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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

Commission File Number 0-22903

 

 

SYNTEL, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Michigan   38-2312018
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 

525 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 300, Troy, Michigan   48083
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (248) 619-2800

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

 

Title of Class

 

Name of Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, no par value   The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the Registrant has been 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 and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a small reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer      Accelerated Filer  
Non-Accelerated Filer      Smaller Reporting Company  

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

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2016 , based on the last sale price of $45.26 per share for the Common Stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on such date, was approximately $1,459,795,537.

As of January 31, 2017, the Registrant had 83,634,955 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on or about June 7, 2017 are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

 

 

 


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SYNTEL INC.

FORM 10-K

INDEX

 

PART I   

ITEM 1.

   Business      1  

ITEM 1A.

   Risk Factors      17  

ITEM 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      30  

ITEM 2.

   Properties      31  

ITEM 3.

   Legal Proceedings      32  

ITEM 4.

   Mine Safety Disclosures      32  
PART II   

ITEM 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      33  

ITEM 6.

   Selected Consolidated Financial Data      36  

ITEM 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      38  

ITEM 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      62  

ITEM 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      65  

ITEM 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      65  

ITEM 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      66  

ITEM 9B.

   Other Information      67  
PART III   

ITEM 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      68  

ITEM 11.

   Executive Compensation      68  

ITEM 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters      68  

ITEM 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      69  

ITEM 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      70  
PART IV   

ITEM 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      71  
   SIGNATURES      75  
   Financial Statement Schedules (F-1 to F-51)   


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PA RT I

 

ITEM 1. BUSI NESS

References herein to the “Company” or “Syntel” refer to Syntel, Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide on a consolidated basis.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements and information set forth in this report on Form 10-K, including the allowance for doubtful accounts, contingencies and litigation, potential tax liabilities, interest rate or foreign currency risks, and projections regarding the Company’s liquidity and capital resources could be construed as forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements containing words such as “could,” “expects,” “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions. In addition, the Company or persons acting on its behalf may, from time to time, publish other forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current estimates, assumptions and projections and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties detailed in “Item 1A, Risk Factors,” of this Form 10-K.

Other factors not currently anticipated may also materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, financial position and prospects. There can be no assurance that future results will meet expectations. While the Company believes that the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are reasonable, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date made. The Company does not undertake, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

OVERVIEW

Syntel, incorporated under Michigan law on April 15, 1980, is a global provider of digital transformation, information technology (IT) and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) services to Global 2000 companies.

Effective the first quarter of 2014, as a result of the completion of organizational changes, the Company changed its basis of segmentation to industry segments as follows:

 

    Banking and Financial Services

 

    Healthcare and Life Sciences

 

    Insurance

 

    Manufacturing

 

    Retail, Logistics and Telecom

In each of our business segments, Syntel helps customers adapt to market change by providing a broad array of technology-based, industry-specific solutions. These solutions leverage Syntel’s strong understanding of the underlying trends and market forces in our chosen industry segments. These

 

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solutions are complemented by strong capabilities in Digital Modernization, Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) technologies, Business Intelligence (BI), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), application services, testing, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), IT Infrastructure Management Services (IMS), and business and technology consulting.

Banking and Financial Services

Our Banking and Financial Services segment serves financial institutions throughout the world. Our clients include companies providing banking, capital markets, cards and payments, investments and transaction processing services to third parties. Our clients engage us to help make their operations as effective, productive and cost-efficient as possible, and to support new capabilities. We assist these clients in such areas as: payment solutions, retail banking, wholesale banking, consumer lending, risk management, investment banking, reconciliation, fraud analysis, mobile banking, and compliance and securities services. The demand for our services in the banking and financial services sector is being driven by changing global regulatory requirements, customer interest in newer technology areas and related services such as digital modernization, and an ongoing focus on cost reduction and operational efficiencies.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Our Healthcare and Life Sciences segment serves healthcare payers, providers and pharmaceutical and medical device providers, among others. The healthcare industry is constantly seeking to improve the quality of care while managing the cost of care in order to make healthcare affordable to a larger population. Our healthcare practice focuses on providing a broad range of services and solutions to the industry across the consumer life cycle, which includes regulatory requirements, integrated care, stake holder engagement and wider use of electronic health records, among others. We also partner with clients to modernize their systems and processes to enable them to deal with the increasing consumer orientation of healthcare, such as support for individual mandates and the adoption of mobile and analytics solutions to improve access to health information and decision making by end consumers.

In the life sciences category, we partner with leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies, as well as providers of generics, animal health and consumer health products. Our life sciences solutions help transform many of the business processes in the life sciences value chain (research, clinical development, manufacturing and supply chain, and sales and marketing) as well as regulatory and administrative functions.

Insurance

We serve the needs of global property and casualty insurers, insurance brokers, personal, commercial, life and retirement insurance service providers. These customers turn to us for assistance in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations and in achieving business transformation. We focus on aspects of our clients’ operations, such as policy administration, claims processing and compliance reporting. We also serve the growing trend among insurers to improve their sales and marketing processes by deepening direct retail customer relationships and strengthening interactions with networks of independent and captive

 

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insurance agents. This is often accomplished through the use of digital front-end technologies like cloud, social media and mobile, and supported by modernization of applications and infrastructure elements. Additionally, many insurers seek to improve business effectiveness by reducing expense ratios and exiting non-core lines of business and operations.

Manufacturing

We provide technology services and business consulting in a range of sub-sectors including industrial products, aerospace and automotive manufacturing, as well as to processors of raw materials and natural resources. Demand for our services in this segment is being driven by trends that, among others, include the increasing globalization of sourcing and the desire of clients to further penetrate emerging markets, leading to longer and more complex supply chains. Some of our solutions for industrial and manufacturing clients include warranty management, dealer system integration, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), sales and operations planning, and mobility.

Retail, Logistics and Telecom

In Retail, we serve a wide spectrum of retailers in specialty, apparel and home improvement segments. We also serve the travel and hospitality industry including airlines, hotels as well as online and travel retail, global distribution systems and intermediaries. Our domain intensive solutions transform customer/shopper experiences while keeping down the cost of IT operations.

In Logistics, our clients look to Syntel to implement business-relevant changes that will make them more productive, competitive and cost effective. To that end, we help organizations improve operational efficiencies, enhance responsiveness and collaborate with trading partners to better serve their markets and end customers.

In Telecom, we help our clients address important changes in the telecom industry, such as the transition to new network technologies, designing, developing, testing and introducing new products and channels, improving customer service and increasing customer satisfaction.

Syntel’s Retail Logistics and Telecom Business unit leverages its comprehensive understanding of the business and technology needs of the industry. Our industry solutions for our clients includes SCM, sales and operations planning, mobility, Point of Sale (POS) testing, omnichannel enablement and integration, web content management solutions, Sales force and cloud foundry enablement, among others. In addition, there is strong demand for digital modernization services across these industries to enhance efficiency and agility of their underlying technology systems.

INDUSTRY

The rapid pace of business change and technology innovation over the past several years has increased the urgency for corporations to modernize and transform their business processes and technology environments to remain competitive and adopt new digital business models.

 

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Global 2000 companies are faced with a dual challenge:

 

    Manage and optimize “Run the Business” services , or IT and process outsourcing services that are primarily characterized by an emphasis on scale and cost factors. These services feature standardized business processes and promote a high level of stability.

 

    Invest in “Change the Business” initiatives , which are transformational in nature and seek to achieve greater enterprise growth, speed and agility. These types of services require a focus on innovation, often involve dynamic requirements, and can create a high degree of organizational change.

Demand for IT services is driven by companies seeking ways to outsource not just specific projects for the design, development and integration of new technologies, but also ongoing management, maintenance and enhancement of existing IT systems.

Demand for KPO services is driven by enterprises going beyond IT outsourcing to drive cost reduction through outsourcing of business and knowledge processes. Companies are beginning to appreciate the benefits a KPO partner can deliver through increased efficiencies and service performance.

The companies best positioned to benefit from the demand for “Run the Business” initiatives have access to a pool of skilled professionals, a proven ability to manage IT and KPO programs, robust methodologies for managing transition, projects and risk, low-cost offshore software development facilities, and operational scalability to meet customer growth requirements.

Organizations seeking to “Change the Business” require an experienced outsourcing services provider with the expertise and knowledge to address the complexities of a rapidly changing technology landscape, along with the ability to understand their business processes and industry drivers.

In addition, globalization is an integral element of the business strategy of any Global 2000 corporation that seeks to balance their “Run” and “Change” needs. Services globalization enables companies to access a global pool of talent and capabilities to drive greater competiveness. A well-executed global services model delivers higher quality, lower cost, faster turnaround and responsive and customized service.

Syntel’s customer-centric approach delivers tangible value to clients through a flexible model that combines technology and business domain expertise to develop innovative solutions to solve unique business problems. Our organization is focused on and aligned to help customers strike the right balance between investing in new initiatives and optimizing and modernizing existing ones.

Syntel’s “Customer for Life” philosophy emphasizes flexibility, customer responsiveness, value focus and a tradition of delivery excellence.

During 2016, the Company provided services to 137 customers primarily in the U.S. and Europe. Syntel has been chosen as a preferred vendor by many of its customers and has been recognized for its quality and responsiveness. The Company seeks to develop long-term relationships with its customers in order to become a trusted business partner and expand its presence with current customers. Additionally, the Company believes that its domain expertise, breadth of services and strong alignment with client culture and business imperatives are important decision factors in Syntel being chosen as a preferred vendor.

 

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The Company has an integrated sales and marketing approach that leverages a dedicated sales team to identify and acquire new accounts and work with engagement teams to expand and cross-sell within existing accounts. In addition, Syntel’s Strategic Sourcing Services group — formed in 2014 — is tasked with pursuing and signing large outsourcing deals for the Company.

The Company believes that human resources are its most valuable asset and invests significantly in programs to recruit, train and retain technology and operations professionals. The Company recruits through a global recruiting network and maintains a broad package of employee support programs. Syntel believes that its management structure and human resources organization is designed to maximize the Company’s ability to efficiently expand its professional staff in response to customer needs. As of December 31, 2016, Syntel’s worldwide billable headcount consisted of 17,192 professionals providing professional services to Syntel’s customers.

The information set forth under Note 16, “Geographic Information,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the separate financial section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Syntel has developed proven and effective processes to handle large, complex engagements and efficiently deliver high quality IT and KPO solutions through a global delivery model. Management believes that Syntel’s “Customer for Life” philosophy, industry expertise, end-to-end service offerings, intellectual capital, commitment to client success, and global delivery model are key competitive advantages.

Customers for Life: The Company recognizes that its best source for new business opportunities comes from existing customers and believes its superior customer service is a differentiating factor resulting in Syntel’s high rate of repeat business. At engagement initiation, Syntel’s services are based on expertise in the software lifecycle and underlying technologies. Over time, however, as Syntel develops an in-depth knowledge of a customer’s business processes, applications and industry, Syntel gains a competitive advantage to perform additional higher-value services for that customer.

Deep Industry Expertise: Syntel’s mission statement is “We create new opportunities for our clients by harnessing our talent, passion and innovation.” The Company is focused on developing a strong understanding of its clients’ businesses to drive new opportunities that improve their business performance. Syntel has developed methodologies, toolsets and proprietary knowledge applicable to specific industries. Syntel combines deep industry knowledge with an understanding of its clients’ needs and technologies to provide high-value, high-quality services that are strongly linked to their underlying business. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s percentage of revenue by industry segment was 49%, 17%, 16%, 13% and 5% for banking and financial services, retail, logistics and telecom, healthcare and life sciences, insurance and manufacturing respectively.

 

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Depth and Breadth of Technology Service Offerings: The Company provides a comprehensive range of technology services, including application development, application maintenance and support, packaged software implementation, infrastructure management services, architecture planning, KPO services, migration and testing services. Syntel has also invested in developing strong capabilities in digital technology areas including cloud computing, analytics, automation, mobility, modernization and business process management. This broad technology expertise is strongly complemented by the Company’s focus, specialization and deep domain expertise in key industries. Syntel’s knowledge, experience, and technology expertise enables the Company to partner closely with its customers to address a range of pressing business needs.

Intellectual Capital: Over its 36-year history, Syntel has developed proven methodologies and practices, innovative accelerators, tools and utilities, reusable software assets, and technical expertise for the development, management and transformation of its customers’ information systems and business processes.

The Company believes this intellectual capital enhances its ability to understand customer needs, design customized solutions and provide quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The Company strives to continually enhance this knowledge base by creating competencies in emerging technical fields such as automation, big data analytics, cloud computing, mobile and embedded technologies, open source platforms, and social media.

Through these efforts, the Company delivers additional value to its clients, drives an expanded scope of work for existing customers, and creates greater efficiency in its own service delivery.

In order to protect the Company’s intellectual property rights, the Company relies upon a combination of non-disclosure and other contractual arrangements as well as trade secret, patent, copyright and trademark laws. The Company enters into confidentiality agreements with its employees, consultants, clients and potential clients, which limit access to and distribution of the Company’s proprietary information.

Commitment to Client Success: Syntel aligns its objectives with those of its clients by committing to outcome-based delivery models such as fixed-price, fixed-time frame engagements. The Company also believes its ability to take ownership for its clients’ successes is an important competitive differentiator in the marketplace. The Company leverages its domain expertise, skilled technical resources and proprietary tools and methodologies to meet and exceed customer expectations on these engagements.

Global Delivery : Syntel performs its services on-site at customer locations, off-site at the Company’s U.S. and European locations, and offshore at the Company’s locations in Asia. By linking each of its service locations together through a dedicated data and voice network, Syntel provides a seamless service capability to its customers around the world, largely unconstrained by geographies, time zones and cultures.

Syntel’s Global Delivery Model gives the Company the flexibility to deliver to each customer a unique mix of on-site, off-site and offshore services to meet varying customer needs for direct interaction with Syntel personnel, access to technical and process expertise, resource availability and cost-effective delivery.

 

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Benefits to clients include responsive delivery based on an in-depth understanding of client-specific processes and needs, quick turnaround, access to the most knowledgeable personnel and best practices, resource depth, 24-hour support seven days a week, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Syntel has Global Development Centers in Pune, Mumbai, Gurugram (previously known as “Gurgaon”) and Chennai, India; Glasgow, Scotland; Krakow, Poland; and Manila, Philippines. The Company has offsite development facilities in Phoenix, Arizona; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee, and a support center in Cary, North Carolina to support the Company’s Global Delivery Model.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

The Company’s objective is to become a strategic partner with its customers in managing the full IT/KPO services lifecycle. The Company plans to continue to pursue the following strategies to achieve this objective:

Grow Application Services Through Close Alignment With Customer Challenges. Two notable business challenges faced by clients today are optimizing their “Run the Business” costs and freeing up resources to “Change the Business.” Syntel has aligned its delivery structure to create dedicated teams focused on developing and delivering value-added services that address this dual dynamic. The Company’s Managed Services Organization encompasses Syntel’s application development, management, maintenance, digital modernization, IT infrastructure and testing practices, and is designed to deliver the services that run its clients’ businesses on a daily basis. Syntel’s Digital One practice executes digital transformation projects that deploy SMAC technologies to enable clients to leverage emerging technologies to open new markets and create competitive advantage. The Company has also invested significantly in additional sales and marketing resources, as well as hiring engagement and delivery personnel to develop proprietary solutions, accelerators and methodologies in support of these two service lines.

Expand Role with Current Customers and Add Select New Customers. Syntel’s emphasis on customer service and long-term relationships has enabled the Company to generate recurring revenues from existing customers. The Company also seeks to expand its customer base by leveraging its expertise in providing services to the financial services, healthcare, insurance, retail, logistics and telecom, and manufacturing industries. The Company is increasing its marketing efforts in other parts of the world, particularly in Europe.

Expand KPO Market. The Company will grow its expertise in the area of value-added KPO services, primarily in the areas of financial services, healthcare and insurance. By leveraging its proven Global Delivery Model and industry and technical expertise, the Company is able to deliver process improvements as well as provide high-value KPO services. In addition to offering its existing KPO services, the Company also seeks out potential new lines of service and leverages its investments in IP and automation technologies to deliver enhanced value to clients.

 

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Attract and Retain Highly Skilled Professionals. The Company believes that employees are its most valuable asset, and that its success depends in large part upon the ability to attract, develop, motivate, retain and effectively utilize highly skilled professionals. Over the years, the Company has developed a worldwide recruiting network, logistical expertise to relocate its personnel, and programs for human resource retention and development.

The Company believes that its management structure and human resources organization is designed to maximize the Company’s ability to efficiently expand its professional staff in response to customer needs. The Company believes that its investments in creating world-class campus facilities have positively impacted its ability to attract and retain high quality talent.

Leverage Global Delivery Model. The ability to deliver a seamless service capability virtually anywhere in the world from its domestic and offshore facilities gives the Company an effective ability to meet customer needs for technical and process expertise, best practice solutions, resource availability, scalability, responsive turnaround and cost-effective delivery. A significant proportion of the Company’s services are delivered from offshore delivery locations. Measured by billable headcount, approximately 76% and 75% of services were delivered from offshore centers as of December 31, 2016 and as of December 31, 2015, respectively.

Pursue Selective Partnership Opportunities. The Company has entered into partnership alliances with several software firms and IT application infrastructure firms. The alliances provide a strong software implementation strategy for the customer, combining the partner’s software with Syntel’s extensive implementation and delivery capabilities. Before entering into a partnership alliance, the Company considers a number of criteria, including: the technology employed, the industry served, the projected product lifecycle, the size of the potential market, the product’s integration requirements, and the reputation of the potential partner.

SERVICE OFFERINGS

Syntel provides a broad range of technology solutions to its customers, including Managed IT Services, Digital One ® and KPO services.

Through its Managed Services offering, the Company provides complete software applications development, maintenance, digital modernization, testing, IT infrastructure, cloud and migration services. The Company’s SyntBots ® automation platform delivers robust, reusable automation capabilities that enhance the productivity and quality of its Managed Services offerings.

Syntel’s Digital One service line provides a range of consulting and implementation services built around enterprise architecture, data warehousing and business intelligence, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), and SMAC technologies like social media, web and mobile applications, Big Data, analytics and Internet of Things (IoT).

Through its KPO service offerings, the Company provides a host of high value outsourced solutions for knowledge and business processes.

Syntel’s focus on customer service is evidenced by the high level of repeat business from existing customers and the performance and quality

 

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awards its customers have bestowed on Syntel. During 2016, approximately 99% of Syntel’s revenue came from clients the Company has worked with for at least one year. Syntel has earned recognition for its quality and innovation from a host of clients in a variety of industries. Syntel’s development centers in India were assessed at the highest possible quality rating of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) – Level 5. Syntel is also an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2013 certified company and has achieved SSAE 16 Type II Certification.

Managed Services

Syntel provides end-to-end “Run the Business” services to its clients across all industries through its Managed Services offering. The goal of Managed Services is to create new sources of value from existing client technology investments by moving to “as-a-service” models. Syntel’s Managed Services Organization was created in 2014 by combining groups responsible for application services, testing, IT infrastructure, migration and cloud computing services. The Managed Services Organization has been further strengthened by investments in service capabilities and intellectual property that reflect customer needs.

Through application services, Syntel assumes responsibility for and manages the complete lifecycle of development, management and maintenance of business applications. Along with application services, Syntel’s Managed Services Organization also provides a suite of complementary service offerings such as testing, IT infrastructure services, cloud computing and digital modernization. Syntel’s digital modernization solutions leverage an automated approach to enable the seamless adoption of new technologies and to ensure interoperability between a customer’s new and existing technology investments.

The Managed Services offering is designed to drive greater efficiency, agility and client satisfaction through integrated and automated delivery of application and infrastructure services in an industrialized model.

Syntel has developed methodologies, processes and tools to effectively integrate and execute Managed Services engagements. The key enabler of Syntel’s Managed Services offering is the Company’s proprietary MIII: Manage–Migrate–Modernize offering. MIII enables clients to objectively examine their existing technology investments and make informed decisions about which applications should be managed as-is, which could benefit from migration to a different system or platform, and which should be modernized to newer technologies. The Company’s MIII offering is powered by the SyntBots automation platform, which enhances the efficiency and quality of this offering.

The Global Delivery Model is central to Syntel’s delivery of Managed Services. It enables the Company to respond to client needs for ongoing service and flexibility, and has provided the capability to become productive quickly on a cost-effective basis to meet timing and resource demands for mission-critical applications.

Because delivering Managed Services typically involves close participation in the IT strategy of a customer’s organization, Syntel adjusts the manner in which it delivers these services to meet the specific needs of each customer. For example, if the customer’s business requires fast delivery of a mission-critical applications update, Syntel will combine its on-site professionals, who have knowledge of the customer’s business processes and

 

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applications, together with its global infrastructure to deliver around-the-clock resources. If the customer’s need is for cost reduction, Syntel may increase the portion of work performed at its offshore Global Development Centers, which has significantly lower costs. The Company believes that its ability to provide flexible service, delivery and access to resources permits responsiveness to customer needs and are important factors that distinguish its Managed Services from other IT service firms.

The Company believes its approach to providing these services and its commitment to improved business outcomes results in a long-term collaborative relationship with customers.

Digital One ®

The Company believes that digital technologies are a disruptive force that affects every industry. Digital One enables clients to adopt and leverage digital technologies for business transformation. By combining expertise in digital technologies with industry knowledge, Digital One helps clients use data as a strategic asset to gain deep business insights, create a highly integrated enterprise, deliver a superior customer experience, and create business value in the Digital Economy.

Syntel’s Digital One service line centralizes the delivery of digital architecture, web and mobile applications, user experience, Big Data, analytics, social and IoT services. It has since expanded to include enterprise architecture, data warehousing and business intelligence, complex event processing (CEP), Microservices, EAI, EDM, BPM and ERP offerings.

Through data warehousing, business intelligence, Big Data Analytics and enterprise data management (EDM), Syntel helps customers harness their data assets, turn them into real business value, and make more strategic use of information within their businesses.

The goal of Digital One is to:

 

    enable clients to go to market and create new sources of revenue with products and services,

 

    gain profound insights into their businesses and customers,

 

    create robust technology environments that efficiently support their current business,

 

    provide the agility and scalability to incorporate new technologies,

 

    face new sources of competition, and

 

    modernize to support future expansion and growth.

Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO)

Syntel seeks to provide high-value, industry-focused KPO services to its customers, as opposed to undifferentiated, capital-intensive, or voice-based business process outsourcing services (BPO) services. Through KPO services, Syntel provides outsourced solutions for a client’s knowledge and business processes, providing them with the advantage of enhanced performance, efficiencies of scale, and optimal use of technology. Syntel uses a proprietary tool called Identeon™ to assist with strategic assessments of business processes, identifying the right ones for outsourcing.

 

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Syntel focuses on the middle and back-office business processes of the transaction cycle in the capital markets, banking, healthcare and insurance industries. The Company’s banking and capital markets KPO services include global investment management operations including brokerage operations, middle office reconciliation, transfer agency, fund accounting, performance and attribution, trade processing, compliance monitoring, corporate actions, custody reconciliation, hedge fund administration and data management.

KPO services for the healthcare and life sciences industry includes records management, clinical data management and claims solutions. Syntel’s insurance KPO services include claims processing and policy administration, among others.

CUSTOMERS

Syntel provides its services to a broad range of Global 2000 corporations in the banking and financial services, healthcare and life sciences, insurance, manufacturing, retail, logistics and telecom industries. In 2016, the Company provided services to 137 customers, principally in the U.S and Europe. The Company also services a few customers in Asia, many of whom are subsidiaries or affiliates of U.S. customers.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 73%, 74% and 74% of the Company’s total revenues, respectively. The Company’s three largest customers in 2016 contributed approximately 22%, 14% and 12%, respectively, of the total revenues. The Company’s largest customer for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was American Express, accounting for approximately 22%, 21% and 22% of the total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s second-largest customer, State Street Bank, contributed approximately 14%, 15% and 14% of total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Finally, the Company’s third-largest customer, Federal Express Corporation, contributed approximately 12%, 12%, 12% of total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

SALES AND MARKETING

The Company markets and sells services directly through a professional sales and account management team operating from the Company’s offices in key markets across North America and Europe.

The sales and account management team is aligned by industry vertical and is equipped to sell the entire range of Syntel services to existing and prospective clients. The sales team is supported by domain and technical subject matter experts from the client solutions, practice, pre-sales and delivery teams.

The sales cycle involves multiple stages including marketing activities to generate leads, collateral and capability presentations, responding to RFIs (Requests for Information) and RFPs (Requests for Proposal), technical solution development, presenting proposals to clients, hosting site visits for clients and commercial and contractual negotiations.

 

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The sales team collaborates with Syntel’s client solutions, pre-sales, practice, delivery, finance, marketing, human resources and legal teams to develop a technical solution and commercial value proposition that meets client requirements. Senior Syntel leaders from Sales, Business Unit and Corporate functions are involved and engaged with client management throughout the sales process.

The sales cycle for IT engagements can range from six to twelve months and depends on the nature of the services required and contracted for, as well as the scope, size and complexity of the engagement.

The sales cycle for KPO engagements can range from six to eighteen months from initial contact to execution of an agreement, and varies by type and scope of services, account size and complexity of the engagement.

The Company’s marketing initiatives cover traditional and digital channels to connect and engage with customers and prospects. Digital channels include the corporate website, social media channels and webinars. Offline channels include direct marketing campaigns, presence in conferences, events, public relations activities and maintenance of strong relationships with industry trade groups, industry analysts and sourcing advisory firms.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Company believes that its human resources are its most valuable asset. As of December 31, 2016, the Company globally had 23,011 full-time employees including a billable headcount of 17,192 providing a wide range of IT and KPO services to Syntel’s customers.

The Company has implemented a management structure and human resources organization intended to maximize the Company’s ability to efficiently expand its professional staff to meet customer demands. The Company believes that it has the capability to meet its anticipated future staffing needs for IT and KPO professionals through its established recruiting, talent management and training programs.

Talent Acquisition: The Company has developed a robust recruiting methodology over the years, with campus hiring as the prime focus area. The Company has significantly expanded its global recruiting team, with recruiters in the U.S., Europe, the Philippines, and at offices across India working to recruit candidates with the right mix of skills and experience to support its global customer base.

Talent Management: The Company seeks to provide meaningful development and advancement opportunities to its employees, which the Company believes leads to improved employee retention and better customer service.

Syntel’s primary talent management program is STEP (Syntel Talent Engagement Program), a structured performance management program that consists of detailed business discussions, talent evaluation, the creation of short-term and long-term employee career plans, and identifying future leaders from within the Company’s ranks.

As part of its retention strategy, the Company provides a competitive compensation and benefits package on par with industry standards.

 

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Training: The Company uses a number of established training delivery mechanisms in its efforts to provide a consistent and reliable talent pool of qualified IT and KPO professionals. Syntel periodically introduces relevant new training programs that enhance the skills and abilities of the Company’s employees in one of four core training areas: Technical, Functional, Industry Domain, and Management.

Technical training programs encompass the core technology skills, programming languages, software packages, and development methodologies used to execute projects.

Functional training is primarily focused on instructing employees how to properly execute processes involved in the Company’s KPO engagements.

Industry Domain training is intended to provide employees with deep knowledge of the fundamental principles of a customer’s underlying business.

Management training covers a range of topics that include project management, leadership development, and “soft skills” like communication, business etiquette and public speaking.

COMPETITION

The IT and KPO services industry is competitive, fragmented and subject to rapid changes. The Company competes for business with a variety of other firms, including system integrators, application software companies, professional services companies and contract programming companies.

Syntel competes with IT services companies that utilize a similar integrated on-site/offshore business model, such as Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Infosys Technologies and Wipro Technologies, as well as large global IT service providers like Accenture and IBM Global Services.

Competition also arises from geographies such as Eastern Europe and the Philippines, as well as from smaller local companies in the various geographic markets in which Syntel operates.

In KPO services, the Company primarily competes with other offshore KPO vendors including Genpact, HCL, Wipro Technologies, WNS and with offshore captive units established by client organizations.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Syntel makes available free of charge, through its website, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The URL for Syntel’s web site is www.syntelinc.com .

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The executive officers of the Registrant, their ages, and the position or office held by each, are as follows:

 

NAME

  

AGE

  

POSITION

Bharat Desai    64    Co-Chairman and Director
Prashant Ranade    64    Co-Chairman and Director
Rakesh Khanna    54    Interim Chief Executive Officer and President
Anil Agrawal    40    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Security Officer
Daniel M. Moore    62    Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Rahul Aggarwal    47    Vice President, Insurance Business Unit Head
Ben Andradi    56    Vice President, Head – Europe Sales
Sanjay Garg    50    Vice President, Chief Executive Officer, State Street Syntel Services Private Limited
Anil Jain    58    Senior Vice President, Head – Sales NAO
Sujay Puthran    45    Vice President, Global Head – Human Resources & Administration
V. S. Raj    53    Senior Vice President, Banking and Financial Services Business Unit Head
Raja Ray    54    Senior Vice President, RCT, Logistics and Travel Business Unit Head
Murlidhar Reddy    47    Senior Vice President, Healthcare Business Unit Head
Narendar Reddy    52    Vice President, Life Sciences Business Unit Head
Avinash Salelkar    54    Vice President, Manufacturing Business Unit Head
Rajiv Tandon    58    Senior Vice President, Client Relations – Key Accounts

 

 

 

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Bharat Desai is a co-founder of the Company and serves as its Co-Chairman of the Board and as a director. He served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer from the Company’s formation through February 2009 and has been the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors since February 1999 and Co-Chairman since November 2016.

Prashant Ranade was appointed Co-Chairman in November 2016. He served as Executive Vice Chairman from April 2014 to October 2016 and Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company from February 2010 to April 2014. He has served as a director of the Company since June 2007.

Rakesh Khanna was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company in November 2016. He previously served the Company as Chief Operating Officer from January 2012 to October 2016 and President, Business Unit Head – Banking and Finance from July 2005 to December 2011.

Anil Agrawal was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Security Officer in October 2016. Mr. Agrawal served as Acting Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Security Officer from December 2015 to October 2016 and has been with the Company since April 2001 serving in various positions in the finance and operations departments including most recently as Head of Corporate Financial Planning and Analytics.

Daniel M. Moore has served the Company as Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary since August 1998.

Rahul Aggarwal was appointed Vice President, Insurance Business Unit Head in December 2016. Mr. Aggarwal has been with the Company since February 2008 and served as MSO Location Head from June 2014 to November 2016, Head for Infrastructure Services from January 2013 to May 2014, and Delivery Head for Insurance from February 2008 to December 2012.

Ben Andradi was appointed Vice President, Head – Europe Sales in March 2015. Mr. Andradi has been with the Company since June 2009 and was responsible for the Banking and Financial Services and Insurance business units in Europe through March 2015.

Sanjay Garg was appointed Vice President, Chief Executive Officer State Street Syntel Services Private Limited in July 2013. Mr. Garg has been with the Company since May 2011 serving in various other KPO service delivery capacities. From March 2006 to May 2011, Mr. Garg led operations in the custody division at Northern Trust, a financial services company.

Anil Jain was appointed Senior Vice President – Head Sales NAO in December 2016. Mr. Jain previously served the Company as Senior Vice President, Insurance Business Unit Head from February 2006 to November 2016.

 

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Sujay Puthran was appointed Vice President, Global Head – Human Resources and Administration in December 2016. Prior to that Mr. Puthran served the Company as Head—HR Operations from December 2009 to December 2016.

V. S. Raj was appointed Senior Vice President, Banking and Financial Services Business Unit Head in November 2012. Mr. Raj served as Chief Executive Officer of State Street Syntel Services Private Limited from October 2008 to June 2013.

Raja Ray was appointed Senior Vice President, RCT, Logistics and Travel Business Unit Head in December 2016. Mr. Ray was Senior Vice President, Retail, CPG, and Telecom Business Unit Head from January 2015 to November 2016 and he was Senior Vice President, Retail, Logistics and Telecom Business Unit Head from February 2011 to December 2014.

Murlidhar Reddy was appointed Senior Vice President, Healthcare Business Unit Head in July 2016. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Healthcare and Life Sciences Business Unit Head from October 2011 to June 2016 and as Vice President, Healthcare and Life Sciences Business Unit Head from July 2006 to September 2011.

Narendar Reddy was appointed Vice President, Life Sciences Business Unit Head in July 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Reddy served the Company as Vice President – Healthcare and Life Sciences Sales for North America from April 2012 to July 2016 and as Divisional Manager—Healthcare and Life Sciences Sales from September 2007 to April 2012.

Avinash Salelkar was appointed Vice President, Manufacturing Business Unit Head in February 2011. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Salelkar served at Geometric Limited, a software services and consulting company, as Vice President, Engineering Services, heading the engineering services business from April 2009 to January 2011.

Rajiv Tandon was appointed Senior Vice President, Client Relations – Key Accounts in July 2014. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tandon was Chief Executive Officer of Technosoft Corporation from March 2005 to July 2014.

 

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ITEM 1A. RIS K FACTORS

Our business and financial condition can be impacted by a number of factors, including the risks described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of these risks could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent or anticipated results and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s business could be materially adversely affected if one of the Company’s significant clients terminates its engagement of the Company or if there is a downturn in one of the industries the Company serves.

The Company’s ten largest clients generated approximately 73%, 74% and 74% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s largest client for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was American Express, which generated approximately 22%, 21% and 22% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s second largest client for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was State Street Bank, which generated approximately 14%, 15% and 14% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s third largest client for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was Federal Express Corporation, which generated approximately 12% of the Company’s total revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The Company expects to continue to derive a significant portion of the Company’s revenues from American Express, State Street Bank and Federal Express Corporation. Failure to meet a client’s expectations could result in cancellation or non-renewal of the Company’s engagement and could damage the Company’s reputation and adversely affect its ability to attract new business. Many of the Company’s contracts, including all of the Company’s contracts with its ten largest clients, are terminable by the client with limited notice to the Company and without compensation beyond payment for the professional services rendered through the date of termination. An unanticipated termination of a significant engagement could result in the loss of substantial anticipated revenues. The loss of any significant client or engagement could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company also derived, and expects to continue to derive, a significant portion of its revenues from clients in certain industries, including the financial services, insurance and healthcare industries. Clients in the financial services industry generated approximately 49%, 49% and 50% of the Company’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A downturn in the financial services industry or other industries from which the Company derives significant revenues could result in less revenue from current and potential clients in such industry and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, the Company’s KPO services to State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliate are provided through a joint venture between Syntel and an affiliate of State Street Bank and Trust Company. Sales of KPO services only to State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliate represented approximately 11%, 12% and 13% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The

 

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current master agreement under which the Company is able to provide KPO services to State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliate appoints the Company as an authorized provider but does not require that the clients use the Company for KPO services. KPO services are ordered through separate work orders as may be agreed to by the clients and the Company from time to time. The master agreement is terminable on short notice, has no minimum volume commitments, and has an initial expiration date of September 30, 2020, with the ability of State Street Bank and Trust Company to further extend the agreement for an additional one-year term by providing at least 6 months prior written notice to the Company. State Street Bank and Trust Company, through a separate shareholders agreement between an affiliate and an affiliate of Syntel, has the right to purchase the Company’s interest in the joint venture at an agreed upon formula price. This purchase right is exercisable by State Street Bank and Trust Company affiliate (i) during the 30-day period beginning on the first business day of the 90-day period prior to the expiration of the initial term of the master agreement (September 30, 2020) or the expiration of the renewal term (September 30, 2021), (ii) in the event that State Street Bank and Trust Company or its affiliate terminates the master agreement due to the Company’s change in control, insolvency, inadequate financial resources or material breach of the master agreement or the shareholders agreement, (iii) if State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliates suffer certain cumulative losses under the master agreement that exceed $25 million, or (iv) if the master agreement is required by law or regulation to be terminated. The exercise of this purchase right would have the effect of terminating the Company’s ability to provide KPO services to State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliate and transferring some related KPO professionals and assets to State Street Bank and Trust Company. State Street Bank and Trust Company’s exercise of the purchase right under the shareholders agreement could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s business could be materially adversely affected if there were a default in providing contracted services and that default resulted in damages that were substantially in excess of current insurance coverage or there were a denial of an insurance claim by the Company’s insurance carriers.

The Company provides information technology and KPO services that are integral to our clients’ businesses. If the Company were to default in the provision of contractually agreed-upon services, Company clients could suffer significant damages and make claims upon the Company for those damages. Although the Company believes it has adequate processes in place to protect against defaults in the provisions of services, errors may occur, particularly in KPO services which are more transactional in nature. The Company currently carries $50 million in errors and omissions liability coverage for all services provided by the Company other than the joint venture between an affiliate of Syntel and an affiliate of State Street Bank and Trust company. That joint venture currently carries $40 million in errors and omissions coverage. To the extent client damages were deemed recoverable against the Company and were substantially in excess of the Company’s insurance coverage, or if the Company’s claims for insurance coverage were denied by the Company’s insurance carriers for any reason including, but not limited to a Company client’s failure to provide insurance carrier-required documentation or a Company client’s failure to follow insurance carrier-required claim settlement procedures, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The continued uncertainty and negative conditions in the worldwide economic markets could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Worldwide financial systems and economic conditions continue to be under stress. In response to that stress, the Company’s customers may curtail their spending programs, which could result in a decrease in demand for the Company’s services. In addition, certain of the Company’s customers could experience an inability to pay suppliers. Likewise, suppliers may be unable to sustain their current level of operations, fulfill their commitments and/or fund future operations and obligations, each of which could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Failure to hire and retain a sufficient number of qualified professionals could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s business of delivering professional services is labor intensive, and accordingly, the Company’s success depends upon the Company’s ability to attract, develop, motivate, retain and effectively utilize highly-skilled professionals. The Company believes that there is a continuing shortage of, and significant competition for, professionals who possess the technical skills and experience necessary to deliver the Company’s services, both in the United States and in India, and that such professionals are likely to remain a limited resource for the foreseeable future. Further unplanned exit of senior management team members could have an adverse impact on company’s business or results. The Company believes that as a result of these factors, the Company operates within an industry that experiences a significant rate of annual turnover of personnel. The Company’s business plans are based on hiring and training a significant number of additional professionals each year to meet anticipated turnover and increased staffing needs. The Company’s ability to maintain and renew existing engagements and to obtain new business depends, in large part, on the Company’s ability to hire and retain qualified professionals. The Company performs a portion of the Company’s employee recruitment for U.S. positions in foreign countries, particularly India. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, annual voluntary attrition was 23.1%, 22.3% and 17.0%, respectively. For the same periods, the number of net hires was 1,526,(16)and 901 respectively. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to recruit and train a sufficient number of qualified professionals or that the Company will be successful in retaining current or future employees. Increased hiring by technology companies, particularly in India, and increasing worldwide competition for skilled technology professionals may lead to a shortage in the availability of qualified personnel in the markets in which the Company operates and hires. Failure to hire and train or retain qualified professionals in sufficient numbers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Government regulation of immigration and work permits/visas could impact the Company’s ability to effectively utilize the Company’s Global Delivery Model.

The Company recruits professionals on a global basis and, therefore, must comply with the immigration and work permit/visa laws and regulations of the countries in which the Company operates or plans to operate. As of December 31, 2016, 3,387 IT professionals representing approximately 14.7% of the Company’s worldwide workforce provided services under work permits/visas. The Company’s inability to obtain sufficient work permits/visas due to the impact of these regulations, including any changes to immigration and work permit/visa regulations in particular jurisdictions, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Government taxation in the countries where the Company does business could reduce the Company’s overall profitability.

The Company’s Indian subsidiaries have units registered as a Software Technology park (STP), an Export Oriented Unit (EOU), or a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) unit. Units registered as a STP, EOU and certain units located in a SEZ were exempt from payment of corporate income taxes on the profits generated by these units either for ten years of operations or until March 31, 2011, whichever came first. Other units located in a SEZ are eligible for 100% exemption from payment of corporate income taxes for the first five years of operation and 50% exemption for the next two years and a further 50% exemption for another three years, subject to fulfillment of criteria laid down. New units in a SEZ that are operational after April 1, 2005 are eligible for a 100% exemption from payment of corporate income taxes for the first five years of operation, 50% exemption for the next five years and a further 50% exemption for another five years, subject to the fulfillment of certain criteria. Without the above exemptions, business income is taxable at the Indian statutory rate (34.608% as of December 31, 2016).

The Company expects to continue to locate a portion of our new development centers in areas designated as Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Development centers operating in SEZs will be entitled to certain income tax incentives for periods of up to 15 years. Certain of our development centers currently operate in SEZs and many of our future planned development centers are likely to operate in SEZs. A change in the Indian government’s policies affecting SEZs in a manner that adversely impacts the incentives for establishing and operating facilities in SEZs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company has relied on the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the Income-tax Rules, 1962 and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, which are subject to change or modification by subsequent legislation, regulatory changes, administrative pronouncements, or judicial decisions. Any such change, which could be prospective, retrospective or retroactive, could affect the validity of the conclusions herein.

The United States government is discussing, and other countries’ governments may discuss, increased corporate taxation including the possibility of taxing profits generated by the Company outside the country of taxation. Increased corporate taxation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has disputed and potentially disputable tax liabilities of $83.67 million and $132.26 million, respectively, relating to various fiscal years. Against the above, the Company has recognized tax liabilities, representing the unrecognized tax benefits, of $68.51 million and $50.24 million and corresponding interest of $1.33 million and $1.45 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company periodically reviews the disputed and potentially disputable tax liabilities, which includes reviews by the external tax consultants and tax counsels. These reviews are performed to ensure the adequacy of the corresponding provision for tax liabilities and that appropriate provisions are being made.

The Company has paid income taxes of $41.41 million and $42.18 million against the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits of $68.51 million and $50.24 million, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company has paid the taxes in order to reduce the possible interest and penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits.

The IT and KPO services industries are intensely competitive, and the Company may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors.

The IT and KPO services industries are intensely competitive, highly fragmented and subject to rapid change and evolving industry standards. The Company competes with a variety of other companies, depending on the services offered. In IT services, the Company primarily competes with domestic firms such as Accenture, Cognizant, EDS and IBM Global Services and with an increasing number of India-based companies including Infosys Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro Technologies. The Company is also seeing increased competition from non-Indian sources such as Eastern Europe and the Philippines. In KPO services, the Company primarily competes with other offshore KPO vendors including HCL Technologies, Wipro Technologies and WNS. Many of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources and greater name recognition than the Company does. As a result, they may be able to compete more aggressively on pricing, respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in client requirements, or devote greater resources to the development and promotion of IT services and KPO services than the Company does. India-based companies also present significant price competition due to their competitive cost structures and tax advantages. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry into the Company’s markets and the Company has faced, and expects to continue to face, additional competition from new IT service and KPO service providers. Further, there is a risk that the Company’s clients may elect to increase their internal resources to satisfy their services needs as opposed to relying on a third-party vendor. The IT services industry is also undergoing consolidation, which may result in increased competition in the Company’s target markets. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced operating margins and loss of market share. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully with existing or new competitors or that competitive pressures will not materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The Company’s quarterly operating results are variable.

The Company has experienced and expects to continue to experience fluctuations in revenues and operating results from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, including: the timing, number and scope of customer engagements commenced and completed during the quarter; progress on fixed-price engagements; timing and cost associated with expansion of the Company’s facilities; changes in professional wage rates; the accuracy of estimates of resources and time frames required to complete pending assignments; the number of working days in a quarter; employee hiring, attrition and utilization rates; the mix of services performed on-site, off-site and offshore; termination of engagements; start-up expenses for new engagements; length of sales cycles; customers’ budget cycles; and investment time for training. Because a significant percentage of the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses are relatively fixed, variations in revenues may cause significant variations in operating results. It is possible that the Company’s operating results could be below or above the expectations of market analysts and investors. In such an event, the price of the Company’s common stock would likely be materially adversely affected. No assurance can be given that quarterly results will not fluctuate, causing an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition at the time.

The Company’s international sales and operations are subject to many uncertainties.

Revenues from customers outside North America represented approximately 10.4% of the Company’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company anticipates that revenues from customers outside North America will continue to account for a material portion of the Company’s revenues in the foreseeable future and may increase as the Company expands its international presence, particularly in Europe. Risks associated with international operations include the burden in complying with a wide variety of foreign laws, potentially adverse tax consequences, tariffs, quotas and other barriers and potential difficulties in collecting accounts receivable. In addition, we may face competition in other countries from companies that may have more experience with operations in such countries or with international operations. We may also face difficulties integrating employees that we hire in different countries into our existing corporate culture. Our international expansion plans may not be successful and we may not be able to compete effectively in other countries. There can be no assurance that these and other factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Terrorist activity, war or natural disasters could make travel and communication more difficult and adversely affect the Company’s business.

Terrorist activity, war or natural disasters could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Terrorist activities, other acts of violence or war, or natural disasters occur in India, the United States and in other countries around the world and have the potential to have a direct impact on the Company’s clients. Such events may disrupt the Company’s ability to communicate between the Company’s Global Development Centers and the Company’s clients’ sites, make travel more difficult, make it more difficult to obtain work visas for many of the Company’s technology professionals and effectively curtail

 

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the Company’s ability to deliver the Company’s services to the Company’s clients. Such obstacles to business may increase the Company’s expenses and materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, many of the Company’s clients visit several technology services firms prior to reaching a decision on vendor selection. Terrorist activity, war or natural disasters could make travel more difficult and delay, postpone or cancel decisions to use the Company’s services.

The Company’s fixed-price engagements may commit the Company to unfavorable terms.

The Company undertakes development and maintenance engagements, which are billed on a fixed-price basis, in addition to the engagements billed on a time-and-materials basis. Fixed-price revenues from development and maintenance activity represented approximately 43%, 42% and 40% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Any failure to estimate the resources and time required to complete a fixed-price engagement on time and to the required quality levels or any unexpected increase in the cost to the Company of IT professionals, office space or materials could expose the Company to risks associated with cost overruns and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Future legislation in countries where the Company does business could significantly impact the ability of the Company’s clients to utilize the Company’s services.

The issue of companies outsourcing services abroad has become a topic of political discussion in the United States and other countries. Measures aimed at limiting or restricting outsourcing have been enacted in some jurisdictions, and there is currently legislation restricting outsourcing pending or being discussed in several other jurisdictions where the Company does business. The measures that have been enacted to date have not significantly adversely affected the Company’s business. There can be no assurance that pending or future legislation that would significantly adversely affect the Company’s business will not be enacted. If enacted, such measures are likely to fall within two categories: (1) a broadening of restrictions on outsourcing by government agencies and on government contracts with firms that outsource services directly or indirectly, and/or (2) measures that impact private industry, such as tax disincentives, restrictions on the transfer or maintenance of certain information abroad and/or intellectual property transfer restrictions. In the event that any such measures are enacted, or if the prospect of such measures being enacted increases, the ability of the Company’s clients to utilize its services could be restricted or become less economical and the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Wage pressures in India and other countries where the Company does business may reduce the Company’s profit margins.

Wage pressures in India and other countries where the Company does business may prevent the Company from sustaining the Company’s competitive advantage and may reduce the Company’s profit margins. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 76% of the Company’s billable workforce was in India. Wage costs in India have historically been lower than wage costs in the

 

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United States and Europe for comparably skilled professionals, which has been one of the Company’s competitive strengths. However, wage increases in India may prevent the Company from sustaining this competitive advantage and may negatively affect the Company’s profit margins. Wages in India are increasing at a faster rate than in the United States, which could result in increased costs for technology professionals. Compensation increases may result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s future success depends on its ability to market new services to the Company’s existing and new clients.

The Company has been expanding the nature and scope of its engagements by extending the breadth of services the Company offers. The success of the Company’s service offerings depends, in part, upon continued demand for such services by the Company’s existing and new clients and the Company’s ability to meet this demand in a cost competitive and effective manner. The Company’s new service offerings may not effectively meet client needs, and the Company may be unable to attract existing and new clients to these service offerings. The increased breadth of the Company’s service offerings may also result in larger and more complex client projects. This will require that the Company establish closer relationships with its clients, and potentially with other technology service providers and vendors, and develop a more thorough understanding of the Company’s clients’ operations. The Company’s ability to establish these relationships will depend on a number of factors including the proficiency of the Company’s technology professionals and its management personnel and the willingness of the Company’s existing and potential clients to provide it with information about their businesses. If the Company is not able to successfully market and provide the Company’s new and broader service offerings, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The Company may be affected by political and regulatory conditions in countries where the Company does business.

Changes in the political or regulatory climate in countries where the Company does business, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. No assurance can be given that the Company will not be adversely affected by changes in inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, currency controls, interest rates, tax provisions, social stability or other political, economic or diplomatic developments. Some governments have provided tax incentives and relaxed certain regulatory restrictions in order to encourage foreign investment in certain sectors of the economy, including the technology industry. Certain of these benefits directly benefited the Company including, among others, tax holidays, liberalized import and export duties and preferential rules on foreign investment. Further, dynamic regulatory environment especially in banking, insurance and health care industry could lead to complex compliance requirements and higher cost. There can be no assurance that these benefits will be continued or that other similar benefits will be provided in future periods.

The Company’s margins may be adversely affected if demand for the Company’s services slows.

If demand for the Company’s services slows, the Company’s utilization and billing rates for its technology professionals could be adversely affected, which may result in lower gross and operating profits.

 

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The Company is subject to risks of fluctuation in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Indian rupee.

The Company holds a significant amount of its cash in U.S. dollars and in Indian rupees. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenues, other income, cost of services, gross margin and net income, which may in turn have a negative impact on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition. The exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar has changed substantially in recent years and may fluctuate substantially in the future. The Company expects that a majority of the Company’s revenues will continue to be generated in U.S. dollars for the foreseeable future and that a significant portion of the Company’s expenses, including personnel costs, as well as capital and operating expenditures, will continue to be denominated in Indian rupees. Consequently, the results of the Company’s operations may be adversely affected if the Indian rupee appreciates against the U.S. dollar and an effective foreign exchange hedging program is not in place.

The Company may not be able to successfully manage the rapid growth of the Company’s business.

The Company has from time to time experienced periods of rapid growth in revenues that place significant demands on the Company’s managerial, administrative and operational resources. Additionally, the longer-term transitions in the Company’s delivery mix between onsite and offshore staffing has also placed additional operational and structural demands on the Company. The Company’s future growth depends on recruiting, hiring and training professionals, increasing the Company’s international operations, expanding its U.S. and offshore capabilities, adding effective sales and management staff and adding service offerings. Effective management of these and other growth initiatives will require that the Company continue to improve its infrastructure, execution standards and ability to expand services. Failure to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on the quality of the Company’s services and engagements, the Company’s ability to attract and retain professionals, the Company’s prospects and the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s business could be adversely affected if the Company does not anticipate and respond to technology advances in the Company’s and the Company’s clients’ industries.

The Company’s business will suffer if the Company fails to anticipate and develop new services and enhance existing services in order to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and in the industries on which the Company focuses. The technology services and KPO markets are characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, changing client preferences and frequent new product and service introductions. The Company’s future success will depend on the Company’s ability to anticipate these advances and develop new product and service offerings to meet the Company’s existing and potential clients’ needs. The Company may fail to anticipate or respond to these advances in a timely manner, or, if

 

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the Company does respond, the services or technologies the Company develops may not be successful in the marketplace. Further, products, services or technologies that are developed by the Company’s competitors may render the Company’s services non-competitive or obsolete. If the Company does not respond effectively to these changes, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The Company may be required to include benchmarking provisions in future engagements, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and profitability.

As the size and duration of the Company’s client engagements increase, the Company’s current and future clients may require benchmarking provisions. Benchmarking provisions generally allow a client in certain circumstances to request that a benchmark study be prepared by an agreed-upon third-party comparing the Company’s pricing, performance and efficiency gains for delivered contract services to that of an agreed-upon list of other service providers for comparable services. Based on the results of the benchmark study and depending on the reasons for an unfavorable variance, if any, the Company could then be required to reduce the pricing for future services to be performed under the balance of the contract or to change the services being provided under the contract, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s revenues and profitability.

The Company may be liable to its clients for disclosure of confidential information or if the Company does not fulfill its obligations under its engagements.

The Company may be liable to the Company’s clients for damages caused by disclosure of confidential information or system failures. The Company is often required to collect and store sensitive or confidential client data. Many of the Company’s client agreements do not limit its potential liability for breaches of confidentiality. If any person, including any of the Company’s employees, penetrates the Company’s network security or misappropriates sensitive data, the Company could be subject to significant liability from its clients or from their customers for breaching contractual confidentiality provisions or privacy laws. Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client data, whether through breach of the Company’s computer systems, systems failure or otherwise, could also damage the Company’s reputation and cause it to lose existing and potential clients. Many of the Company’s engagements involve IT services that are critical to the operations of the Company’s clients’ businesses. Any failure or inability to meet a client’s expectations in the performance of services could result in a claim for substantial damages against the Company, regardless of the Company’s responsibility for such failure. There can be no assurance that any limitations of liability set forth in the Company’s service contracts will be enforceable in all instances or would otherwise protect the Company from liability for damages. In addition, the costs of defending against any such claims, even if successful, could be significant.

Although the Company maintains general liability insurance coverage, including coverage for errors and omissions, there can be no assurance that the Company’s insurance coverage will continue to be available on reasonable terms, will be available in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims or defense costs, or that the Company’s insurer will not disclaim coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one

 

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or more large claims against the Company that are uninsured, exceed available insurance coverage or result in changes to the Company’s insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company relies on global telecommunications infrastructure to maintain communication between its various locations and the Company’s clients’ sites.

Disruptions in telecommunications, system failures, or virus attacks could harm the Company’s ability to execute the Company’s Global Delivery Model, which could result in client dissatisfaction and a reduction of the Company’s revenues. A significant element of the Company’s Global Delivery Model is to continue to leverage and expand the Company’s Global Development Centers. The Company’s Global Development Centers are linked with a redundant telecommunications network architecture that uses multiple service providers and various satellite and optical links with alternate routing. The Company may not be able to maintain active voice and data communications between its various Global Development Centers and between the Company’s Global Development Centers and the Company’s clients’ sites at all times due to disruptions in these networks, system failures or virus attacks. Failure of internal controls in upgrading the software and hardware once it is out of sale or out of support could lead to cyber security risk or probable business disruption. Any significant failure in the Company’s ability to communicate could result in a disruption in business, which could hinder the Company’s performance or its ability to complete projects on time. This, in turn, could lead to client dissatisfaction and a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

There are risks associated with the Company’s investment in new facilities and physical infrastructure.

The Company’s business model includes developing and operating Global Development Centers in order to support the Company’s Global Delivery Service. The Company has Global Development Centers located in Pune, Mumbai, Gurugram and Chennai, India; Glasgow, Scotland; Krakow, Poland and in Manila, Philippines. The Company is in the process of expanding its Global Development Centers, often on land located in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)in India. With regard to construction on land located in a SEZ, there are certain construction and other requirements that must be met in order to maximize certain tax and other benefits. If those conditions are not met, Syntel may not be able to maximize all benefits associated with the SEZ designations. The full completion of the development of these facilities is contingent on many factors including the Company’s funding the continuation of the construction and obtaining appropriate construction and other permits from the Indian government. The Company cannot make any assurances that the construction of these facilities or any future facilities that the Company may develop will occur on a timely basis or that they will be completed. If the Company is unable to complete the construction of these facilities, the Company’s business, results of operation and financial condition will be adversely affected. In addition, the Company is developing these facilities in expectation of increased growth in the Company’s business. If the Company’s business does not grow as expected, the Company may not be able to benefit from its investment in these facilities.

 

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The Company’s business could be materially adversely affected if the Company does not protect its intellectual capital or if the Company’s services are found to infringe on the intellectual property of others.

The Company’s success depends in part on certain methodologies, practices, tools and technical expertise the Company utilizes in designing, developing, implementing and maintaining applications and other proprietary intellectual capital. In order to protect the Company’s rights in this intellectual capital, the Company relies upon a combination of nondisclosure and other contractual arrangements as well as trade secret, copyright and trademark laws. The Company also generally enters into confidentiality agreements with its employees, consultants, clients and potential clients and limits access to and distribution of the Company’s proprietary information.

The Company holds several trademarks or service marks and intends to submit additional United States federal and foreign trademark applications for the names of additional service offerings in the future. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in maintaining existing or obtaining future trademarks. There can be no assurance that the laws, rules, regulations and treaties in effect now or in the future or the contractual and other protective measures the Company takes are adequate to protect it from misappropriation or unauthorized use of the Company’s intellectual capital or that such laws, rules, regulations and treaties will not change. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to detect unauthorized use and take appropriate steps to enforce the Company’s rights or that any such steps will be successful. Misappropriation by others of the Company’s intellectual capital, including the costs of enforcing the Company’s intellectual capital rights, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. However, the Company is not significantly dependent on the referenced trademarks in the conduct of its business.

Although the Company believes that its intellectual capital does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, there can be no assurance that such a claim will not be asserted against the Company in the future or that any such claim, if asserted, would not be successful. The costs of defending any such claims could be significant and any successful claim could require the Company to modify, discontinue or change the manner in which the Company provides its services. Any such changes could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s earnings are affected by issuance of stock-based awards to employees and directors.

The Company expenses stock-based awards in accordance with provisions prescribed by authoritative guidance. The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value. The Company has issued restricted stock units to its non-employee directors and employees. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded $8.2 million of expense for equity-based compensation (including charges for restricted stock units and a dividend equivalent). The assumptions used in calculating and estimating future costs are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions could significantly affect the Company’s future earnings.

 

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Any future business combinations, acquisitions or mergers would expose the Company to risks, including that the Company may not be able to successfully integrate any acquired businesses.

The Company may expand its operations through the acquisition of other businesses. Financing of any future acquisition could require the incurrence of indebtedness, the issuance of equity (common or preferred) or a combination thereof. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional businesses or successfully integrate any acquired businesses without substantial expense, delays or other operational or financial risks and problems. Furthermore, acquisitions may involve a number of special risks, including diversion of management’s attention, failure to retain key acquired personnel, unanticipated events or legal liabilities and amortization of acquired intangible assets. In addition, any client satisfaction or performance problems within an acquired firm could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s reputation as a whole. There can be no assurance that any acquired businesses would achieve anticipated revenues and earnings. Any failure to manage the Company’s acquisition strategy successfully could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s ability to repatriate earnings from its foreign operations .

The Company’s accumulated foreign earnings are deemed to be permanently reinvested outside the United States and the Company has not provided for income taxes on such earnings. Management regularly evaluates foreign earnings to determine whether future foreign earnings that accumulate will be permanently invested outside the U.S. In conducting this evaluation, management considers, among other factors, the operational and financial objectives of the Company, long-term and short-term capital needs, the Company’s projections on growth and working capital needs, planned uses of U.S. and foreign earnings, the available sources of liquidity in the U.S., and growth plans outside of the U.S. If in the future, management were to conclude that any portion of foreign earnings will not be permanently reinvested outside the U.S., this may result in an additional provision for income taxes, which could affect our future effective tax rate. If the Company repatriates any of such earnings, the Company will incur a dividend distribution tax for distribution from India, currently 20.358% on dividend distribution under Indian tax law, and be required to pay United States corporate income taxes on such earnings, net of foreign tax credits. If the Company decided to repatriate all undistributed repatriable earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, the Company would accrue taxes of approximately $24.2 million.

The Company’s failure to comply with the covenants contained in the Senior Credit Facility, as amended, including as a result of events beyond its control, could result in an event of default, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s Senior Credit Facility, as amended, requires it to maintain certain financial ratios and requires the Company to comply with various operational and other negative covenants including certain limitations on liens, making investments in India, permitted acquisitions, subsidiary indebtedness, mergers, dissolutions, liquidations, consolidations with or into another person or dispositions of all or substantially all of the

 

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Company’s assets to or in favor of any person, as well as limitations on making dispositions, making restricted payments, changing the nature of its business, undertaking affiliate transactions, making burdensome agreements, purchasing or carrying margin stock, or entering into sale and leaseback transactions. If there were an event of default that was not cured or waived, the lenders of the Senior Credit Facility could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to the Senior Credit Facility to be due and payable immediately.

The Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates due to market conditions which could materially and adversely affect Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The interest rates applicable to the Senior Credit Facility, as amended, other than in respect of swing line loans, will be LIBOR plus 1.50% or, at the option of the Company, the Base Rate (to be defined as the highest of (x) the Federal Funds Rate (as that term is defined in the Senior Credit Facility) plus 0.50%, (y) the Bank of America prime rate, or (z) LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus 0.50%. Each swing line loan will bear interest at the Base Rate plus 0.50%. In no event will LIBOR be less than 0% per annum. While the Company has entered into interest rate swaps (IRS) to partially hedge against fluctuations in interest rates, since interest rates vary with changes in LIBOR, which is dependent on market conditions, our debt exposes us to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates.

Environmental regulations to which the Company is subject could increase its costs and liabilities, reduce its profits or limit its ability to run its business.

The Company’s operations and the properties it owns and develops (primarily located in India) are subject to environmental laws and regulations, including requirements addressing: health and safety; the use, management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes; discharges of waste materials into the environment, such as refuse or sewage; and air emissions. Complying with these laws and regulations, or addressing violations arising under them, could result in environmental costs and liabilities, reduce the Company’s profits or limit its ability to run its business. Existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised, or new laws and regulations related to global climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns may be adopted or become applicable to the Company. The identification of areas of contamination, changes in cleanup requirements, or the adoption of new requirements governing the Company’s operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results or operations, financial condition and business.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company’s headquarters and principal administrative, sales and marketing, and system development operations are located in 6,430 square feet of leased space in Troy, Michigan. The Company occupies these premises under a lease expiring in August 2017.

The Company has a telecommunications hub located in 3,128 square feet of leased space in Cary, North Carolina under a lease which expires in April 2018.

The Company also leases office facilities in Phoenix, Arizona; Schaumburg, Illinois; Miami, Florida; Irving, Texas; New York, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; Cambridge, Massachusetts(Boston); London, UK; Glasgow, Scotland; Toronto, Canada; Stuttgart and Frankfurt, Germany; Taguig City, Philippines, Port Louis, Mauritius. The Company also maintains registered offices in Singapore; Paris, France; Dublin, Ireland and Hong Kong.

The Company has Global Development Centers in Pune, Mumbai, Gurugram and Chennai, India and a Support Center in Cary, North Carolina to support the Company’s Global Delivery Service.

Syntel’s Global Development Centers enable its strategy to provide cost effective services to its clients.

The Company acquired 78 acres of land in Pune, India for establishing a state-of-the-art development and training campus. Initial construction was completed in August 2006, which included an office building with 950 seats, a food court and residential guest house. In February 2007, the Company completed two additional office buildings with more than 2,000 seats. The remaining land adjacent to the campus has been designated as a Special Economic Zone (“SEZ”) by the Government of India. The Company has completed construction of two office buildings in the SEZ area with more than 2,000 seats. The Company added three additional office buildings with more than 4,600 seats in the year 2013 and 1,900 seats in 2014.

In addition, Syntel leases one facility in Pune, India consisting of 55,028 square feet.

The Company’s India operations are registered in Mumbai. Syntel has multiple leased facilities in Mumbai with a total capacity of nearly 9,400 seats.

Syntel leases 701,245 square feet of office space in Mumbai, India, under twelve leases expiring between April 16 2017 and January 26, 2025. These facilities house IT and KPO professionals, as well as its senior management, finance and accounting, administrative personnel, human resources, recruiting and sales and marketing functions.

Syntel has one leased facility in Chennai with a total capacity of nearly 502 seats. Syntel leases 47,900 square feet of office space in Chennai, India, under leases expiring on September 1, 2017.

 

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The Company has approximately 29 acres of land in an Information Technology Park in Chennai, India. This area of land has been designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by the Government of India. In Phase 1, the Company constructed 0.7 million square feet of space. Phase 1 consists of three Software Development Blocks each having a capacity of 1,700 seats, a Food Court with 1,000 seat capacity, a Training Block with a 900 seat capacity, a Welcome Block and a Utility Block.

The first software development block along with the training block, welcome block, utility block and cafeteria commenced operations in August 2010. The second software development block commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2011. The third software development block was added in the third quarter of 2013.

Syntel leases 11,800 square feet of office space in Gurugram, India under two leases expiring on February 9, 2021.

Syntel acquired 100 acres of land that is classified as a SEZ in Gangikondan Village, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India. The Company has started Phase 1 of the site’s development, consisting of the construction of a 200,000 square foot facility in 2013 with a plan to start operations in 2017.

The Company believes that its infrastructure in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram and Chennai is adequate for meeting its short-term requirements. Planned capacity additions in these cities will enable the Company to meet offshore growth requirements for the next several years. The Company is also considering expanding its footprint in metropolitan areas of varying sizes to meet its growth objectives.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

While the Company is a party to ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, the Company is not currently a party to any material legal proceeding or governmental investigation. In the opinion of our management, the outcome of such litigation, if decided adversely, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our quarterly or annual operating results, cash flows or consolidated financial position.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(a) The Company’s Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “SYNT.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sales prices per share of the Company’s Common Stock as reported on NASDAQ for each full quarterly period in 2015 and 2016.

 

Period

   High      Low  

First Quarter, 2015

     52.990        42.680  

Second Quarter, 2015

     52.900        44.010  

Third Quarter, 2015

     49.110        41.072  

Fourth Quarter, 2015

     48.970        43.880  

First Quarter, 2016

     50.870        42.400  

Second Quarter, 2016

     50.920        41.170  

Third Quarter, 2016

     48.407        40.680  

Fourth Quarter, 2016

     43.190        18.000  

(b) There were 126 shareholders of record and approximately 27,000 beneficial holders on January 31, 2017.

(c) During the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per share on outstanding common stock which was payable on October 3, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2016. The Board of Directors neither declared nor paid any dividends during fiscal year 2015.

(d) On November 14, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan under which the Company may repurchase shares of common stock with a total value not to exceed $10 million.

Repurchases under the Company’s new program were made in the open market or privately negotiated transactions or through a Rule 10b5-1 plan in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-18, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, and other relevant factors. Any repurchased common stock will be available for use in connection with the Company’s incentive plan and for other corporate purposes.

 

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The following information describes the Company’s stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Period

   Total number
of shares (or
units)
purchased
     Average
price
paid per
share (or
unit)
including
other
charges
     Total
number of
shares (or
units)
purchased
as part of
publicly
announced
plans or
programs
     Maximum number
(or approximate
dollar value) of
shares (or units)
that may yet be
purchased under
the plans or
programs
 

November 1, 2016 — November 30, 2016

     190,200        19.46        190,200      $ 6,298,441.72  

December 1, 2016 — December 31, 2016

     320,723        19.64        320,723      $ 18.40  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     510,923        19.57        510,923      $ 18.40  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(e) The information set forth under the captions “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in Item 12 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s Common Stock to the cumulative total shareholder returns for the S&P 500 Stock Index and for an index of peer companies selected by the Company. The period for comparison is for five years from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2016, the end of the Company’s last fiscal year. The peer group index is composed of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Wipro Limited, Infosys Technologies Limited, Oracle Financial Services Software Limited (formerly known as I-Flex Solutions Limited) and HCL Technologies Limited. These companies were selected based on similarities in their service offerings and their competitive position in the Company’s industry.

 

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Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return

Among Syntel, Inc., S&P 500 Stock Index

And an Index of Peer Companies *

[PERFORMANCE GRAPH]

 

 

LOGO

 

     12/31/2011      12/31/2012      12/31/2013      12/31/2014      12/31/2015      12/31/2016  

Syntel, Inc.

   $ 100.00      $ 119.38      $ 193.47      $ 191.36      $ 192.51      $ 148.01  

S&P 500 Stock Index

   $ 100.00      $ 113.41      $ 146.98      $ 163.72      $ 162.53      $ 178.02  

Peer Group Index

   $ 100.00      $ 116.10      $ 128.98      $ 125.48      $ 111.88      $ 117.76  

 

* Assumes that the value of a simple unweighted average investment in Syntel’s Common Stock and each index was $100 on December 31, 2011 and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

SYNTEL, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands, except share and headcount data)

The following tables set forth selected consolidated financial data and other data concerning Syntel, Inc. and its subsidiaries for each of the last five years. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto.

 

Year Ended December 31,    2016     2015      2014      2013      2012  

STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA

             

Net revenues

   $ 966,550     $ 968,612      $ 911,429      $ 824,765      $ 723,903  

Cost of revenues

     595,725       584,611        533,862        460,576        408,919  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     370,825       384,001        377,567        364,189        314,984  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     108,528       100,256        109,217        96,587        103,044  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

     262,297       283,745        268,350        267,602        211,940  

Other income, net

     11,088       43,456        50,523        18,220        27,988  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     273,385       327,201        318,873        285,822        239,928  

Income tax expense

     330,775       74,675        69,133        66,164        54,385  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (loss)/income

   $ (57,390   $ 252,526      $ 249,740      $ 219,658      $ 185,543  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Loss)/Earnings per share, diluted

   $ (0.68   $ 3.00      $ 2.97      $ 2.62      $ 2.22  

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

     84,146       84,149        83,971        83,764        83,586  

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ 15.00     $ 0.00      $ 0.00      $ 0.00      $ 1.25  

 

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     AS OF DECEMBER 31,  
     2016     2015      2014      2013      2012  
     ($ In thousands)  

BALANCE SHEET DATA

             

Working capital(1)

   $ 146,949     $ 997,172      $ 926,530      $ 714,698      $ 414,849  

Long term debt

     478,616       —          129,750        138,375        —    

Total assets

     454,543       1,423,270        1,224,015        997,176        725,836  

Total shareholders’ equity

     (183,087     1,158,445        947,830        722,546        565,670  

OTHER DATA

             

Billable headcount in U.S.

     3,737       3,917        3,433        3,239        2,758  

Billable headcount in India

     12,993       13,651        13,562        13,417        11,997  

Billable headcount at other locations

     462       525        327        220        163  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total billable headcount

     17,192       18,093        17,322        16,876        14,918  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(1) In November 2015, the FASB issued an update to the standard on income taxes pertaining to the balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes. The update requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with the related valuation allowances within each tax jurisdiction be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. As a result each jurisdiction will only have one net non-current deferred income tax asset or liability. We have adopted this guidance retrospectively in the fourth quarter of 2016 and conformed prior years presentation to current year’s presentation.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily impacted by a one-time repatriation, where the Company recognized a one-time tax expense of approximately $270.6 million (net of foreign tax credits) and reversal of unrecognized tax benefits of $3.08 million. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 would have been 23.0%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was impacted by favorable adjustments of $1.10 million relating to the true up of tax provisions upon the finalization of the India tax computation and $1.20 million relating to the finalization of state tax and local tax matters. The company has provided tax charges of $0.84 million on account of valuation allowances against the minimum alternative tax. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 would have been 23.3%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 was impacted by a favorable adjustment of $1.20 million, which related to the true up of tax provisions, pursuant to finalization of the tax computation of Syntel Private Limited (Syntel India), which had arisen on account of setoff of inter units unabsorbed expenses. Further, a $0.86 million tax charge has arisen on account of a particular tax dispute raised during the year. The Company has provided tax charges of $1.63 million and $0.88 million on account of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets recognized on investments and the minimum alternative tax, respectively. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have been 21.1%.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical Accounting Policies

We believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, involve our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The Company has discussed the critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue recognition is a significant accounting policy for the Company. The Company recognizes revenue from time-and-materials contracts as services are performed. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, revenues from time-and-materials contracts constituted 57%, 58% and 60%, respectively, of total revenues. Revenue from fixed-price application management maintenance and support engagements is recognized as earned, which generally results in straight-line revenue recognition as services are performed continuously over the term of the engagement. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, revenues from fixed-price application management maintenance and support engagements constituted 35%, 33% and 29%, respectively.

Revenue on fixed-price application development and integration projects is measured using the proportional performance method of accounting. Performance is generally measured based upon the efforts incurred to date in relation to the total estimated efforts to the completion of the contract. The Company monitors estimates of total contract revenues and cost on a routine basis throughout the delivery period. The cumulative impact of any change in estimates of the contract revenues or costs is reflected in the period in which the changes become known. In the event that a loss is anticipated on a particular contract, provision is made for the estimated loss. The Company issues invoices related to fixed-price contracts based on either the achievement of milestones during a project or other contractual terms. Differences between the timing of billings and the recognition of revenue based upon the proportional performance method of accounting are recorded as revenue earned in excess of billings or deferred revenue in the accompanying financial statements. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, revenues from fixed-price application development and integration contracts constituted 8%, 9% and 11%, respectively.

Significant Accounting Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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Revenue Recognition. The use of the proportional performance method of accounting requires that the Company make estimates about its future efforts and costs relative to the fixed-price contracts. While the Company has procedures in place to monitor the estimates throughout the performance period, such estimates are subject to change as each contract progresses. The cumulative impact of any such change is reflected in the period in which the change becomes known.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a specific review of aged receivables. The provision for the allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively. These estimates are based on our assessment of the probable collection from specific customer accounts, the aging of the accounts receivable, analysis of credit data, bad debt write-offs and other known factors.

Income Taxes—Estimates of Effective Tax Rates and Reserves for Tax Contingencies. The Company records provisions for income taxes based on enacted tax laws and rates in the various taxing jurisdictions in which it operates.

In determining the tax provisions, the Company also reserves for tax contingencies based on the Company’s assessment of future regulatory reviews of filed tax returns. Such reserves, which are recorded in income taxes payable, are based on management’s estimates and accordingly are subject to revision based on additional information. The reserve no longer required for any particular tax year is credited to the current year’s income tax provision.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily impacted by one-time repatriation, where the Company recognized a one-time tax expense of about $270.6 million (net of foreign tax credits) and reversal of unrecognized tax benefits of $3.08 million. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 would have been 23.0%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was impacted by favorable adjustments of $1.10 million relating to the true up of tax provisions upon the finalization of the India tax computation and $1.20 million relating to the finalization of state tax and local tax matters. The company has provided tax charges of $0.84 million on account of valuation allowances against the minimum alternative tax. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 would have been 23.3%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 was impacted by a favorable adjustment of $1.20 million, relating to the true up of tax provisions, upon the finalization of the tax computation of Syntel India, which was finalized after setoff of unabsorbed inter-company expenses. Further, $0.86 million charge of tax has arisen on account of a tax dispute raised during the year. The Company has provided tax charges of $1.63 million and $0.88 million on account of valuation allowance against deferred tax assets recognized on the investments and minimum alternative tax. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have been 21.1%.

 

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Accruals for Legal Expenses and Exposures.

The Company is party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, including litigation and governmental and regulatory controls. The Company’s estimates regarding legal contingencies are based on information known about the matters and its experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. It is the opinion of management with respect to pending or threatened litigation matters that unfavorable outcomes are remote and that estimates of possible loss are not able to be made. Although actual amounts could differ from management’s estimates, none of the actions are believed by management to involve future amounts that would be material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

The Company estimates the costs associated with known legal exposures and their related legal expenses and accrues reserves for either the probable liability, if that amount can be reasonably estimated, or otherwise the lower end of an estimated range of potential liability. As at December 31, 2016, the Company has recorded a $0.3 million liability for a litigation matter related contingency. During the year ended December 31, 2015, there was no accrual related to litigation.

OVERVIEW

Syntel is a worldwide provider of IT and KPO services to Global 2000 companies. The Company’s IT services include programming, system integration, outsourcing and overall project management. The Company’s KPO services consist of high-value, customized outsourcing solutions that enhance critical back-office services such as transaction processing, loan servicing, retirement processing, collections and payment processing.

The Company’s revenues are generated from professional services fees provided through five segments, Banking and Financial Services, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Insurance, Manufacturing, and Retail, Logistics and Telecom. The Company has invested significantly in developing its ability to sell and deliver Applications Outsourcing and KPO services, which the Company believes have higher growth and gross margin potential.

Effective the first quarter of 2014, as a result of the completion of organizational changes, the Company changed its basis of segmentation to vertical segments as follows:

 

    Banking and Financial Services

 

    Healthcare and Life Sciences

 

    Insurance

 

    Manufacturing

 

    Retail, Logistics and Telecom

 

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The following table outlines the revenue mix for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

     Percent of Total Revenues  
     2016     2015     2014  

Banking and Financial Services

     49       49       50  

Healthcare and Life Sciences

     16       16       16  

Insurance

     13       14       15  

Manufacturing

     5       4       3  

Retail, Logistics and Telecom

     17       17       16  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues are generated principally on either a time-and-materials or fixed-priced, fixed-time frame basis. We believe the ability to offer fixed-time frame processes is an important competitive differentiator that allows Syntel and its clients to better understand the client’s needs, and to design, develop, integrate and implement solutions that address those needs. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, revenues from fixed-price development contracts constituted 8%, 9% and 11% respectively.

Revenues from Banking and Financial Services, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Insurance, Manufacturing, and Retail, Logistics and Telecom are generally recognized on either time-and-materials or fixed-price basis. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, fixed-price revenues from development and maintenance activity comprised approximately 23%, 24% and 25% of total Banking and Financial Services revenues, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, fixed-price revenues from development and maintenance activity comprised approximately 65%, 56% and 41% of total Healthcare and Life Sciences revenues, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, fixed-price revenues from development and maintenance activity comprised approximately 38%, 41% and 48% of total Insurance revenues, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, fixed-price revenues from development and maintenance activity comprised approximately 32%, 33% and 27% of total Manufacturing revenues, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, fixed-price revenues from development and maintenance activity comprised approximately 84%, 84% and 80% of total Retail Logistics and Telecom revenues, respectively.

The Company’s most significant cost is personnel cost, which consists of compensation, benefits, recruiting, relocation and other related costs for its professionals. The Company strives to maintain its gross margin by controlling engagement costs and offsetting increases in salaries and benefits with increases in billing rates. The Company has established a human resource allocation team whose purpose is to staff professionals on engagements that efficiently utilize their technical skills and allow for optimal billing rates. The Company’s Indian subsidiaries provide software development services from Mumbai, Pune and Chennai, India, where salaries of IT professionals are comparatively lower than in the U.S.

 

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The Company has performed a significant portion of its employee recruiting in other countries. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 14.7% of Syntel’s worldwide workforce provided services under work permits / visas.

The Company has made substantial investments in infrastructure in recent years, including: (1) expanding the facilities in Mumbai, India, including a KPO facility; (2) developing a Technology Campus in Pune, India; (3) expanding the Global Development Center in Chennai, India; (4) upgrading the Company’s global telecommunication network; (5) increasing IT services sales and delivery capabilities through significant expansion of the sales force and the Company’s Enterprise Solutions Group, which develops and formalizes proprietary methodologies, practices and tools for the entire Syntel organization; (6) hiring additional experienced senior management; (7) expanding global recruiting and training capabilities; and (8) enhancing human resource and financial information systems.

Through its strong relationships with customers, the Company has been able to generate recurring revenues from repeat business. These strong relationships also have resulted in the Company generating a significant percentage of revenues from key customers. The Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 73%, 74% and 74% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, there were three customers contributing revenues in excess of 10% of the Company’s total consolidated revenues. The Company’s largest customer for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was American Express, contributing approximately 22%, 21% and 22%, respectively, of total consolidated revenues. For the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s second largest customer, State Street Bank also contributed 14%, 15% and 14%, respectively, of the Company’s total consolidated revenues. For the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s third largest customer, Federal Express Corporation also contributed 12%, 12% and 12%, respectively, of the Company’s total consolidated revenues. Although the Company does not currently foresee a credit risk associated with accounts receivable from these customers, credit risk is affected by conditions or occurrences within the economy and the specific industries in which these customers operate.

As a result of the continued uncertainty and weakness in the global economic and political environment, companies continue to seek to outsource their IT spending offshore. However, Syntel also sees clients’ needs to reduce their costs and the increased competitive environment among IT companies. The Company expects these conditions to continue in the foreseeable future. In response to the continued pricing pressures and increased competition for outsourcing clients, the Company continues to focus on expanding its service offerings into areas with higher and sustainable price margins, managing its cost structure and anticipating and correcting for decreased demand and skill and pay level imbalances in its personnel. The Company’s immediate measures include increased management of compensation expenses through headcount management and variable compensation plans, as well as increasing utilization rates or reducing non-deployed sub-contractors or non-billable IT professionals.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected income statement data as a percentage of the Company’s net revenues.

 

     PERCENTAGE OF NET REVENUES  
     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Net revenues

     100.0     100.0     100.0

Cost of revenues

     61.6       60.4       58.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     38.4       39.6       41.4  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     11.2       10.4       12.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     27.2     29.2     29.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Below is selected segment financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The Company does not allocate assets to operating segments:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Net Revenues:

  

Banking and Financial Services

   $ 472,999      $ 474,943      $ 455,100  

Healthcare and Life Sciences

     155,970        157,970        147,424  

Insurance

     128,270        133,519        137,447  

Manufacturing

     44,420        41,154        27,622  

Retail, Logistics and Telecom

     164,891        161,026        143,836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Profit:

   $ 966,550      $ 968,612      $ 911,429  

Banking and Financial Services

     183,530        188,152        193,916  

Healthcare and Life Sciences

     62,466        68,822        67,289  

Insurance

     46,192        49,497        50,050  

Manufacturing

     13,091        13,111        8,136  

Retail, Logistics and Telecom

     68,113        69,505        63,262  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Segment Gross Profit

     373,392        389,087        382,653  

Corporate Direct Cost

     (2,567      (5,086      (5,086

Gross Profit

   $ 370,825      $ 384,001      $ 377,567  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     108,528        100,256        109,217  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

   $ 262,297      $ 283,745      $ 268,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015.

Revenues. Net revenues decreased to $966.6 million in 2016 from $968.6 million in 2015, representing a 0.2% decrease. Syntel’s revenues decreased primarily due to our customers facing considerable volatility in their respective industries. As a result of the increased industry volatility, demand has softened. Amid softer macroeconomic trends, industry-specific headwinds and regulatory-related uncertainty in key end markets, decision cycles lengthened related to discretionary spending by customers. This resulted in delayed project starts and extension of deals from second half of 2016, slower ramps up in project in some cases with consequent reduction in revenue. The combination of these factors has resulted in a reduction in revenues. The Company’s verticalization sales strategy focusing on Banking and Financial Services; Healthcare and Life Sciences; Insurance; Manufacturing; and Retail, Logistics and Telecom has enabled better focus and relationship with key customers. Further, our focus on execution and ongoing investments in new offerings such as digital modernization and automation have a potential to contribute growth in the business across service lines and geographic regions. The focus is to continue investments in more new offerings and geographical expansion. Worldwide billable headcount, including personnel employed by Syntel’s Indian subsidiaries, Syntel Singapore, Syntel Europe, Syntel Deutschland and Syntel Canada as of December 31, 2016, decreased 5% to 17,192 employees as compared to 18,093 employees as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016 the Company had approximately 76% of its billable workforce in India as compared to 75% as of December 31, 2015. The top five customers accounted for 58% of the Company’s total revenue in 2016, down from 59% of total revenues in the 2015. Moreover, the top 10 customers accounted for 73% of the Company’s total revenues in 2016, down from 74% of total revenues in the 2015. The Company’s top 4-30 customers accounted for 42% and 44% of the Company’s total revenues in the year 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cost of Revenues. The Company’s cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. The cost of revenues increased to 61.6% of total revenue in 2016, from 60.4% in 2015. The 1.2% increase in cost of revenues, as a percent of revenues in 2016 as compared to 2015, was attributable primarily to increase in compensation, salary increase for offshore and onsite employees, increased contract cost offset by rupee depreciation, decrease in travel expenses, decrease in other direct expenses, decrease in recruiting expenses, decrease in training expenses and decrease in immigration expenses. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Indian rupee depreciated against the U.S. dollar, on average, 4.77% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This rupee depreciation positively impacted the Company’s gross margin by 71 basis points, operating income by 117 basis points and negatively impacted net loss by 126 basis points, each as a percentage of revenue.

Banking and Financial Services Revenues. Banking and Financial Services revenues decreased to $473.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 or 48.9% of total revenues, from $474.9 million, or 49.0% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015. The $1.9 million decrease was attributable primarily to $139.5 million net reduction in revenues as a result of project completion and a $25.4 million net reduction in revenue from existing projects, largely offset by $163.0 million in revenues from new engagements.

 

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Banking and Financial Services Cost of Revenues. Banking and Financial Services cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Banking and Financial Services cost of revenues increased to 61.2% of total Banking and Financial Services revenues in 2016, from 60.4% in 2015. The 0.8% increase in cost of revenues, as a percent of total Banking and Financial Services revenues was attributable primarily to increase in compensation, salary increase for offshore and onsite employees, increase in contract cost offset by rupee depreciation, decrease in travel expenses, decrease in other direct expenses, decrease in recruiting expenses, decrease in training expenses and decrease in immigration expenses.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Revenues. Healthcare and Life Sciences revenues decreased to $ 156.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, or 16.1% of total revenues from $158.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, or 16.3% of total revenues. The $2.0 million decrease was attributable primarily to $28.0 million net reduction in revenue from existing projects and a $26.4 million net reduction in revenues as a result of project completion, largely offset by $52.4 million in revenues from new engagements.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Cost of Revenues. Healthcare and Life Sciences cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Healthcare and Life Sciences cost of revenues increased to 59.9% of total Healthcare and Life Sciences revenues in 2016, from 56.4% in 2015. The 3.5% increase in cost of revenues, as a percent of total Healthcare and Life Sciences revenues was attributable primarily to an increase in compensation, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, and increased contract costs, offset by rupee depreciation, decrease in travel expenses, decrease in other direct expenses, decrease in recruiting expenses, decrease in training expenses and decrease in immigration expenses.

Insurance Revenues. Insurance revenues decreased to $128.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 or 13.3% of total revenues, from $133.5 million, or 13.8% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015. The $5.2 million decrease was attributable primarily to $34.6 million net reduction in revenues as a result of project completion and a $24.4 million net reduction in revenue from existing projects, largely offset by a $53.8 million increase in revenues from new engagements .

Insurance Cost of Revenues. Insurance cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Insurance cost of revenues increased to 64.0% of total insurance revenues in 2016, from 62.9% in 2015. The 1.1% increase in cost of revenues, as a percent of total Insurance revenues was attributable primarily to an increase in compensation, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, and increased contract costs offset by rupee depreciation, decrease in travel expenses, decrease in other direct expenses, decrease in recruiting expenses, decrease in training expenses and decrease in immigration expenses .

 

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Manufacturing Revenues. Manufacturing revenues increased to $44.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, or 4.6% of total revenues from $41.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, or 4.2% of total revenues. The $3.2 million increase was attributable primarily to revenues from new engagements contributing $10.0 million and a $0.9 million increase in revenue from existing projects, largely offset by $7.7 million in lost revenues as a result of project completion.

Manufacturing Cost of Revenues. Manufacturing cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S., including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Manufacturing cost of revenues increased to 70.5% of total Manufacturing revenues in 2016, from 68.1% in 2015. The 2.4% increase in cost of revenues as a percent of total Manufacturing revenues, was attributable primarily to an increase in compensation, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, and increased contract costs offset by rupee depreciation, decrease in travel expenses, decrease in other direct expenses, decrease in recruiting expenses, decrease in training expenses and decreased immigration expenses.

Retail, Logistics and Telecom Revenues. Retail, Logistics and Telecom revenues increased to $164.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 or 17.1% of total revenues, from $161.0 million, or 16.6% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015. The $3.9 million increase was attributable primarily to revenues from new engagements contributing $115.7 million, largely offset by a $92.7 million decrease in revenue from existing projects and a $19.1 million in lost revenues as a result of project completion.

Retail, Logistics and Telecom Cost of Revenues. Retail, Logistics and Telecom, cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Retail, Logistics and Telecom cost of revenues increased to 58.7% of total Retail, Logistics and Telecom revenues in 2016, from 56.8% in 2015. The 1.9% increase in cost of revenues as a percent of total Retail, Logistics and Telecom revenues, was attributable primarily to an increase in compensation, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, and increased contract costs offset by rupee depreciation, decrease in travel expenses, decrease in other direct expenses, decrease in recruiting expenses, decrease in training expenses and decrease in immigration expenses.

Corporate Direct Costs—Cost of Revenues. Certain expenses, for cost centers such as Centers of Excellence, Architecture Solutions Group (ASG), Research and Development, Cloud Computing, and Application Management, are not specifically allocated to specific segments because management believes it is not practical to allocate such expenses to individual segments as they are not directly attributable to any specific segment. Accordingly, these expenses are separately disclosed as Corporate Direct Costs and adjusted only against the Total Gross Profit.

Corporate Direct Costs cost of revenues decreased to 0.3% of total revenue in 2016, from 0.5% in 2015. The 0.2% decrease in cost of revenues as a percent of total revenue, was attributable primarily to rupee depreciation, decrease in other direct expenses and decrease in recruiting expenses offset by increase in compensation.

 

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Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries; payroll taxes and benefits for sales, finance, administrative, corporate staff, travel expenses; telecommunications cost, business promotions and marketing and various facility costs for the Company’s global development centers and other offices.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $108.53 million or 11.2% of total revenues, compared to $100.26 million or 10.4% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were impacted by a decrease in revenue of $2.06 million that resulted increase of 0.02% in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue.

The overall increase of $8.27 million in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in corporate expenses of $10.78 million primarily on account of a decrease in foreign exchange gain of $9.84 million; gain of $8.25 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as against gain of $18.09 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, increase in benefits of $0.44 million and increase in marketing expenses of $0.8 million offset by decrease in office expenses $1.08 million, decrease in depreciation expenses of $0.89 million, decrease in office rent expenses of $0.64 million, decrease in voice data expenses of $0.77 million, decrease in compensation of $0.29 million, and decrease in other expenses of $0.08 million.

Other Income, Net. Other income includes interest and dividend income, gains and losses on forward contracts, gains and losses from the sale of securities, other investments, treasury operations, and interest expenses on loans and borrowings.

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $11.09 million or 1.1% of total revenues, compared to $43.46 million or 4.5% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The decrease in other income of $32.37 million was attributable to a decrease in interest income of $17.05 million, a decrease in gain from sale of mutual fund of $13.0 million, and an increase in interest expense of $2.49 million partially offset by increase in other miscellaneous income of $0.17 million.

 

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COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014.

Revenues. Net revenues increased to $968.6 million in 2015 from $911.4 million in 2014, representing a 6% increase. Syntel’s revenues increased primarily due to an increased billable workforce. Information technology offshoring is a trend with increasing numbers of global corporations aggressively outsourcing their crucial applications development or business processes to vendors with an offshore presence. Syntel has benefited from this trend. The Company’s verticalization sales strategy focusing on Banking and Financial Services; Healthcare and Life Sciences; Insurance; Manufacturing; and Retail, Logistics and Telecom has enabled better focus and relationship with key customers leading to continued growth in business. The focus is to continue investments in more new offerings. Worldwide billable headcount, including personnel employed by Syntel’s Indian subsidiaries, Syntel Singapore, Syntel Europe, Syntel Deutschland and Syntel Canada as of December 31, 2015, increased 4% to 18,093 employees as compared to 17,322 employees as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015 the Company had approximately 75% of its billable workforce in India as compared to 78% as of December 31, 2014. The top five customers accounted for 59% of the Company’s total revenue in 2015, down from 61% of total revenues in the 2014. Moreover, the top 10 customers accounted for 74% of the Company’s total revenues in both the year 2015 and the year 2014. The Company’s top 4-30 customers accounted for 44% and 46% of the Company’s total revenues in the years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Cost of Revenues. The Company’s cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. The cost of revenues increased to 60.4% of total revenue in 2015, from 58.6% in 2014. The 1.8% increase in cost of revenues, as a percent of revenues in 2015 as compared to 2014, was attributable primarily to increases in compensation due to increased headcount, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, increased contract cost, increased benefits costs and increased immigration expenses, offset by rupee depreciation. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Indian rupee depreciated against the U.S. dollar, on average, 5.32% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. This rupee depreciation positively impacted the Company’s gross margin by 83 basis points, operating income by 134 basis points and net income by 127 basis points, each as a percentage of revenue.

Banking and Financial Services Revenues. Banking and Financial Services revenues increased to $474.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 or 49.0% of total revenues, from $455.1 million, or 49.9% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014. The $19.8 million increase was attributable primarily to revenues from new engagements contributing $155.9 million and a net increase in revenue from existing projects by $11.8 million, largely offset by $147.9 million in lost revenues as a result of project completion.

 

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Banking and Financial Services Cost of Revenues. Banking and Financial Services cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Banking and Financial Services cost of revenues increased to 60.4% of total Banking and Financial Services revenues in 2015, from 57.4% in 2014. The 3.0% increase in cost of revenues, as a percent of total Banking and Financial Services revenues was attributable primarily to an increase in compensation due to increased headcount, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, increased contract costs, increased benefits costs and increased immigration expenses, which was offset by the depreciation of the rupee. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Revenues. Healthcare and Life Sciences revenues increased to $158.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, or 16.3% of total revenues from $147.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or 16.2% of total revenues. The $10.6 million increase was attributable primarily to revenues from new engagements contributing $42.7 million, largely offset by $16.5 million in lost revenues as a result of project completion and a $15.6 million net reduction in revenues from existing projects.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Cost of Revenues. Healthcare and Life Sciences cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Healthcare and Life Sciences cost of revenues increased to 56.4% of total Healthcare and Life Sciences revenues in 2015, from 54.4% in 2014. The 2.00% increase in cost of revenues, as a percent of total Healthcare and Life Sciences revenues was attributable primarily to an increase in compensation due to increased headcount, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, increased contract costs, increased benefits costs and increased immigration expenses, offset by the rupee depreciation. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management.

Insurance Revenues. Insurance revenues decreased to $133.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 or 13.8% of total revenues, from $137.4 million, or 15.1% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014. The $3.9 million decrease was attributable primarily to $48.9 net reduction in revenues as a result of project completion and a 17.8 million net reduction in revenue from existing projects, largely offset by $62.8 million in revenues from new engagements .

Insurance Cost of Revenues. Insurance cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Insurance cost of revenues decreased to 62.9% of total insurance revenues in 2015, from 63.6% in 2014. The 0.7% decrease in cost of revenues, as a percent of total Insurance revenues was attributable primarily to rupee depreciation, offset by increases in compensation due to increased headcount, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, increased contract cost, increased benefits costs and increased immigration expenses. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management .

 

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Manufacturing Revenues. Manufacturing revenues increased to $41.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, or 4.2% of total revenues from $27.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or 3.0% of total revenues. The $13.6 million increase was attributable primarily to revenues from new engagements contributing $9.5 million and a 5.7 million increase in revenue from existing projects, largely offset by $1.6 million in lost revenues as a result of project completion.

Manufacturing Cost of Revenues. Manufacturing cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S., including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Manufacturing cost of revenues decreased to 68.1% of total Manufacturing revenues in 2015, from 70.5% in 2014. The 2.4% decrease in cost of revenues as a percent of total Manufacturing revenues, was attributable primarily to rupee depreciation, offset by increases in compensation due to increased headcount, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, increased contract cost, increased benefits costs and increased immigration expenses. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management.

Retail, Logistics and Telecom Revenues. Retail, Logistics and Telecom revenues increased to $161.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 or 16.6% of total revenues, from $143.8 million, or 15.8% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014. The $17.2 million increase was attributable primarily to revenues from new engagements contributing $30.6 million and a $10.9 million increase in revenue from existing projects, which is partially offset by $24.3 million in lost revenues as a result of project completion.

Retail, Logistics and Telecom Cost of Revenues. Retail, Logistics and Telecom, cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable consultants in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Retail, Logistics and Telecom cost of revenues increased to 56.8% of total Retail, Logistics and Telecom revenues in 2015, from 56.0% in 2014. The 0.8% increase in cost of revenues as a percent of total Retail, Logistics and Telecom revenues, was attributable primarily to an increase in compensation due to increased headcount, salary increases for offshore and onsite employees, increased contract costs, increased benefits costs and increased immigration expenses, offset by the rupee depreciation. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management.

Corporate Direct Costs—Cost of Revenues. Certain expenses, for cost centers such as Centers of Excellence, Architecture Solutions Group (ASG), Research and Development (R&D), Cloud Computing, and Application Management, are not specifically allocated to specific segments because management believes it is not practical to allocate such expenses to individual segments as they are not directly attributable to any specific segment. Accordingly, these expenses are separately disclosed as Corporate Direct Costs and adjusted only against the Total Gross Profit.

Corporate Direct Costs cost of revenues decreased to 0.5% of total revenue in 2015, from 0.6% in 2014. The 0.1% decrease in cost of revenues as a percent of total revenue, was attributable primarily to rupee depreciation offset by increases in compensation due to increase headcount. Salary increases are discretionary and determined by management.

 

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Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries; payroll taxes and benefits for sales; solutions; finance; administrative; corporate staff; travel expenses; telecommunications costs; business promotions and marketing and various facility costs for the Company’s global development centers and other offices.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $100.2 million or 10.4% of total revenues, compared to $109.2 million or 12.0% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were impacted by an increase in revenue of $57.2 million that resulted in a 0.6% decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue.

The overall decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to decrease in corporate expenses of $8.4 million primarily on account of an increase in foreign exchange gain of $10.4 million ; gain of $18.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as against gain of $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and decrease in legal and professional fees $1.0 million offset by an out-of-period accounting adjustment during the second quarter of 2014 that lowered selling, general, and administrative expenses by $3.0 million (which related to the prior period cumulative impact, arising out of the modification of the accounting treatment adopted by the Company during the second quarter of 2014, around certain foreign currency related balance sheet translations, exchange gains or losses on certain forward contracts and the related tax impacts), a decrease in immigration expenses of $0.8 million, a decrease in voice data expenses $0.4 million and a decrease in other expenses $0.4 million offset by an increase in compensation due to increases in headcount of $1.0 million.

Other Income (loss), Net. Other income includes interest and dividend income, gains and losses on forward contracts, gains and losses from the sale of securities, other investments, treasury operations, and interest expenses on loans and borrowings.

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $43.5 million or 4.8% of total revenues, compared to $50.5 million or 5.5% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The decrease in other income of $7.0 million was attributable to decrease in interest income of $7.6 million, decrease in forward contract gain of $3.8 million, which was partially offset by an increase in gains from the sale of mutual funds of $4.2 million and an increase in miscellaneous income of $0.1 million and a decrease in interest expense of $.1 million .

 

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QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Note 17, “Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited),” to the Consolidated Financial Statements sets forth certain unaudited quarterly income statement data for each of the eight quarters beginning January 1, 2015 and ended December 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, this information has been presented on the same basis as the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this document and all consolidated necessary adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) have been included in order to present fairly the unaudited quarterly results. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.

The Company’s quarterly revenues and results of operations have not fluctuated significantly from quarter to quarter in the past but could fluctuate in the future. Factors that could cause such fluctuations include: the timing, number and scope of customer engagements commenced and completed during the quarter; fluctuation in the revenue mix by segments; progress on fixed-price engagements; acquisitions; timing and cost associated with expansion of the Company’s facilities; changes in IT professional wage rates; the accuracy of estimates of resources and time frames required to complete pending assignments; the number of working days in a quarter; employee hiring and training, attrition and utilization rates; the mix of services performed on-site, off-site and offshore; termination of engagements; start-up expenses for new engagements; longer sales cycles for IT services outsourcing engagements; significant fluctuations in exchange rate; customers’ budget cycles and investment time for training.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

During 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one stock split of its outstanding common shares. On November 3, 2014, an additional common share was issued for each existing common share held by shareholders of record on October 20, 2014. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts for all periods presented in this discussion, have been adjusted retroactively, where applicable, to reflect this stock split.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per share on outstanding common stock which was payable on October 3, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2016. Accordingly, $1.261 billion in dividends was paid on October 3, 2016.

The special cash dividend was funded through a one-time repatriation of approximately $1.03 billion (net of dividend distribution tax $210 million paid outside of the U.S) of cash held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and a portion of borrowings under the new Senior Credit Facility.

On November 14, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan under which the Company may repurchase shares of common stock with a total value not to exceed approximately $10 million.

The Company repurchased 510,923 shares of common stock with a total value of $10 million at an average price of $19.57 per share during fourth quarter of 2016.

 

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The Company generally has financed its working capital needs through operations. The Mumbai, Chennai, Pune (India) and other expansion programs are financed from internally generated funds. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of certificates of deposit and cash deposited in banks. These amounts are held by various banking institutions including U.S.-based and India-based banks. As at December 31, 2016, the total cash and cash equivalent and short-term investment balance was $99.9 million. Out of the above, an amount of $61.1 million was held by Indian subsidiaries which were comprised of an amount of $37.1 million held in U.S. dollars with the balance of the amount held in Indian rupees. The Company believes that the amount of cash and cash equivalent outside the U.S. will not have a material impact on liquidity.

Net cash (used) provided by operating activities was $(11.65) million, $223.5 million and $233.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was approximately 54 days, 59 days and 53 days as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $495.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. consisting principally of $299.2 million from sales of mutual funds, $621.8 million from maturities of term deposits with banks; offset by $17.1 million of capital expenditures primarily for the construction/acquisition of the Global Development Center at Pune, the Knowledge Process Outsourcing facility at Mumbai and additional facilities in Tirunelveli, Chennai, Glasgow, Poland and Scotland, the acquisition of computers, software and communications equipment, purchase of mutual funds of $184.7 million and the purchase of term deposits with banks of $223.9 million.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $106.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2015, the Company invested $667.9 million to purchase short-term investments and $17.0 million for capital expenditures, which consists principally of computer hardware, software, communications equipment, infrastructure and facilities. This was offset by the proceeds from the sale or maturity of short-term investments of $790.7 million and the proceeds from the sale of assets of $0.2 million.

Net cash used in investing activities was $201.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. During 2014, the Company invested $933.1 million to purchase short-term investments and $19.2 million for capital expenditures, which consists principally of computer hardware, software, communications equipment, infrastructure and facilities. This was partially offset by the proceeds from the sale or maturity of short-term investments of $751.0 million and the proceeds from the sale of assets of $0.07 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2016 was $902.2 million consisting principally of dividends paid of $1,261.5 million, repayment of loan of $210 million, loan origination fees of $1.0 million and repurchase of stock of $10 million, which is partially offset by proceeds from loans and borrowings of $580.3 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2015 was $8.4 million and was principally applied to the repayment of loans and borrowings of $8.6 million, which is partially offset by excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation plans of $0.2 million.

 

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Net cash used in financing activities in 2014 was $6.1 million and was principally applied to the repayment of loans and borrowings of $7.1 million, which is partially offset by excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation plans of $1.0 million.

On May 23, 2013, Syntel entered into a Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. for $150 million in credit facilities consisting of a three-year term loan facility of $60 million and a three-year revolving credit facility of $90 million (the “Credit Agreement”). The maturity date of both the three-year term loan facility and the three-year revolving credit facility was May 23, 2016. The Credit Agreement was amended on May 9, 2016 (the “First Amendment Effective Date”) thereby extending the maturity date from May 23, 2016 to May 9, 2019. Further, by way of the amended Credit Agreement, an additional $40 million for term loan facility and $10 million for revolving credit facility was granted by Bank of America to Syntel (the “First Amendment” and together with the Credit Agreement, the “Amended Credit Agreement”). Thus, the total amount of the credit facility was $200 million, consisting of a three-year term loan facility of $100 million and a three-year revolving credit facility of $100 million. The Amended Credit Agreement was guaranteed by two of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, SkillBay and Syntel Consulting (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In connection with the First Amendment, the Company and the Guarantors also entered into a related security and pledge agreement granting a security interest in the assets of the Company and the Guarantors, including, without limitation, a pledge of 65% of the equity interests in Syntel India.

The interest rates under the Amended Credit Agreement were, with respect to both the revolving credit facility and the term loan, (a) for the period beginning on the First Amendment Effective Date through and including the date prior to the first anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date, (i) the Eurodollar Rate (as that term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 1.50% with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans (as that term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and (ii) the Base Rate (as that term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 0.50% with respect to Base Rate Loans (as that term is defined in the amendment to the Credit Agreement), (b) for the period beginning on the first anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date through and including the date prior to the second anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date, (i) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.45% with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans and (ii) the Base Rate plus 0.45% with respect to Base Rate Loans, and (c) for the period beginning on the second anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date and continuing thereafter, (i) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.40% with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans and (ii) the Base Rate plus 0.40% with respect to Base Rate Loans.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company fully repaid the revolving credit and term loan of $190.0 million, and terminated the Amended Credit Agreement.

On September 12, 2016, the Company entered into a new credit agreement, as amended as of October 26, 2016, (“Senior Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent, L/C issuer and swing line lender, the other lenders party thereto, and Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner for $500 million in credit facilities consisting of a five-year term loan facility

 

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of $300 million (the “Term Loan”) and a five-year revolving credit facility of $200 million (the “Revolving Facility). The maturity date of the Senior Credit Facility is September 11, 2021. The Revolving Facility allows for the issuance of letters of credit and swingline loans. The Senior Credit Facility is guaranteed by two of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, SkillBay and Syntel Consulting (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In connection with the Senior Credit Facility, the Company and the Guarantors also entered into a related security and pledge agreement granting a security interest in the assets of the Company and the Guarantors, including, without limitation, a pledge of 65% of the equity interests in Syntel India.

The interest rates applicable to the Senior Credit Facility other than in respect of swing line loans will be LIBOR plus 1.50% or, at the option of the Company, the Base Rate (to be defined as the highest of (x) the Federal Funds Rate (as that term is defined in the Senior Credit Facility) plus 0.50%, (y) the Bank of America prime rate, or (z) LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus 0.50%. Each swingline loan shall bear interest at the Base Rate plus 0.50%. In no event shall LIBOR be less than 0% per annum.

As of December 31, 2016, the interest rates were 2.11% for the Term Loan of $300 million, 2.11% and 2.20% for two portion of the Revolving Facility equaling $160 million and $40 million respectively.

The Company has also hedged interest rate risk on the entire Term Loan of $300 million by entering into a Pay Fixed and Receive Floating Interest rate swap on November 30, 2016. The Company has designated this interest rate swap (“IRS”) in a hedging relationship with the term loan. The IRS is recorded at fair value and a gain of $ 0.5 million during the fourth quarter is recoded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” with the corresponding debit in other current assets and other long-term assets.

With the interest rates charged on the Senior Credit Facility being variable, the fair value of the Senior Credit Facility approximates the reported value as of December 31, 2016, as it reflects the current market value.

The Term Loan provides for the principal payments as under:

 

Period

    

Beginning from

  

Until

  

Amt in Mn per quarter

December 31, 2016    September 30, 2017    3.750
October 31, 2017    September 30, 2018    5.625
October 31, 2018    June 30, 2021    7.500

During the three months ended December 31, 2016, no principal payment was made towards the term loan. $3.750 million of principal was due to be paid on December 31, 2016 and the amount was paid on January 3, 2017 as the three day delay originated with the lender. However, the Company was still in compliance with loan covenants related to the payment schedule as of December 31, 2016.

The Senior Credit Facility requires compliance with certain financial ratios and covenants. As of December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.

 

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As of December 31, 2016 the outstanding balances of the Term Loan and Revolving Facility, including accrued interest, are $299.9 million and $199.9 million (net of $0.9 million unamortized debt issuance cost), respectively.

Future scheduled payments on the Senior Credit Facility, at December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

     Term Loan      Revolving
Facility
 
     (In thousands)  
    

Principal

Payments

    

Principal

Payments

 

2017

   $ 20,625     

2018

   $ 24,375     

2019

   $ 30,000     

2020

   $ 30,000     

2021

   $ 195,000      $ 200,000  

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table sets forth the Company’s known contractual obligations which includes operating leases and purchase obligations as of December 31, 2016:

 

                                 (In thousands)  

Contractual Obligation

   Payments due by period  
   Total      Less
than 1
year
     1-3
years
     3-5
years
     More than 5
years
 

Long term debt obligation

   $ 500,000      $ 20,625      $ 84,375      $ 395,000        —    

Operating leases

   $ 10,844      $ 3,268      $ 4,771      $ 2,750      $ 55  

Purchase obligations

   $ 32,813      $ 32,813        —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 543,657      $ 56,706      $ 89,146      $ 397,750      $ 55  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchase obligations included above are primarily related to the expansion or construction of facilities. Certain agreements for lease and purchase obligations are cancelable with a specified notice period or penalty; however, all contracts are reflected in the table above as if they will be performed for the full term of the agreement.

 

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INCOME TAX MATTERS

Syntel’s software development centers/units in India are located in Mumbai, Chennai Pune and Gurugram. Software development centers/units enjoy favorable tax provisions due to their registration in Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as Export Oriented Unit (EOU) and as units located in Software Technologies Parks of India (STPI). Units registered with STPI, EOUs and certain units located in SEZ were exempt from payment of corporate income taxes for ten years of operations on the profits generated by these units or March 31, 2011, whichever was earlier. Certain units located in SEZ are eligible for 100% exemption from payment of corporate taxes for the first five years of operation and 50% exemption for the next two years and a further 50% exemption for another three years, subject to fulfillment of certain criteria laid down. New units in SEZ operational after April 1, 2005 are eligible for 100% exemption from payment of corporate taxes for the first five years of operation, 50% exemption for the next five years and a further 50% exemption for another five years, subject to fulfillment of criteria.

The Company’s units located at SEEPZ Mumbai and the STPI/EOU units ceased to enjoy the tax exemption on March 31, 2011. Three SEZ units have completed their first five years of 100% exemption as of March 31, 2016. One SEZ unit located at Chennai has completed its first five years of 100% exemption as of March 31, 2015. The Company has started operations in KPO SEZs unit in Airoli, Navi Mumbai in the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

Syntel’s SEZ in Pune set up under the SEZ Act 2005, commenced operations in 2008. The SEZ for Chennai commenced operations in 2010. Income from operation of the SEZ, as a developer, is exempt from payment of corporate income taxes for ten out of 15 years from the date of SEZ notification.

Provision for Indian Income Tax is made only in respect of business profits generated from these software development units, to the extent they are not covered by the above exemptions and on income from treasury operations and other income.

The benefit of the tax holiday under Indian Income Tax was $38.97 million, $45.6 million and $43.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, and after a comprehensive review of anticipated sources and uses of capital both domestically and abroad, as well as other considerations, the Board of Directors determined that it was in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to declare a special cash dividend of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per share. In conducting this evaluation, the Board of Directors considered, among other factors, the operational and financial objectives of the Company, long-term and short-term capital needs, the Company’s projections on growth and working capital needs, planned uses of U.S. and foreign earnings, the available sources of liquidity in the U.S., and growth plans outside of the U.S. As part of this evaluation, the Company determined that certain amounts which had been previously designated for internal and external expansion and investment at its foreign subsidiaries were no longer required for these purposes. The special cash dividend was funded through a one-time repatriation of approximately $1.03 billion (net of foreign income tax $210 million paid outside of the U.S) of cash held

 

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by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and a portion of borrowings under the new Senior Credit Facility. In connection with the one-time repatriation, the Company recognized a one-time tax expense of approximately $270.6 million (net of foreign tax credits) in the third quarter of 2016.

Other than the amounts affected by the one-time repatriation, the Company’s accumulated foreign earnings are deemed to be permanently reinvested outside the United States and the Company has not provided for income taxes on such earnings. Management regularly evaluates foreign earnings to determine whether future foreign earnings that accumulate will be permanently invested outside the U.S. In conducting this evaluation, management considers, among other factors, the operational and financial objectives of the Company, long-term and short-term capital needs, the Company’s projections on growth and working capital needs, planned uses of U.S. and foreign earnings, the available sources of liquidity in the U.S., and growth plans outside of the U.S. If in the future, management were to conclude that any portion of foreign earnings will not be permanently reinvested outside the U.S., this would result in an additional provision for income taxes, which could affect the Company’s future effective tax rate. If the Company determines to repatriate all undistributed repatriable earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, the Company would have accrued taxes of approximately $24.2 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company has provided a tax charge of $16.75 million related to repatriation and recorded liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to repatriation. The Company has also classified a deferred tax liability of $1.73 million as unrecognized tax benefits related to repatriation.

The Company reversed a provision for tax of $3.08 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 due to the expiration of the time limit with respect to a particular tax provision.

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the effective income tax rate was 121.0%, 22.8% and 21.7%, respectively.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily impacted by a one-time repatriation. The Company recognized a one-time tax expense of approximately $270.6 million (net of foreign tax credits) and reversal of unrecognized tax benefits of $3.08 million. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 would have been 23.0%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was impacted by a favorable adjustments of $1.10 million relating to the true up of tax provisions upon the finalization of the India tax computation and $1.20 million relating to the finalization of state tax and local tax matters. The company has provided tax charges of $0.84 million on account of valuation allowances against the minimum alternative tax. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 would have been 23.3%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 was impacted by a favorable adjustment of $1.20 million, relating to the true up of tax provisions, upon the finalization of the tax computation of Syntel India, which was finalized after setoff of unabsorbed inter-company expenses.

 

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Further, a $0.86 million charge of tax has arisen on account of a tax dispute raised during the year. The Company has provided tax charges of $1.63 million and $0.88 million on account of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets recognized on investments and the minimum alternative tax. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have been 21.1%.

The Company records provisions for income taxes based on enacted tax laws and rates in the various taxing jurisdictions in which it operates. In determining the tax provisions, the Company provides for tax uncertainties in income taxes, when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that a tax position would not be sustained upon examination. Such uncertainties, which are recorded in income taxes payable, are based on management’s estimates and accordingly, are subject to revision based on additional information. The provision no longer required for any particular tax year is credited to the current period’s income tax expense. Conversely, in the event of a future tax examination, any additional tax expense not previously provided for will be recognized in the period in which the actual liability is concluded or the management determines that the Company will not prevail on certain tax positions taken in filed returns, based on the “more likely than not” concept.

Syntel Inc. and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in various tax jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013 and for state tax examinations for years before 2012.

Syntel India, the Company’s India subsidiary, has disputed tax matters for the financial years 1996-97 to 2013-14 pending at various levels of tax authorities. Financial year 2014-15 and onwards are open for regular tax examination by the Indian tax authorities. However, the tax authorities in India are authorized to reopen the already concluded tax assessments for financial years 2009-10 and onwards.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

     (in millions)  
     2016      2015  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as at January 1

   $ 50.24      $ 40.47  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions based on tax positions for prior years

    

22.48

0.0

 

 

    

11.72

0.18

 

 

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (3.08      (0.14

Foreign currency translation effect

     (1.13      (1.99
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31

   $ 68.51      $ 50.24  

Income taxes paid, see below

     (41.41      (42.18
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts, net of income taxes paid

   $ 27.10      $ 8.06  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above table shows the unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.

The Company has paid income taxes of $41.41 million and $42.18 million against the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits of $68.51 million and $50.24 million, as at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company has paid the taxes in order to reduce the possible interest and penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits.

 

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The Company recognized accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a tax charge and tax reversal towards interest of approximately $0.15 million and $0.07 million, respectively.

The Company had accrued approximately $1.45 million and $1.33 million for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The Company’s amount of net unrecognized tax benefits for the tax disputes of $1.54 million could change in the next twelve months as litigation and global tax audits progress. At this time, due to the uncertain nature of this process, it is not reasonably possible to estimate an overall range of possible change.

Syntel has not provided for India Income Tax which are disputed and pending at various level (including potential tax dispute) of $13.70 million for the financial year 1996-97 to December 31, 2016, which is after providing $51.50 million as unrecognized tax benefits under ASC740. Indian tax exposures involve complex issues and may need an extended period to resolve the issues with the Indian income tax authorities. Syntel’s management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Branch Profit Tax

Syntel India is subject to a 15% U.S. Branch Profit Tax (BPT) related to its effectively connected income in the United States, to the extent its U.S. taxable adjusted net income during the taxable year is not invested in the United States. The Company expected that U.S. profits earned on or after January 1, 2008 would be permanently invested in the U.S. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2016, a provision for BPT was not required. The accumulated deferred tax liability of $1.73 million as of December 31, 2007 continues to be carried forward.

As a result of the dividends declared during the third quarter of 2016, as of September 30, 2016, the Company expects that U.S. profits earned will not be permanently invested in the U.S. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a provision for additional BPT of $8.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

SERVICE TAX AUDIT

Syntel India regularly files quarterly Service Tax refund applications and claims refunds of Service Tax on input services, which remain unutilized against a no service tax on export of services. As of December 31, 2016, Syntel Indian entities has not provided against Service tax refunds claims of $3.24 million disputed by Service tax Department which are pending at various level.

The Company obtained a tax consultant’s advice on the aforesaid disputes. The consultant is of the view that the tax disputes are contrary to the wording of the service tax notifications and provisions. The Company therefore believes that its claims of service tax refunds should be upheld at the appellate stage and the refunds should be accordingly granted.

 

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Based on the consultant’s tax advice, the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis to defend the rejection of the refunds. Accordingly, no provision has been made in the Company’s books.

Local Taxes

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a local tax liability provision of approximately $0.4 million, equal to $0.3 million net of federal tax benefit, relating to local taxes including employer withholding taxes, employer payroll expense taxes, business licenses, and corporate income taxes. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a local tax liability provision of approximately $1.1 million, equal to $0.7 million net of tax, relating to local taxes including employer withholding taxes, employer payroll expense taxes, business license registrations, and corporate income taxes. The decrease in December 31, 2016 as compared December 31, 2015 is mainly on account of result of filing, payment, or settlement of such local taxes.

Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT)

Minimum Alternate Tax (“MAT”) is payable on Book Income, including the income for which deduction is claimed under Section 10A and Section 10AA of the Indian Income Tax Act. The excess MAT over the normal tax liability is “MAT Credit”. MAT Credit can be carried forward for 10 years and set-off against future tax liabilities, if normal tax provisions are in excess of taxes payable under MAT. The Company estimated that the Company may not be able to utilize part of the MAT credit for two Indian subsidiaries. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $5.19 million was recorded against the accumulated MAT credit recognized as deferred tax assets. The MAT credit as of December 31, 2016 of $30.78 million (net of valuation allowance of $5.19 million) shall be utilized before March 31 of the following financial years and shall expire as follows:

 

Year of Expiry of MAT Credit

   (In millions)  

2017-18

   $ 0.19  

2018-19

     0.26  

2019-20

     0.95  

2020-21

     1.59  

2021-22

     0.78  

2022-23

     5.86  

2023-24

     6.94  

2024-25

     7.62  

2025-26

     9.80  

2026-27

     1.98  

Total

   $ 35.97  
  

 

 

 

Less: Valuation allowance

     5.19  
  

 

 

 

Total (net of valuation allowance)

   $ 30.78  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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India Budget Proposal 2017

The Finance Bill 2017 was presented on February 1, 2017. These proposals includ provisions that the MAT credit can be carried forward up to 15 years, as compared to the existing provision for the MAT credit to be carried forward up to 10 years. The Indian corporate tax rate would be reduced to 25%, as compared to the existing 30% for companies with annual turnover below INR 500 million ($7.3 million). The proposal includes no other changes to corporate income tax rates outside of the changes included above.

If enacted, these proposals, would have a one time tax benefit to Syntel of $2.7 million. These tax benefits would be accounted in the quarter in which the aforesaid proposal is enacted.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently issued accounting standards set forth under Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the separate financial section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7A . QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company considers investments purchased with an original maturity of less than three months at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities:

 

 

        (In thousands)  
     December 31,      December 31,  
ASSETS    2016      2015  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 78,332      $ 500,499  

Short-term investments

     21,614        540,045  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 99,946      $ 1,040,544  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2016, the total cash and cash equivalent and short- term investment balance was $99.9 million. Out of the above, an amount of $61.1 million was held by Indian subsidiaries which were comprised of an amount of $37.1 million held in U.S. dollars with the balance of the amount held in Indian rupees. The Company believes that the amount of cash and cash equivalent outside the U.S. will not have a material impact on liquidity.

The Company’s exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s investment portfolio and its Senior Credit Facility. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio. The Company’s investments are in high-quality

 

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Indian Mutual Funds and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. At any time, changes in interest rates could have a material impact on interest earnings for the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company strives to protect and preserve the Company’s invested funds by limiting default, market and reinvestment risk. Investments in interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if there is a decline in interest rates. Due in part to these factors, the Company’s future investment income may fall short of expectations, or the Company may suffer a loss in principal if the Company is forced to sell securities, which have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates as stated above.

The currency composition of the investment portfolio also impacts the investment income generated by the Company. Investment income generated from Indian rupee denominated investment portfolio is higher than that generated by U.S dollar denominated investment portfolio. As at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Company held 24% and 32% of total funds in Indian rupees.

The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk under the Senior credit Facility. In connection with the Senior Credit Facility, the Company has entered into an Interest Rate Swap arrangement (the “IRS”) on November 30, 2016 to hedge interest rate risk on the Term Loan. The IRS Swap is designed to reduce the variability of future interest payments with respect to Term Loan by effectively fixing the annual interest rate payable on the Term Loan’s outstanding principal.

The “IRS” is recorded at fair value and gain arising of $0.5 million during the period is recoded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” with the corresponding debit in other current assets and other long-term assets.

The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative purpose.

A hypothetical decrease in benchmark interest rates of up to 1.0% would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $10.6 million in the fair value of the IRS as of December 31, 2016. Whereas a hypothetical increase in benchmark interest rates of up to 1.0% would have resulted in an increase in the fair value of the IRS of approximately $10.5 million as of December 31, 2016.

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company’s sales are primarily sourced in the United States and its subsidiary in the United Kingdom and are mostly denominated in U.S. dollars or UK pounds, respectively. Its foreign subsidiaries, primarily Indian entities, incur most of their expenses in the local currency i.e. Indian rupees. Accordingly, all foreign subsidiaries use the local currency as their functional currency. The Company’s business is subject to risks typical of an international business, including, but not limited to differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions and foreign exchange rate volatility. Accordingly, the Company’s future results could be materially adversely impacted by changes in these or other factors. The risk is partially mitigated as the Company has sufficient resources in the respective local currencies to meet immediate requirements. The Company is also exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as the financial results of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in consolidation. As exchange rates vary, these results, when translated, may vary from expectations.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Indian rupee depreciated against the U.S. dollar, by average, 4.8% as compared to the average rate for the year ended December 31, 2015. This rupee depreciation positively impacted the Company’s gross margin by 71 basis points, operating income by 117 basis points and net income by 126 basis points, each as a percentage of revenue. The Indian rupee denominated cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expense was 26.3% and 80.0% of the expenses, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Indian rupee depreciated against the U.S. dollar, by average, 5.3% as compared to the average rate for the year ended December 31, 2014. This rupee depreciation positively impacted the Company’s gross margin by 83 basis points, operating income by 134 basis points and net income by 127 basis points, each as a percentage of revenue. The Indian rupee denominated cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expense was 29.3% and 82.9% of the expenses, respectively.

As at December 31, 2015, the Indian rupee depreciated 5.3% against the U.S. dollar, as compared to the rate as at December 31, 2014. The foreign exchange rate fluctuation has resulted in foreign currency translation adjustment of $45.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 which has been reported as Other Comprehensive Loss which adversely impacted the shareholders equity.

Although the Company cannot predict future movement in interest rates or fluctuations in foreign currency rates, the Company currently anticipates that interest rate risk or foreign currency risk may have a significant impact on the financial statements. In order to limit the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rate, when the Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts, where the counterparty is a bank, these contracts may also have a material impact on the financial statements.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts where the counterparty is a bank.

No forward contracts were outstanding as on December 31, 2016.

The Company managed exposure to interest risk by investing in high-quality Indian Mutual Funds, by adhering to policies that limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer, by avoiding use of any derivative financial instruments, by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts and option contracts with only financially sound banks that have passed Syntel internal review to hedge no more than 100% of the Company’s India- based entity revenue, and by generally, limiting foreign exchange forward contracts and option contracts to maturities of one to six months. The Company also specifically discloses any net gain or loss on contracts, which are not designated as hedges, under the heading of “Other Income, net” in the Statement of Income.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The financial statements filed herewith are set forth on the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 of the separate financial section which follows page 79 of this Report and are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officers (the Co-Chairman of the Board, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer),the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a- 15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officers have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at a reasonable assurance level, as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). We maintain internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Therefore, internal control over financial reporting determined to be effective provides only reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Interim CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.

Crowe Horwath LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and for the year then ended included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued its report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year 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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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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P ART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information set forth in the sections entitled “Proposal 1. Election of Directors,” “Additional Information – Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Additional Information – Transactions with Related Persons” in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on or about June 7, 2017 (the “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference. The information set forth in the section entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Item 1 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethical Conduct applicable to all of the Company’s employees, executive officers and directors. The Code of Ethical Conduct, as currently in effect (together with any amendments that may be adopted from time to time), is posted in the “Investors – Corporate Governance” section of the Company’s website at www.syntelinc.com . Amendments to, and any waiver from, any provision of the Code of Ethical Conduct that requires disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be posted on the website at the address specified above.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information set forth under the sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” and “Proposal 1. Election of Directors – Compensation of Directors” in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM  12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the section entitled “Additional Information” in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth, with respect to the Company’s equity compensation plans, (i) the number of shares of common stock to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, (ii) the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options and (iii) the number of shares remaining available for future issuance, as of December 31, 2016.

 

Plan Category

  

Number of

securities to be

issued upon

exercise of

outstanding

options,

warrants and

rights (#)

  

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding

options, warrants

and rights ($)

  

Number of

securities

remaining available

for future issuance

under equity

compensation plans

(excluding

securities

reflected in column

(1))**

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders

   -    -    15,585,281

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

   -    -    -
  

 

  

 

  

 

TOTAL

   -    -    15,585,281
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

** Includes 15,585,281 shares available for future issuance under Syntel’s 2016 Incentive Plan.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Company’s Code of Ethical Conduct, which are published on the Company’s website, prohibit related person transactions without prior approval by the Board of Directors. Related person transactions are those between the Company and its directors, executive officers, director nominees, large security holders or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing. Immediate family member means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of a director, executive officer, director nominee, or large security holder. As provided in the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Audit Committee will review all related person transactions and as provided in the Code of Ethical Conduct, the Board of Directors must approve any waiver of the prohibition against related person transactions. All related person transactions exceeding $120,000 must be disclosed. There were no related person transactions in 2016.

The information set forth under the subsection entitled “Board Independence” in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Crowe Horwath LLP served as the Company’s independent auditors for the consolidated financial statements prepared for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, and all the quarters of 2016, 2015 and 2014. The following table lists the aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Crowe Horwath LLP for all “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees,” and “All Other Fees” which pertain to the last two years.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     December 31,
2016
     December 31,
2015
 

Audit Fees

   $ 608,818      $ 494,453  

Audit—Related Fees

     14,014        14,002  

Tax Fees

     7,465        —    

All Other Fees

     142,533        —    

Audit Fees represent fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC and the audit of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Audit-Related Fees represent professional fees in connection with the statutory audit services relative to the 401K plan for Syntel Inc. Tax Fees represent fees for the services related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. All Other Fees represent consultation on various accounting related matters.

Audit Committee Authorization of Audit and Non-Audit Services

The Audit Committee has the sole authority to authorize all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent audit firm engaged to conduct the annual statutory audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that are detailed as to each particular service to be provided by the independent auditors, and such policies and procedures do not permit the Audit Committee to delegate its responsibilities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to management. The Audit Committee pre-approved fees for all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent audit firm during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the independent auditor’s independence, and has advised the Company that, in its opinion, the activities performed by Crowe Horwath LLP on the Company’s behalf are compatible with maintaining the independence of such auditors.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) The financial statements and supplementary financial information filed herewith are set forth on the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 of the separate financial section which follows page 79 of this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

(a)(2) The consolidated financial statement schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries have been omitted because they are not required, are not applicable, or are adequately explained in the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

(a)(3) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Report. Those exhibits with an asterisk (*) designate the Registrant’s management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements for its executive officers.

 

Exhibit No.    Description
  3.1    Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
  3.2    Bylaws of the Registrant filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.1    Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 8, 2006, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A dated January 3, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.1*    Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.2*    2016 Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.3*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for Employees, filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.4*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for Non-Employee Directors, filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.5*    Form of Special Program Restricted Stock Unit Grant

 

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10.6*    Form of Annual Performance Award, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.7*    Employment Agreement, dated October 18, 2001, between the Company and Bharat Desai, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.8*    Employment Agreement, dated October 18, 2001, between the Company and Daniel M. Moore, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.9*    Employment Agreement, dated March 5, 2009, between the Company and Anil Jain, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.10*    Employment Agreement, dated May 20, 2005, between the Company and Rakesh Khanna, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.11*    Employment Agreement, dated September 5, 2003, between the Company and Murlidhar Reddy, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.12*    Employment Agreement, dated October 13, 2008, between the Company and V. S. Raj, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.13*    Employment Agreement, dated August 3, 2009, between the Company and Raja Ray, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.14*    Employment Agreement, dated March 15, 2010, between the Company and Prashant Ranade, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.15*    Employment Agreement, dated February 1, 2011, between the Company and Avinash Salelkar, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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10.16*    Employment Agreement, dated May 23, 2011, between the Company and Sanjay Garg, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.17*    Employment Agreement, dated July 18, 2014, between the Company and Rajiv Tandon, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.18*    Employment Agreement, dated February 11, 2016, between the Company and Anil Agrawal filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.19*    Employment Agreement, dated February 11, 2008, between the Company and Rahul Aggarwal.
10.20*    Employment Agreement, dated June 9, 2009, between the Company and Ben Andradi.
10.21*    Employment Agreement, dated June 21, 2005, between the Company and Sujay Puthran.
10.22*    Employment Agreement, dated July 26, 2007, between the Company and Narendar Reddy.
10.23    Shareholders Agreement effective February 1, 2012 by and between State Street International Holdings, Syntel Delaware, LLC, Syntel, Inc., and State Street Syntel Services (Mauritius) Limited, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.24    Credit Agreement, dated September 12, 2016, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, L/C issuer and swing line lender, the other lenders party thereto, and Merrill, Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 12, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.25    Security and Pledge Agreement, dated September 12, 2016, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 12, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.26    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated October 26, 2016, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, L/C issuer and swing line lender and the other lenders party thereto, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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14    Code of Ethical Conduct filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference .
21    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.3    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

    SYNTEL, INC.
  By:   /S/ Rakesh Khanna
 

    Rakesh Khanna

Dated: March 1, 2017

 

    Interim Chief Executive Officer and

    President (principal executive officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

   Date
/S/ Bharat Desai    Co-Chairman and Director   
Bharat Desai    (principal executive officer)    March 1, 2017
/S/ Rakesh Khanna    Interim Chief Executive Officer and   
Rakesh Khanna    President    March 1, 2017
   (principal executive officer)   
/S/ Anil Agrawal    Chief Financial Officer and   
Anil Agrawal    Chief Information Security Officer    March 1, 2017
   (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)   
/S/ Prashant Ranade    Co-Chairman    March 1, 2017
Prashant Ranade    and Director   

 

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/S/ Neerja Sethi    Director    March 1, 2017
Neerja Sethi      
/S/ Paritosh K. Choksi    Director    March 1, 2017
Paritosh K. Choksi      
/S/ Thomas Doeke    Director    March 1, 2017
Thomas Doeke      
/S/ Rajesh Mashruwala    Director    March 1, 2017
Rajesh Mashruwala      
/S/ Vinod Sahney    Director    March 1, 2017
Vinod Sahney      
/S/ Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.    Director    March 1, 2017
Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.      

 

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Index to Financial Statements

 

     Page (s)

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of December  31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016

   F-2

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)Income

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity(Deficit)

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-9 to F-51

 

F-1


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Syntel, Inc.

Troy, Michigan

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss)income, shareholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included within this Form 10-K Item 9A as Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP

Oak Brook, Illinois

March 1, 2017

 

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Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     December 31,
2016
    December 31,
2015
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 78,332     $ 500,499  

Short-term investments

     21,614       540,045  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $801 and $622 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively

     118,299       136,926  

Revenue earned in excess of billings

     25,039       30,448  

Other current assets

     36,306       36,423  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     279,590       1,244,341  

Property and equipment

     227,056       217,922  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     120,580       112,146  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

     106,476       105,776  

Goodwill

Non-current term deposits with banks

    

906

225

 

 

   

906

77

 

 

Deferred income taxes and other non-current assets

     67,346       72,170  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 454,543     $ 1,423,270  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT)/EQUITY

  

LIABILITIES

  

Current liabilities:

  

Accounts payable

   $ 10,760     $ 14,678  

Accrued payroll and related costs

     56,650       60,339  

Income taxes payable

     15,195       11,305  

Accrued liabilities

     20,799       23,150  

Deferred revenue

     7,973       7,716  

Loans and borrowings

     21,264       129,981  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     132,641       247,169  

Deferred income taxes and other non-current liabilities

     26,373       17,656  

Non-current loans and borrowings

     478,616       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     637,630       264,825  

Commitments and contingencies ( See Note 13 )

  

SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT)EQUITY

  

Common Stock, no par value per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized;

  

83,634,955 and 83,947,151 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively

     1       1  

Restricted stock,669,554 and 465,290 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively

     45,033       38,389  

Treasury stock at cost 510,923 shares of common stock at December 31, 2016

     (9,990     —    

Additional paid-in capital

     67,422       67,422  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (254,905     (235,609

Retained earnings(accumulated deficit)

     (30,648     1,288,242  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity

     (183,087     1,158,445  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity

   $ 454,543     $ 1,423,270  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

 

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Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Net revenues

   $ 966,550     $ 968,612     $ 911,429  

Cost of revenues

     595,725       584,611       533,862  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     370,825       384,001       377,567  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     108,528       100,256       109,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     262,297       283,745       268,350  

Other income, net (See note 21)

     11,088       43,456       50,523  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

     273,385       327,201       318,873  

Income tax expense

     330,775       74,675       69,133  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (57,390   $ 252,526     $ 249,740  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ (19,018   $ (45,428   $ (32,381

Gains (losses) on derivatives:

      

Gains arising during period on net investment hedges

     —         —         724  

Gain arising during period on cash flow hedges

     533       —         —    

Unrealized gains on securities:

      

Unrealized holding gains arising during period

     242       116       5,777  

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net (loss) income

     (248     (6,580     (4,555
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (6     (6,464     1,222  

Defined benefit pension plans:

      

Net profit (loss) arising during period

     (802     802       (1,147

Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension cost

     (35     149       29  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (837     951       (1,118
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, before tax

     (19,328     (50,941     (31,553

Income tax benefits (expenses) related to other comprehensive loss

     32       1,576       (388
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (19,296     (49,365     (31,941

Comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (76,686   $ 203,161     $ 217,799  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividend per share

   $ 15.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE:

      

Basic

   $ (0.68   $ 3.01     $ 2.98  

Diluted

   $ (0.68   $ 3.00     $ 2.97  

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     84,146       83,982       83,785  

Diluted

     84,146       84,149       83,971  

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

 

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Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity(Deficit)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

     Common
Stock
            Treasury
Stock
     Restricted
Stock
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
     Accumulated other
Comprehensive
(loss)
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
   Shares      Amount      Amount      Shares      Amount                             

Balance, January 1, 2014

     83,514      $ 1        —          501      $ 23,450      $ 67,422      $ 785,976      $ (154,303   $ 722,546  

Net income

                       249,740          249,740  

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

                          (31,941     (31,941

Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation plans

                 1,028                1,028  

Restricted stock activity

     228              63        6,457                6,457  

Dividends $0.00 per share

                         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

     83,742        1        —          564      $ 30,935      $ 67,422      $ 1,035,716      $ (186,244   $ 947,830  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

                       252,526          252,526  

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

                          (49,365     (49,365

Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation plans

                 257                257  

 

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     Common
Stock
           Treasury
Stock
    Restricted
Stock
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated other
Comprehensive
(loss)
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
   Shares     Amount      Amount     Shares     Amount                           

Restricted stock activity

     205            (99     7,197              7,197  

Dividends$0.00 per share

                   —           —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015

     83,947       1        —         465     $ 38,389     $ 67,422      $ 1,288,242     $ (235,609   $ 1,158,445  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

                   (57,390       (57,390

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

                     (19,296     (19,296

Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation plans

              (7            (7

Restricted stock activity

     199            205       6,651              6,651  

$15 Dividend per share

                   (1,261,500       (1,261,500

Repurchases of common stock

     (511        (9,990                (9,990

Balance, December 31, 2016

     83,635     $ 1        (9,990     670     $ 45,033     $ 67,422      $ (30,648   $ (254,905   $ (183,087
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    (In thousands)

 

     2016     2015     2014  

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

   

Net (loss)/income

   $ (57,390   $ 252,526     $ 249,740  

Adjustments to reconcile net income(loss) to net cash used in/provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     14,917       15,567       16,142  

Provision for doubtful debts / advances(recoveries)

     316       494       (357

Realized gains on sales of short-term investments

     (5,790     (18,796     (14,619

Deferred income taxes

     5,510       (4,083     (5,625

Compensation expense related to restricted stock

     8,148       7,197       6,457  

Unrealized foreign exchange loss(gain)

     713       (207     —    

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     (231     (25     (44

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable and revenue earned in excess of billings

     18,963       (39,470     (25,677

Other current assets

     4,153       (2,422     (7,392

Accounts payable, accrued payroll and other liabilities

     (1,162     8,198       16,289  

Deferred revenues

     203       4,542       (1,514
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used)provided by operating activities

     (11,650     223,521       233,400  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Property and equipment expenditures

     (17,513     (17,013     (19,218

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     345       191       66  

Purchases of mutual funds

     (184,692     (221,097     (349,791

Purchases of term deposits with banks

     (223,904     (446,768     (583,341

Proceeds from sales of mutual funds

     299,208       304,083       305,298  

Maturities of term deposits with banks

     621,824       486,651       445,717  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities

     495,268       106,047       (201,269
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Excess tax (deficiency)benefits on stock-based compensation plans

     (7     257       1,028  

Repayment of loans and borrowings

     (210,000     (8,625     (7,125

Proceeds from loans and borrowings

     580,250       —         —    

Fees paid relating to loans and borrowing

     (1,026     —         —    

Repurchases of common stock

     (9,990     —         —    

Dividend paid

     (1,261,500     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (902,273     (8,368     (6,097
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash

     (3,512     (18,409     (7,083
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     (422,167     302,791       18,951  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     500,499       197,708       178,757  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 78,332     $ 500,499     $ 197,708  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non cash investing and financing activities

      

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

      

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 329,830     $ 77,794     $ 73,039  

Cash paid for interest

     3,328       2,215       2,291  

Cash received from interest

     9,564       25,956       35,827  

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

 

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Syntel, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Business

Syntel, incorporated under Michigan law on April 15, 1980, is a global provider of digital transformation, information technology (IT) and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) services to Global 2000 companies.

Effective the first quarter of 2014, as a result of the completion of organizational changes, the Company changed its basis of segmentation to vertical segments as follows:

 

    Banking and Financial Services

 

    Healthcare and Life Sciences

 

    Insurance

 

    Manufacturing

 

    Retail, Logistics and Telecom

In each of our business segments, Syntel helps customers adapt to market change by providing a broad array of technology-based, industry-specific solutions. These solutions leverage Syntel’s strong understanding of the underlying trends and market forces in our chosen industry segments. These solutions are complemented by strong capabilities in Digital Modernization, Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) technologies, Business Intelligence (BI), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), application services, testing, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), IT Infrastructure Management Services (IMS), and business and technology consulting.

Banking and Financial Services

Our Banking and Financial Services segment serves financial institutions throughout the world. Our clients include companies providing banking, capital markets, cards and payments, investments and transaction processing services to third parties. Our clients engage us to help make their operations as effective, productive and cost-efficient as possible, and to support new capabilities. We assist these clients in such areas as: payment solutions, retail banking, wholesale banking, consumer lending, risk management, investment banking, reconciliation, fraud analysis, mobile banking, and compliance and securities services. The demand for our services in the banking and financial services sector is being driven by changing global regulatory requirements, customer interest in newer technology areas and related services such as digital modernization, and an ongoing focus on cost reduction and operational efficiencies.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Our Healthcare and Life Sciences segment serves healthcare payers, providers and pharmaceutical and medical device providers, among others. The healthcare industry is constantly seeking to improve the quality of care while managing the cost of care in order to make healthcare affordable to a larger population. Our healthcare practice focuses on providing a broad range of services and solutions to the industry across the consumer life cycle, which includes regulatory requirements, integrated care, stake holder engagement and wider use of electronic health records, among others. We also partner with clients to modernize their systems and processes to enable them to deal with the increasing consumer orientation of healthcare, such as support for individual mandates and the adoption of mobile and analytics solutions to improve access to health information and decision making by end consumers.

 

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In the life sciences category, we partner with leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies, as well as providers of generics, animal health and consumer health products. Our life sciences solutions help transform many of the business processes in the life sciences value chain (research, clinical development, manufacturing and supply chain, and sales and marketing) as well as regulatory and administrative functions.

Insurance

We serve the needs of global property and casualty insurers, insurance brokers, personal, commercial, life and retirement insurance service providers. These customers turn to us for assistance in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations and in achieving business transformation. We focus on aspects of our clients’ operations, such as policy administration, claims processing and compliance reporting. We also serve the growing trend among insurers to improve their sales and marketing processes by deepening direct retail customer relationships and strengthening interactions with networks of independent and captive insurance agents. This is often accomplished through the use of digital front-end technologies like cloud, social media and mobile, and supported by modernization of applications and infrastructure elements. Additionally, many insurers seek to improve business effectiveness by reducing expense ratios and exiting non-core lines of business and operations.

Manufacturing

We provide technology services and business consulting in a range of sub-sectors including industrial products, aerospace and automotive manufacturing, as well as to processors of raw materials and natural resources. Demand for our services in this segment is being driven by trends that, among others, include the increasing globalization of sourcing and the desire of clients to further penetrate emerging markets, leading to longer and more complex supply chains. Some of our solutions for industrial and manufacturing clients include warranty management, dealer system integration, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), sales and operations planning, and mobility.

Retail, Logistics and Telecom

In Retail, we serve a wide spectrum of retailers in specialty, apparel and home improvement segments. We also serve the travel and hospitality industry including airlines, hotels as well as online and travel retail, global distribution systems and intermediaries. Our domain intensive solutions transform customer/shopper experiences while keeping down the cost of IT Operations.

In Logistics, our clients look to Syntel to implement business-relevant changes that will make them more productive, competitive and cost effective. To that end, we help organizations improve operational efficiencies, enhance responsiveness and collaborate with trading partners to better serve their markets and end customers.

In Telecom, we help our clients address important changes in the telecom industry, such as the transition to new network technologies, designing, developing, testing and introducing new products and channels, improving customer service and increasing customer satisfaction.

 

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Syntel’s Retail Logistics and Telecom Business unit leverages its comprehensive understanding of the business and technology needs of the industry. Our industry solutions for our clients includes SCM, sales and operations planning, mobility, Point of Sale (POS) testing, omnichannel enablement and integration, web content management solutions, Sales force and cloud foundry enablement, among others.

In addition, there is strong demand for digital modernization services across these industries to enhance efficiency and agility of their underlying technology systems.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Syntel, Inc., a Michigan corporation (“Syntel”), its wholly owned subsidiaries and a joint venture and its subsidiary. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The wholly owned subsidiaries of Syntel, Inc. are:

 

    Syntel Private Limited, an Indian limited liability company, formerly known as Syntel Limited up to March 17, 2015 (“Syntel India”);

 

    Syntel Europe Limited, a United Kingdom limited liability company;

 

    Syntel Canada Inc., an Ontario limited liability company;

 

    Syntel Deutschland GmbH, a German limited liability company;

 

    Syntel (Hong Kong) Limited, a Hong Kong limited liability company;

 

    Syntel Delaware, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Syntel Delaware”);

 

    SkillBay LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“SkillBay”);

 

    Syntel (Mauritius) Limited, a Mauritius limited liability company;

 

    Syntel Consulting Inc., a Michigan corporation (“Syntel Consulting”);

 

    Syntel Holding (Mauritius) Limited, a Mauritius limited liability company (“SHML”);

 

    Syntel Worldwide (Mauritius) Limited, a Mauritius limited liability company (“SWML”);

 

    Syntel (Australia) Pty. Ltd., an Australian limited liability company; and

 

    Syntel Solutions Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican limited liability company.

The wholly owned subsidiaries of Syntel Europe Limited are:

 

    Intellisourcing, SARL, a French limited liability company;

 

    Syntel Solutions BV, a Netherlands limited liability company;

 

    Syntel Switzerland GmbH, a Switzerland limited liability company; and

 

    Syntel Poland, sp. z o. o., a Polish limited liability company (“Syntel Poland”).

The partially owned joint venture of Syntel Delaware is:

 

    State Street Syntel Services (Mauritius) Limited, a Mauritius limited liability company (“SSSSML”).

The wholly owned subsidiary of SSSSML is:

 

    State Street Syntel Services Private Limited, an Indian limited liability company (“SSSSPL”).

 

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The wholly owned subsidiaries of Syntel (Mauritius) Limited are:

 

    Syntel International Private Limited, an Indian limited liability company (“SIPL”);

 

    Syntel Global Private Limited, an Indian limited liability company; and

 

    Syntel Technologies (Mauritius) Limited, a Mauritius limited liability company (“STML”).

The wholly owned subsidiaries of SHML are:

 

    Syntel Services Private Limited, an Indian limited liability company;

 

    Syntel Solutions (Mauritius) Limited, a Mauritius limited liability company (“SSML”); and

 

    Syntel Software (Mauritius) Limited, a Mauritius limited liability company (“SSOML”).

The wholly owned subsidiary of SSML is:

 

    Syntel Solutions (India) Private Limited, an Indian limited liability company.

The wholly owned subsidiary of SWML is:

 

    Syntel (Singapore) PTE Limited, a Singapore limited liability company.

The wholly owned subsidiary of Syntel (Singapore) PTE Limited is:

 

    Syntel Infotech, Inc., a Philippines corporation.

Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenues from time-and-materials contracts as the services are performed.

Revenue from fixed-price applications management, maintenance and support engagements is recognized as earned which generally results in straight-line revenue recognition as services are performed continuously over the term of the engagement.

Revenue on fixed price applications development and integration projects are measured using the proportional performance method of accounting. Performance is generally measured based upon the efforts incurred to date in relation to the total estimated efforts to the completion of the contract. The Company monitors estimates of total contract revenues and costs on a routine basis throughout the delivery period. The cumulative impact of any change in estimates of the contract revenues or costs is reflected in the period in which the changes become known. In the event that a loss is anticipated on a particular contract, a provision is made for the estimated loss. The Company issues invoices related to fixed price contracts based on either the achievement of milestones during a project or other contractual terms. Differences between the timing of billings and the recognition of revenue based upon the proportional performance method of accounting are recorded as revenue earned in excess of billings or deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Revenues are reported net of sales incentives to customers.

Reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses are included in revenue.

 

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Stock-based employee compensation plans

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated financial statements for awards of equity instruments to employees and non-employee directors based on the grant-date fair value of those awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term. If a plan is modified, the incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award. The benefits/deficiencies of tax deductions in excess/short of recognized compensation expense is reported as a financing cash flow.

Stock repurchase plans

The Company recognizes its cost of repurchase common stock acquired for purposes other than retirement (formal or constructive), or if ultimate disposition has not yet been decided, separately as a deduction from the total of capital stock, additional paid-in capital, and retained earnings.

Derivative instruments

The Company is directly and indirectly affected by changes in certain market conditions. These changes in market conditions may adversely impact the Company’s financial performance and are referred to as “market risks.” When deemed appropriate, the Company, uses derivatives as a risk management tool to mitigate the potential impact of certain market risks. The primary market risks managed by the Company through the use of derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk.

Hedging transactions and derivative financial instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments such as Interest Rate swaps(“IRS”). A swap agreement is a contract between two parties to exchange cash flows based on specified underlying notional amounts, assets and/or indices. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

All derivatives are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets in the following line items, as applicable: other current assets; deferred income taxes and other non-current assets; accounts payable and deferred income taxes and other non-current liabilities. The carrying values of the derivatives reflect the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements and cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties, as applicable. These master netting agreements allow the Company to net settle positive and negative positions (assets and liabilities) arising from different transactions with the same counterparty.

The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair values of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationships. Derivatives such as IRS can be designated as cash flow hedges. The changes in the fair values of derivatives that have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (AOCI) and are reclassified into the line item in our consolidated statement of income in which the hedged items are recorded in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. Due to the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instruments and the underlying exposures being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. The changes in the fair values of derivatives that were not designated and/or did not qualify as hedging instruments are immediately recognized into earnings.

 

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For derivatives that will be accounted for as hedging instruments, the Company formally designates and documents, at inception, the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective and the strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. In addition, the Company formally assesses both at the inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair values or cash flows of the related underlying exposures. Any ineffective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value is immediately recognized into earnings.

The Company determines the fair values of its derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. Fair values of interest rate swaps are measured using standard valuation models using inputs that are readily available in public markets, or can be derived from observable market transactions, including LIBOR spot and forward rates.

Credit risk associated with derivatives

The Company considers the risks of non-performance by the counterparty as not material. The Company utilizes standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction and interest rate swap obligations. The Company also mitigates the credit risk of these derivatives by transacting with highly rated counterparties globally, which are major banks. The Company evaluates the credit and non-performance risks associated with its derivative counterparties, and believes that the impact of the credit risk associated with the outstanding derivatives was insignificant.

Cash flow hedging strategy

The Company uses cash flow hedges to minimize the variability in cash flows of assets or liabilities or forecasted transactions caused by fluctuations in interest rates. The changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into the line item in our consolidated statement of (loss) income in which the hedged items are recorded in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. The changes in fair values of hedges that are determined to be ineffective are immediately reclassified from AOCI into earnings. The maximum length of time for which the Company hedges its exposure to the variability in future cash flows is typically over the terms of hedged items.

Interest rate swaps

In connection with company’s Senior Credit facility with Bank of America N.A., the Company has entered into an Interest Rate Swap arrangement (the “IRS”) on November 30, 2016 to hedge interest rate risk on entire term loan of $300 million by entering into Pay Fixed and Receive Floating Interest rate swap. The IRS Swap is designed to reduce the variability of future interest payments with respect to term Loan by effectively fixing the annual interest rate payable on the loan’s outstanding principal.

 

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A designated hedge with exposure to variability in the future interest payments of a floating rate loan is a cash flow hedge. The criteria for designating a derivative as a cash flow hedge include the assessment of the instrument’s effectiveness in risk reduction, matching of the derivative instrument to its underlying transaction, and the assessment of the probability that the underlying transaction will occur. For derivatives with cash flow hedge accounting designation, the Company reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and in the same line item on the consolidated statements of income as the impact of the hedged transaction.

Measurement of effectiveness and ineffectiveness:

Effectiveness for interest rate swaps is generally measured by comparing the critical terms of the hedged item and the hedging instrument whereas ineffectiveness is measured by comparing the cumulative change in fair value of the swap with the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedged item. Interest rate swap with an aggregate amount of $300 Million economically convert a portion of company’s variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. The effective portions of cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Deferred gains and losses associated with cash flow hedges of interest expense are recognized in “Other income (expense), net” in the same period as the related expense is recognized. The ineffective portions and amounts excluded from the effectiveness testing of cash flow hedges are recognized in “Other income (expense), net.”

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges must be de-designated as hedges when it is probable that the forecasted hedged transaction will not occur in the initially identified time period. Deferred gains and losses in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” associated with such derivative instruments are reclassified immediately into “Other income (expense), net.” Any subsequent changes in fair value of such derivative instruments are reflected in “Other income (expense), net” unless they are re-designated as hedges of other transactions.

The following table provides information of location and fair value of derivative financial instrument included in our consolidated statement of financial positions as of December 31, 2016.

 

Particulars

   Nominal
Amount
     Fair Value of derivative and
location on statement of
financial position as on
31st December 2016
     Gain/(loss) on fair
value
 
         Effective      Ineffective  
            (In thousands)  

Cash flow Hedge

       


Deferred Income
Taxes and Other
non-current
assets
 
 
 
 
    

Other
current
assets
 
 
 
  

Pay fixed Interest rate swap

    
$300
Million
 
 
   $ 503      $ 30      $ 533        —    

 

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The following table present the net gains (losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss)income relating to the interest rate swap contract designated as cash flow hedges for the period ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Gains (losses) on derivatives

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Gains/ (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 533      $ —        $ —    

The Company will reclassify an amount which will be equivalent to the accrued interest on the swap contract on every reporting period as there is a similar impact of accrued interest on the loan in the income statement.

Derivative (Non-Designated) Hedging Strategy

In addition to derivative instruments that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting, the Company also uses certain derivatives for its foreign currency exposure. These derivatives were not designated and/or did not qualify for hedge accounting. The changes in fair value of derivatives are immediately recognized into earnings.

The Company periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, specifically changes between the Indian Rupee currency and U.S. dollar currency. The contracts are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. Gains and losses on forward contracts are generally recorded in “Other income, net” unless they are designated as an effective hedge. Although the Company cannot predict fluctuations in foreign currency rates, the Company currently anticipates that foreign currency risk may have a significant impact on the financial statements. In order to limit the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rates, when the Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts, where the counter-party is a bank, these contracts may also have a material impact on the financial statements.

The Company’s Indian subsidiaries, whose functional currency is the Indian Rupee, periodically enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to buy Indian rupees and sell U.S. dollars to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates on U.S. dollar denominated assets, primarily comprised of receivables from the parent (Syntel Inc.), other direct customers and liabilities recorded on the books of the Indian subsidiaries. These forward contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars.

These forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815, “Derivative and Hedging”. Accordingly, these contracts are carried at a fair value with the resulting gains or losses included in the statement of comprehensive income under ‘other income,net’. The related cash flow impacts of all of our derivative activities are recorded in cash flows from operating activities.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not enter into new foreign exchange forward contracts. At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, no foreign exchange forward contracts were outstanding.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts with a notional amount of $160.0 million with maturity dates of one to six months. During the year ended December 31, 2014, contracts amounting to $160.0 million expired resulting in a gain of $4.56 million, which is recorded in comprehensive income. At December 31, 2014, no foreign exchange forward contracts were outstanding.

 

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The following table presents the net gains (losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the foreign exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges for the periods ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Gains (losses) on derivatives

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Gains/ (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ —        $ —        $ 724

 

* for and up to three months ended March 31, 2014.

The following table presents the net gains (losses) recorded in other income relating to the foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges for the periods ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Gains (Losses) recognized in other income,net:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Gains/(Losses) recognized in other income, net

   $ —        $ —        $ 3,836  

 

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Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (Net of tax expense or benefit)

The change in balances of accumulated comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 is as follows:

 

                       (In thousands)  
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Unrealized
Gains (losses)
on Securities
    Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plans
    Unrealised
gain on
derivatives
designated
as cash flow
hedge
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 

Beginning balance

   $ (235,146   $ 332     $ (795   $ —        $ (235,609

Other comprehensive income (loss)before reclassifications

     (19,064     161       (525     322        (19,106

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)income

     —         (165     (25     —          (190
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss)/income

   $ (19,064   $ (4   $ (550   $ 322      $ (19,296
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ (254,210   $ 328     $ (1,345   $ 322      $ (254,905
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016 is as follows:

 

                 (In thousands)  

Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) Components

   Affected
Line Item
in the
Statement
Where Net
Income Is
Presented
   Before
Tax
Amount
     Tax (expense)
Benefit
     Net of Tax  

Unrealized gains on available for sale securities realized in current year

   Other
income,
net
   $ (248    $ 83      $ (165

Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension cost

   Cost of
revenues
   $ (35    $ 10      $ (25

 

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Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component (Net of tax expense or benefit)

The change in balances of accumulated comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

                 (In thousands)  
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Unrealized
Gains
(losses) on
Securities
    Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plans
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 

Beginning balance

   $ (189,410   $ 4,600     $ (1,434   $ (186,244

Other comprehensive income (loss)before reclassifications

     (45,736     50       524       (45,162

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     —         (4,318     115       (4,203
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (45,736   $ (4,268   $ 639     $ (49,365
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ (235,146   $ 332     $ (795   $ (235,609
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

                (In thousands)  

Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)Components

   Affected
Line Item
in the
Statement
Where Net
Income Is
Presented
   Before
Tax
Amount
    Tax (expense)
Benefit
    Net of
Tax
 

Unrealized gains on available for sale securities realized in current year

   Other
income,
net
   $ (6,580   $ 2,262     $ (4,318

Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension cost

   Cost of
revenues
   $ 149     $ (34   $ 115  

The change in balances of accumulated comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

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                 (In thousands)  
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Unrealized
Gains
(losses) on
Securities
    Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plans
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 

Beginning balance

   $ (157,416   $ 3,808     $ (695   $ (154,303

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

     (28,994     3,853       (758     (25,899

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     —         (3,061     19       (3,042

Out-of-period adjustment

     (3,000     —         —         (3,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (31,994   $ 792     $ (739   $ (31,941
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ (189,410   $ 4,600     $ (1,434   $ (186,244
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

          (In thousands)  

Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)Components

   Affected Line
Item in the
Statement Where
Net Income Is
Presented
   Before
Tax
Amount
     Tax (expense)
Benefit
     Net
of Tax
 

Unrealized gains on available for sale securities realized in the current year

   Other income,
net
   $ (4,555    $ 1,494      $ (3,061

Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension cost

   Cost of
revenues
   $ 29      $ (10    $ 19  

Other income, net

Other income includes interest and dividend income, gains and losses on forward contracts , gains and losses from the sale of securities, other investments, treasury operations and interest expenses on loans and borrowings.

Other comprehensive loss

The other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, gains (losses) on net investment hedge derivatives, gain (losses) on cash flow hedge reserve, unrealized gains (losses) on securities and a component of a defined benefit plan. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the other comprehensive loss amounts to $19.3 million, $49.4 million and $31.9 million, respectively, primarily attributable to the foreign currency translation loss adjustments of $19.0 million,$45.4 million and $32.4 million respectively.

 

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Tax on other comprehensive loss

Total tax (expense) benefit on other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Tax expense on Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ (46    $ (308    $ (337

Tax expense on unrealized gains on securities

     2        2,196        (430

Tax (expense) benefit on defined benefit pension plans

     287        (312      379  

Tax expense on cash flow hedge

     (211      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (taxes )benefit on other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 32      $ 1,576      $ (388
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

For reporting cash and cash equivalents, the Company considers all liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

The cash and Cash equivalents as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, were $78.3 million and $500.5 million, respectively, which were held in bank and fixed deposits with various banking and financial institutions.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair values of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities approximate their carrying values because of their short maturities. Such financial instruments are classified as current and are expected to be liquidated within the next twelve months.

Concentration of credit risks

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, investments and accounts receivable and certain derivative instruments(IRS) designated as hedge instrument. Cash on deposit is held with financial institutions with high credit standings. The Company has cash deposited with financial institutions that, at times, may exceed the federally insured limits.

The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts for known and inherent collection risks related to its accounts receivable. The estimation of the allowance is primarily based on the Company’s assessment of the probable collection from specific customer accounts, the aging of the accounts receivable, analysis of credit data, bad debt write-offs and other known factors.

 

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The Company considers the risks of non-performance by the counterparty as not material. The Company utilizes standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction obligations. The Company also mitigates the credit risk of these derivatives by transacting with highly rated counterparties globally, which are major banks. The Company evaluates the credit and non-performance risks associated with its derivative counterparties, and believes that the impact of the credit risk associated with the outstanding derivatives was insignificant.

Investments

Short-term investments

The Company’s short-term investments consist of short-term mutual funds, which have been classified as available-for-sale and are carried at estimated fair value. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, on available-for-sale securities are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Net realized gains or losses resulting from the sale of these investments, and losses resulting from decline in fair values of these investments that are other than temporary declines, are included in other income. The cost of securities sold is determined using the weighted-average method.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company has realized short-term investments in Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) of mutual funds, which are classified as held to maturity securities. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015 there were no investment in FMPs of mutual funds, respectively.

Non-current term deposits with banks

Non-current term deposits with banks include deposits with maturity exceeding one year from the date of the balance sheet. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015 non-current term deposits with banks were at $0.2 million and $0.08 million, respectively. Term deposits with banks include restricted deposits of $0.44 million and $0.60 million as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 respectively, placed as security towards performance guarantees issued by the Company’s bankers on the Company’s behalf.

Short-term investments also include term deposits with an original maturity exceeding three months and whose maturity date is within one year from the date of the balance sheet. Term deposits were $6.6 million and $413.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:

 

     Years

Office building

   30

Residential property

   20

Computer equipment and software

   3

Furniture, fixtures and other equipment

   5-7

Vehicles

   3-5

Leasehold improvements

   Shorter of economic life or life of lease

Leasehold land

   Shorter of economic life or life of lease

Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $14.7 million, $15.6 million and $16.1 million, respectively.

Long-lived assets (other than goodwill)

In accordance with guidance on “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” in the FASB Codification, the Company reviews its long-lived assets (other than goodwill) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that such costs should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company assesses the recoverability of the long-lived assets (other than goodwill) by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets against their respective carrying amounts. The amount of an impairment charge, if any, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Management believes assets were not impaired at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Goodwill

During the first quarter of 2014, as a result of the completion of organizational changes, the Company changed its basis of segmentation to vertical segments. The company reassigned goodwill to the new reportable segment Healthcare and Life Sciences. In accordance with guidance on goodwill impairment in the FASB Codification, goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually. Management believes goodwill was not impaired at December 31, 2016 or 2015. The Company evaluated goodwill for impairment in the third quarter of each of 2016 and 2015.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Such estimates include, but are not limited to allowance for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, contingencies and litigation, the recognition of revenues and profits based on the proportional performance method, potential tax liabilities and bonus accrual. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements.

 

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Foreign currency translation

The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries use the currency of the primary economic environment in which they operate as its functional currency. Revenues and expenses of the foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at average period exchange rates. Assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates with the effects of these cumulative translation adjustments being reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ deficit/equity. Transaction gains and losses are reflected within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, foreign exchange gain of $8.3 million, $18.1 million and $10.7 million were included in selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.

Earnings per share

Basic (loss) earnings per share are calculated by dividing net (loss)income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the applicable period. If the number of common shares outstanding increases as a result of a stock dividend or stock split or decreases as a result of a reverse stock split, the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share are adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect that change in capital structure. If such changes occur after the close of the reporting period but before issuance of the financial statements, the per-share computations for that period and any prior-period financial statements presented are based on the new number of shares.

During 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one stock split of its outstanding common shares. On November 3, 2014, an additional common share was issued for each existing common share held by shareholders of record on October 20, 2014. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, have been adjusted retroactively, where applicable, to reflect this stock split.

The Company has issued stock options and restricted stock, which are considered to be potentially dilutive to its basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method for the dilutive effect of options and restricted stock granted pursuant to the stock option and incentive plan, by dividing the net (loss)income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period adjusted for these potentially dilutive options, except when the results would be anti-dilutive. The potential tax benefit on exercise of stock options is considered as additional proceeds while computing dilutive earnings per share using the treasury stock method.

Vacation pay

The accrual for unutilized leave balance is determined for the entire available leave balance standing to the credit of the employees at period-end. The leave balance eligible for carry-forward is valued at gross compensation rates and eligible for compulsory encashment at basic compensation rates.

The gross charge for unutilized earned leave was $3.4 million, $5.3 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The amounts accrued for unutilized earned leave were $23.1 million and $22.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included within accrued payroll and related costs.

 

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Income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowances are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company has not provided deferred taxes on the undistributed earnings as the earnings from subsidiaries are considered to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S.. The Company intends to continue to reinvest these earnings in international operations. If the Company decided at a later date to repatriate these earnings to the U.S., the Company would be required to provide for the net tax effects on these amounts.

Recently adopted accounting standards

On November 20, 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. Current GAAP requires the deferred taxes to be presented as a net current asset or liability and net non-current asset or liability. ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods with early adoption permitted. We have adopted this ASU 2015-17 retrospectively in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016. Accordingly, we reclassified the current deferred tax assets and liabilities to net non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities within each jurisdiction on our December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet, which increased deferred income taxes and other non-current assets by $8.15 million and increased other non-current liabilities by $0.06 million and corresponding decrease in other current assets and accrued liabilities.

Recently issued accounting standards

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Issued May 2014, was scheduled to be effective for Syntel beginning January 1, 2017, however on July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the proposal to defer the effective date of the ASU for public companies to January 1, 2018 with an option to elect to adopt the ASU as of original effective date. The new standard is intended to substantially enhance the quality and consistency of how revenue is reported while also improving the comparability of the financial statements of companies using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and those using International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

On March 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), that clarifies how to apply revenue recognition guidance related to whether an entity is a principal or an agent. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, and ASU 2016-12 Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which amended ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contract from Customers (Topic 606). These amendments of this ASU provide additional clarification on criterion within Topic 606 as well as additional guidance for transition to the new revenue recognition criteria. These amendments will provide additional guidance on the application of and transition to the new revenue recognition standards.

 

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The new guidance also addresses the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a customer contract and provides a set of disclosure requirements intended to give financial statement users comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from customer contracts. The requirements of this ASU and its impact on the Company are being evaluated. We have established a cross-functional coordinated implementation team to implement the standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. We are in the process of reviewing existing revenue contracts for evaluating the required changes in line with above standard. We are in the process of identifying and implementing changes to our processes to meet the standard’s updated reporting and disclosure requirements. We are also evaluating the internal control changes, if any, during the implementation of the standard. A transition method for this ASU is being evaluated.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-01) to the standard on financial instruments. The update significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosure requirements. The update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, entities will be required to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. However, the specific guidance on equity securities without readily determinable fair value will apply prospectively to all equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. Early adoption of certain sections of this update is permitted. The requirements of this ASU and its impact on the Company are currently being evaluated.

In February 2016, the FASB issued as update (ASU 2016-02) to the standard on Leases to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The ASU is effective for public business entities issuing financial statements for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The requirements of this ASU and its impact on the Company are currently being evaluated.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-09) to the standard on Compensation- Stock Compensation as part of improvement and simplification which involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The requirements of this ASU are not expected to have material impact on Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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In June 2016, the FASB issued an update on Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which (i) significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets that are measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments from an incurred loss model to an expected loss model; and (ii) provides for recording credit losses on available-for-sale (AFS) debt securities through an allowance account. The update also requires certain incremental disclosures. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The requirements of this ASU and its impact on the Company are currently being evaluated.

In August 2016, the FASB issued an update on Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)- Clarification of certain cash receipts and cash payments (ASU 2016-15) which requires the Company to present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The requirements of this ASU and its impact on the Company are currently being evaluated.

In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-16, “ Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory “. This update requires the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory to be recognized when the intra-entity transfer occurs rather than deferring recognition of income tax consequences until the transfer was made with an outside party. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted as of the beginning of the interim or annual reporting period. A modified retrospective approach should be applied. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued an update on Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18). The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The requirements of this ASU and its impact on the Company are currently being evaluated.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-04) to the standard on Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the Board eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The amendments in this Update modify the concept of impairment from the

 

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condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. An entity no longer will determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Because these amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, they should reduce the cost and complexity of evaluating goodwill for impairment. For public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer should adopt the amendments in this update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The requirements of this ASU are not expected to have material impact on Consolidated Financial Statements.

3. Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments included the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

     2016      2015  
     (In thousands)  

Investments in mutual funds at fair value

   $ 15,016      $ 126,479  

Term deposits with banks

     6,598        413,566  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 21,614      $ 540,045  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Information related to investments in mutual funds (primarily Indian Mutual Funds) is as follows at and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Cost

   $ 14,882      $ 126,243      $ 180,143  

Unrealized gain, net

     134        236        6,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value

   $ 15,016      $ 126,479      $ 186,842  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross realized gains

   $ 5,790      $ 18,796      $ 14,619  

Proceeds on sales of mutual funds

     299,208        304,083        305,298  

Purchases of mutual funds

     184,692        221,097        349,791  

 

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Held to maturity securities

Investments in held-to-maturity securities of the Company consist of investments in the units of FMPs of mutual funds in Indian subsidiaries.

 

Description    As of
December

31, 2016
     As of
December

31, 2015
     As of
December

31, 2014
 
     (In thousands)  

Aggregate fair value of the investment

   $ —        $ —        $ 16,612  

Less: Gross unrecognized holding gain

     —          —          726  

Net carrying amount

   $ —        $ —        $ 15,886  

Information related to investments in term deposits with banks included the following for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Cost

   $ 6,598      $ 413,566      $ 466,625  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Maturities of term deposits

   $ 621,824      $ 486,651      $ 445,717  

Purchases of term deposits

     223,904        446,768        583,341  

4. Revenue Earned in Excess of Billings and Deferred Revenue

Revenue earned in excess of billings at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     (In thousands)  

Unbilled revenue for time-and-materials projects

   $ 20,828      $ 22,171  

Unbilled revenue for fixed-price projects, net of discounts

     4,211        8,277  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 25,039      $ 30,448  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred revenue at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     (In thousands)  

Deferred revenue on uncompleted fixed-price development contracts

   $ 5,216      $ 6,859  

Other deferred revenue

     2,757        857  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,973      $ 7,716  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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5. Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is summarized as follows:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 622      $ 703      $ 2,022  

Provision

     190        —          —    

Write-offs, net of recoveries

     (11      (81      (1,319
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   $ 801      $ 622      $ 703  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     (In thousands)  

Office building

   $ 54,125      $ 55,293  

Computer equipment and software

     55,614        54,951  

Furniture, fixtures and other equipment

     72,264        71,542  

Vehicles

     2,058        2,237  

Leasehold improvements

     7,536        8,058  

Leasehold land

     4,680        4,783  

Residential property

     1,602        1,637  

Capital advances / work in progress

     29,177        19,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     227,056        217,922  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     120,580        112,146  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 106,476      $ 105,776  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

7. Line of Credit and Term Loan

On May 23, 2013, Syntel entered into a Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. for $150 million in credit facilities consisting of a three-year term loan facility of $60 million and a three-year revolving credit facility of $90 million (the “Credit Agreement”). The maturity date of both the three-year term loan facility and the three-year revolving credit facility was May 23, 2016. The Credit Agreement was amended on May 9, 2016 (the “First Amendment Effective Date”) thereby extending the maturity date from May 23, 2016 to May 9, 2019. Further, by way of the amended Credit Agreement, an additional $40 million for term loan facility and $10 million for revolving credit facility was granted by Bank of America to Syntel (the “First Amendment” and together with the Credit Agreement, the “Amended Credit Agreement”). Thus, the total amount of the credit facility was $200 million, consisting of a three-year term loan facility of $100 million and a three-year revolving credit facility of $100 million. The Amended Credit Agreement was guaranteed by two of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, SkillBay and Syntel Consulting (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In connection with the First Amendment, the Company and the Guarantors also entered into a related security and pledge agreement granting a security interest in the assets of the Company and the Guarantors, including, without limitation, a pledge of 65% of the equity interests in Syntel India.

 

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The interest rates under the Amended Credit Agreement were, with respect to both the revolving credit facility and the term loan, (a) for the period beginning on the First Amendment Effective Date through and including the date prior to the first anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date, (i) the Eurodollar Rate (as that term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 1.50% with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans (as that term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and (ii) the Base Rate (as that term is defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 0.50% with respect to Base Rate Loans (as that term is defined in the amendment to the Credit Agreement), (b) for the period beginning on the first anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date through and including the date prior to the second anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date, (i) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.45% with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans and (ii) the Base Rate plus 0.45% with respect to Base Rate Loans, and (c) for the period beginning on the second anniversary of the First Amendment Effective Date and continuing thereafter, (i) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.40% with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans and (ii) the Base Rate plus 0.40% with respect to Base Rate Loans.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company fully repaid the revolving credit and term loan of $190.0 million, and terminated the Amended Credit Agreement.

On September 12, 2016, the Company entered into a new credit agreement, as amended as of October 26, 2016, (“Senior Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent, L/C issuer and swing line lender, the other lenders party thereto, and Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner for $500 million in credit facilities consisting of a five-year term loan facility of $300 million (the “Term Loan”) and a five-year revolving credit facility of $200 million (the “Revolving Facility). The maturity date of the Senior Credit Facility is September 11, 2021. The Revolving Facility allows for the issuance of letters of credit and swingline loans. The Senior Credit Facility is guaranteed by two of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, SkillBay and Syntel Consulting (collectively, the “Guarantors”). In connection with the Senior Credit Facility, the Company and the Guarantors also entered into a related security and pledge agreement granting a security interest in the assets of the Company and the Guarantors, including, without limitation, a pledge of 65% of the equity interests in Syntel India.

The interest rates applicable to the Senior Credit Facility other than in respect of swing line loans will be LIBOR plus 1.50% or, at the option of the Company, the Base Rate (to be defined as the highest of (x) the Federal Funds Rate (as that term is defined in the Senior Credit Facility) plus 0.50%, (y) the Bank of America prime rate, or (z) LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus 0.50%. Each swingline loan shall bear interest at the Base Rate plus 0.50%. In no event shall LIBOR be less than 0% per annum.

As of December 31, 2016, the interest rates were 2.11% for the Term Loan of $300 million, 2.11% and 2.20% for two portions of the Revolving Facility equaling $160 million and $40 million, respectively.

The Company has also hedged interest rate risk on the entire Term Loan of $300 million by entering into a Pay Fixed and Receive Floating interest rate swap on November 30, 2016. The Company has designated this Interest rate swap (“IRS”) in a hedging relationship with the term loan. The IRS is recorded at fair value and a gain of $0.5 million during the fourth quarter is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” with the corresponding debit in Other current assets and other long-term assets.

 

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With the interest rates charged on the Senior Credit Facility being variable, the fair value of the Senior Credit Facility approximates the reported value as of December 31, 2016, as it reflects the current market value.

The Term Loan provides for the principal payments as under:

 

Period

  

Payment amount per quarter

Beginning from

  

Until

  

(In millions)

December 31, 2016

   September 30, 2017    3.750

October 31, 2017

   September 30, 2018    5.625

October 31, 2018

   June 30, 2021    7.500

During the three months ended December 31, 2016, no principal payment was made towards the term loan. $3.750 million of principal was due to be paid on December 31, 2016 and the amount was paid on January 3, 2017 as the three day delay originated with the lender. However, the Company was still in compliance with loan covenants related to the payment schedule as of December 31, 2016.

The Senior Credit Facility requires compliance with certain financial ratios and covenants. As of December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.

As of December 31, 2016 the outstanding balances of the Term Loan and Revolving Facility, including accrued interest, are $299.9 million and $199.9 million (net of $0.9 million unamortized debt issuance cost), respectively.

Future scheduled payments on the Senior Credit Facility, at December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

     Term Loan      Revolving
Facility
 
     (In thousands)  
    

Principal

Payments

    

Principal

Payments

 

2017

   $ 20,625     

2018

   $ 24,375     

2019

   $ 30,000     

2020

   $ 30,000     

2021

   $ 195,000      $ 200,000  

 

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8.Leases

Operating Lease

The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under operating leases. Current operating lease obligations are expected to be renewed or replaced upon expiration. Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable leases expiring beyond one year as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)  

2017

   $ 3,268  

2018

   $ 2,946  

2019

   $ 1,825  

2020

   $ 1,520  

2021

   $ 1,230  

Thereafter

   $ 55  
  

 

 

 
   $ 10,844  
  

 

 

 

Total rent expense amounted to approximately $10.7 million, $11.3 million and $10.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

9. Income Taxes

Income before income taxes for the Company’s U.S. and foreign operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

U.S.

   $ 52,742      $ 42,342      $ 23,966  

Foreign

     220,643        284,859        294,907  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 273,385      $ 327,201      $ 318,873  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Current:

        

Federal

   $ 65,636      $ 14,521      $ 8,904  

State

     3,192        2,639        1,686  

City

     533        439        281  

Foreign

     256,117        61,393        65,187  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current provision

     325,478        78,992        76,058  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred:

        

Federal

     (150      (537      (1,328

State

     (28      (99      (245

City

     (5      (16      (41

Foreign

     5,480        (3,665      (5,311
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred expense (benefit)

     5,297        (4,317      (6,925
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total provision for income taxes

   $ 330,775      $ 74,675      $ 69,133  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The components of net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     (In thousands)  

Deferred tax assets

     

Carry-forward losses of subsidiaries

   $ 7      $ 53  

Minimum alternate tax credit of subsidiaries

     35,979        30,752  

Property, plant and equipment

     198        394  

Accrued expenses and allowances

     15,055        13,820  

Valuation allowance

     (9,167      (5,454
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     42,072        39,565  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     

Provision for branch tax on dividend equivalent in India

     (9,782      (1,726

Provision for tax on unrealized gains in India

     (33      (53

Others

     (258   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (10,073      (1,779
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 31,999      $ 37,786  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The balance sheet classification of the net deferred tax asset is summarized as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     (In thousands)  

Deferred tax asset, non-current

     42,072        39,565  

Deferred tax liabilities, non-current

     (10,073      (1,779
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 31,999      $ 37,786  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Syntel’s software development centers/units in India are located in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Gurugram. Software development centers/units enjoy favorable tax provisions due to their registration in Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as Export Oriented Unit (EOU) and as units located in Software Technologies Parks of India (STPI). Units registered with STPI, EOUs and certain units located in SEZ were exempt from payment of corporate income taxes for ten years of operations on the profits generated by these units or March 31, 2011, whichever was earlier. Certain units located in SEZ are eligible for 100% exemption from payment of corporate taxes for the first five years of operation and 50% exemption for the next two years and a further 50% exemption for another three years, subject to fulfillment of certain criteria laid down. New units in SEZ operational after April 1, 2005 are eligible for 100% exemption from payment of corporate taxes for the first five years of operation, 50% exemption for the next five years and a further 50% exemption for another five years, subject to fulfillment of criteria.

The Company’s units located at SEEPZ Mumbai and the STPI/EOU units ceased to enjoy the tax exemption on March 31, 2011. Three SEZ units have completed their first five years of 100% exemption as of March 31, 2016. One SEZ unit located at Chennai has completed its first five years of 100% exemption as of March 31, 2015. The Company has started operations in KPO SEZs unit in Airoli, Navi Mumbai in the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

Syntel’s SEZ in Pune set up under the SEZ Act 2005, commenced operations in 2008. The SEZ for Chennai commenced operations in 2010. Income from operation of the SEZ, as a developer, is exempt from payment of corporate income taxes for ten out of 15 years from the date of SEZ notification.

 

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Provision for Indian Income Tax is made only in respect of business profits generated from these software development units, to the extent they are not covered by the above exemptions and on income from treasury operations and other income.

The benefit of the tax holiday under Indian Income Tax was $38.97 million, $45.6 million and $43.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, and after a comprehensive review of anticipated sources and uses of capital both domestically and abroad, as well as other considerations, the Board of Directors determined that it was in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to declare a special cash dividend of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per share. In conducting this evaluation, the Board of Directors considered, among other factors, the operational and financial objectives of the Company, long-term and short-term capital needs, the Company’s projections on growth and working capital needs, planned uses of U.S. and foreign earnings, the available sources of liquidity in the U.S., and growth plans outside of the U.S. As part of this evaluation, the Company determined that certain amounts which had been previously designated for internal and external expansion and investment at its foreign subsidiaries were no longer required for these purposes. The special cash dividend was funded through a one-time repatriation of approximately $1.03 billion (net of foreign income tax $210 million paid outside of the U.S) of cash held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and a portion of borrowings under the new Senior Credit Facility. In connection with the one-time repatriation, the Company recognized a one-time tax expense of approximately $270.6 million (net of foreign tax credits) in the third quarter of 2016.

Other than the amounts affected by the one-time repatriation, the Company’s accumulated foreign earnings are deemed to be permanently reinvested outside the United States and the Company has not provided for income taxes on such earnings. Management regularly evaluates foreign earnings to determine whether future foreign earnings that accumulate will be permanently invested outside the U.S. In conducting this evaluation, management considers, among other factors, the operational and financial objectives of the Company, long-term and short-term capital needs, the Company’s projections on growth and working capital needs, planned uses of U.S. and foreign earnings, the available sources of liquidity in the U.S., and growth plans outside of the U.S. If in the future, management were to conclude that any portion of foreign earnings will not be permanently reinvested outside the U.S., this would result in an additional provision for income taxes, which could affect the Company’s future effective tax rate. If the Company determines to repatriate all undistributed repatriable earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, the Company would have accrued taxes of approximately $24.2 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company has provided a tax charge of $16.75 million related to repatriation and recorded liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to repatriation. The Company has also classified a deferred tax liability of $1.73 million as unrecognized tax benefits related to repatriation.

The Company reversed a provision for tax of $3.08 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 due to the expiration of the time limit with respect to a particular tax provision.

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the effective income tax rate was 121.0%, 22.8% and 21.7%, respectively.

 

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The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily impacted by a one-time repatriation. Where the Company recognized a one-time tax expense of approximately $270.6 million (net of foreign tax credits) and reversal of unrecognized tax benefits of $3.08 million. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 would have been 23.0%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was impacted by a favorable adjustments of $1.10 million relating to the true up of tax provisions upon the finalization of the India tax computation and $1.20 million relating to the finalization of state tax and local tax matters. The company has provided tax charges of $0.84 million on account of valuation allowances against the minimum alternative tax. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 would have been 23.3%.

The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 was impacted by a favorable adjustment of $1.20 million, relating to the true up of tax provisions, upon the finalization of the tax computation of Syntel India, which was finalized after setoff of unabsorbed inter-company expenses. Further, a $0.86 million charge of tax has arisen on account of a tax dispute raised during the year. The Company has provided tax charges of $1.63 million and $0.88 million on account of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets recognized on investments and the minimum alternative tax. Without the above, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have been 21.1%.

The Company records provisions for income taxes based on enacted tax laws and rates in the various taxing jurisdictions in which it operates. In determining the tax provisions, the Company provides for tax uncertainties in income taxes, when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that a tax position would not be sustained upon examination. Such uncertainties, which are recorded in income taxes payable, are based on management’s estimates and accordingly, are subject to revision based on additional information. The provision no longer required for any particular tax year is credited to the current period’s income tax expense. Conversely, in the event of a future tax examination, any additional tax expense not previously provided for will be recognized in the period in which the actual liability is concluded or the management determines that the Company will not prevail on certain tax positions taken in filed returns, based on the “more likely than not” concept.

Syntel Inc. and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in various tax jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013 and for state tax examinations for years before 2012.

Syntel India, the Company’s India subsidiary, has disputed tax matters for the financial years 1996-97 to 2013-14 pending at various levels of tax authorities. Financial year 2014-15 and onwards are open for regular tax examination by the Indian tax authorities. However, the tax authorities in India are authorized to reopen the already concluded tax assessments for financial years 2009-10 and onwards.

 

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The following table accounts for the differences between the actual effective tax rate and the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate of 35% for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

     2016     2015     2014  

Statutory rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

State taxes, net of federal Benefit

     1.0     0.6     0.2

City taxes

     0.0     0.0     0.1

Foreign effective tax rates different from U.S. Statutory Rate 1

     (13.0 %)      (12.6 %)      (14.2 %) 

Tax reserves

     (1.0 %)      (0.0 %)      (0.1 %) 

Prior Year state tax payment

     —         (0.4 %)      0.0

Valuation Allowance

     —         0.2     0.7

Tax related to repatriation

     99.0       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

     121.0     22.8     21.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The foreign jurisdiction that materially affects the effective income tax rate is India.

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the effective income tax rates were 121.0%, 22.8% and 21.7%, respectively.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

     (in millions)  
     2016      2015  

Balance as at January 1

   $ 50.24      $ 40.47  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     22.48        11.72  

Additions based on tax positions for prior years

     0.0        0.18  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (3.08      (0.14

Foreign currency translation effect

     (1.13      (1.99
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31

   $ 68.51      $ 50.24  

Income taxes paid, see below

     (41.41      (42.18
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts, net of income taxes paid

   $ 27.10      $ 8.06  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above table shows the unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.

The Company has paid income taxes of $41.41 million and $42.18 million against the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits of $68.51 million and $50.24 million, as at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company has paid the taxes in order to reduce the possible interest and penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a tax charge and tax reversal towards interest of approximately $0.15 million and $0.07 million, respectively.

The Company had accrued approximately $1.45 million and $1.33 million for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

 

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The Company’s amount of net unrecognized tax benefits for the tax disputes of $1.54 million could change in the next twelve months as litigation and global tax audits progress. At this time, due to the uncertain nature of this process, it is not reasonably possible to estimate an overall range of possible change.

Syntel has not provided for India Income Tax which are disputed and pending at various level (including potential tax dispute) of $13.70 million for the financial year 1996-97 to December 31, 2016, which is after providing $51.50 million as unrecognized tax benefits under ASC740. Indian tax exposures involve complex issues and may need an extended period to resolve the issues with the Indian income tax authorities. Syntel’s management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Branch Profit Tax

Syntel India is subject to a 15% U.S. Branch Profit Tax (BPT) related to its effectively connected income in the United States, to the extent its U.S. taxable adjusted net income during the taxable year is not invested in the United States. The Company expected that U.S. profits earned on or after January 1, 2008 would be permanently invested in the U.S. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2016, a provision for BPT was not required. The accumulated deferred tax liability of $1.73 million as of December 31, 2007 continues to be carried forward.

As a result of the dividends declared during the third quarter of 2016, as of September 30, 2016, the Company expects that U.S. profits earned will not be permanently invested in the U.S. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a provision for additional BPT of $8.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

SERVICE TAX AUDIT

Syntel India regularly files quarterly Service Tax refund applications and claims refunds of Service Tax on input services, which remain unutilized against a no service tax on export of services. As of December 31, 2016, Syntel Indian entities has not provided against Service tax refunds claims of $3.24 million disputed by Service tax Department which are pending at various level.

The Company obtained a tax consultant’s advice on the aforesaid disputes. The consultant is of the view that the tax disputes are contrary to the wording of the service tax notifications and provisions. The Company therefore believes that its claims of service tax refunds should be upheld at the appellate stage and the refunds should be accordingly granted. Based on the consultant’s tax advice, the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis to defend the rejection of the refunds. Accordingly, no provision has been made in the Company’s books.

Local Taxes

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a local tax liability provision of approximately $0.4 million, equal to $0.3 million net of federal tax benefit, relating to local taxes including employer withholding taxes, employer payroll expense taxes, business licenses, and corporate income taxes. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a local tax liability provision of approximately $1.1 million, equal to $0.7 million net of tax, relating to local taxes including employer withholding taxes, employer payroll expense taxes, business license registrations, and corporate income taxes. The decrease in December 31, 2016 as compared December 31, 2015 is mainly on account of result of filing, payment, or settlement of such local taxes.

 

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Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT)

Minimum Alternate Tax (“MAT”) is payable on Book Income, including the income for which deduction is claimed under Section 10A and Section 10AA of the Indian Income Tax Act. The excess MAT over the normal tax liability is “MAT Credit”. MAT Credit can be carried forward for 10 years and set-off against future tax liabilities, if normal tax provisions are in excess of taxes payable under MAT. The Company estimated that the Company may not be able to utilize part of the MAT credit for two Indian subsidiaries. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $5.19 million was recorded against the accumulated MAT credit recognized as deferred tax assets. The MAT credit as of December 31, 2016 of $30.78 million (net of valuation allowance of $5.19 million) shall be utilized before March 31 of the following financial years and shall expire as follows:

 

Year of Expiry of MAT Credit

      
     (In millions)  

2017-18

   $ 0.19  

2018-19

     0.26  

2019-20

     0.95  

2020-21

     1.59  

2021-22

     0.78  

2022-23

     5.86  

2023-24

     6.94  

2024-25

     7.62  

2025-26

     9.80  

2026-27

     1.98  

Total

   $ 35.97  
  

 

 

 

Less: Valuation allowance

     (5.19
  

 

 

 

Total (net of valuation allowance)

   $ 30.78  
  

 

 

 

India Budget Proposal 2017

The Finance Bill 2017 was presented on February 1, 2017. These proposals include provisions that the MAT credit can be carried forward up to 15 years, as compared to the existing provision for the MAT credit to be carried forward up to 10 years. The Indian corporate tax rate would be reduced to 25%, as compared to the existing 30% for companies with annual turnover below INR 500 million ($7.3 million). The proposal includes no other changes to corporate income tax rates outside of the changes included above.

If enacted, these proposals would have a one time tax benefit to Syntel of $2.7 million. These tax benefits would be accounted in the quarter in which the aforesaid proposal is enacted.

 

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10. Earnings Per Share

The reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

 

     2016     2015     2014  
     Weighted-
Average
Shares
Out-
standing
     Per
Share
    Weighted-
Average
Shares
Out-
standing
     Per
Share
    Weighted-
Average
Shares
Out-
standing
     Per
Share
 
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Basic earnings per share

     84,146      $ (0.68     83,982      $ 3.01       83,785      $ 2.98  

Potential dilutive effect of restricted stock 1

     —          —         167        (0.01     186        (0.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

     84,146      $ (0.68     84,149      $ 3.00       83,971      $ 2.97  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1. For calculating dilutive earning(loss) per share during the year ended December 31, 2016, potential dilutive effect of restricted stock of 103 units are not considered as they are antidilutive in view of current year loss.

11. Dividends

During the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per share on outstanding common stock which was payable on October 3, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2016. Accordingly, $1.261 billion in dividends was paid on October 3, 2016. Further, it was resolved by the Board of Directors that restricted stock units granted to employee and directors prior to the dividend record date will receive an amount equivalent to the dividend when the applicable restriction on the restricted stock units lapses.

The special cash dividend was funded through a one-time repatriation of approximately $1.03 billion (net of dividend distribution tax $210 million paid outside the U.S) of cash held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and a portion of borrowings under the new Senior Credit Facility. In connection with the one-time repatriation, where the Company has recognized a one-time tax expense of approximately $270.6 million (net of foreign tax credits) in the third quarter of 2016.

The Company has not declared or paid any dividends in 2015 or 2014.

12. Stock Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation

The Company originally established a Stock Option and Incentive Plan in 1997 (the “1997 Plan”). On June 1, 2006, the Company adopted the Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Amended Plan”), which amended and extended the 1997 Plan. Under the Amended Plan, a total of sixteen million shares of common stock (adjusted for the effects of the 2014 stock split) were reserved for issuance. The dates on which options or restricted stock units granted under the Amended Plan become first exercisable or have their restriction lapse are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, but generally occur over a four-year period from the date of grant. The term of any option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. As of June 1, 2016, the Amended Plan terminated and no further awards may be made under the Amended Plan.

 

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On February 28, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2016 Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) subject to shareholder approval. On June 8, 2016 the Company’s shareholders approved the 2016 Plan. The principal features of the 2016 Plan are substantially the same as those of the Amended Plan. Under the 2016 Plan, a total of sixteen million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. The dates on which options or restricted stock units granted under the Amended Plan become first exercisable or have their restriction lapse are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, but for employees generally occur over a four-year period from the date of grant and for non-employee directors generally occur at the Company’s next annual meeting of shareholders

On November 30, 2016, Company’s Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee established a program for a one time grant of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to certain senior management employees. The parameters of the program and the restrictions on the RSUs granted are consistent with the 2016 Incentive Plan approved by shareholders on June 8, 2016, except as follows:

 

1. The employee may purchase up to a specified number of shares of Syntel, Inc. common stock (“Common Stock”) whose purchase price is equal to up to 25% of the employee’s base salary (“Purchased Shares”).

 

2. Upon proof of purchase of the Common Stock, the employee will receive a grant of RSUs equal to 25% of the number of the Purchased Shares (the “Grant”).

 

3. The restriction period on 25% of the Grant will lapse on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date.

 

4. The RSUs will be forfeited if the employee ceases to be an employee of the Company or if the employee does not retain Purchased Shares equal to four times the remaining RSUs from the Grant through the applicable restriction period.

No stock options were issued for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 under either the Amended Plan or the 2016 Plan.

The Company accounts for share-based compensation based on the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant. Fair value of share-based payment awards are calculated based on company’s share prices which are quoted in market. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s Statement of Comprehensive Income. Share-based compensation expense recognized as above for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $8.1 million (including charges for restricted stock units and a dividend equivalent), $7.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively, including a charge for restricted stock.

The shares issued upon the exercise of the options are new share issues.

Restricted Stock

On different dates during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued restricted stock awards of 415,519, 135,440 and 293,904 (adjusted to account for the 2014 stock split), respectively, to its non-employee directors and some employees as well as to some employees of its subsidiaries. The restricted stock awards were granted to employees for their future services as a retention tool at a zero exercise price, vest in shares with regards to 25% of the awards issued on or after the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant dates.

 

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During the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per share on outstanding common stock which was payable on October 3, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2016. Further, it was resolved by the Board of Directors that restricted stock units granted to employees and directors prior to the dividend record date will receive an amount equivalent to the dividend when the applicable restriction on the restricted stock units lapses. The special dividend resulted in a modification of the existing stock compensation plan. Accordingly, incremental compensation cost was measured as the excess, if any, of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award accounted on graded basis with the incremental expense being recognized over the remaining vesting period. As a result of the above, the Company has recorded an additional compensation cost of $1.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2016.

The impact on the Company’s results of operations of recording stock-based compensation (including impact of restricted stock) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ended December 31,    2016      2015      2014  

Cost of revenues

   $ 2,597      $ 2,478      $ 2,139  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     4,054        4,719        4,318  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 6,651      $ 7,197      $ 6,457  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

No cash was received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

A summary of the activity for restricted stock awards granted under our stock-based compensation plans as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively and changes during the years then ended is presented below, appropriately adjusted, to reflect the 2014 stock split:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     Number
Of
Awards
    Weighted
Average
Grant
Date

Fair
Value
     Number
Of
Awards
    Weighted
Average
Grant
Date

Fair
Value
     Number
Of
Awards
    Weighted
Average
Grant
Date

Fair
Value
 

Unvested at January 1

     465,290     $ 41.47        564,314     $ 37.37        501,292     $ 28.64  

Granted

     415,519     $ 20.57        135,440     $ 46.73        293,904     $ 42.79  

Vested

     (198,725   $ 39.10        (205,233   $ 34.40        (227,882   $ 25.03  

Forfeited

     (12,528   $ 43.77        (29,231   $ 36.38        (3,000   $ 44.90  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested at December 31

     669,556     $ 29.16        465,290     $ 41.47        564,314     $ 37.37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016, $15.9 million of total remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to restricted stock awards is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 3.1 years.

 

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13. Commitments and Contingencies.

As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Syntel’s subsidiaries have commitments for capital expenditures (net of advances) of $33.0 million and $29.0 million, respectively, primarily related to the technology campuses being constructed at Pune and Chennai in India.

Syntel’s Indian subsidiaries’ operations are carried out from their development centers/units in Mumbai forming part of a Special Economic Zone (“SEZ”) and in Chennai and Pune, which are registered under the Software Technology Parks (“STP”) scheme. Under these schemes, the registered units have export obligations, which are based on the formula provided by the notifications/circulars issued by the STP and SEZ authorities from time to time. The consequence of not meeting the above commitments would be a retroactive levy of import duty on items previously imported duty free for these units. Additionally, the respective authorities have rights to levy penalties for any defaults on a case-by-case basis. The Company is confident of meeting these obligations.

During the year December 31, 2016 $0.75 million was held as a security deposit concerning a performance guarantee for certain leasehold improvements in Syntel Poland in favor of the lessor.

The Company is party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, including litigation and governmental and regulatory controls. The Company’s estimates regarding legal contingencies are based on information known about the matters and its experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. It is the opinion of management with respect to pending or threatened litigation matters that unfavorable outcomes are neither probable nor remote and that estimates of possible loss are not able to be made. Although actual amounts could differ from management’s estimate, none of the actions are believed by management to involve future amounts that would be material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

The Company estimates the costs associated with known legal exposures and their related legal expenses and accrues reserves for either the probable liability, if that amount can be reasonably estimated, or otherwise the lower end of an estimated range of potential liability. As at December 31, 2016, the Company has recorded a $0.3 million liability for a litigation matter related contingency. During the year ended December 31, 2015, there was no accrual related to litigation.

14. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a 401(k) retirement plan that covers all regular employees on Syntel’s U.S. payroll. Eligible employees may contribute the lesser of 60% of their compensation or $18,000, subject to certain limitations, to the retirement plan. The Company may make contributions to the plan at the discretion of the Board of Directors; however, through December 31, 2016, no Company contributions have been made.

Eligible employees on Syntel’s Indian payroll receive benefits under the Provident Fund (“PF”), which is a defined contribution plan. Both the employee and the Company make monthly contributions equal to a specified percentage of the covered employee’s salary. The Company has no further obligations under the plan beyond its monthly contributions. The contributions made to the fund are administered and managed by the Government of India. The Company’s monthly contributions are expensed in the period they are incurred. Provident Fund Contribution expense recognized by Indian entities was $5.90 million, $6.50 million and $4.70 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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In accordance with the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 of India, the Indian subsidiary provides for gratuity, a defined retirement benefit plan (the “Gratuity Plan”) covering eligible employees. The Gratuity Plan provides a lump sum payment to vested employees at retirement, death, incapacitation or termination of employment based on the respective employee’s salary and the tenure of employment. Liabilities with regard to the Gratuity Plan are determined by actuarial valuation and are expensed in the period determined. The Gratuity Plan is a non-funded plan. The amounts accrued under this plan are $13.6 million and $12.3 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included within current and other non-current liabilities, as applicable. Expense recognized by Indian entities under the Gratuity Plan was $3.5 million, $3.7 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The following table sets forth the funded status of the Gratuity Plan of the Company and the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and statements of comprehensive income.

 

     (In thousands)  
     2016      2015  

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 9,081      $ 6,194  

Change in projected benefit obligation:

     

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the year

   $ 12,349      $ 12,057  

Service cost

     2,279        2,448  

Interest cost

     1,167        1,177  

Actuarial loss/(gain)

     900        (851

Adjustments due to transfer of employees within the group

     —          —    

Benefits paid

     (1,928      (1,951

Effect of exchange rate changes

     (240      (531
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of the year

   $ 14,527      $ 12,349  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consists of:

     

Provision for gratuity (included in total current liabilities)

   $ 1,899      $ 387  

Provision for gratuity (included in non-current liabilities)

     8,099        8,050  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,998      $ 8,437  

As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 

Net actuarial loss

   $ 1,353      $ 489  

Net prior service cost

     106        134  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ 1,459      $ 623  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expected amortization out of comprehensive income in 2017 is $0.06 million.

 

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Reconciliation of net amount recognized

 

Net amount recognized as at beginning of the period

   $ (12,349    $ (12,057

Company contributions

     1,928        1,951  

Net periodic benefit cost for the period

     (3,509      (3,734

Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (863      960  

Adjustments on account of employees transferred

     26        —    

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     240        531  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net amount recognized as at end of the period

     (14,527      (12,349

Funded status of the plans

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued benefit cost

   $ (14,527    $ (12,349
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The components of net gratuity costs are reflected below:

     

Service cost

   $ 2,279      $ 2,448  

Interest cost

     1,167        1,177  

Amortization of transition obligation

     61        71  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

     2        37  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,509      $ 3,733  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:

 

     2016      2015  

Discount rate

    
7.75% per
annum.
 
 
    
8.5% per
annum
 
 

Long-term rate of compensation increase

    



11% per annum
for first year,
10% for next
five years and
7% thereafter
 
 
 
 
 
    




11% per annum
for first
year,10% for
next five years
and
7%thereafter
 
 
 
 
 
 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:

 

     2016      2015  

Discount rate

    
7.75% per
annum
 
 
    
8.5% per
annum
 
 

Long-term rate of compensation increase

    



11% per annum
for first year,
10% for next
five years and
7% thereafter
 
 
 
 
 
    




11% per annum
for first
year,10% for
next five years
and
7%thereafter
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cash Flows

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 

For the year ended December 31,    Expected
contribution
 
     (In thousands)  

2017

   $ 2,784  

2018

     2,737  

2019

     2,740  

2020

     2,865  

2021

     2,882  

2022–2026

     11,825  

 

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15. Segment Reporting

Effective the first quarter of 2014, as a result of the completion of organizational changes, the Company changed its basis of segmentation to vertical segments as follows:

 

    Banking and Financial Services

 

    Healthcare and Life Sciences

 

    Insurance

 

    Manufacturing

 

    Retail, Logistics and Telecom

For detailed discussion on each of these segments,please refer Note 1 on “Business” forming part of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Syntel’s leadership evaluates the Company’s performance and allocates resources based on segment revenues and segment cost of revenues. Segment gross profit is defined as gross profit before Corporate Direct Costs.

The Company’s cost of revenues consists of costs directly associated with billable professionals in the U.S. and offshore, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, relocation costs, immigration costs, finder’s fees, trainee compensation and travel. Generally, the cost of revenues for each operating segment has similar characteristics and is subject to the same factors, pressures and challenges. However, the economic environment and its effects on industries served by our operating groups may affect revenue and cost of revenues to differing degrees.

Corporate Direct Costs

Certain expenses, for cost centers such as Centers of Excellence, Architecture Solutions Group, Research and Development, Cloud Computing, and Application Management, are not allocated to specific industry segments because management believes it is not practical to allocate such expenses to individual segments as they are not directly attributable to any specific segment. Accordingly, these expenses are separately disclosed as Corporate Direct Costs and adjusted only against Total Gross Profit.

In accordance with ASC 280 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” segment disclosures are presented below. Revenues from external customers and gross profit for the Banking and Financial Services; Healthcare and Life Sciences; Insurance; Manufacturing; and Retail, Logistics and Telecom segments for three years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Net Revenues:

  

Banking and Financial Services

   $ 472,999      $ 474,943      $ 455,100  

Healthcare and Life Sciences

     155,970        157,970        147,424  

Insurance

     128,270        133,519        137,447  

Manufacturing

     44,420        41,154        27,622  

Retail, Logistics and Telecom

     164,891        161,026        143,836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 966,550      $ 968,612      $ 911,429  

Gross Profit:

        

Banking and Financial Services

     183,530        188,152        193,916  

 

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Healthcare and Life Sciences

     62,466        68,822        67,289  

Insurance

     46,192        49,497        50,050  

Manufacturing

     13,091        13,111        8,136  

Retail, Logistics and Telecom

     68,113        69,505        63,262  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Segment Gross Profit

     373,392        389,087        382,653  

Corporate Direct Cost

     (2,567      (5,086      (5,086

Gross Profit

   $ 370,825      $ 384,001      $ 377,567  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     108,528        100,256        109,217  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

   $ 262,297      $ 283,745      $ 268,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s largest customer in 2016, 2015 and 2014 was American Express, which accounted for revenues in excess of 10% of total consolidated revenues. Revenue from this customer was approximately $210.1 million, $204.0 million and $201.6 million, contributing approximately 22%, 21% and 22% of total consolidated revenues during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, accounts receivable from this customer were $24.3 million, $31.8 million and $19.0 million respectively. The revenue from American Express Corp. was generated in Banking and Financial Services segment.

The Company’s second largest customer, State Street Bank, had revenues in excess of 10% of total consolidated revenues for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014. Revenue from this customer was approximately $134.3 million, $140.6 million and $126.4 million, contributing approximately 14%, 15% and 14% of total consolidated revenues during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, accounts receivable from this customer was $10.9 million, $16.6 million and $11.3 million, respectively. The revenue from State Street Bank was generated in Banking and Financial Services segment.

The Company’s third largest customer, Federal Express Corporation, had revenues in excess of 10% of total consolidated revenues for the year ended 2016, 2015 and 2014. Revenue from this customer was approximately $119.9 million, $120.1 million and $105.0 million, contributing approximately 12%, 12% and 12% of total consolidated revenues during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, accounts receivable from this customer was $17.8 million, $12.2 million and $14.3 million, respectively. The revenue from Federal Express Corporation was generated in the Retail Logistics and Telecom segment.

16. Geographic Information

The Company’s net revenues and long-lived assets, by geographic area, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

     (In thousands)  
     2016      2015      2014  

Net revenues (1):

        

North America (2)

   $ 865,679      $ 872,788      $ 827,425  

India

     5,475        3,740        2,167  

Europe (3)

     92,899        89,088        77,821  

Rest of the World

     2,497        2,996        4,016  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 966,550      $ 968,612      $ 911,429  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Long-lived assets (4):

        

North America (2)

   $ 3,307      $ 3,517      $ 2,645  

India

     102,638        101,686        105,949  

Europe (3)

     632        374        71  

Rest of the World

     805        1,105        1,292  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 107,382      $ 106,682      $ 109,957  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Notes for the Geographic Information Disclosure:

 

1. Net revenues are attributed to regions based upon customer location.
2. Primarily relates to operations in the United States.
3. Primarily relates to operations in the United Kingdom and Poland.
4. Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization and goodwill.

 

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17. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Selected financial data by calendar quarter were as follows:

 

     First
Quarter
     Second
Quarter
     Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
    Full Year  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

2016

            

Net revenues

   $ 241,390      $ 246,018      $ 241,255     $ 237,887     $ 966,550  

Cost of revenues

     151,666        155,033        146,672       142,354       595,725  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     89,724        90,985        94,583       95,533       370,825  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     29,677        18,265        29,526       31,060       108,528  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     60,047        72,720        65,057       64,473       262,297  

Other income (expense), net

     4,096        4,875        4,227       (2,110     11,088  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     64,143        77,595        69,284       62,363       273,385  

Income tax expense (1)

     11,086        18,804        286,513       14,372       330,775  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

   $ 53,057      $ 58,791      $ (217,229   $ 47,991     $ (57,390
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings/(loss) per share, diluted (a)

   $ 0.63      $ 0.70      $ (2.58   $ 0.57     $ (0.68
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

     84,266        84,278        84,214       84,163       84,146  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2015

            

Net revenues

   $ 220,599      $ 239,797      $ 253,636     $ 254,580     $ 968,612  

Cost of revenues

     141,785        148,704        146,061       148,061       584,611  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     78,814        91,093        107,575       106,519       384,001  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     35,382        21,728        15,121       28,025       100,256  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     43,432        69,365        92,454       78,494       283,745  

Other income (expense), net

     9,338        9,887        10,227       14,004       43,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     52,770        79,252        102,681       92,498       327,201  

Income tax expense (2)

     12,749        18,673        24,990       18,263       74,675  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 40,021      $ 60,579      $ 77,691     $ 74,235     $ 252,526  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share, diluted (a)

   $ 0.48      $ 0.72      $ 0.92     $ 0.88     $ 3.00  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

     84,127        84,135        84,131       84,204       84,149  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Earnings per share for the quarter are computed independently and may not equal the earnings per share computed for the total year.

18. CONSOLIDATION OF A VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY

Syntel Delaware is a 100% subsidiary of Syntel, Inc. and a 49% shareholder of the joint venture (“JV”) entity SSSSML, the other shareholder being an affiliate of State Street Bank. Syntel Delaware has a variable interest in SSSSML as it is entitled to all the profits and solely responsible for all losses incurred by SSSSML even though it holds only 49% in the JV entity. Accordingly, Syntel Delaware consolidates the JV entity SSSSML.

The Company’s KPO services to State Street Bank and one other client are provided through the above joint venture between the Company and an affiliate of State Street Bank. Sales of KPO services only to these two clients represented approximately 11%, 12% and 13% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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19. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company follows the guidance for fair value measurements and fair value option for financial assets and liabilities, which primarily relate to the Company’s investments and forward contracts, Interest rate swap and other financial assets and liabilities.

This standard includes a fair value hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions.

Fair values of interest rate swaps are measured using standard valuation models using inputs that are readily available in public markets, or can be derived from observable market transactions, including LIBOR spot and forward rates.

The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

 

    Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

    Level 2 – Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

 

    Level 3 – Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.

The following table summarizes our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016:

 

     ( In millions)  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Short term investments

           

Available for sale securities

   $ 15.0      $ —        $ —        $ 15.0  

Term deposits

   $ —        $ 6.8      $ —          6.8  

Interest rate swaps

   $ —        $ 0.5      $ —          0.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 15.0      $ 7.3      $ —        $ 22.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Short term investments

           

Available for sale securities

   $ 126.5      $ —        $ —        $ 126.5  

Term deposits

   $ —        $ 413.7      $ —          413.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 126.5      $ 413.7      $ —        $ 540.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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20. Term Deposits

The following table summarizes the term deposits with various banks outstanding as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

     (In millions)  

Balance Sheet Item

   As at
December 31,
2016
     As at
December 31,
2015
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —        $ —    

Short term investments

     6.6        413.6  

Non-current assets

     0.2        0.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6.8      $ 413.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

21. Other Income, Net

The following table represents the components of other income, net.

 

     (In thousands)  
     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016      2015      2014  

Interest income on term deposits

   $ 9,695      $ 26,751      $ 34,308  

Gain(loss)on sale of mutual funds,net

     5,790        18,796        14,619  

Gain(loss)on forward contracts,net

     —          —          3,836  

Interest Expense

     (4,707      (2,220      (2,279

Miscellaneous income

     310        129        39  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 11,088      $ 43,456      $ 50,523  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

23. STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

On November 14, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan under which the Company may repurchase shares of common stock with a total value not to exceed approximately $10 million.

The Company repurchased 510,923 shares of common stock with a total value of $10 million at an average price of $19.57 per share during fourth quarter of 2016.

Repurchases under the Company’s new program were made in the open market or privately negotiated transactions or through a Rule 10b5-1 plan in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-18, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, and other relevant factors. Any repurchased common stock will be available for use in connection with the Company’s incentive plan and for other corporate purposes.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.    Description
3.1    Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
3.2    Bylaws of the Registrant filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.
4.1    Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 8, 2006, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A dated January 3, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.1*    Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.2*    2016 Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.3*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for Employees, filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.4*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for Non-Employee Directors, filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.5*    Form of Special Program Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for Employees.
10.6*    Form of Annual Performance Award, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.7*    Employment Agreement, dated October 18, 2001, between the Company and Bharat Desai, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.8*    Employment Agreement, dated October 18, 2001, between the Company and Daniel M. Moore, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.9*    Employment Agreement, dated March 5, 2009, between the Company and Anil Jain, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.


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10.10*    Employment Agreement, dated May 20, 2005, between the Company and Rakesh Khanna, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.11*    Employment Agreement, dated September 5, 2003, between the Company and Murlidhar Reddy, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.12*    Employment Agreement, dated October 13, 2008, between the Company and V. S. Raj, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.13*    Employment Agreement, dated August 3, 2009, between the Company and Raja Ray, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.14*    Employment Agreement, dated March 15, 2010, between the Company and Prashant Ranade, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.15*    Employment Agreement, dated February 1, 2011, between the Company and Avinash Salelkar, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.16*    Employment Agreement, dated May 23, 2011, between the Company and Sanjay Garg, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.17*    Employment Agreement, dated July 18, 2014, between the Company and Rajiv Tandon, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.18*    Employment Agreement, dated February 11, 2016, between the Company and Anil Agrawal filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.19*    Employment Agreement, dated February 11, 2008, between the Company and Rahul Aggarwal.
10.20*    Employment Agreement, dated June 9, 2009, between the Company and Ben Andradi.
10.21*    Employment Agreement, dated June 21, 2005, between the Company and Sujay Puthran.
10.22*    Employment Agreement, dated July 26, 2007, between the Company and Narendar Reddy.


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10.23    Shareholders Agreement effective February 1, 2012 by and between State Street International Holdings, Syntel Delaware, LLC, Syntel, Inc., and State Street Syntel Services (Mauritius) Limited, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.24    Credit Agreement, dated September 12, 2016, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, L/C issuer and swing line lender, the other lenders party thereto, and Merrill, Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 12, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.25    Security and Pledge Agreement, dated September 12, 2016, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 12, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.26    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated October 26, 2016, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, L/C issuer and swing line lender and the other lenders party thereto, filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
14    Code of Ethical Conduct filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
21    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.3    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
* Designates management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements for executive officers.

Exhibit 10.5

THE SHARES ISSUABLE UPON LAPSE OF THE RESTRICTION PERIOD WILL

NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL ALL APPLICABLE WITHHOLDING TAXES

HAVE BEEN SATISFIED

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT

UNDER THE SYNTEL, INC.

2016 INCENTIVE PLAN

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT made this          day of          , 20      by and between Syntel, Inc., a Michigan corporation (“the Corporation”), and                      (the “Grantee”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Grantee is now employed by the Corporation or a Subsidiary of the Corporation, and the Corporation desires to provide additional incentive to the Grantee, to encourage stock ownership by the Grantee, and to encourage the Grantee to remain in the employ of the Corporation or a Subsidiary, and as an inducement thereto, the Corporation has determined to grant to the Grantee a Restricted Stock Unit Award pursuant to the Corporation’s 2016 Incentive Plan, a copy of which is available to employees on Syntelligence;

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed between the parties as follows:

1. Definitions in Agreement . For purposes of this Agreement, certain words and phrases have the following definitions:

(a) “Award” means the Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Agreement;

(b) “Change in Control” means the definition in Section 1.4(e) of the Plan upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the acquisition by one or more persons acting as a group of more than fifty percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Corporation’s Common Stock; (ii) the acquisition by one or more persons acting as a group within a 12-month period of thirty-five percent or more of the total voting power of the Company’s Common Stock; (iii) the majority of the members on the Corporation’s Board is replaced during a 12-month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Corporation’s Board prior to the date of the appointment or election; (iv) the acquisition of more than forty percent of the total gross fair market value of the Corporation’s assets; provided however , that any event in (i) through (iv) involving any of the shareholders of the Corporation on February 28, 2016 (or any entity at any time controlled by any such shareholder or shareholders) shall not be included within the meaning of “Change in Control.”


(c) “Change in Control Termination” means, as defined in Section 1.4(f) of the Plan, with respect to the Grantee: (i) the Grantee’s involuntary termination of employment without “Cause,” as defined in Section1.4(d) of the Plan, or (ii) the Grantee’s termination due to “Good Reason” as defined in Section 1.4(s) of the Plan, either event occurring after the execution of an agreement to consummate a Change of Control with the Corporation as a party and while such agreement remains effective, or within two years following a Change in Control.

(d) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

(e) “Committee” means, as defined in Section 1.4(i) of the Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board, or any other committee or sub-committee of the Board, designated by the Board from time to time, comprised solely of two or more Directors who are “Non-Employee Directors,” as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, “Outside Directors” as defined in Code Section 162(m) and Treasury regulations thereunder, and “Independent Directors” for purposes of the rules and regulations of the applicable stock exchange;

(f) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Corporation;

(g) “Corporation” means Syntel, Inc.;

(h) “Employment” (whether or not capitalized) means employment with the Corporation or any Subsidiary of the Corporation;

(i) “Grant Date” means the date of this Agreement as reflected above;

(j) “Insider Trading Policy” means the policy adopted by the Board that establishes rules regarding the trading of the Corporation’s securities by its directors, officers, and employees, which policy is available on the Syntelligence;

(k) “Plan” means the Corporation’s 2016 Incentive Plan;

(l) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a right granted under Article IV of the Plan to receive one share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit at the time the applicable restrictions lapse, less any shares withheld to satisfy income and employment tax withholding requirements; and

(m) “Restriction Period” means the period of time during which a Grantee’s Restricted Stock Units are subject to restrictions and are nontransferable.

2. Grant of Restricted Stock Units . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Corporation hereby grants to the Grantee XXXXXX Restricted Stock Units as of the close of business on the Grant Date.


3. Lapse of Restriction Period . The Restriction Period lapses on or after the following anniversaries of the Grant Date as to the following cumulative percentages of the Restricted Stock Units:

 

On or after the first anniversary

   25%

On or after second anniversary

   25% additional

On or after third anniversary

   25% additional

On or after fourth anniversary

   25% additional

In accordance with this schedule, on or after the fourth anniversary of the Grant Date, all restrictions on the Restricted Stock Units shall have lapsed; provided, however, that each of the foregoing anniversaries of the Grant Date shall be deemed automatically extended (i) by the total period of time that the Grantee spends on unpaid leave(s) of absence between the Grant Date and each such anniversary, and (ii) for the duration of any regular or special blackout on trading in Common Stock in effect pursuant to the Insider Trading Policy when the anniversary occurs.

4. Forfeiture of Restricted Stock Units . The Grantee received this Grant upon purchasing Common Stock. The Restricted Stock Units in this Grant will terminate and be forfeited whenever the Grantee fails to retain Common Stock equal to at least four times the number of Restricted Stock Units that are then subject to the Restriction Period.

5. Certificate or Electronic Balance . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and in Article IV and Section 10.3 of the Plan, and subject to applicable federal and state securities laws, shares covered by Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan shall become freely transferable by the Grantee and a Common Stock certificate issued or an electronic balance with a brokerage working with the Plan established following the last day of the Restriction Period and after shares have been withheld to satisfy the applicable income and employment tax withholding requirements.

6. Termination of Employment .

(a) If a Grantee terminates employment for any reason (other than as provided in paragraph (b) or (c) below, after a Change in Control), the Grantee’s right to shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award that are still subject to a Restriction Period automatically shall terminate and be forfeited by the Grantee.

(b) In the event of the Grantee’s Change in Control Termination subsequent to a Change in Control, the remaining Restriction Period on any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder shall immediately lapse and the shares shall become fully transferable.

(c) In the event of the Grantee retiring after age sixty (60) and with ten (10) or more years of employment with Syntel, the remaining Restriction Period on any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder shall immediately lapse and the shares shall become fully transferable.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (b) above, all Restricted Stock Units for which the applicable Restriction Period has not lapsed as of termination of employment shall be canceled.


(e) A leave of absence with the written consent of the Corporation and in accordance with Code Section 409A, or a transfer of the Grantee from one corporation to another among the Corporation, its Parent and any of its Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to constitute a termination of employment for purposes of this Restricted Stock Unit Award.

7. Compliance with Securities Laws. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Corporation’s obligation to deliver Common Stock under this Agreement is subject to such compliance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations applying to the authorization, issuance or sale of securities, and applicable stock exchange requirements, as the Corporation deems necessary or advisable. The Corporation shall not be required to deliver Common Stock pursuant hereto unless and until it receives satisfactory proof either that (a) the issuance or transfer of such shares will not violate (i) any of the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder, (ii) the rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which the Corporation’s securities are listed, or (iii) state law governing the sale of securities, or (b) there has been compliance with the provisions of such acts, rules, regulations and state laws. If the Grantee fails to accept delivery for all or any part of the number of shares specified by such notice upon tender of delivery thereof the Grantee’s right to Common Stock with respect to such undelivered shares may be terminated by the Corporation.

8. Non-Assignability . The Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder may not be transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the Restriction Period applicable to the Restricted Stock Unit has lapsed and the applicable number of shares has been withheld to satisfy any income and employment tax withholding requirements.

9. Withholding . Unless otherwise permitted or designated by the Corporation, the Corporation shall withhold from the Grantee’s Restricted Stock Unit Award the applicable number of shares of Common Stock necessary to satisfy any minimum income and employment tax withholding requirements arising in connection with the lapse of the Restriction Period applicable to such Restricted Stock Units. To the extent that the shares withheld from the Award do not satisfy the minimum withholding requirements, or if the Grantee is to receive the full number of shares upon the lapse of the Restriction Period applicable to such Restricted Stock Units, the Grantee authorizes the Corporation to withhold the difference, or the entire amount due, in cash from other compensation owed by the Corporation to the Grantee. The Grantee shall tender such cash amount for the minimum withholding requirements to the Corporation if the Grantee is not then receiving compensation from the Corporation to cover such amount.

10. Disputes . As a condition to the granting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award granted hereby, the Grantee and the Grantee’s successors and assigns agree that any dispute or disagreement which shall arise under or as a result of this Agreement shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion and judgment and that any such determination and any interpretation by the Committee of the terms of this Agreement shall be final and shall be binding and conclusive for all purposes.


11. Adjustments . In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, reclassification, merger, consolidation, or similar transaction affecting the shares of Common Stock associated with this Restricted Stock Unit Award and in the event of a Change in Control, the rights of the Grantee shall be as provided in Article IX of the Plan, and any adjustment therein provided shall be made in accordance with Article IX of the Plan.

12. Rights as Shareholder . During the Restriction Period, Grantee may not exercise voting rights with respect to the Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder. No dividend or distribution of shares declared with respect to the Common Stock associated with this Restricted Stock Unit Award will accrue or be paid until after the lapsing of the Restriction Period applicable to the Restricted Stock Units.

13. Notices . Every notice relating to this Agreement shall be in writing and if given by mail shall be given by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. All notices to the Corporation shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the Corporation’s headquarters in Troy, Michigan, or addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation at 525 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 300, Troy, MI 48083. All notices by the Corporation to the Grantee shall be delivered to the Grantee personally or addressed to the Grantee at the Grantee’s last residence address as then contained in the records of the Corporation or such other address as the Grantee may designate. Either party by notice to the other may designate a different address to which notices shall be addressed. Any notice given by the Corporation to the Grantee at the Grantee’s last designated address shall be effective to bind any other person who shall acquire rights hereunder.

14. Foreign Law Restrictions . Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Corporation’s obligation to deliver Common Stock pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit grant is subject to compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of any foreign nation applying to the authorization, issuance or sale of securities, providing of compensation, transfer of currencies and other matters, as may apply to the Grantee, if a resident of such foreign nation. To the extent that the Corporation is restricted in accordance with such foreign laws from delivering shares of Common Stock to the Grantee as would otherwise be provided for in this Agreement, the Corporation shall be released from such obligation and shall not be subject to the claims of the Grantee hereunder with respect thereto.

15. Governing Law . This Agreement has been made in and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

16. Provisions of Plan Controlling . The provisions hereof are subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, a copy of which is available to the Grantee on the Syntelligence. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

SYNTEL, INC.

 

By:  

 

  Daniel M. Moore, Chief Administrative Officer
By:  

 

  Rajesh Save, Global Head – Human Resources
                                                                 , Grantee
  [Insert Printed Name]

Exhibit 10.19

Terms and Conditions:

1.0 WORK RELATED

1.1 You will devote full time to the work of SYNTEL Ltd. (herein referred as SL ), and shall not undertake any direct / indirect business / work / assignment etc. even on part-time basis whether for any consideration or not, save with the prior written permission from the Company.

1.2 You will use your best efforts in the performance of employment duties assigned to you from time to time and to, at all times, act in good faith and in the best interests of SL, you will comply with all rules, regulations and procedures established by SL.

1.3 You will retire from the SL’s services on reaching the age of 60 yrs or earlier if found medically unfit. The age or date of birth already given by you in your application form would be treated as binding and final. The actual date of retirement shall be the last date of the calendar month in which you were born.

2.0 SOFTWARE RELATED

You are strictly prohibited from bringing any unauthorized / infringed copies of software in the office premises, from any external sources or copying software from one computer system to another which may include any violation of the provisions of the Copyrights Act. Non-compliance of this rule will be regarded as a serious offense and you will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

3.0 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

3.1 You will agree to inform SL of full details of all your inventions, discoveries, concepts and ideas (collectively called “Developments”), whether patentable or not, including but not limited to, hardware and apparatus, products, processes and methods, formulae, computer programs and techniques, as well as any improvements and related knowledge, which you conceive, improve, complete, or put in to practice (whether alone or jointly with others) while you continue in the employment of SL; and which relate to the present or prospective business, work or investigations of SL; or which result from any work you do using any equipment, facilities, materials or personnel of SL; or which has or have been developed by you or under your supervision, or which result from or are suggested by any work, which you do or may do for SL.

3.2 The ownership of all “developmental” work and documentation created by you shall from the moment of its creation, vest in SL. Thus, you agree to assign and do hereby assign to SL, SL’s nominee, your entire right, title and interest in –

 

    all Developments;

 

    all trademarks, copyrights and mask work rights in the developments; and

 

    all patent applications filed, patents granted on any development, including those in foreign countries, which you conceive or make (whether alone or with others) while employed by SL or within two (2) years of the end of your employment (if conceived as a result of your Employment)


3.3 You acknowledge existence of SL’s present and future products, know how, processes, software products, programs, codes, documentation and flowcharts in any form and agree to abide by the procedures of the Copyright Law in force in India and foreign countries, which prohibits the reproduction of such protected works, in whole or in part, or in any form or by any other means without the prior written permission of SL.

3.4 You will assign to SL your entire right, title and interest in any invention or improvement that you might make solely or jointly with others, during the course of your employment with SL relating to any and all products / services / software / software tools marketed or manufactured or developed and that you will perform any acts and execute such documents without expenses to you which, in the judgments of SL or its attorneys may be needful or desirable to secure to the Company patent protection and any / all rights relating to such invention or improvement.

4.0 NONSOLICITATION / NONCOMPLETE / NONDIVERSION

4.1 During the term of this Employment Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, you will not, without the prior written consent of SL, directly, indirectly, or through any other party solicit business from or perform services for any direct or indirect SL customer or any prospective SL customer whom you had any contact with or exposure to, at any time during the term of this Employment Agreement.

4.2 During the term of this Employment Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, you will not, without the prior written consent of SL , seek engagement or employment, either full-time or contractually with any organization that is likely to deploy you on project / assignment in Offshore or Onsite client engagement where SL is already working for the same client and where you have been engaged in a project with the client organization for a period exceeding one month. This clause does not apply if a period of one year has already exceeded from the last date of working with the specific client.

4.3 During the term of this Employment Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, you will not, without the prior written consent of SL directly, indirectly, or through any other party solicit, offer to, or accept the employment of, persons who are then, or were during the previous six (6) months, employees of SL or any SL subsidiary / associate / affiliate.

5.0 SPECIALIZED TRAINING and KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION

5.1 If you have to undergo any specialized training in SL or arranged by SL , you will have to undertake a training agreement to serve SL for a minimum period of one year from the date of undergoing the specialized training. Liquidated damages in case of breach of agreement in this regard would be Rs. 100,000/- (Rupees One Lac only). During this training period if your performance if found to be unsatisfactory, the Company reserves the right to terminate you from this employment.


5.2 On deputation to a client site for knowledge Acquisition and subsequent Knowledge Transfer on a client’s application, either for development, enhancement, maintenance or support, you will be understood to have gathered intellectual property on behalf of SL while on such deputation. As a consequence, you shall commit to serving SL for a minimum period of six months from the date of return to India from the Onsite engagement. This clause does not apply in the event that you are transferred, within SL, to another client engagement where the value of the initial knowledge acquisition has diminished and therefore does not constitute knowledge attrition.

6.0 CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1 In connection with your providing certain products and/or services to SL and/or on behalf of SL, you will have access to information concerning SL and SL’s clients. As a condition to your being given access to such information, you agree to treat any information concerning SL and/or SL’s clients (whether prepared by SL, its advisors or otherwise) which is furnished to you by or on behalf of SL and/or SL’s clients (herein collectively referred to as the “Confidential Information”) in accordance with the provisions of this letter and to take or abstain from taking certain other actions herein set forth. The term “Confidential Information” does not include information which (i) is already in your possession, or (ii) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by you or (iii) becomes available to you on a non-confidential basis from a source other than SL and/or SL’s clients. The confidential Information shall be solely used for the purpose of and on behalf of SL and you further agree that disclosure of the same shall be with prior permission of SL.

6.2 You agree to promptly redeliver to SL, upon request, all Confidential Information including all Intellectual property rights, whether registered or unregistered on any tangible media and that you will not retain any copies, extracts or other reproductions in whole or in part of such material. You further agree that breach of this confidentiality letter agreement could cause irreparable harm to SL and that SL shall be entitled to any and all injunctive relief, as well as monetary damages, including reasonable attorney fees, for such breach.

7.0 ARBITRATION

All disputes or difference what so ever arising between the parties out of or related to this contract or the construction or meaning and operation or effect of this contract or the breach thereof shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with rules of arbitration of the Indian Merchant Chambers and award made in pursuant thereof shall be binding on the parties.

You or SL may demand arbitration by giving a written notice to the other party stating the nature of the controversy.

8.0 GOVERNING LAW

The validity, constructing, interpretation and performance of this Contract will be governed by Indian Laws and adjudicated upon by a competent Court in Mumbai.


9.0 REMEDIES

9.1 Notwithstanding paragraph (Arbitration clause), you agree that your failure or neglect to perform, keep, or observe any term, provision, condition, covenant, warranty, or representation contained in this Contract, the confidentiality Contract or any other agreement between you and SL will cause SL immediate and irreparable harm and that SL is, in addition to all other remedies available to it, entitled to immediate injunctive and equitable relief from a court having jurisdiction to prevent any breach and to secure the enforcement of its rights hereunder.

9.2 Remedies for damages procuring prior to SL’s knowledge of breach or until action in breach ends and related in any way to the effects of the breach shall include but not be limited to monetary damage, liquidated damage, attorney’s fees and other cause related to the action.

10.0 OTHERS

10.1 You will also be covered by the Company’s Mediclaim and Accident Insurance Policy.

10.2 This appointment is being made in good faith on the basis of your CV and other information provided by you during the course of SL and your mutual discussions. Any data, which is not in consonance with the information provided by you, shall result in termination of employment forthwith and you shall indemnify SL in full, for any losses suffered by SL. SL reserves the right to make suitable formal / informal checks with your educational institutions and previous employers as may be applicable. You are requested to produce all the documents as mentioned in the checklist attached on your date of joining.

10.3 You shall not accept any presents, commissions, or any kind of gratification in cash or kind from any person, party, firm or company having dealings with SL group of companies and if you are offered you will report the same immediately to SL.

10.4 On matters not specifically covered in this Employment Contract, you shall be governed by SL’s service rules, practices, etc. which are liable for modifications, additions, total or partial withdrawal, suspension / revocation, etc. from time to time. SL’s decision on all such matters shall be final and binding on you.

11.0 SEVERABILITY

If any clause in this agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, that provision shall be severed and the remainder of the provisions of this agreement will continue in full force and effect as if this agreement had been executed without such invalid provision.

 

For, SYNTEL Ltd.     Confirmed and Agreed to
Signature   /s/ Ajay P     Signature   /s/ Rahul Aggarwal
Name   Ajay P     Your Name   Rahul Aggarwal
DATE:   11-2-2008     DATE:   1/2/2008

Exhibit 10.20

DATE OF ISSUE: June 09, 2009

Ben Andradi

16 Knole Way

Sevenoaks,

Kent, TN13 3RS

England.

1. Date of Commencement

Your employment with SYNTEL commences no later than July 15, 2009 . No period of employment with any previous employer shall count as continuous with your employment with SYNTEL.

2. Duties

2.1 Your job title is set out on the attached schedule. You will perform all such acts, duties and obligations and comply with all such orders as may be designated by SYNTEL.

2.2 During the term of your employment you shall devote your entire working time, attention and skill to SYNTEL’s business and shall not engage in any other business activity, directly or indirectly, regardless of whether it is for profit, gain or otherwise, that is similar to the business of SYNTEL and will have no other employment.

3. Place of Work

3.1. Your place of work will be at SYNTEL’s offices or at such other offices of SYNTEL or its clients in the United Kingdom as the needs of the business may require from time to time.

3.2. You may be required to travel outside the United Kingdom in the course of your duties.

4. Hours of Work

Unless agreed otherwise, you will be required to work 40 hours per week between 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. These hours incorporate an hour break for lunch. Notwithstanding the above, you will be expected to work irregular hours, including at weekends, if requested from time to time. You will also be required to work such additional hours as are reasonably necessary for the proper and efficient performance of your duties. This may involve you working more than 48 hours per week. For the purposes of the Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended), you hereby consent to work longer than 48 hours per week if your duties so require. The consent may be revoked on 3 months’ written notice, such notice to be addressed to your account Delivery Director. Overtime will not be paid for additional hours worked. You must obtain prior authorisation from SYNTEL before working alternative or additional hours at the request of a client.

5. Remuneration

5.1 Your gross basic salary is set out in the attached schedule, or such higher rate as SYNTEL may from time to time notify to you. A monthly payment in respect of salary for the period from the 1st of the month will be paid to your bank or building society account on or before the last working day of each month.


5.2 SYNTEL may deduct from your salary any sums due by you to SYNTEL, including,without limitation, any overpayments, loans or advances made to you by SYNTEL [and the cost of repairing any damage or loss to SYNTEL’s property caused by you.] or [the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company’s property caused by you and any losses suffered by the Company as a result of any act of negligence or breach of duty by you.]

6. Expenses

You will be paid or reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses wholly exclusively and necessarily incurred by you in or about the reasonable performance of your duties subject to your providing appropriate evidence (including receipts invoices tickets and/or vouchers as may be appropriate) and prior approvals where required. Further details of the Expenses Policy can be found in the Staff Handbook.

7. Holidays

7.1. In addition to the usual 8 public and bank holidays applicable in England, you are also entitled to a number of working days paid holiday in each complete calendar year as set out in the attached schedule, to be taken at such times as shall have been approved by SYNTEL. You shall ensure that your office is kept operational by your colleagues at times when you are absent from it due to travel or holiday. Not more than two weeks’ holiday may be taken at any one time, save at SYNTEL’s discretion.

7.2. You are entitled to carry forward up to 5 days of your annual paid holiday entitlement from one holiday year to the next subject to the prior consent of SYNTEL. Your total holiday entitlement in any one calendar year inclusive of the holidays carried over shall not exceed 25 days (exclusive of bank holidays). Holiday not taken or carried forward will be forfeited.

7.3. On the termination of your employment, you will be treated as having accrued holiday on a pro rata basis in respect of each completed month of service in the holiday year calculated by reference to your last day of work. If on the termination of your employment you have exceeded your accrued holiday entitlement then SYNTEL is hereby authorised to make an appropriate deduction from your final salary payment. If you have holiday entitlement still owing SYNTEL may at its sole discretion require you to take your holiday during your notice period or pay you a sum in lieu of accrued holiday. When paying in lieu of accrued holiday, one day’s pay will be calculated as 1/260 of annual salary.

8. Insurances

8.1. Subject to clause 8.2 and your complying with and satisfying any applicable requirements of the relevant insurers SYNTEL shall during the continuance of your employment: –

(i) provide you and your spouse and children under the age of 18 years membership of such private medical expenses insurance scheme as SYNTEL may in its absolute discretion from time to time decide; and


(ii) provide you with life assurance cover which in the event of your death during the continuance of your employment may pay to your chosen dependants (subject only to the discretion of the trustees of the appropriate scheme) a lump sum equal to 3 times your then annual salary.

8.2. SYNTEL reserves the right to limit (to such extent as it shall decide in its absolute discretion) or withdraw the above benefits at any time.

8.3. If any medical condition from which you suffer at any time is or becomes such that SYNTEL is unable to secure the above insurances for you other than at a significant premium, SYNTEL will offer you the opportunity of paying the additional premium to secure such insurances. If you reject this offer, SYNTEL may cease to provide any or all of the insurances referred to above.

9. Sickness

9.1. In case of sickness or other incapacity for work you must notify SYNTEL as early as practicable on the first day of absence, (and no later than 10.00am), giving details of the reasons for and the anticipated length of absence.

9.2. Where there has been any sickness absence of any period you will be required to furnish SYNTEL will a self-certification form concerning the period of sickness and incapacity.

9.3. Where a sickness lasts for more than 7 days you must forward a doctor’s statement to SYNTEL without delay, covering all days of absence. On the expiry of such statement you must notify SYNTEL whether you are returning to work or whether you have a further statement.

9.4. SYNTEL reserves the right to require you to undergo a medical examination by a doctor or consultant nominated by it at any time during your employment, in which event SYNTEL will bear the cost.

9.5. You will receive Statutory Sick Pay when you qualify to receive it under the legislation and regulations from time to time in force, subject to your compliance with 9.1 to 9.3 above. Any payment made to you during sickness absence over and above your Statutory Sick Pay entitlement shall be entirely at SYNTEL’s discretion.

10. Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure

10.1. You report to the person notified to you on the attached schedule or such other person as will be notified to you from time to time.

10.2. SYNTEL’S disciplinary and grievance procedures are contained in the Staff Handbook. These are non-contractual and may be amended by SYNTEL in its absolute discretion from time to time.]If you are unhappy about any aspect of your employment, you may raise the matter with the person to whom you report.

11. Confidentiality

11.1. You shall not except as authorised or required by your duties hereunder use for your own benefit and gain or reveal to any person, firm, company or other organization whatsoever, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging to SYNTEL or relating to the affairs or dealings of SYNTEL or a client of SYNTEL or a group company of SYNTEL which may come to your


knowledge during your employment. You shall treat the same with complete secrecy. This restriction shall continue to apply after the termination of your employment without limitation in time, but shall cease to apply to any information or knowledge which may subsequently come into the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure.

11.2. “Confidential Information” shall include but not be limited to development programs and plans, inventions, copyrights, processes, ideas, developments, designs, specification methods and procedures, current business methods and services, proposed future business methods and services, client lists, client requirements, pricing structures, marketing strategies, financial information and financial plans, any document marked “Confidential” or any information which you are told is “Confidential” or which you might reasonably expect to be regarded by SYNTEL as “Confidential”.

11.3. All records, documents and other papers (together with any copies or extracts thereof) made or acquired by you in the course of your employment shall be the property of SYNTEL and must be returned to it on the termination of your employment. The copyright in all such records, documents and papers shall at all times belong to SYNTEL.

12. Intellectual Property

Subject to the relevant provisions of the Patents Act 1977 the Registered Designs Act 1949 and the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 if at any time in the course of your employment you make or discover or participate in the making or discovery of any Intellectual Property relating to or capable of being used in the business of SYNTEL or any associated company you shall immediately disclose full details of such Intellectual Property to SYNTEL and at the request and expense of SYNTEL you shall do any and all things which may be necessary or desirable for obtaining appropriate forms of protection for the Intellectual Property in such parts of the world as may be specified by SYNTEL and for vesting all rights in the same in SYNTEL or its nominee. “Intellectual Property” means patents, trademarks, service marks, registered designs, applications for any of the foregoing, trade and business names, unregistered trade marks and service marks, copyrights (and all goodwill in the same), rights in designs, databases, inventions, know-how, rights under licences, consents, orders, statute or otherwise in relation to such rights and rights of the same or similar nature arising or subsisting in any part of the world.

13. Termination of Employment

13.1. The first three months of your employment shall be treated as a probationary period during which time either party can terminate your employment by giving to the other one-week’s notice. After satisfactory completion of that period, your employment shall (subject to the provisions of Clause 13.2) continue unless and until terminated by either SYNTEL or yourself giving to the other the period of notice set out in the Schedule. SYNTEL reserves the right at its absolute discretion to terminate your employment with immediate effect by paying you salary in lieu of notice.

13.2. Your employment may be terminated by SYNTEL forthwith without notice or payment in lieu of notice if you: –

(i) Commit any serious or persistent breach of any of the terms, conditions or stipulation contained in this Agreement; or


(ii). Are guilty of any serious negligence or gross misconduct in connection with or affecting the business or affairs of SYNTEL; or

(iii) Are guilty of conduct which brings or is likely to bring you or SYNTEL into disrepute; or

(iv) Are convicted of an arrestable criminal offence (other than an offence under road traffic legislation in the United Kingdom or elsewhere for which a non-custodial penalty is imposed); or

(v) Are adjudged bankrupt or make any arrangement or composition with your creditors or have an interim order made against you.

13.3. Upon termination you shall immediately repay all outstanding debts or loans dues to SYNTEL and SYNTEL is hereby authorised to deduct such debts or loans from any sums due to you on the termination of employment.

13.4 On the termination of your employment for any reason you will deliver to SYNTEL all notes, memoranda, documents, papers, software, databases, mobile phones, laptop computers and other property (whether stored in hard copy or electronic form) belonging to SYNTEL or any client of SYNTEL which may have been prepared by you or come into your possession as a result of your employment and you will not retain any copies of them (as appropriate).

14. Covenants

14.1. You acknowledge that during the course of your employment with SYNTEL you will receive and have access to confidential information of SYNTEL and its Associated Companies and you will also receive and have access to detailed client/customer lists and information relating to the operations and business requirements of those clients/customers and accordingly you are willing to enter into the covenants below in order to provide SYNTEL with what you consider to be reasonable protection for those interests.

14.2. You hereby covenant with SYNTEL that you will not for the period of 12 months after the termination of your employment without the prior written consent of the Board either alone or jointly with or on behalf of any person directly or indirectly: –

(i) In connection with the carrying on of any business in competition with the business of SYNTEL canvass solicit or approach or cause to be canvassed or solicited or approached for orders in respect of any services provided and/or any goods sold by SYNTEL any person, group or company who or which at the date of termination of your employment or at any time during the period of 12 months prior to that date is a customer or client of SYNTEL and with whom or which you shall have had dealings during the course of your employment;

(ii) In connection with the carrying on of any business in competition with the business of SYNTEL do business with any person, group or company who or which has at any time during the period of 12 months immediately preceding the date of such termination done business with SYNTEL as a supplier or customer or client and with whom or which you shall have had dealings during the course of your employment;


(iii) Work for or provide services to any person, group or company (or any subsidiary or holding company (as defined by Section 736 Companies Act 1985) of a company) which has in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of termination done business with SYNTEL as a client or any partnership or joint venture in which any such client is a partner or joint venturer or any person body or organization to whom you were introduced by any such client if you have worked for the particular client on behalf of SYNTEL in the 12 months prior to the termination of your employment

(iv) Solicit or entice away or endeavour to solicit or entice away from SYNTEL or any associated company any person who at the date of termination of his employment or at any time during the period of 12 months prior to that date is employed or engaged by SYNTEL or any associated company in the capacity of Programmer Analyst or Project Manager and with whom you shall have had contact during the course of his employment (whether or not such person would commit a breach of his contract of employment by so doing).

14.3. The covenants above are intended to be separate and severable and enforceable as such.

14.4. While the restrictions aforesaid are considered by the parties to be reasonable in all the circumstances, it is agreed that if any restriction shall be adjudged to be void or ineffective for whatever reason but would be adjudged to be valid and effective if part of the wording thereof were deleted or the periods thereof reduced or the area thereof reduced in scope, the said restrictions shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary to make them valid and effective.

15 Professional Demeanour

15.1 While working on a project, you shall conform to all the standard operating procedures and the normal personnel practices of the client. You shall be expected to work diligently and ethically, dress appropriately in suitable business attire, and act in a professional manner with colleagues, clients, and staff of clients.

15.2 While working for a client, you shall consider yourself an ambassador of SYNTEL and act in a manner that is consistent with the professional image of SYNTEL.

16 Worksheets

You must submit your timesheets showing work performed on a daily basis, certified as accurate by the client for which you are working, to SYNTEL within 7 days of the period to which each weekly time sheet is relevant or as otherwise required

17 Collective Agreements

There are no collective agreements that affect your employment.

18 Data Protection

You agree that SYNTEL shall hold details pertinent to your employment on file as part of its personnel records, which may include sensitive information. This information may be processed for administrative or legal purposes or as required by your continued employment. This may include passing such information to clients, regardless of whether or not you ultimately provide services to them.


19 Backup

You shall at all times keep an adequate backup copy of all items stored on magnetic media under your control on a standard format floppy or hard disk.

20 Former Agreements

This Agreement shall be in substitution for any previous letters of appointment, agreements or arrangements, whether written, oral or implied, relating to your employment.

21 Miscellaneous

21.1. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between us and supersedes (if any) subsisting agreements, arrangements and understandings (written or oral) relating to your employment.

21.2. In the event that you become a party to any proceeding brought by a former employer of yours at any time either during or after your employment with SYNTEL you recognise and agree that you shall have full and sole responsibility for responding to such action and that SYNTEL has no responsibility to participate in your response nor in any costs you may incur in relation hereto.

21.3. In the event that you are required by SYNTEL to relocate, SYNTEL may reimburse the cost (or a proportion) of such relocation (the “Relocation Expenses”). In that event, if you voluntarily resign from SYNTEL within a period of 12 months after receiving Relocation Expenses you agree that you will repay to SYNTEL the amount of the Relocation Expenses on termination of your employment.

21.4. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the English courts.

21.5 The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act of 1999 will not apply to this Agreement.

Other procedures and policies reflecting the way that SYNTEL operates such as the disciplinary and grievance policy are contained in the SYNTEL Staff Handbook which will be given to you on commencement of your employment. Whilst the policies contained in that document are not contractual and can be amended by SYNTEL from time to time, it is required reading.

I accept the terms and conditions of my employment as set out above and incorporated in SYNTEL’s written policies from time to time in force.


For Syntel Europe Limited

/s/ Srikanth Karra

Sincerely,

SYNTEL, Inc.

Srikanth Karra

Global Head – Human Resources

 

I hereby agree to the above terms.
/s/ Ben Andradi
Ben Andradi

Exhibit 10.21

Terms and Conditions:

1.0 WORK RELATED

1.1 You will devote full time to the work of SYNTEL Ltd. (herein referred as SL ), and shall not undertake any direct / indirect business / work / assignment etc. even on part-time basis whether for any consideration or not, save with the prior written permission from the Company.

1.2 You will use your best efforts in the performance of employment duties assigned to you from time to time and to, at all times, act in good faith and in the best interests of SL, you will comply with all rules, regulations and procedures established by SL.

1.3 You will retire from the SL’s services on reaching the age of 60 yrs or earlier if found medically unfit. The age or date of birth already given by you in your application form would be treated as binding and final. The actual date of retirement shall be the last date of the calendar month in which you were born.

2.0 SOFTWARE RELATED

You are strictly prohibited from bringing any unauthorized / infringed copies of software in the office premises, from any external sources or copying software from one computer system to another which may include any violation of the provisions of the Copyrights Act. Non-compliance of this rule will be regarded as a serious offense and you will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

3.0 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

3.1 You will agree to inform SL of full details of all your inventions, discoveries, concepts and ideas (collectively called “Developments”), whether patentable or not, including but not limited to, hardware and apparatus, products, processes and methods, formulae, computer programs and techniques, as well as any improvements and related knowledge, which you conceive, improve, complete, or put in to practice (whether alone or jointly with others) while you continue in the employment of SL; and which relate to the present or prospective business, work or investigations of SL; or which result from any work you do using any equipment, facilities, materials or personnel of SL; or which has or have been developed by you or under your supervision, or which result from or are suggested by any work, which you do or may do for SL.

3.2 The ownership of all “developmental” work and documentation created by you shall from the moment of its creation, vest in SL. Thus, you agree to assign and do hereby assign to SL, SL’s nominee, your entire right, title and interest in –

 

    all Developments;

 

    all trademarks, copyrights and mask work rights in the developments; and

 

    all patent applications filed, patents granted on any development, including those in foreign countries, which you conceive or make (whether alone or with others) while employed by SL or within two (2) years of the end of your employment (if conceived as a result of your Employment).


3.3 You acknowledge existence of SL’s present and future products, know how, processes, software products, programs, codes, documentation and flowcharts in any form and agree to abide by the procedures of the Copyright Law in force in India and foreign countries, which prohibits the reproduction of such protected works, in whole or in part, or in any form or by any other means without the prior written permission of SL.

3.4 You will assign to SL your entire right, title and interest in any invention or improvement that you might make solely or jointly with others, during the course of your employment with SL relating to any and all products / services / software / software tools marketed or manufactured or developed and that you will perform any acts and execute such documents without expenses to you which, in the judgments of SL or its attorneys may be needful or desirable to secure to the Company patent protection and any / all rights relating to such invention or improvement.

4.0 NONSOLICITATION / NONCOMPLETE / NONDIVERSION

4.1 During the term of this Employment Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, you will not, without the prior written consent of SL, directly, indirectly, or through any other party solicit business from or perform services for any direct or indirect SL customer or any prospective SL customer whom you had any contact with or exposure to, at any time during the term of this Employment Agreement.

4.2 During the term of this Employment Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, you will not, without the prior written consent of SL, seek engagement or employment, either full-time or contractually with any organization that is likely to deploy you on project / assignment in Offshore or Onsite client engagement where SL is already working for the same client and where you have been engaged in a project with the client organization for a period exceeding one month. This clause does not apply if a period of one year has already exceeded from the last date of working with the specific client.

4.3 During the term of this Employment Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, you will not, without the prior written consent of SL directly, indirectly, or through any other party solicit, offer to, or accept the employment of, persons who are then, or were during the previous six (6) months, employees of SL or any SL subsidiary / associate / affiliate.

5.0 SPECIALIZED TRAINING and KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION

5.1 If you have to undergo any specialized training in SL or arranged by SL , you will have to undertake a training agreement to serve SL for a minimum period of one year from the date of undergoing the specialized training. Liquidated damages in case of breach of agreement in this regard would be Rs. 100,000/- (Rupees One Lac only). During this training period if your performance if found to be unsatisfactory, the Company reserves the right to terminate you from this employment.


5.2 On deputation to a client site for knowledge Acquisition and subsequent Knowledge Transfer on a client’s application, either for development, enhancement, maintenance or support, you will be understood to have gathered intellectual property on behalf of SL while on such deputation. As a consequence, you shall commit to serving SL for a minimum period of six months from the date of return to India from the Onsite engagement. This clause does not apply in the event that you are transferred, within SL, to another client engagement where the value of the initial knowledge acquisition has diminished and therefore does not constitute knowledge attrition.

6.0 CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1 In connection with your providing certain products and/or services to SL and/or on behalf of SL, you will have access to information concerning SL and SL’s clients. As a condition to your being given access to such information, you agree to treat any information concerning SL and/or SL’s clients (whether prepared by SL, its advisors or otherwise) which is furnished to you by or on behalf of SL and/or SL’s clients (herein collectively referred to as the “Confidential Information”) in accordance with the provisions of this letter and to take or abstain from taking certain other actions herein set forth. The term “Confidential Information” does not include information which (i) is already in your possession, or (ii) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by you or (iii) becomes available to you on a non-confidential basis from a source other than SL and/or SL’s clients. The confidential Information shall be solely used for the purpose of and on behalf of SL and you further agree that disclosure of the same shall be with prior permission of SL.

6.2 You agree to promptly redeliver to SL, upon request, all Confidential Information including all Intellectual property rights, whether registered or unregistered on any tangible media and that you will not retain any copies, extracts or other reproductions in whole or in part of such material. You further agree that breach of this confidentiality letter agreement could cause irreparable harm to SL and that SL shall be entitled to any and all injunctive relief, as well as monetary damages, including reasonable attorney fees, for such breach.

7.0 ARBITRATION

All disputes or difference what so ever arising between the parties out of or related to this contract or the construction or meaning and operation or effect of this contract or the breach thereof shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with rules of arbitration of the Indian Merchant Chambers and award made in pursuant thereof shall be binding on the parties.

You or SL may demand arbitration by giving a written notice to the other party stating the nature of the controversy.

8.0 GOVERNING LAW

The validity, constructing, interpretation and performance of this Contract will be governed by Indian Laws and adjudicated upon by a competent Court in Mumbai.


9.0 REMEDIES

9.1 Notwithstanding paragraph (Arbitration clause), you agree that your failure or neglect to perform, keep, or observe any term, provision, condition, covenant, warranty, or representation contained in this Contract, the confidentiality Contract or any other agreement between you and SL will cause SL immediate and irreparable harm and that SL is, in addition to all other remedies available to it, entitled to immediate injunctive and equitable relief from a court having jurisdiction to prevent any breach and to secure the enforcement of its rights hereunder.

9.2 Remedies for damages procuring prior to SL’s knowledge of breach or until action in breach ends and related in any way to the effects of the breach shall include but not be limited to monetary damage, liquidated damage, attorney’s fees and other cause related to the action.

10.0 OTHERS

10.1 You will also be covered by the Company’s Mediclaim and Accident Insurance Policy.

10.2 This appointment is being made in good faith on the basis of your CV and other information provided by you during the course of SL and your mutual discussions. Any data, which is not in consonance with the information provided by you, shall result in termination of employment forthwith and you shall indemnify SL in full, for any losses suffered by SL. SL reserves the right to make suitable formal / informal checks with your educational institutions and previous employers as may be applicable. You are requested to produce all the documents as mentioned in the checklist attached on your date of joining.

10.3 You shall not accept any presents, commissions, or any kind of gratification in cash or kind from any person, party, firm or company having dealings with SL group of companies and if you are offered you will report the same immediately to SL.

10.4 On matters not specifically covered in this Employment Contract, you shall be governed by SL’s service rules, practices, etc. which are liable for modifications, additions, total or partial withdrawal, suspension / revocation, etc. from time to time. SL’s decision on all such matters shall be final and binding on you.

11.0 SEVERABILITY

If any clause in this agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, that provision shall be severed and the remainder of the provisions of this agreement will continue in full force and effect as if this agreement had been executed without such invalid provision.

 

For, SYNTEL Ltd.    Confirmed and Agreed to
Signature /s/ Atul Gawand    Signature /s/ Sujay Puthran
Name ATUL GAWAND    Your Name Sujay Puthran
DATE: MANAGER HUMAN RESOURCES    DATE: 21/6/2005

Exhibit 10.22

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made as of July 26, 2007 by and between Syntel, Inc., 525 E. Big Beaver, Suite 300, Troy, MI 48083 (“SYNTEL”) and Narendar Reddy Gangidi (“EMPLOYEE”). In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, SYNTEL and EMPLOYEE agree as follows:

1. Duties . EMPLOYEE agrees to use EMPLOYEE’s best efforts in the performance of employment duties assigned to EMPLOYEE from time to time and to, at all times, act in good faith and in the best interests of SYNTEL. EMPLOYEE agrees to comply with all rules, regulations and procedures established by SYNTEL.

2. Confidential Information . Simultaneous with the execution of this Agreement EMPLOYEE will execute and deliver to SYNTEL the confidentiality letter agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A, which confidentiality letter agreement is incorporated herein by reference.

3. Works of Authorship . Any work of authorship created by EMPLOYEE and all improvements, discoveries, or inventions made or conceived by EMPLOYEE, either solely or jointly with others, during employment with SYNTEL in any way related to EMPLOYEE’s employment with SYNTEL, the performance of services to any SYNTEL customer, or created, in whole or in part, during working hours or with information or resources obtained from or through SYNTEL or any SYNTEL customer, shall be promptly reported to SYNTEL and shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of SYNTEL, without further consideration. Upon request by SYNTEL, all documents and papers shall be executed, and all reasonable assistance shall be furnished (1) to establish in SYNTEL title to such work of authorship, improvements, discoveries, and inventions and (2) to enable SYNTEL to apply for United States and foreign patents thereon. EMPLOYEE agrees and warrants that any deliverable or service delivered to SYNTEL and SYNTEL’s use of such deliverable or service will neither infringe any copyrights, nor knowingly infringe any other intellectual property rights of any entity.

4. Effective Date . This Agreement becomes effective upon the commencement of your employment at the job site within the United States of America.

5. Compensation/Benefits . SYNTEL shall provide compensation/benefits to EMPLOYEE as set forth in the letter accompanying this Agreement.

6. Non-diversion of Employees . During the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall not, without the prior written consent of SYNTEL, directly, indirectly, or through any other party solicit, offer to, or accept the employment of, or assist others to solicit, offer to, or accept the employment of, persons who are then, or were during the previous six (6) months, employees of SYNTEL or any SYNTEL subsidiary.

7. Non-solicitation/Non-compete . During the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the termination of this Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall not, without the prior written consent of SYNTEL, directly, indirectly, or through any other party solicit business from or perform services for any direct or indirect SYNTEL customer or any prospective SYNTEL customer whom EMPLOYEE had any contact with or exposure to at any time during the term of this Agreement.


8. Former Employer . In the event EMPLOYEE becomes a party to any proceeding brought by any former employer of EMPLOYEE at any time during or after EMPLOYEE’s employment with SYNTEL, EMPLOYEE recognizes and agrees that EMPLOYEE shall have full and sole responsibility for responding to such action and that SYNTEL has no responsibility to participate in EMPLOYEE‘s response nor in EMPLOYEE‘s cost of such response. EMPLOYEE agrees that EMPLOYEE shall not, at any time, disclose to SYNTEL or its directors, officers, employees, or agents the trade secrets or any other confidential information of the EMPLOYEE’s former employer.

9. Compliance with Laws/Hold Harmless . EMPLOYEE agrees to comply with all provisions of this Agreement and with all laws and to indemnify, defend and hold harmless SYNTEL, its employees, agents, officers, and directors, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and/or expenses of whatever kind or nature, including without limit court costs and attorney fees, arising out of or related to the failure to so comply other than those claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and/or expenses arising solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of SYNTEL.

10. Remedies . Notwithstanding paragraph 11 below, EMPLOYEE agrees that EMPLOYEE’s failure or neglect to perform, keep, or observe any term, provision, condition, covenant, warranty, or representation contained in this Agreement, Exhibit A – “Confidential Information”, or any other agreement between EMPLOYEE and SYNTEL will cause SYNTEL immediate and irreparable harm and that SYNTEL is, in addition to all other remedies available to it, entitled to immediate injunctive and equitable relief from a court having jurisdiction, as set forth in Paragraph 13, to prevent any breach and to secure the enforcement of its rights hereunder.

11. Arbitration and Limitation of Action . In consideration of my employment with SYNTEL, EMPLOYEE agrees that any lawsuit, dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement which has not been mutually resolved by the parties (including but not limited to any dispute, controversy, or claim of any kind, including but not limited to disputes relating to any employment by SYNTEL or the termination thereof, claims for breach of contract or breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, infliction of emotional distress, defamation and any claims of discrimination, harassment or other claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act, or any other Federal, state or local law or regulation now in existence or hereinafter enacted and as amended from time to time concerning in any way the subject of the EMPLOYEE’s employment with SYNTEL or its termination) must be filed no more than six (6) months after the date of the employment action that is the subject of the claim or lawsuit, and shall be determined and settled according to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association except for those disputes, controversies, or claims arising out of EMPLOYEE’S failure to abide by Paragraphs 6, 7, and/or Exhibit A “Confidential Information” of this Agreement. While EMPLOYEE understands that the statute of limitations for claims arising out of an employment action may be longer than six (6) months, EMPLOYEE agrees to be bound by the six (6) month period of limitations set forth herein, and EMPLOYEE WAIVES ANY STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS TO THE CONTRARY. EMPLOYEE or SYNTEL may demand arbitration by giving written notice to the other party stating the nature of


the controversy. An arbitration panel or an individual arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association and the arbitration shall be held in Oakland County, Michigan. The arbitration panel or individual arbitrator shall allow such discovery as is appropriate for the purposes of the arbitration in accomplishing fair, speedy, and cost-effective resolution of disputes. Any award rendered by the arbitration panel or individual arbitrator shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon the parties and a judgment may be enforced in any court having jurisdiction.

12. Reimbursement Obligation . In the event EMPLOYEE resigns employment with or is terminated for Cause by SYNTEL within twelve (12) months of the later of relocating to or starting work at a new job site for which SYNTEL provided any relocation expense reimbursement to EMPLOYEE or paid any relocation expense on behalf of EMPLOYEE, EMPLOYEE recognizes and agrees that EMPLOYEE shall pay to SYNTEL the amount of any such relocation expense reimbursement and/or any relocation expense paid by SYNTEL on behalf of EMPLOYEE. Cause includes, but is not limited to, breach of this Agreement, neglect of duties, failure to act in the best interests of SYNTEL, and violation of rules, regulations, and procedures established by SYNTEL.

13. Miscellaneous . This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties and SYNTEL shall not be bound by any other different, additional, or further agreements or understandings except as consented to in writing by the Chief Administrative Officer or Director, Human Resources of SYNTEL. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. No amendment hereof shall be effective unless contained in a written instrument signed by the parties hereto. No delay or omission by either party to exercise any right or power under this Agreement shall impair such right or power or be construed to be a waiver thereof. A waiver by either party of any of the covenants to be performed by the other party or of any breach shall not be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach or of any other covenant. If any portion of any provision of the Agreement is declared invalid, the offending portion of such provision shall be deemed severable from such provision and the remaining provisions of the Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. EMPLOYEE shall not assign or transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of SYNTEL. EMPLOYEE’s employment with SYNTEL is at will and may be terminated by SYNTEL at any time with or without cause, and with or without notice. All rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights or remedies available to either party at law, in equity, or otherwise. Paragraphs 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement and EMPLOYEE’s employment with SYNTEL. The parties submit to the jurisdiction and venue of the circuit court for the County of Oakland, State of Michigan or, if original jurisdiction can be established, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan with respect to: a) disputes, controversies, or claims arising out of EMPLOYEE’S failure to abide by Paragraphs 6, 7, and/or Exhibit A – “Confidential Information” of this Agreement, b) claims initiated by SYNTEL pursuant to Paragraph 10 of this Agreement, and c) the enforcement of any awards or relief granted pursuant to the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Paragraph 11 of this Agreement. The parties stipulate that the venues referenced in this Agreement are convenient. This Agreement shall be construed under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

SYNTEL, INC.    
BY:   /s/ Srikanth Karra   BY:   /s/ Narendar Reddy Gangidi
  Global Head – Human Resources     [Narendar Reddy Gangidi]
July 26, 2007   Date:   8/6/07


EXHIBIT A

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

In connection with your providing certain products and/or services to Syntel, Inc. (“SYNTEL”) and/or on behalf of SYNTEL, you will have access to information concerning SYNTEL and SYNTEL’s clients. As a condition to your being given access to such information, you agree to treat any information concerning SYNTEL and/or SYNTEL’s clients (whether prepared by SYNTEL, its advisors or otherwise) which is furnished to you by or on behalf of SYNTEL and/or SYNTEL’s clients (herein collectively referred to as the “Confidential Information”) in accordance with the provisions of this letter and to take or abstain from taking certain other actions herein set forth. The term “Confidential Information” does not include information which (i) is already in your possession, or (ii) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by you or your directors, officers, employees, agents or advisors, or (iii) becomes available to you on a non-confidential basis from a source other than SYNTEL and/or SYNTEL’s clients.

You hereby agree that the Confidential Information will be used solely for the purpose of providing certain products and/or services to and/or on behalf of SYNTEL, and that such information will be kept confidential by you and your advisors; provided, however, that (i) any of such information may be disclosed to your directors, officers and employees and representatives of your advisors who need to know such information for the purpose of providing such services to and/or on behalf of SYNTEL (it being understood that such directors, officers, employees and representatives shall be informed by you of the confidential nature of such information and shall be directed by you to treat such information confidentially), and (ii) any disclosure of such information may be made to which SYNTEL consents in writing.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you or any of your representatives are required (by oral question or request for information or documents in legal proceedings or similar process) to disclose any Confidential Information, you will promptly notify SYNTEL of such requirement so that SYNTEL may seek an appropriate protective order and/or waive your compliance with the provisions of this Agreement. If, in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of a waiver hereunder, you or any of your representatives is nonetheless, in the reasonable written opinion of counsel, compelled to disclose Confidential Information to any tribunal or else stand liable for contempt or suffer other censure or penalty, you or your representatives, after notice to SYNTEL, may disclose such Confidential Information to such tribunal. You or your representatives shall not be liable for the disclosure of Confidential Information hereunder to such tribunal compelling such disclosure unless such disclosure to such tribunal was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by you or your representatives not permitted by this Agreement.

You agree that the furnishing of Confidential Information neither grants nor implies any license under any trademark, patent, copyright, methodology, intellectual property or process right, or any other property right nor does the furnishing of Confidential Information constitute an inducement of any kind, or any representation, warranty, assurance, or guarantee with respect to the noninfringement of


trademarks, patents, copyrights, methodologies, intellectual property rights or processes, or any other property rights of third persons or of SYNTEL. You agree to promptly redeliver to SYNTEL, upon request, all Confidential Information on any tangible media and that you will not retain any copies, extracts or other reproductions in whole or in part of such material. You further agree that breach of this confidentiality letter agreement could cause irreparable harm to SYNTEL and that SYNTEL shall be entitled to any and all injunctive relief, as well as monetary damages, including reasonable attorney fees, for such breach.

You agree that this confidentiality letter agreement contains the entire agreement between you and SYNTEL regarding Confidential Information and SYNTEL shall not be bound by any other different, additional, or further agreements or understandings except as consented to in writing by SYNTEL. This confidentiality letter agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. No amendment hereof shall be effective unless contained in a written instrument signed by the parties hereto. No delay or omission by either party to exercise any right or power under this Agreement shall impair such right or power or be construed to be a waiver thereof. A waiver by either party of any of the covenants to be performed by the other party or of any breach shall not be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach or of any other covenant. If any provision of this confidentiality letter agreement is declared invalid, such provision shall be deemed severable from the remaining provisions of the confidentiality letter agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. All rights and remedies provided for in this confidentiality letter agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights or remedies available to either party at law, in equity, or otherwise. This letter shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Michigan.

 

Very truly yours,    
SYNTEL, INC.   Confirmed and Agreed to:
By:   /s/ Srikanth Karra   BY:   /s/ Narendar Reddy Gangidi
  Global Head – Human Resources     [Narendar Reddy Gangidi]
July 26, 2007   Date:   8/6/07

EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Name    State or Other Jurisdiction
of incorporation or Organization
Syntel Private Limited                    India
Syntel Europe Limited                    England
Syntel Canada Inc.                    Canada
Syntel Deutschland GmbH                    Germany
Syntel (Hong Kong) Limited                    Hong Kong
Syntel Delaware, LLC                    Delaware
SkillBay LLC                    Michigan
Syntel (Mauritius) Limited                    Mauritius
Syntel Consulting Inc.                    Michigan
Syntel Holding (Mauritius) Limited                    Mauritius
Syntel Worldwide (Mauritius) Limited                    Mauritius
Syntel (Australia) Pty. Ltd.                    Australia
Syntel Solutions Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.                    Mexico
Intellisourcing, SARL                    France
Syntel Solutions BV                    Netherlands
Syntel Switzerland GmbH                    Switzerland
Syntel Poland, sp. z o. o.                    Poland
State Street Syntel Services (Mauritius) Limited                    Mauritius
State Street Syntel Services Private Limited                    India
Syntel International Private Limited                    India
Syntel Global Private Limited                    India
Syntel Technologies (Mauritius) Limited                    Mauritius
Syntel Services Private Limited                    India
Syntel Solutions (Mauritius) Limited                    Mauritius
Syntel Software (Mauritius) Limited                    Mauritius
Syntel Solutions (India) Private Limited                    India
Syntel (Singapore) PTE Limited                    Singapore
Syntel Infotech, Inc.                    Philippines

Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-136821 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Syntel, Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan and the Syntel, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Registration Statement No. 333-162060 on Form S-3A pertaining to Syntel, Inc., and Registration Statement No. 333-215131 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Syntel, Inc. 2016 Incentive Plan, of our report dated March 1, 2017 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Syntel, Inc. and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for Syntel, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2016.

/s/    Crowe Horwath LLP

Oak Brook, Illinois

March 1, 2017

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Rakesh Khanna, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Syntel, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2017

 

/s/ Rakesh Khanna
Rakesh Khanna,
Interim Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer)

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Bharat Desai, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Syntel, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2017

 

/s/ Bharat Desai

Bharat Desai, Co-Chairman

(principal executive officer)

EXHIBIT 31.3

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Anil Agrawal, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Syntel, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2017

 

/s/ Anil Agrawal
Anil Agrawal,
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Security Officer. (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Syntel, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Bharat Desai, Co-Chairman of the Company, Rakesh Khanna, Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and Anil Agrawal, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Security Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Bharat Desai
Bharat Desai

Syntel, Inc. Co-Chairman

(principal executive officer)

March 1, 2017

 

/s/ Rakesh Khanna
Rakesh Khanna
Syntel, Inc. Interim Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer)

March 1, 2017

 

/s/ Anil Agrawal
Anil Agrawal

Syntel, Inc. Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Security Officer

(principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

March 1, 2017

A signed original of this written statement required by section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company, and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.