirements of $6,724 million. Within total debt, $22,254$20,876 million is Global Financing debt, which is in support of IBM products and services and has a stable credit portfolio.

Our pension plans were well funded at the end of 2019, with worldwide qualified plans funded at 102 percent. Overall pension funded status as of the end of MarchSeptember 2020 was fairly consistent with year-end 2019, and we currently have no change to expected plan contributions in 2020.2019.

In the first threenine months of 2020, we generated $4,476$12,337 million in net cash from operations, compared to $4,759$11,319 million in the first threenine months of 2019. This included a number of strategic actions taken to preserve cash and maintain a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity position. We have consistently generated strong cash flows from operations and continue to have access to additional sources of liquidity through the capital markets and our $15,250 million of unused credit facilities.facilities. We do not currently have plans to draw on these facilities, however, they are available as back-up liquidity. We expect to continue to behave been opportunistic in the capital markets and remain fully committed to a target leverage profile consistent with a mid to high single A credit rating. Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information. In summary, we have a strong cash position and ample credit available during these uncertain times to support and invest in our business.

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Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

The assets and debt associated with the Global Financing business are a significant part of our financial position. The financial positionConsolidated Balance Sheet amounts appearing on pages 5 and 6 are the consolidated amounts includinginclude Global Financing.

Global Financing Financial Position Key Metrics:

At March 31, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,605

$

1,697

Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases (1)

 

5,598

 

6,224

Equipment under operating leases — external clients (2)

 

197

 

238

Client loans

 

11,940

 

12,884

Total client financing assets

 

17,735

 

19,346

Commercial financing receivables

 

2,319

 

3,820

Intercompany financing receivables (3) (4)

 

3,771

 

3,870

Total assets

$

26,566

$

29,568

Debt

$

22,254

$

24,727

Total equity

$

2,472

$

2,749

At September 30, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,781

$

1,697

Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases (1)

 

4,220

 

6,224

Equipment under operating leases — external clients (2)

 

141

 

238

Client loans

 

10,957

 

12,884

Total client financing assets

 

15,319

 

19,346

Commercial financing receivables

 

2,114

 

3,820

Intercompany financing receivables (3) (4)

 

3,937

 

3,870

Total assets

$

24,528

$

29,568

Debt

$

20,876

$

24,727

Total equity

$

2,320

$

2,749

(1)Includes deferred initial direct costs which are eliminatedexpensed in IBM’s consolidated results.
(2)Includes intercompany mark-up, priced on an arm’s-length basis, on products purchased from the company’s product divisions which is eliminated in IBM’s consolidated results.
(3)Entire amount eliminated for purposes of IBM’s consolidated results and therefore does not appear on pages 5 and 6.page 5.
(4)These assets, along with all other financing assets in this table, are leveraged at the value in the table using Global Financing debt.

At March 31,September 30, 2020, substantially all client and commercial financing assets were IT related, assets, and approximately 5857 percent of the total external portfolio was with investment grade clients with no direct exposure to consumers, an increasea decrease of 37 points year to year.year and relatively flat compared to June 30, 2020. The reduction in investment grade year to year was driven primarily by credit rating changes within the existing portfolio of clients. We continue to apply our rigorous credit policies, particularly in industries and countries disrupted by COVID-19, as it relates to the origination of new business. This investment grade percentage is based on the credit ratings of the companies in the portfolio.portfolio and reflect mitigating credit enhancement actions taken by the client to reduce the risk to IBM.

We have a long-standing practice of taking mitigatingmitigation actions, in certain circumstances, to transfer credit risk to third parties, includingwith enhanced focus in this unprecedented environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions may include credit insurance, financial guarantees, non-recoursenonrecourse borrowings, transfers of receivables recorded as true sales in accordance with accounting guidance or sales of equipment under operating lease. Sales of receivables arrangements are also utilized in the normal course of business as part of the company’s cash and liquidity management.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we sold $1,610 million of financing receivables consisting of lease and loan receivables of $852 million and $758 million, respectively. At the time of sale, more than half of these balances were scheduled to be due within the next 12 months. The transfer of these receivables qualified as true sales and therefore reduced Global Financing receivables, resulting in a benefit to cash flows from operating activities (with no impact to free cash flow). The impact to the Consolidated Income Statement, including fees and the net gain associated with the transfer of these receivables for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was not material. For additional information relating to the sales of financing receivables refer to note 8, “Financing Receivables.”

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Table of Contents

Management Discussion – (continued)

IBM Working Capital

At March 31, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Current assets

$

38,931

$

38,420

Current liabilities

 

40,673

 

37,701

Working capital

$

(1,743)

$

718

Current ratio

 

0.96:1

 

1.02:1

At September 30, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Current assets

$

39,845

$

38,420

Current liabilities

 

37,993

 

37,701

Working capital

$

1,852

$

718

Current ratio

 

1.05:1

 

1.02:1

Working capital decreased $2,461increased $1,133 million from the year-end 2019 position. The key changes are described below:

Current assets increased $511$1,425 million ($1,7391,766 million adjusted for currency) due to:

An increase of $3,008$6,744 million ($3,4166,951 million adjusted for currency) in cash, restricted cash and marketable securities; and
An increase of $606 million ($667 million adjusted for currency) in total inventory, deferred costs and prepaid expenses and other current assets of $408 million ($516 million adjusted for currency) primarily driven by an increase in derivative assets; partially offset by
A decline in receivables of $3,125$5,925 million ($2,5145,853 million adjusted for currency) primarily as a result of collections of higher year-end balances.balances and divestiture-related receivables, as well as sales of receivables.

Current liabilities increased $2,972$292 million ($3,94797 million adjusted for currency) as a result of:

An increase in short-term debt of $2,845$1,488 million ($2,9091,560 million adjusted for currency) due to reclassifications of $3,490$6,361 million from long-term debt to reflect upcoming maturities, and a net increase in commercial paper of $2,214 million partially offset by maturities of $2,851$4,654 million; and
An increase in deferred income of $1,351 million ($1,672 million adjusted for currency) driven by annual customer billings; partially offset by
A decrease in accounts payable of $724$911 million ($630918 million adjusted for currency) reflecting declines from seasonally higher year-end balances; and
A decrease in taxes payable of $491$464 million ($385405 million adjusted for currency).

Receivables and Allowances

Roll Forward of Total IBM Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses (included in Total IBM)

(Dollars in millions)

January 1, 2020 *

    

Additions / (Releases) **

    

Write-offs ***

    

Other +

    

March 31, 2020

$

612

$

56

$

(38)

$

(27)

$

603

(Dollars in millions)

January 1, 2020 *

    

Additions / (Releases) **

    

Write-offs ***

    

Other +

    

September 30, 2020

$

612

$

119

$

(72)

$

(8)

$

650

*      Opening balance does not equal the allowance at December 31, 2019 due to the adoption of the guidance for the allowance foron current expected credit losses.

Refer to note 2, “Accounting Changes,” for additional information.

**     Additions for Allowance for Credit Losses are charged to expense.

***   Refer to note A, “Significant Accounting Policies,” in ourthe company’s 2019 Annual Report for additional information regarding allowance for credit loss write-offs.

+  Primarily represents translation adjustments.

The total IBM receivables provision coverage was 2.12.6 percent at March 31,September 30, 2020, an increase of 3070 basis points compared to January 1, 2020. The increase was primarily driven by the overall decline in gross financing receivables due to seasonallyand trade receivables from collections from higher balances at year end. New additionsyear-end volumes as well as sales of receivables and an increase in the first three months of 2020 were primarily due to certaincustomer specific provisions. The global pandemic has resulted in some deterioration in customer credit quality and/or

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Management Discussion – (continued)

specific reserves.bankruptcies which have had impacts to provisions in the first nine months of 2020. The majority of the write-offs during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 related to receivables which had been previously reserved.

Global Financing Receivables and Allowances

The following table presents external Global Financing receivables excluding the allowance for credit losses and immaterial miscellaneous receivables.

At March 31, 

At December 31, 

 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

 

Amortized cost/Recorded investment (1)(2)

$

20,096

$

22,446

Specific allowance for credit losses

 

157

 

177

Unallocated allowance for credit losses

 

81

 

45

Total allowance for credit losses

 

238

 

221

Net financing receivables

$

19,858

$

22,224

Allowance for credit losses coverage

 

1.2

%  

 

1.0

%

At September 30, 

At December 31, 

 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

 

Amortized cost/Recorded investment (1)(2)

$

17,555

$

22,446

Specific allowance for credit losses

 

178

 

177

Unallocated allowance for credit losses

 

86

 

45

Total allowance for credit losses

 

264

 

221

Net financing receivables

$

17,291

$

22,224

Allowance for credit losses coverage

 

1.5

%  

 

1.0

%

(1)Prior to the January 1, 2020 adoption of the guidance on current expected credit losses, the presentation was recorded investment, subsequent to adoption the presentation is amortized cost. Both presentations include deferred initial direct costs which are eliminatedexpensed in IBM’s consolidated results.
(2)The amortized cost basis of a financial asset represents the original amount of the financing receivable (including residual value) adjusted for unearned income, deferred initial direct costs, cash collected, write-offs and any foreign exchange adjustments. Recorded investment excluded residual value.

TheUpon the adoption of the guidance on current expected credit losses, the percentage of Global Financingfinancing receivables reserved increased from 1.0 percent at December 31, 2019, to 1.21.1 percent January 1, 2020, primarily driven by a 74.2 percent increase in unallocated reserves. The percentage of financing receivables reserved increased from 1.1 percent at March 31, 2020. TheJanuary 1, 2020, to 1.5 percent at September 30, 2020, which was primarily due to an increase in unallocated reserves was impacted by the adoption of the guidance on credit lossesand an overall decline in the current year. Specific reserves decreased 11.2 percent from $177 million at December 31, 2019, to $157 million at March 31, 2020.financing receivables.

Roll Forward of Global Financing Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

January 1, 2020*

Additions / (Releases)**

Write-offs ***

Other +

March 31, 2020

$

262

$

10

$

(19)

$

(16)

$

238

(Dollars in millions)

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

January 1, 2020*

Additions / (Releases)**

Write-offs ***

Other +

September 30, 2020

$

262

$

39

$

(32)

$

(6)

$

264

*     Opening balance does not equal the allowance at December 31, 2019 due to the adoption of the guidance for the allowance foron current expected credit losses.

Refer to note 2, “Accounting Changes,” for additional information.

**    Additions for Allowance for Credit Losses are charged to expense.

***  Refer to note A, “Significant Accounting Policies,” in ourthe company’s 2019 Annual Report for additional information regarding allowance for credit loss write-offs.

+  Primarily represents translation adjustments.

Global Financing’s expected credit loss expense (including impacts from off-balance sheet commitments which are recorded in other liabilities) was an addition of $11$5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, compared to an additiona release of $3$1 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily driven by higher specific reserves in Americas in the third quarter.

Global Financing’s expected credit loss expense (including impacts from off-balance sheet commitments which are recorded in other liabilities) was an addition of $44 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to a release of $6 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily driven by higher unallocated and specific reserves in EMEA in the current year.

Noncurrent AssetsAmericas and Liabilities

At March 31, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Noncurrent assets

$

114,473

$

113,767

Long-term debt

$

52,685

$

54,102

Noncurrent liabilities (excluding debt)

$

39,917

$

39,398

EMEA.

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Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities

At September 30, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Noncurrent assets

$

114,283

$

113,767

Long-term debt

$

55,129

$

54,102

Noncurrent liabilities (excluding debt)

$

39,672

$

39,398

Noncurrent assets increased $706$516 million ($2,656193 million adjusted for currency) due to:

An increase in deferred taxes of $3,600$3,670 million ($3,771 million3,718 adjusted for currency) primarily due to anthe intra-entity sale of IP;IP in the first quarter; and
An increase in retirement plan assets of $771 million ($717 million adjusted for currency) driven by higher expected returns on plan assets, partially offset by interest costs; partially offset by
A decrease in long-term financing receivables of $1,004$2,290 million ($8212,304 million adjusted for currency) as a result of reductions from seasonally higher year-end balances; andbalances as well as sales of receivables;
A decrease in net intangible assets and goodwill of $1,274$1,139 million ($4551,520 million adjusted for currency) primarily resulting from intangibles amortizationamortization; and currency impacts.
A decrease in operating right-of-use assets of $281 million ($308 million adjusted for currency).

Long-term debt decreased $1,417increased $1,027 million ($1,186189 million adjusted for currency) due to:

Issuances of $8,542 million; partially offset by
Reclassifications to short-term debt of $3,490$6,361 million to reflect upcoming maturities; and
MaturitiesRedemption of $2,019$2,069 million mainly to early redeemof certain outstanding bonds; partially offset by
Issuances of $4,342 million.bonds.

Noncurrent liabilities (excluding debt) increased $518$273 million ($1,41848 million adjusted for currency) due to:

An increase in other liabilities of $1,348$958 million ($1,6751,079 million adjusted for currency) primarily driven by an increase in deferred tax liabilities related to the first-quarter intra-entity IP sale; partially offset by
A decrease in retirement and nonpension postretirement plansbenefit obligations of $668$410 million ($330751 million adjusted for currency).; and
A decrease in long-term operating lease liabilities of $244 million ($261 million adjusted for currency) related primarily to real estate leases.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Debt

OurWe continually monitor our funding requirements are continually monitored and execute our strategies are executed to manage the overall asset and liability profile. Additionally, we maintainthe company maintains sufficient flexibility to access global funding sources as needed.

At March 31, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Total company debt

$

64,327

$

62,899

Total Global Financing segment debt

$

22,254

$

24,727

Debt to support external clients

 

19,092

 

21,487

Debt to support internal clients

 

3,162

 

3,239

Non-Global Financing debt

$

42,073

$

38,173

At September 30, 

At December 31, 

(Dollars in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Total company debt

$

65,414

$

62,899

Total Global Financing segment debt

$

20,876

$

24,727

Debt to support external clients

 

17,518

 

21,487

Debt to support internal clients

 

3,358

 

3,239

Non-Global Financing debt

$

44,538

$

38,173

Total debt of $64,327$65,414 million increased $1,428$2,515 million from December 31, 2019, driven by new debt issuances of $4,464$8,774 million; partially offset by debt maturities and early retirements of $4,870$6,724 million. Within total debt, commercial paper was a net increase of $2,214 million.

Non-Global Financing debt of $42,073$44,538 million increased $3,901$6,365 million from December 31, 2019 and decreased $5,983$3,518 million since June 30, 2019.

Global Financing debt of $22,254$20,876 million decreased $2,473$3,851 million from December 31, 2019, primarily due to lower funding requirements.

Global Financing provides financing predominantly for IBM’sthe company’s external client assets, as well as for assets under contract by other IBM units. These assets, primarily for Global Technology Services, generate long-term, stable revenue

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Management Discussion – (continued)

streams similar to the Global Financing asset portfolio. Based on their attributes, these Global Technology Services assets are leveraged with the balance of the Global Financing asset base.

The debt used to fund Global Financing assets is composed of intercompany loans and external debt. Total debt changes generally correspond with the level of client and commercial financing receivables, the level of cash and cash equivalents, the change in intercompany and external payables and the change in intercompany investment from IBM. The terms of the intercompany loans are set by the company to substantially match the term, currency and interest rate variability underlying the financing receivable and are based on arm’s-length pricing. The Global Financing debt-to-equity ratio remained at 9.0 to 1 at March 31,September 30, 2020.

We measure Global Financing as a stand-alone entity, and accordingly, interest expense relating to debt supporting Global Financing’s external client and internal business is included in the “Global Financing Results of Operations” and in note 4, “Segments.” In the Consolidated Income Statement, the external debt-related interest expense supporting Global Financing’s internal financing to IBMthe company is reclassified from cost of financing to interest expense.

Equity

Total equity decreased $856increased $349 million from December 31, 2019, primarily due to increases from net income ($4,234 million) and an increase in foreign currency translation lossescommon stock ($1,041471 million), partially offset by decreases from dividends paid ($1,440 million); partially offset by increases from net income ($1,175 million) and retirement-related plans ($4224,343 million).

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Cash Flow

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on page 7, are summarized in the following table. These amounts include the cash flows associated with the Global Financing business.

(Dollars in millions)

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

Net cash provided by/(used in) continuing operations:

 

  

 

  

Operating activities

$

4,476

$

4,759

Investing activities

 

(902)

 

(853)

Financing activities

 

(115)

 

1,863

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(403)

 

(102)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

3,057

$

5,668

(Dollars in millions)

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

Net cash provided by/(used in) continuing operations:

 

  

 

  

Operating activities

$

12,337

$

11,319

Investing activities

 

(2,470)

 

(27,064)

Financing activities

 

(3,428)

 

14,717

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(200)

 

(352)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

6,239

$

(1,379)

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $283increased $1,018 million as compared to the first threenine months of 2019 driven primarily by:

An increase of cash provided by receivables of $2,377 million primarily driven by business volumes, our continued focus on collections as well as sales of receivables, including sales of financing receivables of $1,610 million; and
Payroll tax and value-added tax payment deferrals and exemptions of approximately $550 million due to tax relief provided under the U.S. CARES Act and other non-U.S. government assistance programs related to COVID-19; partially offset by
An increase in workforce rebalancing payments of $281 million;
An increase in interest payments on debt of approximately $190$250 million;
A net increase in cash payments for income taxes of $243 million primarily driven by withholding tax on intercompany dividends in the second quarter; and
Performance-related declines within net income.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $49decreased $24,594 million as compared to the first nine months of 2019 driven primarily by:

A decrease in net cash used for acquisitions of $212$32,593 million due to the Red Hat acquisition in the prior year; partially offset by
A decrease of $6,067 million in cash provided by net non-operating finance receivables;receivables primarily driven by the wind down of the OEM IT commercial financing operations;
An increase in cash used for net purchases of marketable securities and other investments of $977 million; and
An increase in cash used for net capital expenditures of $123 million; partially offset by
A decrease in cash used for net purchases of marketable securities and other investments of $306$537 million.

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Financing activities were a net use of cash of $115$3,428 million in the first threenine months of 2020 compared to a net source of cash of $1,863$14,717 million in the first threenine months of 2019. The year-to-year increase in the usechange of cash of $1,978$18,145 million was driven primarily by:

A decrease in net cash provided by debt transactions of $2,876$19,398 million driven primarily driven by a higher level of net additions in the prior year to fund the acquisition of Red Hat;Hat acquisition; partially offset by
A decrease in cash used for gross common share repurchases of $920$1,361 million.

Looking Forward

Long-termIBM is redefining our future as a hybrid cloud platform and AI company. On October 8, 2020, we announced our plan to separate our managed infrastructure services unit of our GTS segment into a new public company (currently referred to as NewCo and to be named later). The separation is expected to be achieved through a U.S. federal tax-free spin-off to IBM shareholders, and be completed by the end of 2021. This creates two industry-leading companies, each with strategic modelfocus and flexibility to capitalize on their respective missions and drive client and shareholder value. Client buying needs for application and infrastructure services are diverging, while adoption of our hybrid cloud platform is accelerating. This change in clients’ needs makes it the right time to create two market-leading companies focused on what they do best. IBM will accelerate our open hybrid cloud platform growth strategy and AI capabilities to drive clients’ digital transformations. NewCo will design, run and modernize the infrastructure of the world’s most important organizations. Both IBM and NewCo will have greater agility to focus on their operating and financial models, have more freedom to partner with others and both will align their investments and capital structure to their strategic focus areas.

IBM is focusedIBM’s focus will be on chapter 2 of clients’ digital reinventions,our open hybrid cloud platform, which includes shifting mission-critical workloads to therepresents a $1 trillion market opportunity. Building on our hybrid cloud and scaling AI. To address the cloud opportunity, enterprises need to be able to move and manage data, services and workflows across multiple clouds and on-premises. They also need to be able to address security concerns, data protection and protocols, availability and cloud management. This is best addressed with a hybrid, multi-cloud, open approach, based on a foundation, of Linux, with containers and Kubernetes. On July 9, 2019, we closedthrough the acquisition of Red Hat, which significantly changedwe are unlocking the full value of the cloud landscapefor clients, further accelerating adoption of the platform. This platform facilitates the deployment of powerful AI capabilities to enable the power of data, application modernization services, and systems. These are all underpinned by the security, unmatched expertise in industry verticals, and deep commitment to open source innovation that clients expect from us. Our approach is platform-centric and differentiated by Red Hat OpenShift, our market-leading open platform, along with a vast software portfolio modernized to run cloud-native and our GBS expertise that drives platform adoption. This platform allows clients to “write-once/run-anywhere,” and enables a hybrid cloud approach that drives up to 2.5 times more value for clients than a public cloud-only solution. Our unique full-stack capabilities and the large ecosystem of partners and global coalition of best of breed independent software vendors we have brought together should accelerate adoption of our platform. Our software portfolio, focused on data and AI, automation, and security, enables the widest access to innovation through open source. Our business, strategy and technology consultants help clients transform by modernizing their existing applications, and by building new AI-infused data analysis capabilities on the leading open hybrid cloud platform. The secure, mission-critical IBM public cloud is designed to provide all required regulatory controls, and offers clients a foundation of open source software, security leadership, and enterprise-grade infrastructure. Our Systems business, integrated with the hybrid cloud platform, allows cloud-native developers to capitalize on the unique capabilities of our hardware. Leveraging our long-term relationships with clients, we will accelerate our high value business model. Together,continue to drive the innovation in hardware that enterprises rely on for their most mission-critical computing needs.

NewCo will immediately be the world’s leading managed infrastructure services provider, entirely focused on managing and modernizing client-owned infrastructures, a $500 billion market opportunity. It will leverage its unrivaled expertise to offer hosting and network services, services management, infrastructure modernization, and migrating and managing multi-cloud environments to help clients in their transformation journeys. NewCo will extend its leadership through increased investment in the next generation of transformational managed infrastructure services and be able to partner fully across all cloud vendors, opening new avenues for growth, while maintaining a strong strategic partnership with IBM and Red Hat offer the leading hybrid, multi-cloud platform built on open source technologies.continuing to serve existing and new clients.

2020

On April 20, 2020, given the level of uncertainty around the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis and the potential rate and pace of economic recovery, IBM withdrew full-year 2020 expectations. We expect to reassess this position based on the clarity of the macroeconomic recovery after the second quarter. We maintain confidence in our strategy and our portfolio, which is focused on hybrid cloud and AI and believe the challenges clients are facing today will accelerate their transitions to digital environments. However, we do expect changes to client buying patterns in the near term. In this environment, we have taken quick and prudent actions to manage cost and expense, further improve our liquidity position and focus on opportunities to emerge stronger. While there are a wide range of outcomes for the year, each of which we are prepared for, in each scenario, we expect to have solid free cash flow and ample liquidity to support our business and secure our dividend.

Looking forward to the second quarter of 2020, in services, approximately 80 percent of GBS revenue and 90 percent of GTS revenue in a quarter historically comes from the opening backlog, though our contracts adjust for flexible volumes in our clients’ businesses. We have made progress in our backlog and although it was down on an actual basis, it was essentially flat at constant currency (with GBS up and GTS down modestly) compared to the prior- year period.

Over the last few years, our software transactional content in the second quarter is about 20 to 25 percent of our software revenue. We have a solid pipeline of deals for second-quarter 2020, however, our software performance will depend on how we yield against that pipeline. Since the COVID-19 crisis started to impact our software performance at the end of the first quarter, if that same client buying behavior continues, it is reasonable to expect it could be more impactful to performance in the second quarter.

The Systems hardware business is essentially all transactional. Similar to software, we have a good pipeline in IBM Z and storage. While the current environment is expected to impact closure rates, we expect less of an impact to IBM Z and storage given the essential nature of the purchases and additional capacity requirements, especially in certain industries.

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In costLooking forward, there is tremendous opportunity for us to help our clients become digital businesses. The value we provide clients was evident in our third-quarter 2020 cloud revenue growth, continued momentum in Red Hat and expense,our strong GBS signings driven by cloud and application modernization offerings. With the acceleration of our hybrid cloud platform strategy, we will increase focus and investments to drive future growth. We announced that we will be taking structural actions to simplify and streamline our business and expect charges of approximately $2.3 billion in the fourth-quarter 2020 for these actions. The savings from these actions will be reinvested in areas such as hybrid cloud, data and AI, security and emerging technologies. With our focused hybrid cloud platform strategy and these increased investments, we expect to closely managedrive sustainable mid-single digit revenue growth after the separation of NewCo is complete. We expect to show milestones, including improving revenue growth, by the middle of 2021 as we progress toward mid-single digit growth. For example, our spendingGBS segment is expected to return to pre-COVID revenue growth rates by mid-year 2021.

In the near term, the rate and capitalize on newpace of global economic recovery due to COVID-19 remains uncertain and efficient waysas a consequence, we have not seen a fundamental shift in overall demand levels. Given this uncertainty, we are not providing full-year 2020 expectations. While the current environment presents some near-term challenges for our clients, it also provides longer-term opportunities for us as our clients accelerate their transitions to digital environments. We have both a business profile and business model that provide some stability in the current environment and we have taken a number of operating.actions that strengthen our operating model currently and for the future.

For the fourth quarter of 2020, we continue to see a solid pipeline in hybrid cloud and AI solutions to address accelerated shifts in clients’ digital transformation and journey to cloud. From a historical perspective, the fourth quarter is seasonally our strongest quarter for revenue and earnings per share, due to our high value software and hardware transactions. We expect the dollar increase of revenue from third-quarter to fourth-quarter 2020 to be in line with historical averages and the percentage increase of operating (non-GAAP) earnings per share from third-quarter to fourth-quarter to be consistent with or slightly ahead of the historical average over the past few years, before the $2.3 billion fourth quarter charge for structural actions takenactions. On a year-to-year basis for the fourth quarter of 2020, we are comparing to strong performance in the prior-year period due to: the first full quarter to yield gross annualized savings of approximately $1.8 billion startingz15 availability in the second halffourth-quarter 2019 and very strong software growth, including the first full quarter of 2020.Red Hat contribution. In the fourth quarter, which is our largest transactional quarter, we will focus our investments in hybrid cloud and AI and start to execute the process of separating our managed infrastructure services business.

We continue to take prudent actions to improve our operating model and accelerate our strategic priorities. We are likelymanaging for the long-term and are excited about the direction and focus of our business. We are making strategic decisions, taking actions and increasing investments today to take additional actions in the second quarter.

Asbetter position our clients adjust to this crisis, they needbusiness and accelerate our top line growth on a partner they can trust, and IBM issustainable basis. We remain confident that partner. This is not just about helping our clients navigate this crisis but also ensuring that they emerge even stronger and more resilient. To that end, we have taken concrete stepsample free cash flow and liquidity to focus on near-term opportunitiessupport our business and return value to addressshareholders through a stable and growing dividend. Following separation of the shifting needsmanaged infrastructure services business, IBM and NewCo together are initially expected to pay a combined quarterly dividend that is no less than IBM’s pre-spin dividend per share. Following the completion of clients, such as leveraging hybrid cloud, using AI for automation and enabling remote work. We have also quickly mobilized to help with the global battle against COVID-19 with much work already underway.separation, each company’s dividend policy will be determined by its respective Board of Directors.

For the period ended March 31,September 30, 2020, we assessed certain accounting-related matters that generally require consideration of current information reasonably available to us and utilized forecasted financial data in the context of unknownto help assess future impacts to IBM as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The accounting matters assessedconsidered for assessment included but were not limited to, the allowances for credit losses, the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets and other long-lived assets, our net investments in sales-type or direct financing leases, any significant lease modifications, valuation allowances for tax assets and revenue recognition. TheseOur assessments did not result in any material impacts to our consolidated financial results as of and for the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2020. We will continue to assess these matters in future periods. However, given the inherent uncertainty of the magnitude of future impacts from the magnitude and/or the duration of the pandemic, there can be no assurance that impacts will not be material to our consolidated financial results in future periods.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Our pension plans are well funded coming into this environmentenvironment. Contributions for all retirement-related plans are expected to be approximately $2.2 billion in 2020, approximately flat compared to 2019, of which $0.2 billion relates to legally required contributions to non-U.S. defined benefit and our expectations for our retirement-related plan contributions remain consistent with year-end 2019.multi-employer plans. We expect 2020 pre-tax retirement-related plan cost to be approximately $2.7 billion, an increase of approximately $600 million compared to 2019. This estimate reflects current pension plan assumptions at December 31, 2019. Within total retirement-related plan cost, operating retirement-related plan cost is expected to be approximately $1.5 billion, approximately flat versus 2019. Non-operating retirement-related plan cost is expected to be approximately $1.2 billion, an increase of approximately $600 million compared to 2019, primarily driven by lower income from expected return on assets. Contributions for all retirement-related plans are expected to be approximately $2.3 billion in 2020, an increase of approximately $100 million compared to 2019.

Currency Rate Fluctuations

Changes in the relative values of non-U.S. currencies to the U.S. dollar (USD) affect our financial results and financial position. At March 31,September 30, 2020, currency changes resulted in assets denominated in local currencies being translated into fewer dollars and liabilities denominated in local currencies being translated into fewermore dollars than at year-end 2019. We use financial hedging instruments to limit specific currency risks related to financing transactions and other foreign currency-based transactions.

During periods of sustained movements in currency, the marketplace and competition adjust to the changing rates. For example, when pricing offerings in the marketplace, we may use some of the advantage from a weakening U.S. dollar to improve our position competitively, and price more aggressively to win the business, essentially passing on a portion of the currency advantage to our customers. Competition will frequently take the same action. Consequently, we believe that some of the currency-based changes in cost impact the prices charged to clients. We also maintain currency hedging programs for cash management purposes which temporarily mitigate, but do not eliminate, the volatility of currency impacts on our financial results.

We translate revenue, cost and expense in our non-U.S. operations at current exchange rates in the reported period. References to “adjusted for currency” or “constant currency” reflect adjustments based upon a simple mathematical formula. However, this constant currency methodology that we utilize to disclose this information does not incorporate any operational actions that management could take to mitigate fluctuating currency rates. Currency movements impacted our year-to-year revenue and earnings per share growth in the first threenine months of 2020. Based on the currency rate movements in the first threenine months of 2020, total revenue decreased 3.43.8 percent as reported and 1.93.1 percent at constant currency versus the first threenine months of 2019. On an income from continuing operations before

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Management Discussion – (continued)

income tax basis, these translation impacts, mitigated by the net impact of hedging activities, resulted in a theoretical maximum (assuming no pricing or sourcing actions) increase of approximately $60$270 million in the first threenine months of 2020 on both an as-reported basis and an increase of approximately $50 million on an operating (non-GAAP) basis. The same mathematical exercise also resulted in an increase of approximately $60$240 million in the first threenine months of 2019 on an as-reported basis and an increase of approximately $50$210 million on an operating (non-GAAP) basis. We view these amounts as a theoretical maximum impact to itsour as-reported financial results. Considering the operational responses mentioned above, movements of exchange rates, and the nature and timing of hedging instruments, it is difficult to predict future currency impacts on any particular period, but we believe it could be substantially less than the theoretical maximum given the competitive pressure in the marketplace.

For non-U.S. subsidiaries and branches that operate in U.S. dollars or whose economic environment is highly inflationary, translation adjustments are reflected in results of operations. Generally, the company manageswe manage currency risk in these entities by linking prices and contracts to U.S. dollars.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In our 2019 Annual Report, on pages 57 to 59, there is a discussion of our liquidity including two tables that present three years of data. The table presented on page 58 includes net cash from operating activities, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term marketable securities, and the size of our global credit facilities for each of the past three years. For the threenine months ended, or at, as applicable, March 31,September 30, 2020, those amounts are $4.5$12.3 billion

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Management Discussion – (continued)

of net cash from operating activities, $12.0$15.8 billion of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term marketable securities and $15.3 billion in global credit facilities, respectively. While we have no current plans to draw on these credit facilities, they are available as back-up liquidity.

On July 9, 2019, we closed the acquisition of Red Hat for cash consideration of $34.8 billion. The transaction was funded through a combination of cash on hand and proceeds from debt issuances. In order to reduce this debt and return to target leverage ratios within a couple of years, the companywe suspended itsour share repurchase program at the time of the Red Hat acquisition closing. Refer to note 11, “Borrowings,” for additional details of financing this transaction.

The major rating agencies’ ratings on our debt securities at March 31,September 30, 2020 appear in the following table and remain unchanged from December 31, 2019.unchanged.

Can

STANDARD

MOODY’S

AND

INVESTORS

IBM and IBM Credit LLC ratings:

    

POOR’S

    

SERVICE

Senior long-term debt

 

A

 

A2

Commercial paper

 

A-1

 

Prime-1

We remain committed to a target leverage profile consistent with a mid to high single A credit rating within a couple of years.

We do not have “ratings trigger” provisions in our debt covenants or documentation, which would allow the holders to declare an event of default and seek to accelerate payments thereunder in the event of a change in credit rating. Our debt covenants are well within the required levels. Our contractual agreements governing derivative instruments contain standard market clauses which can trigger the termination of the agreement if our credit rating were to fall below investment grade. At March 31,September 30, 2020, the fair value of those instruments that were in a liability position was $511$583 million, before any applicable netting, and this position is subject to fluctuations in fair value period to period based on the level of our outstanding instruments and market conditions. We have no other contractual arrangements that, in the event of a change in credit rating, would result in a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity.

In July 2017, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. Various central bank committees and working groups

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Management Discussion – (continued)

continue to discuss replacement of benchmark rates, the process for amending existing LIBOR-based contracts, and the potential economic impacts of different alternatives. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as its preferred alternative rate for USD LIBOR. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. It is still uncertain when the transition from LIBOR to another reference rate will occur or whether SOFR will become the accepted market alternative to LIBOR. We are continuing to evaluate the potential impact of the replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate, including risk management, internal operational readiness and monitoring the FASB standard-setting process for additional updates to address financial reporting issues that might arise in connection with transition from LIBOR to a new benchmark rate. However, it is not expected to have a material impact in the consolidated financial results.

We prepare our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in accordance with applicable accounting standards for cash flow presentation on page 7 of this Form 10-Q and highlight causes and events underlying sources and uses of cash in that format on pages 6785 and 68.86. For the purpose of running its business, IBM manages, monitors and analyzes cash flows in a different manner.

Management uses free cash flow as a measure to evaluate its operating results, plan share repurchase levels, strategic investments and assess its ability and need to incur and service debt. The entire free cash flow amount is not necessarily available for discretionary expenditures. We define free cash flow as net cash from operating activities less the change in Global Financing receivables and net capital expenditures, including the investment in software. A key objective of the Global Financing business is to generate strong returns on equity, and increasing receivables is the basis for growth. Accordingly, management considers Global Financing receivables as a profit-generating investment, not as

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Management Discussion – (continued)

working capital that should be minimized for efficiency. Therefore, management includes presentations of both free cash flow and net cash from operating activities that exclude the effect of Global Financing receivables. Free cash flow guidance is derived using an estimate of profit, working capital and operational cash flows. As previously noted, we view Global Financing receivables as a profit-generating investment which we seek to maximize and, therefore, it is not considered when formulating guidance for free cash flow. As a result, we do not estimate a GAAP Net Cash from Operations expectation metric.

The following is management’s view of cash flows for the first threenine months of 2020 and 2019 prepared in a manner consistent with the description above.

(Dollars in millions)

For the three months ended March 31:

    

2020

    

2019

For the nine months ended September 30:

    

2020

    

2019

Net cash from operating activities per GAAP

$

4,476

$

4,759

$

12,337

$

11,319

Less: change in Global Financing receivables

 

2,381

 

2,458

 

5,324

 

3,712

Net cash from operating activities, excluding Global Financing receivables

$

2,095

$

2,302

$

7,014

$

7,607

Capital expenditures, net

 

(737)

 

(614)

 

(2,262)

 

(1,725)

Free cash flow

$

1,358

$

1,688

$

4,751

$

5,882

Acquisitions

 

(13)

 

(1)

 

(37)

 

(32,630)

Divestitures

 

26

 

33

 

510

 

927

Share repurchase

 

 

(920)

 

 

(1,361)

Common stock repurchases for tax withholdings

 

(44)

 

(61)

 

(225)

 

(186)

Dividends

 

(1,440)

 

(1,397)

 

(4,343)

 

(4,269)

Non-Global Financing debt

 

3,503

 

5,890

 

4,977

 

28,432

Other (includes Global Financing net receivables and Global Financing debt)

 

(382)

 

690

 

1,111

 

1,941

Change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term marketable securities

$

3,008

$

5,922

$

6,744

$

(1,265)

In the first threenine months of 2020, we generated free cash flow of $1.4$4.8 billion, a decrease of $0.3$1.1 billion versus the prior year. In the first quarternine months of 2020, we also continued to return value to shareholders with $1.4$4.3 billion in dividends.

Events that could temporarily change the historical cash flow dynamics discussed previously and in our 2019 Annual Report include significant changes in operating results, material changes in geographic sources of cash,

71

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Management Discussion – (continued)

unexpected adverse impacts from litigation, future pension funding requirements, periods of severe downturn in the capital markets or the timing of tax payments. Whether any litigation has such an adverse impact will depend on a number of variables, which are more completely described in note 13, “Contingencies,” in this Form 10-Q. With respect to pension funding, we expect to make legally mandated pension plan contributions to certain non-U.S. defined benefit plans of approximately $300$200 million in 2020. Contributions related to all retirement-related plans are expected to be approximately $2.3$2.2 billion in 2020. Financial market performance could increase the legally mandated minimum contributions in certain non-U.S. countries that require more frequent remeasurement of the funded status. We are not quantifying any further impact from pension funding because it is not possible to predict future movements in the capital markets or pension plan funding regulations.

In 2020, we are not legally required to make any contributions to the U.S. defined benefit pension plans.

Our cash flows are sufficient to fund our current operations and obligations, including investing and financing activities such as dividends and debt service. When additional requirements arise, we have several liquidity options available. These options may include the ability to borrow additional funds at reasonable interest rates and utilizing our committed global credit facilities. With our share repurchase program suspended since the close of the Red Hat acquisition, our overall shareholder payout remains at a comfortable level and we remain fully committed to our dividend.long-standing dividend policy.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Global Financing Return on Equity Calculation

 

For Three Months Ended

For Three Months Ended

For Nine Months Ended

March 31, 

September 30, 

September 30, 

(Dollars in millions)

2020

2019

    

2020

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

Numerator

 

 

  

 

  

Global Financing after-tax income*

$

192

$

116

$

150

$

217

$

489

$

521

Annualized after-tax income (1)

$

766

$

463

$

600

$

867

$

651

$

694

Denominator

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

Average Global Financing equity (2)**

$

2,610

$

3,372

$

2,376

$

2,672

$

2,493

$

3,022

Global Financing return on equity (1)/(2)

 

29.4

%  

 

13.7

%  

 

25.2

%  

 

32.4

%  

 

26.1

%  

 

23.0

%

*    Calculated based upon an estimated tax rate principally based on Global Financing’s geographic mix of earnings as IBM’s provision for income taxes is determined on a consolidated basis.

**  Average of the ending equity for Global Financing for the last two quarters.quarters and four quarters, for the three months ended September 30 and for the nine months ended September 30, respectively.

7291

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Management Discussion – (continued)

GAAP Reconciliation

The tables below provide a reconciliation of the company’sour income statement results as reported under GAAP to itsour operating earnings presentation which is a non-GAAP measure. The company’sManagement’s calculation of operating (non-GAAP) earnings, as presented, may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Refer to the “Operating (non-GAAP) Earnings” section for the company’smanagement’s rationale for presenting operating earnings information.

Acquisition-

Retirement-

U.S.

 

Acquisition-

Retirement-

U.S.

 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Related

Related

Tax Reform

Operating

 

Related

Related

Tax Reform

Operating

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020:

    

GAAP

    

Adjustments

    

Adjustments

    

Impacts

    

(non-GAAP)

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2020:

    

GAAP

    

Adjustments

    

Adjustments

    

Impacts

    

(non-GAAP)

 

Gross profit

$

7,922

$

188

$

$

$

8,110

$

8,430

$

180

$

$

$

8,610

Gross profit margin

 

45.1

%  

 

1.1

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

46.2

%

 

48.0

%  

 

1.0

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

49.0

%

S,G&A

$

5,955

$

(285)

$

$

$

5,670

$

4,647

$

(279)

$

$

$

4,367

R,D&E

 

1,625

 

 

 

 

1,625

 

1,515

 

 

 

 

1,515

Other (income) and expense

 

182

 

(1)

 

(264)

 

 

(83)

 

253

 

(1)

 

(291)

 

 

(39)

Interest expense

 

326

 

 

 

 

326

 

323

 

 

 

 

323

Total expense and other (income)

 

7,972

 

(285)

 

(264)

 

 

7,422

 

6,603

 

(280)

 

(291)

 

 

6,032

Pre-tax income/(loss) from continuing operations

 

(49)

 

473

 

264

 

 

688

Pre-tax income from continuing operations

 

1,827

 

460

 

291

 

 

2,578

Pre-tax margin from continuing operations

 

(0.3)

%  

 

2.7

pts.  

 

1.5

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

3.9

%

 

10.4

%  

 

2.6

pts.  

 

1.7

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

14.7

%

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes* **

$

(1,226)

$

102

$

14

$

149

$

(961)

Provision for income taxes*

$

128

$

102

$

54

$

(21)

$

263

Effective tax rate

 

7.0

%  

 

2.7

pts.  

 

1.3

pts.  

 

(0.8)

pts.  

 

10.2

%

Income from continuing operations

$

1,176

$

371

$

250

$

(149)

$

1,649

$

1,698

$

358

$

237

$

21

$

2,315

Income margin from continuing operations

 

6.7

%  

 

2.1

pts.  

 

1.4

pts.  

 

(0.8)

pts.  

 

9.4

%

 

9.7

%  

 

2.0

pts.  

 

1.4

pts.  

 

0.1

pts.  

 

13.2

%

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

1.31

$

0.42

$

0.28

$

(0.17)

$

1.84

$

1.89

$

0.40

$

0.26

$

0.03

$

2.58

*  The tax impact on operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax income/(loss)income from continuing operations is calculated under the same accounting principles applied to the GAAP pre-tax income/(loss)income which employs an annual effective tax rate method to the results.

** The effective tax rate is not displayed, as the calculated rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is not meaningful.

Acquisition-

Retirement-

U.S.

 

Acquisition-

Retirement-

U.S.

 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Related

Related

Tax Reform

Operating

 

Related

Related

Tax Reform

Operating

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019:

    

GAAP

    

Adjustments

    

Adjustments

    

Impacts

    

(non-GAAP)

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2019:

    

GAAP

    

Adjustments

    

Adjustments

    

Impacts

    

(non-GAAP)

 

Gross profit

$

8,043

$

76

$

$

$

8,119

$

8,336

$

209

$

$

$

8,545

Gross profit margin

 

44.2

%  

 

0.4

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

44.7

%

 

46.2

%  

 

1.2

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

47.4

%

S,G&A

$

4,691

$

(124)

$

$

$

4,566

$

5,024

$

(451)

$

$

$

4,573

R,D&E

 

1,433

 

 

 

 

1,433

 

1,553

 

(53)

 

 

 

1,500

Other (income) and expense

 

(73)

 

23

 

(138)

 

 

(187)

 

(31)

 

10

 

(145)

 

 

(166)

Interest expense

 

210

 

(36)

 

 

 

174

 

432

 

(24)

 

 

 

408

Total expense and other (income)

 

6,160

 

(137)

 

(138)

 

 

5,886

 

6,813

 

(518)

 

(145)

 

 

6,150

Pre-tax income from continuing operations

 

1,883

 

212

 

138

 

 

2,233

 

1,522

 

727

 

145

 

 

2,395

Pre-tax margin from continuing operations

 

10.4

%  

 

1.2

pts.  

 

0.8

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

12.3

%

 

8.4

%  

 

4.0

pts.  

 

0.8

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

13.3

%

Provision for income taxes*

$

289

$

49

$

26

$

(141)

$

224

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes*

$

(151)

$

142

$

16

$

(5)

$

1

Effective tax rate

 

15.4

%  

 

0.7

pts.  

 

0.2

pts.  

 

(6.3)

pts.  

 

10.0

%

 

(9.9)

%  

 

8.9

pts.  

 

1.3

pts.  

 

(0.2)

pts.  

 

0.1

%

Income from continuing operations

$

1,593

$

164

$

111

$

141

$

2,009

$

1,673

$

586

$

130

$

5

$

2,394

Income margin from continuing operations

 

8.8

%  

 

0.9

pts.  

 

0.6

pts.  

 

0.8

pts.  

 

11.0

%

 

9.3

%  

 

3.3

pts.  

 

0.7

pts.  

 

0.0

pts.  

 

13.3

%

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

1.78

$

0.18

$

0.13

$

0.16

$

2.25

$

1.87

$

0.66

$

0.14

$

0.01

$

2.68

*    The tax impact on operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax income/(loss)income from continuing operations is calculated under the same accounting principles applied to the GAAP pre-tax income/(loss)income which employs an annual effective tax rate method to the results.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Acquisition-

Retirement-

U.S.

 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Related

Related

Tax Reform

Operating

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020:

    

GAAP

    

Adjustments

    

Adjustments

    

Impacts

    

(non-GAAP)

 

Gross profit

$

25,052

$

556

$

$

$

25,608

Gross profit margin

 

47.0

%  

 

1.0

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

48.1

%

S,G&A

$

15,849

$

(849)

$

$

$

15,000

R,D&E

 

4,722

 

 

 

 

4,722

Other (income) and expense

 

614

 

(2)

 

(829)

 

 

(217)

Interest expense

 

971

 

 

 

 

971

Total expense and other (income)

 

21,704

 

(851)

 

(829)

 

 

20,024

Pre-tax income from continuing operations

 

3,348

 

1,407

 

829

 

 

5,584

Pre-tax margin from continuing operations

 

6.3

%  

 

2.6

pts.  

 

1.6

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

10.5

%

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes*

$

(888)

$

312

$

119

$

128

$

(329)

Effective tax rate

 

(26.5)

%  

 

12.3

pts.  

 

6.1

pts.  

 

2.3

pts.  

 

(5.9)

%

Income from continuing operations

$

4,237

$

1,095

$

710

$

(128)

$

5,913

Income margin from continuing operations

 

8.0

%  

 

2.1

pts.  

 

1.3

pts.  

 

(0.2)

pts.  

 

11.1

%

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

4.72

$

1.23

$

0.79

$

(0.14)

$

6.60

*     The tax impact on operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax income from continuing operations is calculated under the same accounting principles applied to the GAAP pre-tax income which employs an annual effective tax rate method to the results.

Acquisition-

Retirement-

U.S.

 

(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Related

Related

Tax Reform

Operating

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019:

    

GAAP

    

Adjustments

    

Adjustments

    

Impacts

    

(non-GAAP)

 

Gross profit

$

25,388

$

359

$

$

$

25,747

Gross profit margin

 

45.9

%  

 

0.6

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

46.5

%

S,G&A

$

15,171

$

(724)

$

$

$

14,447

R,D&E

 

4,393

 

(53)

 

 

 

4,340

Other (income) and expense

 

(850)

 

152

 

(419)

 

 

(1,118)

Interest expense

 

990

 

(228)

 

 

 

762

Total expense and other (income)

 

19,215

 

(853)

 

(419)

 

 

17,942

Pre-tax income from continuing operations

 

6,173

 

1,212

 

419

 

 

7,805

Pre-tax margin from continuing operations

 

11.1

%  

 

2.2

pts.  

 

0.8

pts.  

 

pts.  

 

14.1

%

Provision for income taxes*

$

407

$

245

$

82

$

(160)

$

575

Effective tax rate

 

6.6

%  

 

2.1

pts.  

 

0.7

pts.  

 

(2.0)

pts.  

 

7.4

%

Income from continuing operations

$

5,766

$

967

$

338

$

160

$

7,230

Income margin from continuing operations

 

10.4

%  

 

1.7

pts.  

 

0.6

pts.  

 

0.3

pts.  

 

13.1

%

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

6.46

$

1.08

$

0.38

$

0.18

$

8.10

*     The tax impact on operating (non-GAAP) pre-tax income from continuing operations is calculated under the same accounting principles applied to the GAAP pre-tax income which employs an annual effective tax rate method to the results.

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Management Discussion – (continued)

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this Form 10-Q may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on the company’s current assumptions regarding future business and financial performance. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, the following: a downturn in economic environment and client spending budgets; the company’s failure to meet growth and productivity objectives; a failure of the company’s innovation initiatives; damage to the company’s reputation; risks from investing in growth opportunities; failure of the company’s intellectual property portfolio to prevent competitive offerings and the failure of the company to obtain necessary licenses; cybersecurity and data privacy considerations; fluctuations in financial results; the possibility that the proposed separation of the managed infrastructure services unit of the company’s Global Technology Services segment will not be completed within the anticipated time period or at all, the possibility of disruption or unanticipated costs in connection with the proposed separation or the possibility that the separation will not achieve its intended benefits; impact of local legal, economic, political, health and healthother conditions; adverse effects from environmental matters, tax matters and the company’s pension plans; ineffective internal controls; the company’s use of accounting estimates; impairment of the company’s goodwill or amortizable intangible assets; the company’s ability to attract and retain key employees and its reliance on critical skills; impacts of relationships with critical suppliers; product quality issues; impacts of business with government clients; currency fluctuations and customer financing risks; impact of changes in market liquidity conditions and customer credit risk on receivables; reliance on third party distribution channels and ecosystems; 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; legal proceedings and investigatory risks; risk factors related to IBM securities; and other risks, uncertainties and factors discussed in the company’s Form 10-Qs, Form 10-K and in the company’s other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or in materials incorporated therein by reference. Any forward-looking statement in this Form 10-Q 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.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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 of the end of the period covered by this report. 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. There has been no change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II — Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Refer to note 13, “Contingencies,” in this Form 10-Q.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information relating to the company’s repurchase of common stock for the firstthird quarter of 2020.

Total Number

Approximate

Total Number

Approximate

of Shares

Dollar Value

of Shares

Dollar Value

Purchased as

of Shares that

Purchased as

of Shares that

Total Number

Average

Part of Publicly

May Yet Be

Total Number

Average

Part of Publicly

May Yet Be

of Shares

Price Paid

Announced

Purchased Under

of Shares

Price Paid

Announced

Purchased Under

Period

    

Purchased

    

per Share

    

Program

    

The Program*

    

Purchased

    

per Share

    

Program

    

The Program*

January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020

 

$

 

$

2,007,611,768

July 1, 2020 - July 31, 2020

 

$

 

$

2,007,611,768

February 1, 2020 - February 29, 2020

 

$

 

$

2,007,611,768

August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020

 

$

 

$

2,007,611,768

March 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020

 

$

 

$

2,007,611,768

September 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020

 

$

 

$

2,007,611,768

Total

 

$

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

  

*     On October 30, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized $4.0 billion in funds for use in the company’s common stock repurchase program. The company stated that it would repurchase shares on the open market or in private transactions depending on market conditions. The common stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date. This table does not include shares tendered to satisfy the exercise price in connection with cashless exercises of employee stock options or shares tendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with employee equity awards.

The company’s acquisition of Red Hat on July 9, 2019 was funded through a combination of debt and cash, with incremental debt issued earlier this year. The company suspended its share repurchase program at the time of the Red Hat closing. At March 31,September 30, 2020 there was approximately $2.0 billion in authorized funds remaining for purchases under this program.

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Number

10.1

Form of LTPP equity award agreement for performance share units and the terms and conditions of LTPP Equity Awards, effective March 2, 2020, in connection with the foregoing award agreements.

31.1

Certification by principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(a) or 15D-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification by principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(a) or 15D-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification by principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification by principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear on the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

International Business Machines Corporation

(Registrant)

Date:

April 28,October 27, 2020

By:

/s/ Robert F. Del Bene

Robert F. Del Bene

Vice President and Controller

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