IQVIA HOLDINGS INC., 10-K filed on 2/16/2022
Annual Report
v3.22.0.1
Cover Page - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Feb. 07, 2022
Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2021    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-35907    
Entity Registrant Name IQVIA HOLDINGS INC.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 27-1341991    
Entity Address, Address Line One 4820 Emperor Blvd.    
Entity Address, City or Town Durham    
Entity Address, State or Province NC    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 27703    
City Area Code 919    
Local Phone Number 998-2000    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share    
Trading Symbol IQV    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 45.7
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   190,485,264  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0001478242    
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Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Auditor Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Name PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location Raleigh, North Carolina
Auditor Firm ID 238
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Revenues $ 13,874 $ 11,359 $ 11,088
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 9,233 7,500 7,300
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,964 1,789 1,734
Depreciation and amortization 1,264 1,287 1,202
Restructuring costs 20 52 75
Income from operations 1,393 731 777
Interest income (6) (6) (9)
Interest expense 375 416 447
Loss on extinguishment of debt 26 13 24
Other income, net (130) (65) (37)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates 1,128 373 352
Income tax expense 163 72 116
Income before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates 965 301 236
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates 6 7 (9)
Net income 971 308 227
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (5) (29) (36)
Net income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc. $ 966 $ 279 $ 191
Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 5.05 $ 1.46 $ 0.98
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 4.95 $ 1.43 $ 0.96
Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
Basic (in shares) 191.4 191.3 195.1
Diluted (in shares) 195.0 195.0 199.6
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 971 $ 308 $ 227
Comprehensive income adjustments:      
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $2, $(10) and $4 9 (30) (15)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $21, $(15) and $5 69 (54) (30)
Foreign currency translation, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $116, $(145) and $(30) (281) 183 (39)
Reclassification adjustments:      
Losses (gains) on derivative instruments included in net income, net of income tax benefit of $4, $3 and $— 12 10 (1)
Comprehensive income 780 417 142
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests (5) (32) (38)
Comprehensive income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc. $ 775 $ 385 $ 104
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, income tax expense {benefit) $ 2 $ (10) $ 4
Defined benefit plan adjustments, income tax (benefit) expense 21 (15) 5
Foreign currency translation, income tax (benefit) expense 116 (145) (30)
(Gain) losses on derivative instruments included in net income, income tax expense $ 4 $ 3 $ 0
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,366 $ 1,814
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net 2,551 2,410
Prepaid expenses 156 159
Income taxes receivable 58 56
Investments in debt, equity and other securities 111 88
Other current assets and receivables 521 563
Total current assets 4,763 5,090
Property and equipment, net 497 482
Operating lease right-of-use assets 406 471
Investments in debt, equity and other securities 76 78
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 88 84
Goodwill 13,301 12,654
Other identifiable intangibles, net 4,943 5,205
Deferred income taxes 124 114
Deposits and other assets 491 386
Total assets 24,689 24,564
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,981 2,813
Unearned income 1,825 1,252
Income taxes payable 137 102
Current portion of long-term debt 91 149
Other current liabilities 207 242
Total current liabilities 5,241 4,558
Long-term debt, less current portion 12,034 12,384
Deferred income taxes 410 338
Operating lease liabilities 313 371
Other liabilities 649 633
Total liabilities 18,647 18,284
Commitments and contingencies (Note 1 and 12)
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 shares authorized as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $0.01 par value, 255.8 shares issued and 190.6 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021; 254.7 shares issued and 191.2 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 10,777 11,095
Retained earnings 2,243 1,277
Treasury stock, at cost, 65.2 and 63.5 shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (6,572) (6,166)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (406) (205)
Equity attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc.’s stockholders 6,042 6,001
Non-controlling interests 0 279
Total stockholders’ equity 6,042 6,280
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 24,689 $ 24,564
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Common stock, shares authorized 400,000,000.0 400,000,000.0
Common stock, par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued (shares) 255,800,000 254,700,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 190,600,000 191,200,000
Treasury stock, shares 65,200,000 63,500,000
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Operating activities:      
Net income $ 971 $ 308 $ 227
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 1,264 1,287 1,202
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount 17 18 13
Stock-based compensation 170 95 146
Loss on disposals of property and equipment, net 0 0 1
(Earnings) loss from unconsolidated affiliates (6) (7) 9
Gain on investments, net (16) (25) (43)
Benefit from deferred income taxes (138) (176) (157)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable and unbilled services (138) 255 (122)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (15) (146) (92)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 244 253 240
Unearned income 591 180 (2)
Income taxes payable and other liabilities (2) (83) (5)
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,942 1,959 1,417
Investing activities:      
Acquisition of property, equipment and software (640) (616) (582)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (1,458) (177) (588)
Purchases of marketable securities, net (10) (9) (3)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net of payments received (5) 10 0
Proceeds from sale of (investments in) equity securities 5 (2) (22)
Other 5 (2) 5
Net cash used in investing activities (2,103) (796) (1,190)
Financing activities:      
Proceeds from issuance of debt 1,951 1,591 1,900
Payment of debt issuance costs (40) (33) (47)
Repayment of debt (2,091) (864) (899)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 810 1,250 2,522
Repayment of revolving credit facility (600) (1,635) (2,776)
(Payments) proceeds related to employee stock option plans (59) (44) 11
Repurchase of common stock (406) (447) (949)
Distributions to non-controlling interest, net 0 (13) (18)
Distributions to non-controlling interest, net (758) 0 0
Contingent consideration and deferred purchase price payments (42) (22) (20)
Net cash used in financing activities (1,235) (217) (276)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash (52) 31 (5)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (448) 977 (54)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,814 837 891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,366 $ 1,814 $ 837
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Non-controlling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018   251.5 54.0        
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 6,954 $ 3 $ (4,770) $ 10,898 $ 807 $ (224) $ 240
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity              
Issuance of common stock (in shares)   1.5          
Issuance of common stock 11 $ 0   11      
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)     (6.7)        
Repurchase of common stock (963)   $ (963)        
Stock-based compensation 137     137      
Distributions to non-controlling interest, net (18)           (18)
Net income 227       191   36
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax (15)         (15)  
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax (30)         (30)  
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (39)         (41) 2
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax (1)         (1)  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019   253.0 60.7        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 6,263 $ 3 $ (5,733) 11,046 998 (311) 260
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity              
Issuance of common stock (in shares)   1.7          
Issuance of common stock (44)     (44)      
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)     (2.8)        
Repurchase of common stock (433)   $ (433)        
Stock-based compensation 90     90      
Distributions to non-controlling interest, net (13)           (13)
Net income 308       279   29
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax (30)         (30)  
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax (54)         (54)  
Foreign currency translation, net of tax 183         180 3
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax $ 10         10  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 191.2 254.7 63.5        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 $ 6,280 $ 3 $ (6,166) 11,092 1,277 (205) 279
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity              
Issuance of common stock (in shares)   1.1          
Issuance of common stock (59)     (59)      
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)     (1.7)        
Repurchase of common stock (406)   $ (406)        
Stock-based compensation 157     157      
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest, net of tax (710)     (416)   (10) (284)
Net income 971       966   5
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax 9         9  
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax 69         69  
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (281)         (281)  
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax $ 12         12  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021 190.6 255.8 (65.2)        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021 $ 6,042 $ 3 $ (6,572) $ 10,774 $ 2,243 $ (406) $ 0
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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company

IQVIA Holdings Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “IQVIA”) is a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry. IQVIA creates intelligent connections across all aspects of healthcare through its analytics, transformative technology, big data resources and extensive domain expertise. IQVIA Connected Intelligence™ delivers powerful insights with speed and agility — enabling customers to accelerate the clinical development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments that improve healthcare outcomes for patients. With approximately 79,000 employees, the Company conducts business in more than 100 countries.

IQVIA is a global leader in protecting individual patient privacy. The company uses a wide variety of privacy-enhancing technologies and safeguards to protect individual privacy while generating and analyzing information on a scale that helps healthcare stakeholders identify disease patterns and correlate with the precise treatment path and therapy needed for better outcomes. IQVIA’s insights and execution capabilities help biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical companies, medical researchers, government agencies, payers and other healthcare stakeholders tap into a deeper understanding of diseases, human behaviors and scientific advances, in an effort to advance their path toward cures.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries and investments in which the Company has control. Amounts pertaining to the non-controlling ownership interests held by third parties in the operating results and financial position of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries are reported as non-controlling interests. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions believed reasonable under the circumstances. The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis and makes changes to the estimates and related disclosures as experience develops or new information becomes known. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currencies

The Company’s financial statements are reported in United States dollars and, accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates that affect the translation of its revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies into United States dollars for purposes of reporting its consolidated financial results. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies on the books of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to the accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (“AOCI”) component of stockholders’ equity. The Company is subject to foreign currency transaction risk for fluctuations in exchange rates during the period of time between the consummation and cash settlement of a transaction. The Company earns revenue from its service contracts over a period of several months and, in some cases, over a period of several years. Accordingly, exchange rate fluctuations during this period may affect the Company’s profitability with respect to such contracts.

For operations outside the United States that are considered to be highly inflationary or where the United States dollar is designated as the functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using end-of-period exchange rates, whereas nonmonetary accounts are remeasured using historical exchange rates, and all remeasurement and transaction adjustments are recognized in other income, net.
Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates and foreign currencies. Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value at each balance sheet date utilizing pricing models for non-exchange-traded contracts.

At inception, the Company designates whether or not the derivative instrument is an effective hedge of an asset, liability or firm commitment which is then classified as either a cash flow hedge or a fair value hedge. If determined to be an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded as a component of AOCI until realized. The Company includes the impact from these hedges in the same line item as the hedged item on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Changes in fair value of effective fair value hedges are recorded in earnings as an offset to the changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not an effective hedge are recognized in earnings. When it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting for the affected portion of the forecasted transaction and reclassifies gains or losses that were accumulated in AOCI to earnings for foreign exchange derivatives and interest expense for interest rate derivatives on the consolidated statements of income. Cash flows are classified consistent with the underlying hedged item. The Company has entered, and may in the future enter, into derivative contracts (caps, swaps, forwards, calls or puts, warrants, for example) related to its debt and forecasted foreign currency transactions.

The Company designates its foreign currency denominated debt as a hedge of its net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries to reduce the volatility in stockholders’ equity caused by changes in the Euro exchange rate with respect to the United States dollar, which is accounted for as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of foreign exchange gains or losses on the remeasurement of the debt is recognized in the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI with the related offset in long-term debt. Those amounts would be reclassified from AOCI to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of these net investments.     

Business Combinations

The Company uses the acquisition method to account for business combinations, and accordingly, the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. The Company uses significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining the estimated fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interest including expected future cash flows, and discount rates that reflect the risk associated with the expected future cash flows and estimated useful lives.

The Company records and allocates to its reporting units the excess of the cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired, known as goodwill. The recoverability of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated annually for impairment, or if and when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. The Company reviews the carrying values of other identifiable intangible assets if the facts and circumstances indicate a possible impairment.

Long-Lived Assets

Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if related to leased property, as follows:

Buildings and leasehold improvements3-40 years
Equipment
3-10 years
Furniture and fixtures
5-10 years
Transportation equipment
3-20 years
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets are amortized primarily using an accelerated method that reflects the pattern in which the Company expects to benefit from the use of the asset over its estimated remaining useful life as follows:

Trademarks and trade names1-17 years
Contract backlog and client relationships
1-25 years
Software and related assets
1-10 years
Databases
1-9 years
Non-compete agreements and other
2-5 years

Included in software and related assets is the capitalized cost of internal-use software used in supporting the Company’s business. Qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Costs are capitalized from completion of the preliminary project stage and when it is considered probable that the software will be used to perform its intended function, up until the time the software is placed into service. The Company recognized $211 million, $267 million and $196 million of amortization expense in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to software and related assets.

The carrying values of property, equipment and intangible and other long-lived assets are reviewed for recoverability at the asset grouping level to determine if the facts and circumstances suggest that a potential impairment may have occurred. If this review indicates that carrying values will not be recoverable, as determined based on undiscounted cash flow projections, the Company will record an impairment charge to reduce carrying values to estimated fair value. There were no impairments recognized in 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s arrangements are primarily service contracts that range in duration from a few months to several years. The Company recognizes revenue when control of these services is transferred to the customer for an amount, referred to as the transaction price, that reflects the consideration to which the Company is expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company determines revenue recognition utilizing the following five steps: (1) identification of the contract with a customer, (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract (promised goods or services that are distinct), (3) determination of the transaction price, (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company transfers control of the product or service for each performance obligation. Cash payments made to customers as incentives to induce customers to enter into service agreements with the Company are amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period the services are performed. The Company records revenues net of any tax assessments by governmental authorities, such as value added taxes, that are imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue generating transactions.

The Company derives the majority of its revenues in the Technology & Analytics Solutions segment from various information and technology service offerings. Information offerings (primarily under fixed-price contracts) typically include multiple performance obligations including an ongoing subscription-based deliverable for which revenue is recognized ratably as earned over the contract period, and/or a one-time deliverable of data offerings for which revenue is recognized upon delivery. The customer is able to benefit from the provision of data as it is received. The Company’s subscription arrangements typically have terms ranging from one to three years and are generally non-cancelable and do not contain refund-type provisions. Technology services offerings may contain multiple performance obligations consisting of a mix of small and large-scale services and consulting projects, multi-year outsourcing contracts and Software-as-a- Service (“SaaS”) arrangements. These arrangements typically have terms ranging from several weeks to three years, with a majority having terms of one year or less. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to the identified performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. For these contracts, the standalone selling prices are based on the Company’s normal pricing practices when sold separately with consideration of market conditions and other factors, including customer demographics and geographic location. Revenues for services engagements where the transfer of control occurs ratably over time are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. Revenues from time and material contracts are recognized based on hours as the services are provided. Revenues from fixed price ad hoc services and consulting contracts are recognized over the contract term based on the ratio of the number of hours incurred for services provided during the period compared to the total estimated hours to be incurred over the entire arrangement (hours-based). Technology services offerings meet the over time criterion, as another party would not need to substantially re-perform the work already completed to satisfy the remaining obligations if the services were migrated.
The majority of the Company’s contracts within the Research & Development Solutions segment are service contracts for clinical research that represent a single performance obligation. The Company provides a significant integration service resulting in a combined output, which is clinical trial data that meets the relevant regulatory standards and can be used by the customer to progress to the next phase of a clinical trial or solicit approval of a treatment by the applicable regulatory body. The performance obligation is satisfied over time as the output is captured in data and documentation that is available for the customer to consume over the course of the arrangement and furthers progress of the clinical trial. The Company recognizes revenue over time using a cost-based input method since there is no single output measure that would fairly depict the transfer of control over the life of the performance obligation. Progress on the performance obligation is measured by the proportion of actual costs incurred to the total costs expected to complete the contract. Costs included in the measure of progress include direct labor and third-party costs (such as payments to investigators and other pass through expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors). This cost-based method of revenue recognition requires the Company to make estimates of costs to complete its projects on an ongoing basis. Significant judgment is required to evaluate assumptions related to these estimates. The effect of revisions to estimates related to the transaction price or costs to complete a project are recorded in the period in which the estimate is revised. Most contracts may be terminated upon 30 to 90 days notice by the customer; however, in the event of termination, most contracts require payment for services rendered through the date of termination, as well as for subsequent services rendered to close out the contract.

The majority of revenue in our Contract Sales & Medical Solutions segment is from contract salesforce to the biopharmaceutical industry and broader healthcare market and recognized over time using a single measure of progress dependent on the performance obligation. Some of our Contract Sales & Medical Solutions contracts contain multiple performance obligations with distinct promises including recruiting, sales force automation and deployment of sales representatives. The Company utilizes a single measure of progress for each performance obligation to recognize revenue, which includes deployment of sales representatives based on employee days worked; recruiting based on candidates recruited; sales force automation set-up based on hours worked; and sales force automation hosting and maintenance based on usage. These services meet the over time criterion as the customer consumes the benefit as activities are performed and another party would not need to substantially re-perform the work already completed to satisfy the remaining obligations if the services were migrated to another party.

Variable Consideration

In some cases, contracts provide for variable consideration that is contingent upon the occurrence of uncertain future events, such as performance incentives (including royalty payments, bonuses, or penalty clauses that can either increase or decrease the transaction price). Variable consideration is estimated at the expected value or at the most likely amount depending on the type of consideration. Estimated amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The estimate of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of the Company's anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company and reevaluated each reporting period.

Reimbursed Expenses

The Company includes reimbursed expenses in revenues and costs of revenue as the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified service, including the integration of the related services into a combined output to the customer, which are inseparable from the integrated service. These costs include such items as payments to investigators and travel expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors and sales representatives, over which the Company has discretion in establishing prices. The Company controls the good or service and has inventory risk on contractually reimbursable expenses, as sometimes the Company is unable to obtain reimbursement from the customer for costs incurred.

Change Orders

Changes in the scope of work are common, especially under long-term contracts, and generally result in a change in transaction price. Change orders are evaluated on a contract-by-contract basis to determine if they should be accounted for as a new contract or as part of the existing contract. Generally, services from change orders are not distinct from the original performance obligation. As a result, the effect that the contract modification has on the contract revenue, and measure of progress, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue when it occurs.
Costs of Revenue

Costs of revenue include (i) compensation and benefits for billable employees and personnel involved in production, data management and delivery, and the costs of acquiring and processing data for the Company’s information offerings; (ii) costs of staff directly involved with delivering technology-related services offerings and engagements, and the costs of data purchased specifically for technology services engagements; (iii) reimbursed expenses that are comprised principally of payments to investigators who oversee clinical trials and travel expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors and sales representatives; and (iv) other expenses directly related to service contracts such as courier fees, laboratory supplies, professional services and travel expenses.

Trade Receivables, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income

In general, billings and payments are established by contractual provisions including predetermined payment schedules, which may or may not correspond to the timing of the transfer of control of the Company’s services under the contract. In general, the Company’s intention in its invoicing (payment terms) is to maintain cash neutrality over the life of the contract. Generally, the payment terms are 30 to 90 days based on contracts. Upfront payments, when they occur, are intended to cover certain expenses the Company incurs at the beginning of the contract. Neither the Company nor its customers view such upfront payments and contracted payment schedules as a means of financing. Unbilled services primarily arise from long-term contracts when a cost-based or hours-based input method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer.

Unearned income consists of advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. As the contracted services are subsequently performed and the associated revenue is recognized, the unearned income balance is reduced by the amount of the revenue recognized during the period. Unearned income is classified as a current liability on our consolidated balance sheet as the Company expects to recognize the associated revenue in less than one year.
Restructuring Costs

Restructuring costs, which primarily include termination benefits, are recorded at estimated value. Key assumptions in determining the restructuring costs include the terms and payments that may be negotiated to terminate certain contractual obligations and the timing of employees leaving the Company.

Debt Fees

Fees incurred to issue debt are generally deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the estimated term of the related debt using the effective interest rate method.

Contingencies

The Company records accruals for claims, suits, investigations and proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews claims, suits, investigations and proceedings at least quarterly and records or adjusts accruals related to such matters to reflect the impact and status of any settlements, rulings, advice of counsel or other information pertinent to a particular matter. Legal costs associated with contingencies are charged to expense as incurred.

The Company is party to legal proceedings incidental to its business. While the outcome of these matters could differ from management’s expectations, the Company does not believe the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect to the Company’s financial statements.
Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and foreign taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records U.S. deferred taxes based on the Federal corporate income tax rate of 21%. The Company accounts for tax related to Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) as a period cost when incurred. Recognition of deferred income tax assets is based on management’s belief that it is more likely than not that the income tax benefit associated with certain temporary differences, income tax operating loss, capital loss carryforwards, and income tax credits, would be realized. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred income tax assets for those deferred income tax items for which it was more likely than not that realization would not occur. The Company determines the amount of the valuation allowance based, in part, on the Company’s assessment of future taxable income and in light of the Company’s ongoing income tax strategies. If the estimate of future taxable income or tax strategies changes at any time in the future, the Company would record an adjustment to our valuation allowance. Recording such an adjustment could have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Income tax expense is based on the distribution of profit before income tax among the various taxing jurisdictions in which we operate, adjusted as required by the income tax laws of each taxing jurisdiction. Changes in the distribution of profits and losses among taxing jurisdictions may have a significant impact on our effective income tax rate. The Company does not consider the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company provides retirement benefits to certain employees, including defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plans. The determination of benefit obligations and expense is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, cash balance crediting rate, lump sum conversion rate and the assumed rate of compensation increases. In addition, retiree medical care cost trend rates are a key assumption used exclusively in determining costs for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for stock options and stock appreciation rights under the fair value method and uses the Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the value of such stock-based awards granted to its employees and non-executive directors. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of a peer group for a period equal to the expected term, as the Company does not have adequate history to calculate its own volatility and believes the expected volatility will approximate the historical volatility of the peer group. The Company does not currently anticipate paying dividends. The expected term represents the period of time the grants are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

The Company values its stock-based compensation for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation for performance awards related to compound annual earnings per share (“EPS”) growth and/or other internal performance measures based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, and for performance awards related to relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) based on a Monte Carlo simulation model.
Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and reassesses if there are changes in terms and conditions of the contract. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in deposits and other assets, other current liabilities, and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Lease assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. Lease assets also include any lease payments made before lease commencement and initial direct costs and excludes lease incentives. In determining the lease term at lease commencement, the Company includes the noncancellable term and the periods which the Company deems it is reasonably certain to exercise or not to exercise a renewal or cancellation option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components that the Company has elected to account for as single lease components.

Earnings Per Share

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares or common stock equivalents outstanding during the applicable period. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is excluded from basic earnings per share and is included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock units, restricted stock and performance awards. Diluted shares outstanding are calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, and the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

The Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for under the equity method if the Company exercises significant influence or has an investment in a limited partnership that is considered to be greater than minor. These investments are classified as investments in unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its pro rata share of the earnings, adjusted for accretion of basis difference, of these investments in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

Treasury Stock

The Company records treasury stock purchases under the cost method. Upon reissuance of treasury stock, amounts in excess of the acquisition cost are credited to additional paid-in capital. If the Company reissues treasury stock at an amount below its acquisition cost and additional paid-in capital associated with prior treasury stock transactions is insufficient to cover the difference between the acquisition cost and the reissue price, this shortfall is recorded in retained earnings.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounting pronouncements recently adopted

In March 2020, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another rate that is expected to be discontinued. The new accounting guidance became effective for the Company as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In January 2020, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that states any equity security transitioning from the alternative method of accounting to the equity method, or vice versa, due to an observable transaction, will be remeasured immediately before the transition. In addition, the new accounting guidance clarifies the accounting for certain non-derivative forward contracts or purchased call options to acquire equity securities stating such instruments will be measured using the fair value principles before settlement or exercise. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to clarify and simplify the accounting for income taxes. Changes under the new guidance includes eliminating certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Accounting pronouncements issued but not adopted as of December 31, 2021

In October 2021, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under current GAAP, an acquirer generally recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, including contract assets and contract liabilities arising from revenue contracts with customers and other similar contracts that are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, at fair value on the acquisition date. Generally, this new guidance will result in the acquirer recognizing contract assets and contract liabilities at the same amounts recorded by the acquiree. The new accounting guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans on adopting this new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2022. The impact of this guidance on the Company's consolidated financial statements will depend on the size and nature of future acquisitions.
v3.22.0.1
Revenues by Geography, Concentration of Credit Risk and Remaining Performance Obligations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenues by Geography, Concentration of Credit Risk and Remaining Performance Obligations Revenues by Geography, Concentration of Credit Risk and Remaining Performance Obligations
The Company attributes revenues to geographical region based upon where the services are performed. The following tables represent revenues by geographical region and reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

December 31, 2021
(in millions)Technology & Analytics SolutionsResearch & Development SolutionsContract Sales & Medical Solutions
Total
Revenues:
Americas
$2,610 $3,887 $351 $6,848 
Europe and Africa2,282 1,899 176 4,357 
Asia-Pacific642 1,770 257 2,669 
Total revenues
$5,534 $7,556 $784 $13,874 
December 31, 2020
(in millions)Technology & Analytics SolutionsResearch & Development SolutionsContract Sales & Medical Solutions
Total
Revenues:
Americas
$2,413 $2,680 $326 $5,419 
Europe and Africa1,844 1,667 184 3,695 
Asia-Pacific601 1,413 231 2,245 
Total revenues
$4,858 $5,760 $741 $11,359 
December 31, 2019
(in millions)Technology & Analytics SolutionsResearch & Development SolutionsContract Sales & Medical Solutions
Total
Revenues:
Americas
$2,370 $2,693 $399 $5,462 
Europe and Africa1,543 1,734 200 3,477 
Asia-Pacific573 1,361 215 2,149 
Total revenues
$4,486 $5,788 $814 $11,088 

No individual country, except for the United States, accounted for 10% or more of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, revenues in the United States accounted for approximately 34% of total revenues. No individual country, except for the United States and the United Kingdom, accounted for 10% or more of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenues in the United States and the United Kingdom accounted for approximately 35% and 10% of total revenues, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, revenues in the United States and the United Kingdom accounted for approximately 45% and 10% of total revenues, respectively.

No individual customer represented 10% or more of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
As of December 31, 2021, approximately $27.2 billion of revenue is expected to be recognized in the future from remaining performance obligations. The Company expects to recognize revenue on approximately 35% of these remaining performance obligations over the next twelve months, with the balance recognized thereafter. The customer contract transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations differs from backlog in that it does not include wholly unperformed contracts under which the customer has a unilateral right to cancel the arrangement.
v3.22.0.1
Trade Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]  
Trade Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income Trade Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income
Trade accounts receivables and unbilled services consist of the following:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Billed$1,275 $1,181 
Unbilled services1,309 1,263 
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services2,584 2,444 
Allowance for doubtful accounts(33)(34)
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net$2,551 $2,410 

Unbilled services and unearned income was as follows:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Change
Unbilled services$1,309$1,263$46
Unearned income(1,825)(1,252)(573)
Net balance$(516)$11$(527)

Unbilled services, which is comprised of approximately 62% of unbilled receivables and 38% of contract assets as of December 31, 2021, increased by $46 million as compared to December 31, 2020. Contract assets are unbilled services for which invoicing is based on the timing of certain milestones related to service contracts for clinical research whereas unbilled receivables are billable upon the passage of time. Unearned income increased by $573 million over the same period resulting in a decrease of $527 million in the net balance of unbilled services and unearned income between December 31, 2021 and 2020. Decrease in the net balance is driven by the difference in timing of revenue recognition in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, related to the Company’s Research & Development Solutions contracts (which is based on the percentage of costs incurred) versus the timing of invoicing, which is based on certain milestones.
Bad debt expense recognized on the Company’s receivables and unbilled services was de minimis for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
v3.22.0.1
Investments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Investments Investments
Debt, Equity and Other Securities

Current

The Company’s short-term investments in debt, equity and other securities consist primarily of trading investments in mutual funds and are measured at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Long-term

The Company’s long-term equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method, those that result in consolidation of the investee and certain other investments) are measured at fair value and any changes in fair value are recognized in net income at the end of each reporting period. For equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the existing practical expedient in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, to estimate fair value using the net asset value per share of the investment, the Company applies the measurement alternative and measures those investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer at each reporting period.

Unconsolidated Affiliates

The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated affiliates under the equity method of accounting and records its pro rata share of its losses or earnings from these investments in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates. The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund III, L.P. (“NQ Fund III”)$7 $
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. (“NQ Fund IV”)128
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund V, L.P. (“NQ Fund V”)22 17 
NovaQuest Private Equity Fund I, L.P. (“NQ PE Fund I”)73
NostraData Pty Ltd. (“NostraData”)1818
Inteliquet (“Inteliquet”) 16 
Helparound ("Helparound")33
Longwood Fund V, L.P. ("Longwood")3 
Other16 11 
$88 $84 
Variable Interest Entities

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and its estimated maximum exposure to loss were as follows:
(in millions)
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs
Maximum Exposure to Loss
NQ Fund III
$7 $12 
NQ Fund IV
12 14 
NQ Fund V
22 51 
NQ PE Fund I
7 8 
Longwood3 10 
Other
59
$56 $104 
v3.22.0.1
Derivatives
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives Derivatives
Foreign Exchange Risk Management

The Company transacts business in more than 100 countries and is subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. Accordingly, the Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain forecasted foreign exchange cash flows arising from service contracts (“Service Contract Hedging”). It is the Company’s policy to enter into foreign currency forward contracts only to the extent necessary to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate movements. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward contracts for investment or speculative purposes. The principal currency hedged in 2021 was the British Pound.

Service Contract Hedging contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and are carried at fair value, with changes in the fair value recorded to AOCI. The change in fair value is reclassified from AOCI to earnings in the period in which the hedged transaction occurs. These contracts have various expiration dates through September 2022.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had open Service Contract Hedging contracts to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency cash flow transactions occurring in 2022 and 2021 with notional amounts totaling $110 million and $70 million, respectively. For accounting purposes these hedges are considered highly effective. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had recorded gross unrealized gains (losses) of $— million and $(3) million, and $5 million and $— million, respectively, related to these contracts. Upon expiration of the hedge instruments in 2021, the Company reclassified the unrealized holding gains and losses on the derivative instruments included in AOCI into earnings. The unrealized gains (losses) are included in other current assets and other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements for purposes of managing its exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

On July 19, 2018, the Company entered into two forward starting interest rate swaps (“2018 Swaps”) with a total notional value of $500 million in an effort to limit its exposure to changes in the variable interest rate on its Senior Secured Credit Facilities (see Note 10 for additional information). Interest on the 2018 Swaps began accruing on June 28, 2019 and the interest rate swaps expire on June 28, 2024. The Company pays a fixed rate of 3.0% and receives a variable rate of interest equal to the three-month LIBOR on the 2018 Swaps.

On March 27, 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with a notional value of $1 billion in an effort to limit its exposure to changes in the variable interest rate on its Senior Secured Credit Facilities (see Note 10 for additional information). Interest on the swap began accruing on March 31, 2020 and the swap expires on March 31, 2023. The Company pays a fixed rate of 0.56% and receives a variable rate of interest equal to the one-month LIBOR on the swap.
On June 4, 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with a notional value of $300 million in an effort to limit its exposure to changes in the variable interest rate on its Senior Secured Credit Facilities (see Note 10 for additional information). Interest on the swap began accruing on June 30, 2020 and the swap expires on June 28, 2024. The Company pays a fixed rate of 0.54% and receives a variable rate of interest equal to the three-month LIBOR on the swap.

The critical terms of the swaps are substantially the same as the underlying borrowings. These interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges as these transactions were executed to hedge the Company's interest payments and for accounting purposes are considered highly effective. As such, the effective portion of the hedges is recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives included in AOCI.

The fair value of these interest rate swaps represents the present value of the anticipated net payments the Company will make to the counterparty, which, when they occur, are reflected as interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. These interest rate swaps result in a total debt mix of approximately 63% fixed rate debt and 37% variable rate debt.

Net Investment Risk Management

As of December 31, 2021, the Company's foreign currency denominated debt balance (net of original issue discount) designated as a hedge of its net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries totaled €5,227 million ($5,929 million). The amount of foreign exchange gains (losses) related to the net investment hedge included in the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI was $475 million, $(561) million and $97 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments, on a gross basis, and the line items on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to which they were recorded are summarized in the following table:

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)Balance Sheet ClassificationAssetsLiabilitiesNotionalAssetsLiabilitiesNotional
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contractsOther current assets and liabilities$ 3 $110 $$— $70 
Interest rate swapsOther assets and liabilities4 24 1,800 — 55 1,800 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swapsOther liabilities   — 356 
Total derivatives$4 $27 $$56 

The pre-tax effect of the Company’s cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss) is summarized in the following table:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Foreign exchange forward contracts$(8)$$
Interest rate derivatives35 (28)(22)
Total$27 $(27)$(20)

The Company expects approximately $23 million of pre-tax unrealized losses related to its foreign exchange contracts and interest rate derivatives included in AOCI as of December 31, 2021 to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months. The total amount of cash flow hedge effect on the income statement is immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2021.
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements
The Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value is described below. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

•    Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•    Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

•    Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

The carrying values of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 due to their short-term nature. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the fair value of total debt approximated $12,255 million and $12,746 million, respectively, as determined under Level 1 and Level 2 measurements for these financial instruments.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021:

(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:
Marketable securities
$145 $ $ $145 
Derivatives 4  4 
Total
$145 $4 $ $149 
Liabilities:
Derivatives
$ $27 $ $27 
Contingent consideration  76 76 
Total
$ $27 $76 $103 

The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:

(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:
Marketable securities
$122 $— $— $122 
Derivatives— — 
Total
$122 $$— $127 
Liabilities:
Derivatives
$— $56 $— $56 
Contingent consideration— — 119 119 
Total
$— $56 $119 $175 
Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used in determining fair value:

Marketable securities—The Company values trading and available-for-sale securities using the quoted market value of the securities held.

Derivatives—Derivatives consist of foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps. The fair value of foreign exchange contracts is based on observable market inputs of spot and forward rates or using other observable inputs. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate such agreements, taking into account market interest rates and the remaining time to maturities or using market inputs with mid-market pricing as a practical expedient for bid-ask spread.

Contingent consideration—The Company values contingent consideration related to business combinations using a weighted probability calculation of potential payment scenarios discounted at rates reflective of the risks associated with the expected future cash flows. Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of contingent consideration include various financial metrics (revenue performance targets and operating forecasts) and the probability of achieving the specific targets. Based on the assessments of the probability of achieving specific targets, as of December 31, 2021 the Company has accrued approximately 72% of the maximum contingent consideration payments that could potentially become payable.

The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31,:
Contingent Consideration
(in millions)202120202019
Balance as of January 1$119 $113 $123 
Business combinations3947 40 
Contingent consideration paid(39)(22)(46)
Revaluations included in earnings and foreign currency translation adjustments(43)(19)(4)
Balance as of December 31$76$119$113 

The current portion of contingent consideration is included within accrued expenses and the long-term portion is included within other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revaluations of contingent consideration are recognized in other income, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. A change in significant unobservable inputs above could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement of contingent consideration.

Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements

Certain assets are carried on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at cost and are not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis. These assets include equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values that are assessed for impairment quarterly or annually, when there is an observable event, and when a triggering event occurs, and goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets that are tested for impairment annually and when a triggering event occurs. See Note 4 and 8 for additional information.

As of December 31, 2021, assets carried on the balance sheet and not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis totaled approximately $18,374 million and were identified as Level 3. These assets are comprised of cost and equity method investments of $130 million, goodwill of $13,301 million and other identifiable intangibles, net of $4,943 million.
Cost and Equity Method Investments—The inputs available for valuing investments in non-public portfolio companies are generally not easily observable. The valuation of non-public investments requires judgment by the Company due to the absence of quoted market values, inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. When a triggering event occurs, the Company considers a wide range of available market data when assessing the estimated fair value. Such market data includes observations of the trading multiples of public companies considered comparable to the private companies being valued as well as publicly disclosed merger transactions involving comparable private companies. In addition, valuations are adjusted to account for company-specific issues, the lack of liquidity inherent in a non-public investment and the fact that comparable public companies are not identical to the companies being valued. Such valuation adjustments are necessary because in the absence of a committed buyer and completion of due diligence similar to that performed in an actual negotiated sale process, there may be company-specific issues that are not fully known that may affect value. Further, a variety of additional factors are reviewed by the Company, including, but not limited to, financing and sales transactions with third parties, current operating performance and future expectations of the particular investment, changes in market outlook and the third-party financing environment. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuations, estimated valuations may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed, and the differences could be material.

Goodwill—Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets resulting from business combinations. On an annual basis, and if a triggering event occurs, the Company performs a qualitative analysis to determine whether it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. This includes a qualitative analysis of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance, fair value history and other company specific events. If this qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value for the respective reporting unit, the Company would then need to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit. If the reporting unit calculated fair value is less than the carrying amount, the Company would record an impairment charge for the difference, with the impairment charge not to exceed the carrying amount of Goodwill. See Note 8 for additional information.

Definite-lived Intangible Assets—If a triggering event occurs, the Company determines the estimated fair value of definite-lived intangible assets by determining the present value of the expected cash flows. See Note 8 for additional information.
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property and Equipment Property and Equipment
The major classes of property and equipment were as follows:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements$376 $351 
Equipment745657 
Furniture and fixtures72 76 
Transportation equipment69 71 
Property and equipment, gross1,262 1,155 
Less accumulated depreciation(765)(673)
Property and equipment, net$497 $482 

Property and equipment depreciation expense was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
202120202019
Depreciation expense
$147 $134 $128 
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
As of December 31, 2021, the Company has approximately $4,943 million of other identifiable intangible assets. Amortization expense associated with other identifiable definite-lived intangible assets was as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
202120202019
Amortization expense$1,117 $1,153 $1,074 

Estimated amortization expense for existing other identifiable intangible assets is expected to be approximately $826 million, $748 million, $651 million, $546 million and $409 million for the years ending December 31, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively. Estimated amortization expense can be affected by various factors, including future acquisitions or divestitures of service and/or licensing and distribution rights or impairments.

The following is a summary of other identifiable intangible assets:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Client relationships and backlog$5,193 $(2,024)$3,169 $5,095 $(1,745)$3,350 
Trademarks, trade name and other550 (241)309 544 (212)332 
Databases1,889 (1,853)36 1,930 (1,629)301 
Software and related assets2,637 (1,213)1,424 2,109 (915)1,194 
Non-compete agreements17 (12)5 28 (18)10 
$10,286 $(5,343)$4,943 $9,706 $(4,519)$5,187 
Indefinite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Trade name$ $ $ $18 $— $18 

The following is a summary of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:


(in millions)

Technology & Analytics Solutions
Research & Development Solutions
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions

Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2019$10,374 $1,646 $139 $12,159 
Business combinations86 29 — 115 
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other
404 (29)380 
Balance as of December 31, 202010,864 1,646 144 12,654 
Business combinations874 160 26 1,060 
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other
(401)(4)(8)(413)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$11,337 $1,802 $162 $13,301 

There were no goodwill impairment losses for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Compensation, including bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes$946 $852 
Restructuring30 53 
Interest56 55 
Client contract related884 849 
Professional fees102 92 
Contingent consideration and deferred purchase price31 59 
Other311 272 
$2,360 $2,232 
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Credit Arrangements Credit Arrangements
The following is a summary of the Company’s revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2021:
FacilityInterest Rates
$1,500 million (revolving credit facility)
LIBOR in the relevant currency borrowed plus a margin of 1.25% as of December 31, 2021
$110 million (receivables financing facility)
LIBOR Market Index Rate (0.10% as of December 31, 2021) plus 0.90%

The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at the dates indicated:
December 31,
(dollars in millions)20212020
Revolving Credit Facility due 2026:
U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.35%
$100 $— 
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Term A Loan due 2023—U.S. Dollar 728 
Term A Loan due 2023—U.S. Dollar 766 
Term A Loan due 2026—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.47%
1,415  
Term A Loan due 2023—Euro 400 
Term A Loan due 2026—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.25%
351  
Term B Loan due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.85%
510 535 
Term B Loan due 2024—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.00%
1,242 1,413 
Term B Loan due 2025—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.85%
670 726 
Term B Loan due 2025—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.97%
860 926 
Term B Loan due 2025—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.00%
592 697 
5.0% Senior Notes due 2027—U.S. Dollar denominated
1,100 1,100 
5.0% Senior Notes due 2026—U.S. Dollar denominated
1,050 1,050 
2.875% Senior Notes due 2025—Euro denominated
476 515 
3.25% Senior Notes due 2025—Euro denominated
 1,748 
2.25% Senior Notes due 2028—Euro denominated
817 883 
2.875% Senior Notes due 2028—Euro denominated
807 872 
1.750% Senior Notes due 2026—Euro denominated
624 — 
2.250% Senior Notes due 2029—Euro denominated
1,021 — 
Receivables financing facility due 2022—U.S. Dollar LIBOR  240 
Receivables financing facility due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.00%
550 — 
Principal amount of debt12,185 12,600 
Less: unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(60)(67)
Less: current portion(91)(149)
Long-term debt$12,034 $12,384 
Contractual maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:
(in millions)
2022$91 
202391 
20242,392 
20252,690 
20263,178 
Thereafter3,743 
$12,185 

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

2021 Financing Transactions

On August 25, 2021, we entered into Amendment No. 9 (the “Amendment”) to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement,” and together with the Amendment, the "Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") to (i) extend the maturity of our revolving credit facility to 2026, (ii) refinance our existing term A loans with a new class of term A loans that mature in 2026 and (iii) add IQVIA RDS Inc. as a borrower under our various senior secured credit facilities (collectively, the “senior secured credit facilities”). In connection with this Amendment, we recognized a $2 million loss on extinguishment of debt, which includes fees and related expenses.

On September 14, 2021, we repaid $250 million of our term B loans under the senior secured credit facilities using the proceeds from the increased loans under our receivables financing facility.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provided financing through the senior secured credit facilities of up to approximately $7,140 million, which consisted of $5,740 million principal amounts of debt outstanding (as detailed in the table above), and $1,400 million of available borrowing capacity on the $1,500 million revolving credit facility and standby letters of credit. The revolving credit facility is comprised of a $675 million senior secured revolving facility available in U.S. dollars, a $600 million senior secured revolving facility available in U.S. dollars, Euros, Swiss Francs and other foreign currencies, and a $225 million senior secured revolving facility available in U.S. dollars and Yen.

2020 Financing Transactions

As of December 31, 2020, the Prior Credit Agreement provided financing through the senior secured credit facilities of up to approximately $7,692 million, which consisted of $6,192 million principal amounts of debt outstanding (as detailed in the table above), $4 million of issued standby letters of credit and $1,496 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolving credit facility.

On March 11, 2020, the Company entered into Amendment No. 7 to the Prior Credit Agreement to borrow $900 million in additional U.S. Dollar denominated term A loans due 2023 (the “TLA-2 Loans”) and, on March 30, 2020, entered into Amendment No. 8 to the Prior Credit Agreement to amend certain terms of the TLA-2 Loans. The TLA-2 Loans bear interest based on the U.S. Dollar LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.500% to 2.250%, with a U.S. Dollar LIBOR floor of 1.000% per annum. The proceeds from the TLA-2 Loans were used to repay outstanding revolving credit loans under the Company's senior secured credit facilities. On March 30, 2020, the Company prepaid $100 million of the TLA-2 loans.
Senior Notes

2021 Financing Transactions

On March 3, 2021, IQVIA Inc. (the “Issuer”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the issuance and sale of €1,450 million in gross proceeds of the Issuer's (i) €550 million aggregate principal amount of its 1.750% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and (ii) €900 million aggregate principal amount of its 2.250% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes” and, together with the 2026 Notes, the “Notes”). The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated March 3, 2021, among the Issuer, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of the Notes, and certain subsidiaries of the Issuer as guarantors. The 2026 Notes are unsecured obligations of the Issuer, will mature on March 15, 2026 and bear interest at the rate of 1.750% per year, with interest payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2021. The 2029 Notes are unsecured obligations of the Issuer, will mature on March 15, 2029 and bear interest at the rate of 2.250% per year, with interest payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2021. The Issuer may redeem (i) the 2026 Notes prior to their final stated maturity, subject to a customary make-whole premium, at any time prior to March 15, 2023 (subject to a customary “equity claw” redemption right) and thereafter subject to a redemption premium declining from 0.875% to 0.000% and (ii) the 2029 Notes prior to their final stated maturity, subject to a customary make-whole premium, at any time prior to March 15, 2024 (subject to a customary “equity claw” redemption right) and thereafter subject to a redemption premium declining from 1.125% to 0.000%. The Issuer may choose to redeem the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes, either together or separately, on a non-ratable basis. The proceeds from the Notes offering were used to redeem all of the Issuer’s outstanding 3.250% senior notes due 2025 (the “3.250% Notes”), including the payment of premiums in respect thereof and to pay fees and expenses related to the Notes offering. The Issuer’s obligations with respect to the 3.250% Notes were discharged on the same day as the Issuer completed the issuance of the Notes. In connection with this transaction, we recognized a $24 million loss on extinguishment of debt, which includes fees and related expenses.

2020 Financing Transactions

On June 24, 2020, the Issuer completed the issuance and sale of €711 million in gross proceeds of the Issuer’s 2.875% senior notes due 2028 (the “2.875% Notes”). The 2.875% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated June 24, 2020, among the Issuer, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of the Notes, and certain subsidiaries of the Issuer as guarantors. The 2.875% Notes are unsecured obligations of the Issuer, will mature on June 15, 2028 and bear interest at the rate of 2.875% per year, with interest payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2020. The Issuer may redeem the 2.875% Notes prior to their final stated maturity, subject to a customary make-whole premium, at any time prior to June 15, 2023 (subject to a customary “equity claw” redemption right) and thereafter subject to a redemption premium declining from 1.438% to 0.000%. The proceeds from the 2.875% Notes offering were used to redeem all of the Issuer’s outstanding 3.500% senior notes due 2024 (the “3.500% Notes”), including the payment of premiums in respect thereof, to repay a portion of the existing borrowings under the Issuer’s revolving credit facility and to pay fees and expenses related to the offering. The Issuer’s obligations with respect to the 3.500% Notes were discharged on the same day as the Issuer completed the issuance of the 3.500% Notes, and the 3.500% Notes were redeemed on July 9, 2020.

Receivables Financing Facility

On August 13, 2021, the Company amended its receivables financing facility (the “Receivables Amendment”) to extend the term of the facility to October 1, 2024 and to increase the size of the facility to $550 million from $300 million. Under the receivables financing facility, certain of our accounts receivable are sold on a non-recourse basis by certain of our consolidated subsidiaries (each, an “Originator”) to another of our consolidated subsidiaries, a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity (the “SPE”). The SPE obtained a term loan and revolving loan commitment from a third-party lender, secured by liens on the assets of the SPE, to finance the purchase of the accounts receivable, which includes a $440 million term loan and a $110 million revolving loan commitment. Pursuant to the Receivables Amendment, we also added three additional subsidiaries as Originators. As of December 31, 2021, no additional amounts of revolving loans were available under the receivables financing facility. The Company has guaranteed the performance of the obligations of existing and future subsidiaries that sell and service the accounts receivable under the receivables financing facility. The assets of the SPE are not available to satisfy any of the Company’s obligations or any obligations of its subsidiaries.

On November 25, 2020, the Company amended its receivables financing facility to exclude certain of its accounts receivable from the facility.
Restrictive Covenants

The Company’s debt agreements provide for certain covenants and events of default customary for similar instruments, including a covenant not to exceed a specified ratio of consolidated senior secured net indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and a covenant to maintain a specified minimum interest coverage ratio. If an event of default occurs under any of the Company’s or the Company’s subsidiaries’ financing arrangements, the creditors under such financing arrangements will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under such arrangements, and in the case of the lenders under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, other actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. The Company’s long-term debt arrangements contain usual and customary restrictive covenants that, among other things, place limitations on the Company’s ability to declare dividends. As of December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance in all material respects with the financial covenants under the Company’s financing arrangements.
v3.22.0.1
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases Leases
The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, datacenters, motor vehicles and certain equipment, many of which contain renewal and escalation clauses. These operating leases expire at various dates through 2036 with options to cancel certain leases at various intervals. The Company also has finance leases for offices and lab spaces that expire at various dates through 2044. Based on the timing of payments on the finance leases the cash flow impact is not material for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

The components of lease expense were as follows:
(in millions)
Classification
Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Operating lease cost (1)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$184 $209 $193 
Finance lease cost (1)
Depreciation and amortization, and Interest expense10 — 
Total lease cost
$194 $215 $193 
(1) Includes variable lease costs, which are immaterial.

Other information related to leases was as follows:

(in millions)Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$175 $211 $195 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases
$81 $109 $96 
Finance leases
$44 $119 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases
4.53 years4.58 years5.01 years
Finance leases
21.28 years24.00 years— 
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases
3.36 %3.78 %4.22 %
Finance leases
2.70 %3.18 %— 
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2022$143 $10 
2023114 10 
202486 10 
202570 10 
202633 10 
Thereafter48 201 
Total future minimum lease payments494 251 
Less imputed interest(41)(65)
Total$453 $186 
Reported as of December 31, 2021:
Other current liabilities$140 $
Operating lease liabilities313 — 
Other liabilities— 177 
Total$453 $186 
Leases Leases
The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, datacenters, motor vehicles and certain equipment, many of which contain renewal and escalation clauses. These operating leases expire at various dates through 2036 with options to cancel certain leases at various intervals. The Company also has finance leases for offices and lab spaces that expire at various dates through 2044. Based on the timing of payments on the finance leases the cash flow impact is not material for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

The components of lease expense were as follows:
(in millions)
Classification
Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Operating lease cost (1)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$184 $209 $193 
Finance lease cost (1)
Depreciation and amortization, and Interest expense10 — 
Total lease cost
$194 $215 $193 
(1) Includes variable lease costs, which are immaterial.

Other information related to leases was as follows:

(in millions)Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$175 $211 $195 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases
$81 $109 $96 
Finance leases
$44 $119 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases
4.53 years4.58 years5.01 years
Finance leases
21.28 years24.00 years— 
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases
3.36 %3.78 %4.22 %
Finance leases
2.70 %3.18 %— 
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2022$143 $10 
2023114 10 
202486 10 
202570 10 
202633 10 
Thereafter48 201 
Total future minimum lease payments494 251 
Less imputed interest(41)(65)
Total$453 $186 
Reported as of December 31, 2021:
Other current liabilities$140 $
Operating lease liabilities313 — 
Other liabilities— 177 
Total$453 $186 
v3.22.0.1
Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Contingencies Contingencies
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Management periodically assesses the Company’s liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest information available. For those matters where management currently believes it is probable that the Company will incur a loss and that the probable loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company has recorded reserves in the consolidated financial statements based on its best estimates of such loss. In other instances, because of the uncertainties related to either the probable outcome or the amount or range of loss, management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of a liability, if any.

However, even in many instances where the Company has recorded an estimated liability, the Company is unable to predict with certainty the final outcome of the matter or whether resolution of the matter will materially affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows. As additional information becomes available, the Company adjusts its assessments and estimates of such liabilities accordingly.

The Company routinely enters into agreements with third parties, including our clients and suppliers, all in the normal course of business. In these agreements, the Company sometimes agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party for any damages such other party may suffer as a result of potential intellectual property infringement and other claims. The Company has not accrued a liability with respect to these matters generally, as the exposure is considered remote.

Based on its review of the latest information available, management does not expect the impact of pending legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. However, one or more unfavorable outcomes in any claim or litigation against the Company could have a material adverse effect for the period in which it is resolved. The following is a summary of certain legal matters involving the Company.
On February 13, 2014, a group of approximately 1,200 medical doctors and 900 private individuals filed a civil lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court against IMS Korea and two other defendants, KPA and the Korean Pharmaceutical Information Center (“KPIC”). The civil lawsuit alleges KPA and KPIC collected their personal information in violation of applicable privacy laws without the necessary consent through a software system installed on pharmacy computer systems in Korea, and that personal information was transferred to IMS Korea and sold to pharmaceutical companies. On September 11, 2017, the District Court issued a final decision that the encryption in use by the defendants since June 2014 was adequate to meet the requirements of the Korean Personal Information Privacy Act (“PIPA”) and the sharing of non-identified information for market research purposes was allowed under PIPA. The District Court also found an earlier version of encryption was insufficient to meet PIPA requirements, but no personal data had been leaked or re-identified. The District Court did not award any damages to plaintiffs. Approximately 280 medical doctors and 200 private individuals appealed the District Court decision. On May 3, 2019, the Appellate Court issued a final decision in which it concluded all of the non-identified information transferred by KPIC to IMS Korea for market research purposes violated PIPA, but did not award any damages to plaintiffs (affirming the District Court’s decision on this latter point). On May 24, 2019, approximately 247 plaintiffs appealed the Appellate Court’s decision to the Supreme Court. The Company believes the appeal is without merit and is vigorously defending its position.

On July 23, 2015, indictments were issued by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office in South Korea against 24 individuals and companies alleging improper handling of sensitive health information in violation of, among others, South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act. IMS Korea and two of its employees were among the individuals and organizations indicted. Although there is no assertion that IMS Korea used patient identified health information in any of its offerings, prosecutors allege that certain of IMS Korea’s data suppliers should have obtained patient consent when they converted sensitive patient information into non-identified data and that IMS Korea had not taken adequate precautions to reduce the risk of re-identification. On February 14, 2020, the Seoul Central District Court acquitted IMS Korea and its two employees of the charges of improper handling of sensitive health information, and the Prosecutor's Office appealed. On December 23, 2021, the appellate court affirmed the judgment of the Seoul Central District Court. The Prosecutor's Office has appealed to the Supreme Court. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position on appeal.

On January 10, 2017, Quintiles IMS Health Incorporated and IMS Software Services Ltd. (collectively “IQVIA Parties”), filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against Veeva Systems, Inc. (“Veeva”) alleging Veeva unlawfully used IQVIA Parties intellectual property to improve Veeva data offerings, to promote and market Veeva data offerings and to improve Veeva technology offerings. IQVIA Parties seek injunctive relief, appointment of a monitor, the award of compensatory and punitive damages and reimbursement of all litigation expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. On March 13, 2017, Veeva filed counterclaims alleging anticompetitive business practices in violation of the Sherman Act and state laws. Veeva claims damages in excess of $200 million, and is seeking punitive damages and litigation costs, including attorneys’ fees. We believe the counterclaims are without merit, reject all counterclaims raised by Veeva and intend to vigorously defend IQVIA Parties’ position and pursue our claims against Veeva. Since the initial filings, the parties have filed additional litigations against each other, primarily concerning the use of IQVIA data with various other Veeva products. The parties are engaged in the discovery process in connection with these lawsuits.

On May 7, 2021, the Court issued an order and opinion (the “Order”) in which it found significant evidence that Veeva had (1) misappropriated IQVIA data and unlawfully used it to improve Veeva data offerings, (2) engaged in a cover-up by deleting significant evidence of its theft of IQVIA’s trade secrets, and (3) improperly withheld certain evidence in furtherance of a crime and/or fraud against IQVIA. The Court imposed five sanctions against Veeva, including ordering three separate adverse inference instructions be issued to the jury and that IQVIA be permitted to present evidence to the jury of Veeva’s destruction efforts. Veeva is currently appealing the Order.
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 1.0 million shares of preferred stock, $0.01 per share par value. No shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.
Equity Repurchase Program

On October 30, 2013, the Board first approved the Repurchase Program, authorizing the repurchase of up to $125 million of either the Company’s common stock or vested in-the-money employee stock options, or a combination thereof. The Board increased the stock repurchase authorization under the Repurchase Program with respect to the repurchase of the Company's common stock by $600 million, $1.5 billion, $2.0 billion, $1.5 billion, and $2.0 billion, in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively. On February 10, 2022 the Board increased the stock repurchase authorization under the Repurchase Program with respect to the repurchase of the Company's common stock by an additional $2.0 billion, which increased the total amount that has been authorized under the Repurchase Program to $9.725 billion. The Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular amount of common stock or vested in-the- money employee stock options, and it may be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had remaining authorization to repurchase up to approximately $0.5 billion of its common stock under the Repurchase Program. The February 10, 2022 $2.0 billion increase in the stock repurchase authorization, increased the remaining authorization to repurchase common stock under the Repurchase Program up to approximately $2.5 billion. In addition, from time to time, the Company has repurchased and may continue to repurchase common stock through private or other transactions outside of the Repurchase Program.

2021 Offerings

There were no equity offerings during the year.

2020 Offerings

There were no equity offerings during the year.

2019 Offerings

In March 2019, the Company completed an underwritten secondary public offering of 5 million shares of its common stock held by certain of the Company’s remaining private equity sponsors (the “Selling Stockholders”), of which the Company repurchased 1 million shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $140.8 million. The Company did not offer any stock in this transaction and did not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the Selling Stockholders. Pursuant to an agreement with the underwriters, the Company’s per-share purchase price for repurchased shares was the same as the per share purchase price payable by the underwriters to the Selling Stockholders.

Other Equity Repurchases

On February 13, 2020, the Company agreed to purchase at market price an aggregate of 1 million shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in a private transaction from certain of its existing shareholders (the “February 2020 Repurchase”). In addition to the February 2020 Repurchase, certain of the Company’s remaining private equity sponsors informed the Company that they have sold 4 million shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for a total of 5 million shares.

In August 2019, the Company agreed to purchase an aggregate of 1 million shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in a private transaction from certain of its existing shareholders (the “Repurchase”). In addition to the Repurchase, certain of the Company’s remaining private equity sponsors informed the Company that they have sold 4 million shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for a total of 5 million shares.
Summary

Below is a summary of the share repurchases made both under and outside of the Repurchase Program:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)202120202019
Number of shares of common stock repurchased1.7 2.7 6.6 
Aggregate purchase price$395 $423 $945 
Average price per share$238.22 $155.63 $143.02 

Non-controlling Interests

On April 1, 2021 the Company acquired the 40% non-controlling interest in Q2 Solutions, a fully consolidated subsidiary, from Quest Diagnostics Incorporated ("Quest") for approximately $758 million, financed with cash on hand. The transaction resulted in the Company having 100% ownership in Q2 Solutions. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had no other material non-controlling interests.
v3.22.0.1
Business Combinations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Business Combinations Business Combinations
The Company completed several individually immaterial acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company’s assessment of fair value, including the valuation of certain acquired intangibles, and the purchase price allocation related to these acquisitions is preliminary and subject to change upon completion. Further adjustments may be necessary as additional information related to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is assessed during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). The Company recorded goodwill from these acquisitions, primarily attributable to assembled workforce and expected synergies. The consolidated financial statements include the results of the acquisitions subsequent to their respective closing dates. Pro forma information is not presented as pro forma results of operations would not be materially different to the actual results of operations of the Company.

The following table provides certain financial information for these acquisitions:

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents$40 $10 
Other assets75 22 
Goodwill1,060 115 
Other identifiable intangibles576 101 
Liabilities assumed:
Other liabilities(62)(9)
Deferred income taxes, long-term(147)(5)
Net assets acquired (1)$1,542 $234 
(1) Total cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, includes contingent consideration and deferred purchase price of $44 million and $47 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The portion of goodwill deductible for income tax purposes was preliminarily assessed as $503 million and $99 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The following table provides a summary of the estimated fair value of certain intangible assets acquired:

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)Amortization Period20212020
Other identifiable intangibles:
Customer relationships10-18years$393 $90 
Non-compete agreements3-5years
Software and related assets3-8years133 
Trade names3-15years31 
Backlog2years17 — 
Total Other identifiable intangibles$576 $101 
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring Restructuring
The Company has continued to take restructuring actions in 2021 to align its resources and reduce overcapacity to adapt to changing market conditions and integrate acquisitions. These actions include consolidating functional activities, eliminating redundant positions, and aligning resources with customer requirements. These restructuring actions are expected to continue into 2022.

The management approved plans resulted in approximately $20 million, $52 million and $75 million of restructuring expense, net of reversals, which consisted of severance, facility closure costs and other exit-related costs in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.

The following amounts were recorded for the restructuring plans:
(in millions)Severance and Related CostsExit CostsTotal
Balance as of December 31, 2019$64 $$67 
Expense, net of reversals52 — 52 
Payments(67)(1)(68)
Foreign currency translation and other— 
Balance as of December 31, 2020$51 $$53 
Expense, net of reversals20 — 20 
Payments(40)(1)(41)
Foreign currency translation and other(1)(1)(2)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$30 $ $30 

The reversals were due to changes in estimates primarily resulting from the redeployment of staff and higher than expected voluntary terminations. Restructuring costs are not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as they are not part of the segment performance measures regularly reviewed by management. The Company expects the majority of the restructuring accruals as of December 31, 2021 will be paid in 2022.
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
The components of income before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Domestic$(73)$(649)$(504)
Foreign1,2011,022856
$1,128$373$352
The components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions) 202120202019
Current expense:
Federal and state
$16$$11 
Foreign293 244 248 
309 244 259 
Deferred (benefit) expense:
Federal and state(106)(161)(109)
Foreign(40)(11)(34)
(146)(172)(143)
$163 $72 $116 

The differences between the Company’s consolidated income tax expense attributable to continuing operations and the expense computed at the United States statutory income tax rate of 21% were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate$237 $78 $74 
State and local income taxes, net of federal effect2 19 — 
Research and development(14)(14)(21)
United States taxes recorded on foreign earnings(*)
(29)
Tax contingencies3 (5)27 
Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”)(34)(8)20 
Foreign rate differential17 25 26 
Equity compensation(23)(29)(14)
Non-taxable gain on acquisition adjustment (5)
Non-controlling interest (5)(6)
Other4 
$163 $72 $116 
(*) Includes impact of GILTI, and other U.S. taxes on foreign earnings.

In 2021, the Company recorded a benefit of $29 million related to a 2020 U.S. Federal tax return position associated with Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) and GILTI tax credits. Also in 2021, the Company recorded a $9 million tax expense as a result of the U.S. Treasury Department issuing final regulations on Foreign Tax Credits.

In 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department issued final regulations regarding FDII and GILTI. The Company has determined it will elect the GILTI high tax exception as allowed by the final regulations and has amended its 2018 U.S. Federal consolidated income tax returns and plans to amend its 2019 U.S. Federal consolidated income tax returns resulting in a favorable impact of $26 million, which the Company recorded in 2020.

In 2019 the U.S. Treasury Department issued final regulations on the transition tax and proposed regulations on FDII, which was introduced by the Tax Act enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act is comprehensive legislation that includes provisions that lower the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018 and imposes a one-time transition tax on undistributed foreign earnings. The final regulations related to the transition tax did not have a material impact on the Company. As a result of the proposed FDII guidance, which was subsequently finalized in 2020, the Company reversed the tax benefit originally recorded in 2018 by recording a tax expense of $25 million for this impact in 2019.

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $4,260 million as of December 31, 2021. With the enactment of the Tax Act, the Company does not consider any of its foreign earnings as indefinitely reinvested.
The income tax effects of temporary differences from continuing operations that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented below:
December 31,
(in millions)
20212020
Deferred income tax assets:
Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards$212 $231 
Tax credit carryforwards375 369 
Accrued expenses and unearned income59 54 
Employee benefits212 228 
Lease liability92 139 
Foreign exchange on debt instruments  143 
U.S. interest expense limitation62 75 
Other64 64 
Total deferred income tax assets1,076 1,303 
Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets(294)(306)
Total deferred income tax assets (net of valuation allowance)782 997 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Amortization and depreciation(898)(1,038)
Lease right-of-use assets(81)(133)
Foreign exchange on debt instruments(36)— 
Other(53)(50)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(1,068)(1,221)
Net deferred income tax liabilities$(286)$(224)

During 2021 the net deferred tax liabilities increased mainly due to foreign exchange revaluations of debt instruments offset by a decrease in deferred tax liabilities mainly due to amortization of intangibles related to the merger between Quintiles and IMS Health.

The Company had federal, state and local, and foreign tax loss carryforwards and tax credits, the tax effect of which was $631 million as of December 31, 2021. Of this amount, $22 million has an indefinite carryforward period, and the remaining $609 million expires at various times beginning in 2022. Some of the federal losses are subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, however, management expects these losses to be utilized during the carryforward periods.

In 2021, the Company decreased its valuation allowance by $12 million to $294 million as of December 31, 2021 from $306 million as of December 31, 2020. The valuation allowance decreased primarily due to current year state tax expenses on foreign exchange revaluations on debt instruments and in use of U.S. state net operating losses. The valuation allowance increased primarily due to branch basket foreign tax credits that the Company has determined are not more likely than not to be used before their expiration.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized income tax benefits is presented below:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Balance as of January 1,$118 $120 $94 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year7 
Additions for income tax positions of prior years16 15 33 
Impact of changes in exchange rates(3)— 
Settlements with tax authorities(2)(2)(1)
Reductions for income tax positions of prior years(11)(16)(6)
Reductions due to the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations(9)(7)(5)
Balance as of December 31,$116 $118 $120 
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had total gross unrecognized income tax benefits of $116 million associated with over 100 jurisdictions in which the Company conducts business that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective income tax rate.

The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties relating to uncertain income tax positions is to record them as a component of income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, the amount of interest and penalties recorded as an addition to income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income was $0 million, $3 million and $2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, the Company had accrued approximately $19 million and $21 million, respectively, of interest and penalties.

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $22 million in gross unrecognized income tax benefits for federal, state and foreign exposure items may be necessary within the next 12 months due to lapse of statutes of limitations or uncertain tax positions being effectively settled. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $21 million in gross unrecognized income tax benefits for foreign items may be necessary within the next 12 months due to payments. For the remaining uncertain income tax positions, it is difficult at this time to estimate the timing of the resolution.

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. The following table summarizes the tax years that remain open for examination by tax authorities in the most significant jurisdictions in which the Company operates:

United States
2017-2020
India
2006-2021
Japan
2019-2020
United Kingdom
2019-2020
Switzerland
2016-2020

In certain of the jurisdictions noted above, the Company operates through more than one legal entity, each of which has different open years subject to examination. The table above presents the open years subject to examination for the most material of the legal entities in each jurisdiction. Additionally, it is important to note that tax years are technically not closed until the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction expires. In the jurisdictions noted above, the statute of limitations can extend beyond the open years subject to examination.

Due to the geographic breadth of the Company’s operations, numerous tax audits may be ongoing throughout the world at any point in time. Income tax liabilities are recorded based on estimates of additional income taxes that may be due upon the conclusion of these audits. Estimates of these income tax liabilities are made based upon prior experience and are updated in light of changes in facts and circumstances. However, due to the uncertain and complex application of income tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in liabilities that could be materially different from these estimates. In such an event, the Company will record additional income tax expense or income tax benefit in the period in which such resolution occurs.
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans. These plans provide benefits based on various criteria, including, but not limited to, years of service and salary. The Company also sponsors an unfunded postretirement benefit plan in the United States that provides health and prescription drug benefits to retirees who meet the eligibility requirements. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all pension and postretirement benefit plans.
The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, the plan assets and the funded status of the pension benefit plans:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
December 31,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Obligation and funded status:
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$481 $401 $693 $591 
Service costs14 13 29 29 
Interest cost11 12 6 
Actuarial losses(7)65 (25)60 
Business combinations — 4 — 
Benefits paid(11)(10)(23)(18)
Contributions — 2 
Amendments — (2)(1)
Settlements — (7)(7)
Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (25)29 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year488 481 652 693 
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year455 401 475 418 
Actual return on plan assets76 61 26 38 
Contributions4 26 27 
Benefits paid(11)(10)(23)(18)
Settlements — (7)(7)
Business combinations — 3 — 
Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (6)17 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year524 455 494 475 
Funded status$36 $(26)$(158)$(218)

The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets related to the pension benefit plans:
Pension Benefits
United States Plans
Non-United States Plans
December 31,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Deposits and other assets$83$23$39 $
Accrued expenses$3$2$10 $15 
Other liabilities$44$47$187$210 
AOCI$29$(21)$(24)$(65)

As of December 31, 2021, the benefit obligation and amount recognized in AOCI for other postretirement benefits were immaterial.
The following table summarizes the accumulated benefit obligation for all pension benefit plans:
Pension Benefits
United States Plans
Non-United States Plans
December 31,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Accumulated benefit obligation$482 $474 $608$654 


The following table provides the information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Pension Benefits
United States Plans
Non-United States Plans
December 31
(in millions)2021202020212020
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation
$50$52$222$572 
Fair value of plan assets$5$5$67$384 
Plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation
$52 $53 $282 $610
Fair value of plan assets
$5 $$85 $386

The components of net periodic benefit cost changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019202120202019
Service cost$14 $13$12 $29 $29 $25
Interest cost11 1214 68
Expected return on plan assets(32)(30)(25)(20)(18)(16)
Amortization of actuarial losses — 1 1
Curtailment gain —  — (5)
Settlement gain — 1— — 
Net periodic benefit cost(7)(5)17 20 13 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial (gain) loss – current years(50)34 (2)(39)35 32 
Prior service cost - current year — — (2)— — 
Curtailment gain - current year — —  — 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
(50)34 (2)(41)35 37 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income$(57)$29 $(1)$(24)$55 $50 

All components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are recorded in other income, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Gain (losses) affecting the benefit obligation for the period ending December 31, 2021 was primarily related to the change in discount rate.
Assumptions

The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
202120202019202120202019
Discount rate
2.84 %3.52 %4.42 %1.00 %1.45 %1.99 %
Rate of compensation increases
3.00 %3.00 %3.00 %2.55 %2.78 %4.54 %
Expected return on plan assets
7.23 %7.42 %7.67 %3.92 %3.91 %4.02 %

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows as of December 31:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
2021202020212020
Discount rate
3.08 %2.84 %1.42 %1.02 %
Rate of compensation increases
3.00 %3.00 %2.57 %2.55 %

The discount rate represents the interest rate used to determine the present value of the future cash flows currently expected to be required to settle the Company’s defined benefit plan obligations. The discount rates are derived using weighted average yield curves on AA-rated corporate bonds. The cash flows from the Company’s expected benefit obligation payments are then matched to the yield curve to derive the discount rates.

The Company’s assumption for the expected return on plan assets was determined by the weighted average of the long-term expected rate of return on each of the asset classes invested as of the balance sheet date. For plan assets invested in government bonds, the expected return was based on the yields on the relevant indices as of the balance sheet date. There is considerable uncertainty for the expected return on plan assets invested in equity and diversified growth funds.

Under the Company’s United States qualified retirement plan, participants have a notional retirement account that increases with pay and investment credits. The rate used to determine the investment credit (cash balance crediting rate) varies monthly and is equal to 1/12th of the yield on 30-year U.S. Government Treasury Bonds, with a minimum of 0.25%. At retirement, the account is converted to a monthly retirement benefit.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s health care cost trend rate for the next seven years was assumed to be 7.0% and the assumed ultimate cost trend rate was 4.5%. The Company assumed that ultimate cost trend rate is reached in 2027.

Assumed health care cost trend rates could have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage- point change in assumed health care cost trend rates as of December 31, 2021 would have a de minimis effect on the total of service and interest cost and on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.
Plan Assets

The Company’s pension plan target asset allocations and weighted average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows:
Plan Assets as of December 31,
TargetUnited States PlansNon-United States PlansTotal
Asset CategoryAllocation202120202021202020212020
Equity securities
45-65%
71.13 %71.15 %41.29 %42.69 %56.65 %56.62 %
Debt securities
10-30%
23.72 23.88 24.36 20.08 24.03 21.94 
Real estate
0-5%
5.15 4.97  — 2.65 2.43 
Other
10-30%
 — 34.35 37.23 16.67 19.02 
Total100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %

The following table summarizes United States plan assets measured at fair value:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Asset CategoryLevel 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
(in millions)
Domestic equities$34 $ $34 $29 $— $29 
International equities10  10 — 
Corporate bonds75  75 65 — 65 
Real estate27  27 23 — 23 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy146  146 126 — 126 
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (“NAV”)(1)
  378 — — 329 
Total$146 $ $524 $126 $— $455 

The following table summarizes non-United States plan assets measured at fair value:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Asset CategoryLevel 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
(in millions)
International equities$1 $56 $57 $$66 $69 
Debt issued by national, state or local government3 118 121 93 96 
Investments funds 10 10 — 10 10 
Insurance contracts 160 160 — 171 171 
Other3 7 10 — 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy7 351 358 346 352 
Assets measured at NAV(1)
  136 — — 123 
Total$7 $351 $494 $$346 $475 
(1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value (NAV) per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above plan asset tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets in the fair value hierarchy to the plan asset amounts presented in the above funded status table as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Investments in mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices. Investments in common/collective trusts and pooled funds are valued at the NAV as reported by the trust. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund less its liabilities. Insurance contracts are valued at the amount of the benefit liability. The Company has no Level 3 assets that rely on unobservable inputs to measure fair value.
Investment Policies and Strategies

The Company invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities that provide for long-term growth within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. The asset allocation targets established by the Company are strategic and applicable to the plan’s long-term investing horizon. The portfolio is constructed and maintained to provide adequate liquidity to meet associated liabilities and minimize long-term expense and provide prudent diversification among asset classes in accordance with the principles of modern portfolio theory. The plan employs a diversified mix of actively managed investments around a core of passively managed index exposures in each asset class. Within each asset class, rapid market shifts, changes in economic conditions or an individual fund manager’s outlook may cause the asset allocation to fall outside the prescribed targets. The majority of the Company’s plan assets are measured quarterly against benchmarks established by the Company’s investment advisors and the Company’s Asset Management Committee, who review actual plan performance and have the authority to recommend changes as deemed appropriate. Assets are rebalanced periodically to their strategic targets to maintain the plan’s strategic risk/reward characteristics. The Company periodically conducts asset liability modeling studies to ensure that the investment strategy is aligned with the obligations of the plans and that the assets will generate income and capital growth to meet the cost of current and future benefits that the plans provide. The pension plans do not have investments in Company stock as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The portfolio for the Company’s United Kingdom pension plans seek to invest in a range of suitable assets of appropriate liquidity that will generate in the most effective manner possible, income and capital growth to ensure that there are sufficient assets to meet benefit payments when they fall due, while controlling the long-term costs of the plans and avoiding short-term volatility of investment returns. The plans seek to achieve these objectives by investing in a mixture of real (equities) and monetary (fixed interest) assets. It recognizes that the returns on real assets, while expected to be greater over the long-term than those on monetary assets, are likely to be more volatile. A mixture across asset classes should nevertheless provide the level of returns required by the plans. The trustee periodically conducts asset liability modeling exercises to ensure the investments are aligned with the appropriate benchmark to better reflect the plans’ liabilities. The trustee also undertakes to review this benchmark on a regular basis.

Cash Flows

Contributions

The Company expects to contribute approximately $33 million in required contributions to its pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2022. The Company may make additional contributions into its pension plans in 2022 depending on, among other factors, how the funded status of those plans change or in order to meet minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws, plus additional amounts the Company may deem to be appropriate.

Estimated future benefit payments and subsidy receipts

The following benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for pension benefits are expected to be paid as follows:
(in millions)
2022$44 
202344
202447
202549
202654
Years 2027 through 2031283
$521 

Benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for other postretirement benefits are expected to be de minimis over the periods presented.

Defined Contribution Plans

Defined contribution or profit sharing plans are offered in various countries in which the Company operates. In some cases, these plans are required by local laws or regulations.
In the United States, the Company has a 401(k) plan under which the Company matches employee deferrals at varying percentages and specified limits of the employee’s salary. In 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company expensed $60 million, $48 million and $56 million, respectively, related to matching contributions.

Certain key executives of the Company participate in an unfunded defined contribution executive retirement plan, assumed in the merger between Quintiles and IMS Health, which was frozen to additional accruals for future service contributions in 2012. Participants continue to receive an annual investment credit based on the average of the annual yields at the end of each month on the AA-AAA rated 10 plus year maturity component of the Merrill Lynch United States Corporate Bond Master Index.

Plans Accounted for as Postretirement Benefits

The Company provides certain executives with postretirement medical, dental and life insurance benefits. These benefits are individually negotiated arrangements in accordance with their individual employment arrangements. The above tables do not include the Company’s expense or obligation associated with providing these benefits. The obligation related to these benefits as of December 31, 2021, and the Company’s expense for the year then ended, were not material.

Stock Incentive Plans

Stock incentive plans provide incentives to eligible employees, officers and directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance awards, covered annual incentive awards, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards, in each case subject to the terms of the stock incentive plans.

In April 2017, the Company’s 2017 Incentive and Stock Award Plan (the “2017 Plan”) was approved by the Company’s stockholders. The 2017 Plan consolidates the unused share pools under the Company’s 2014 Incentive and Stock Award Plan (the “2014 Plan”), the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), the Company’s 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) and the Company’s 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”), and together with the 2010 Plan, the 2013 Plan and the 2014 Plan (the “Prior Plans”), makes shares underlying outstanding awards granted under (but not ultimately delivered) the Prior Plans eligible for use in connection with new awards under the 2017 Plan. The 2017 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, SARs, restricted and deferred stock (including RSUs), performance awards, dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards.

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $170 million, $95 million and $146 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $26 million, $14 million and $22 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, there was approximately $149 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 0.97 years.

As of December 31, 2021, there were 10.0 million shares available for future grants under all of the Company’s stock incentive plans.

The Company used the following assumptions when estimating the value of the stock-based compensation for stock options and SARs issued as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
Expected volatility
27 – 31%
23 – 31%
23 – 24%
Weighted average expected volatility29%23%23%
Expected dividends0.0%0.0%0.0%
Expected term (in years)
3.6 – 6.6
3.2 – 6.2
3.7 – 6.7
Risk-free interest rate
0.28 – 1.40%
0.17 –1.41%
1.55 – 2.56%
Stock Options

The option price is determined by the Board at the date of grant and the options expire 10 years from the date of grant. All outstanding stock options are fully vested.

The Company’s stock option activity in 2021 is as follows:
(in millions, except number of options and exercise price)
Number of Options
Weighted Average Exercise PriceAggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020532,627 $48.42 $70 
Exercised(160,966)40.88 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021371,661 $51.69 $86 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was approximately $29 million, $120 million and $124 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company received cash of approximately $7 million, $25 million and $36 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, from options exercised.

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2021 is 2.7 years. The total aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable stock options as of December 31, 2021 was approximately $86 million.

Stock Appreciation Rights – Stock Settled

The exercise price of the stock-settled SARs (“SSRs”) is equal to the closing market price of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date and expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. The SSRs are eligible to vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.

The Company’s SSR activity in 2021 is as follows:
(in millions, except number of SSRs and exercise price)
Number of SSRs
Weighted Average Exercise PriceAggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20204,241,342$112.66 $282 
Granted494,929 184.96 
Exercised(695,195)103.06 
Canceled(86,183)152.10 
Outstanding as of December 31, 20213,954,893$122.54 $632 

The total intrinsic value of SSRs exercised was approximately $81 million, $73 million and $47 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the SSRs outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2021 is 6.7 years and 5.8 years, respectively. The total aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable SSRs and the SSRs expected to vest as of December 31, 2021 was approximately $625 million.

Performance Awards

The Company awarded performance awards that contain service, performance-based and/or market-based vesting criteria. Vesting occurs if the recipient remains employed and depends on the degree to which performance goals are achieved during the three-year performance period (as defined in the award agreements).
The Company’s performance award activity in 2021 is as follows:
Number of Performance AwardsWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020786,165$136.96 
Granted248,019202.66
Additional goal achievement shares
303,128104.29
Vested(631,215)103.96
Canceled(35,937)168.49
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021670,160$175.89 

As of December 31, 2021, there are 670,160 performance awards outstanding with an intrinsic value of approximately $189 million.

Restricted Stock Units – Stock Settled

The Company’s RSUs will settle in shares of the Company’s common stock within 45 days of the applicable vesting date. In general, RSUs granted to employees vest either (i) one-third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 50% on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 25% on the third and fourth anniversary of the date of grant or (iii) 100% at the end of the three-year period following the grant date. Members of the Company’s board of directors receive RSUs that are fully vested when granted.

The Company’s RSU activity in 2021 is as follows:


Number of RSUs
Weighted Average Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020573,090 $143.23 
Granted (1)
536,199 196.91 
Vested(214,084)128.85 
Canceled(74,419)170.29 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021820,786 $179.59 
(1) Pursuant to the IQVIA Holdings Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferral Plan (the “Director Deferral Plan”), non-employee directors may elect to defer receipt of their cash retainers. If a director elects to defer his or her retainer, he or she will instead be credited with that value in deferred shares under the Director Deferral Plan. Deferred shares become payable in Company common stock following a termination of the director’s Board service or the director’s death, or upon a change in control of the Company. The Company granted 1,017 deferred RSUs in 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, there are 820,786 RSUs outstanding with an intrinsic value of approximately $232 million.

Stock Appreciation Rights – Cash Settled

The Company’s cash settled SARs (“CSRs”) require the Company to settle in cash an amount equal to the difference between the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise and the grant price, multiplied by the number of CSRs being exercised. These awards vest one- third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the weighted average fair value per share of the CSRs granted was $216.87, $112.10 and $99.27, respectively. The Company paid approximately $1 million, $4 million and $7 million to settle exercised CSRs in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the CSRs outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2021 is 3.5 years and 3.1 years, respectively. The total aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable CSRs and the CSRs expected to vest as of December 31, 2021 was approximately $28 million.
Restricted Stock Units – Cash Settled

The Company’s cash settled RSUs (“Cash RSUs”) require the Company to settle in cash an amount equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the vest date multiplied by the number of vested Cash RSUs. These awards vest either (i) 100% at the end of the three-year period following the date of grant, or (ii) one-third per year beginning on the first grant date anniversary. As of December 31, 2021, there are 12,319 Cash RSUs outstanding with an intrinsic value of approximately $3.5 million.

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) vest 25% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date and 50% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. As of December 31, 2021, there are no RSAs outstanding.

Other

The Company sponsors a supplemental non-qualified deferred compensation plan, covering certain management employees, and maintains other statutory indemnity plans as required by local laws or regulations.
v3.22.0.1
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions Related Party TransactionsThe Company has entered into transactions with related parties that are not deemed to be material, including investments in unconsolidated affiliates that are discussed in Note 4.
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Software by Geography
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Property Equipment And Software By Geography [Abstract]  
Property, Equipment and Software by Geography Property, Equipment and Software by Geography
The following table represents the Company’s property, equipment and software, net, by geographic region, which is further broken down to show each country that accounts for 10% or more of the totals:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Property, equipment and software, net:
 Americas:
United States$1,573 $1,379 
Other69 66 
Americas1,642 1,445 
Europe and Africa218 161 
Asia-Pacific61 70 
Total property, equipment and software, net$1,921 $1,676 
v3.22.0.1
Segments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segments Segments
The following table presents the Company’s operations by reportable segment. The Company is managed through three reportable segments, Technology & Analytics Solutions, Research & Development Solutions and Contract Sales & Medical Solutions. Technology & Analytics Solutions provides mission critical information, technology solutions and real-world insights and services to the Company’s life science clients. Research & Development Solutions, which primarily serves biopharmaceutical customers, provides outsourced clinical research and clinical trial related services. Contract Sales & Medical Solutions provides health care provider (including contract sales) and patient engagement services to both biopharmaceutical customers and the broader healthcare market.

Certain costs are not allocated to our segments and are reported as general corporate and unallocated expenses. These costs primarily consist of stock-based compensation and expenses related to integration activities and acquisitions. The Company also does not allocate depreciation and amortization or impairment charges to its segments. Asset information by segment is not presented, as this measure is not used by the chief operating decision maker to assess the Company’s performance. The Company’s reportable segment information is presented below:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Revenues
Technology & Analytics Solutions$5,534 $4,858 $4,486 
Research & Development Solutions7,556 5,760 5,788 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions784 741 814 
Total revenues13,874 11,359 11,088 
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Technology & Analytics Solutions3,278 2,900 2,663 
Research & Development Solutions5,303 3,974 3,936 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions652 626 701 
Total costs of revenue9,233 7,500 7,300 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Technology & Analytics Solutions798 742 722 
Research & Development Solutions777 738 711 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions57 58 61 
General corporate and unallocated332 251 240 
Total selling, general and administrative expenses1,964 1,789 1,734 
Segment profit
Technology & Analytics Solutions1,458 1,216 1,101 
Research & Development Solutions1,476 1,048 1,141 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions75 57 52 
Total segment profit3,009 2,321 2,294 
General corporate and unallocated(332)(251)(240)
Depreciation and amortization(1,264)(1,287)(1,202)
Restructuring costs(20)(52)(75)
Total income from operations$1,393 $731 $777 
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share
The following table reconciles the basic to diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)202120202019
Numerator:
Net income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc.$966 $279 191 
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding191.4 191.3 195.1 
Effect of dilutive stock options and share awards3.6 3.7 4.5 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding195.0 195.0 199.6 
Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic$5.05 $1.46 $0.98 
Diluted$4.95 $1.43 $0.96 

Stock-based awards will have a dilutive effect under the treasury method when the respective period’s average market value of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise proceeds. Performance awards are included in diluted earnings per share based on if the performance targets have been met at the end of the reporting period.
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 the weighted average number of outstanding stock-based awards not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they are subject to performance conditions or the effect of including such stock-based awards in the computation would be anti-dilutive was: 0.1, 2.4, and 2.0, million, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Below is a summary of the components of AOCI:
(in millions)Foreign Currency TranslationDerivative InstrumentDefined Benefit PlansIncome TaxesTotal
Balance as of December 31, 2018$(419)$(1)$19 $177 $(224)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(11)(19)(35)(21)(86)
Reclassification adjustments— (1)— — (1)
Balance as of December 31, 2019(430)(21)(16)156 (311)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications35 (40)(69)170 96 
Reclassification adjustments— 13 — (3)10 
Balance as of December 31, 2020(395)(48)(85)323 (205)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(165)11 90 (139)(203)
Reclassification adjustments 16  (4)12 
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest(10)   (10)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$(570)$(21)$5 $180 $(406)

Below is a summary of the effects on net income of amounts reclassified from AOCI into the consolidated statements of income and the affected financial statement line item:
Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)
Affected Financial Statement Line Item202120202019
Derivative instruments:
Interest rate swaps Interest expense$(21)$(13)$— 
Foreign exchange forward contractsRevenues5 (5)
Foreign exchange forward contractsOther income, net (1)
Total before income taxes(16)(13)
Income taxes(4)(3)— 
Total net of income taxes$(12)$(10)$
v3.22.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]  
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table presents the Company’s supplemental cash flow information:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid$343$399 $421
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$222$209 $215
v3.22.0.1
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

IQVIA HOLDINGS INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Equity in earnings of subsidiary, net of tax$966 $279 $191 
Net income966 279 191 
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiary, net of tax(191)106 (87)
Comprehensive income $775 $385 $104 
IQVIA HOLDINGS INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
    
December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)20212020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$2 $
Total current assets2 
Investment in subsidiary9,667 9,666 
Total assets$9,669 $9,667 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Investment in subsidiary$3,625 $3,664 
Payable to subsidiary2 
Total liabilities3,627 3,666 
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 shares authorized as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $0.01 par value, 255.8 shares issued and 190.6 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021; 254.7 shares issued and 191.2 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020
10,777 11,095 
Retained earnings2,243 1,277 
Treasury stock, at cost, 65.2 and 63.5 shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively
(6,572)(6,166)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(406)(205)
Total stockholders’ equity6,042 6,001 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$9,669 $9,667 
IQVIA HOLDINGS INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Operating activities:
Net Income$966 $279 $191 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of subsidiary(966)(279)(191)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Other operating assets and liabilities(1)— — 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(1)— — 
Investing activities:
Investment in subsidiary, net of dividends received467 477 951 
Net cash provided by investing activities467 477 951 
Financing activities:
(Payments) proceeds related to employee stock option plans(59)(44)11 
Repurchase of common stock(406)(434)(963)
Intercompany with subsidiary (1)
Net cash used in financing activities(465)(479)(949)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents1 (2)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$2 $$3
IQVIA HOLDINGS INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The condensed parent company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule I of Regulation S-X as the restricted net assets of IQVIA Holdings Inc.’s (the “Company”) wholly-owned subsidiary, IQVIA Incorporated exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Company. These condensed parent company financial statements are not the general-purpose financial statement of the reporting entity. The ability of IQVIA Incorporated to pay dividends may be limited due to the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing its credit arrangements.

These condensed parent company financial statements include the accounts of IQVIA Holdings Inc. on a standalone basis (the “Parent”) and the equity method of accounting is used to reflect ownership interest in its subsidiary. Refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes presented elsewhere herein for additional information and disclosures with respect to these financial statements. The 2019 statement of cash flow presentation has been revised to conform with current period presentation.

Below is a summary of the dividends paid to the Parent by IQVIA Incorporated in 2021, 2020 and 2019:

(in millions)Amount
Paid in December 2021$57 
Paid in November 202189
Paid in October 202160
Paid in September 202136
Paid in August 202135 
Paid in July 202125 
Paid in June 202120 
Paid in May 202123 
Paid in April 20214 
Paid in March 202151 
Paid in February 202170
Total paid in 2021$470 
Paid in December 2020$81 
Paid in October 202020 
Paid in July 2020
Paid in March 202044 
Paid in February 2020333 
Total paid in 2020$480 
Paid in December 2019$13 
Paid in November 2019255 
Paid in September 201974 
Paid in August 2019239 
Paid in June 201994 
Paid in May 2019140 
Paid in March 2019141 
Paid in February 2019
Total paid in 2019$959 
v3.22.0.1
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
Additions

(in millions)
Balance at Beginning of YearCharged to ExpensesCharged to Other Accounts(a)Additions (Deductions) (b)Balance at End of Year
December 31, 2021$306$1$ $(13)$294
December 31, 2020$266$40$— $— $306
December 31, 2019$226$40$— $— $266
(a)Recorded through purchase accounting transaction.
(b)Impact of reductions recorded to expense and translation adjustments.
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries and investments in which the Company has control. Amounts pertaining to the non-controlling ownership interests held by third parties in the operating results and financial position of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries are reported as non-controlling interests. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions believed reasonable under the circumstances. The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis and makes changes to the estimates and related disclosures as experience develops or new information becomes known. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currencies
Foreign Currencies

The Company’s financial statements are reported in United States dollars and, accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates that affect the translation of its revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies into United States dollars for purposes of reporting its consolidated financial results. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies on the books of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to the accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (“AOCI”) component of stockholders’ equity. The Company is subject to foreign currency transaction risk for fluctuations in exchange rates during the period of time between the consummation and cash settlement of a transaction. The Company earns revenue from its service contracts over a period of several months and, in some cases, over a period of several years. Accordingly, exchange rate fluctuations during this period may affect the Company’s profitability with respect to such contracts.

For operations outside the United States that are considered to be highly inflationary or where the United States dollar is designated as the functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using end-of-period exchange rates, whereas nonmonetary accounts are remeasured using historical exchange rates, and all remeasurement and transaction adjustments are recognized in other income, net.
Cash Equivalents
Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Derivatives
Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates and foreign currencies. Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value at each balance sheet date utilizing pricing models for non-exchange-traded contracts.

At inception, the Company designates whether or not the derivative instrument is an effective hedge of an asset, liability or firm commitment which is then classified as either a cash flow hedge or a fair value hedge. If determined to be an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded as a component of AOCI until realized. The Company includes the impact from these hedges in the same line item as the hedged item on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Changes in fair value of effective fair value hedges are recorded in earnings as an offset to the changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not an effective hedge are recognized in earnings. When it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting for the affected portion of the forecasted transaction and reclassifies gains or losses that were accumulated in AOCI to earnings for foreign exchange derivatives and interest expense for interest rate derivatives on the consolidated statements of income. Cash flows are classified consistent with the underlying hedged item. The Company has entered, and may in the future enter, into derivative contracts (caps, swaps, forwards, calls or puts, warrants, for example) related to its debt and forecasted foreign currency transactions.
The Company designates its foreign currency denominated debt as a hedge of its net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries to reduce the volatility in stockholders’ equity caused by changes in the Euro exchange rate with respect to the United States dollar, which is accounted for as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of foreign exchange gains or losses on the remeasurement of the debt is recognized in the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI with the related offset in long-term debt. Those amounts would be reclassified from AOCI to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of these net investments.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations

The Company uses the acquisition method to account for business combinations, and accordingly, the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. The Company uses significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining the estimated fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interest including expected future cash flows, and discount rates that reflect the risk associated with the expected future cash flows and estimated useful lives.

The Company records and allocates to its reporting units the excess of the cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired, known as goodwill. The recoverability of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated annually for impairment, or if and when events or circumstances indicate a possible impairment. The Company reviews the carrying values of other identifiable intangible assets if the facts and circumstances indicate a possible impairment.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if related to leased property, as follows:

Buildings and leasehold improvements3-40 years
Equipment
3-10 years
Furniture and fixtures
5-10 years
Transportation equipment
3-20 years
Definite-lived Identifiable Intangible Assets
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets are amortized primarily using an accelerated method that reflects the pattern in which the Company expects to benefit from the use of the asset over its estimated remaining useful life as follows:

Trademarks and trade names1-17 years
Contract backlog and client relationships
1-25 years
Software and related assets
1-10 years
Databases
1-9 years
Non-compete agreements and other
2-5 years

Included in software and related assets is the capitalized cost of internal-use software used in supporting the Company’s business. Qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Costs are capitalized from completion of the preliminary project stage and when it is considered probable that the software will be used to perform its intended function, up until the time the software is placed into service. The Company recognized $211 million, $267 million and $196 million of amortization expense in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to software and related assets.

The carrying values of property, equipment and intangible and other long-lived assets are reviewed for recoverability at the asset grouping level to determine if the facts and circumstances suggest that a potential impairment may have occurred. If this review indicates that carrying values will not be recoverable, as determined based on undiscounted cash flow projections, the Company will record an impairment charge to reduce carrying values to estimated fair value. There were no impairments recognized in 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

The Company’s arrangements are primarily service contracts that range in duration from a few months to several years. The Company recognizes revenue when control of these services is transferred to the customer for an amount, referred to as the transaction price, that reflects the consideration to which the Company is expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company determines revenue recognition utilizing the following five steps: (1) identification of the contract with a customer, (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract (promised goods or services that are distinct), (3) determination of the transaction price, (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company transfers control of the product or service for each performance obligation. Cash payments made to customers as incentives to induce customers to enter into service agreements with the Company are amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period the services are performed. The Company records revenues net of any tax assessments by governmental authorities, such as value added taxes, that are imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue generating transactions.

The Company derives the majority of its revenues in the Technology & Analytics Solutions segment from various information and technology service offerings. Information offerings (primarily under fixed-price contracts) typically include multiple performance obligations including an ongoing subscription-based deliverable for which revenue is recognized ratably as earned over the contract period, and/or a one-time deliverable of data offerings for which revenue is recognized upon delivery. The customer is able to benefit from the provision of data as it is received. The Company’s subscription arrangements typically have terms ranging from one to three years and are generally non-cancelable and do not contain refund-type provisions. Technology services offerings may contain multiple performance obligations consisting of a mix of small and large-scale services and consulting projects, multi-year outsourcing contracts and Software-as-a- Service (“SaaS”) arrangements. These arrangements typically have terms ranging from several weeks to three years, with a majority having terms of one year or less. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to the identified performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. For these contracts, the standalone selling prices are based on the Company’s normal pricing practices when sold separately with consideration of market conditions and other factors, including customer demographics and geographic location. Revenues for services engagements where the transfer of control occurs ratably over time are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. Revenues from time and material contracts are recognized based on hours as the services are provided. Revenues from fixed price ad hoc services and consulting contracts are recognized over the contract term based on the ratio of the number of hours incurred for services provided during the period compared to the total estimated hours to be incurred over the entire arrangement (hours-based). Technology services offerings meet the over time criterion, as another party would not need to substantially re-perform the work already completed to satisfy the remaining obligations if the services were migrated.
The majority of the Company’s contracts within the Research & Development Solutions segment are service contracts for clinical research that represent a single performance obligation. The Company provides a significant integration service resulting in a combined output, which is clinical trial data that meets the relevant regulatory standards and can be used by the customer to progress to the next phase of a clinical trial or solicit approval of a treatment by the applicable regulatory body. The performance obligation is satisfied over time as the output is captured in data and documentation that is available for the customer to consume over the course of the arrangement and furthers progress of the clinical trial. The Company recognizes revenue over time using a cost-based input method since there is no single output measure that would fairly depict the transfer of control over the life of the performance obligation. Progress on the performance obligation is measured by the proportion of actual costs incurred to the total costs expected to complete the contract. Costs included in the measure of progress include direct labor and third-party costs (such as payments to investigators and other pass through expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors). This cost-based method of revenue recognition requires the Company to make estimates of costs to complete its projects on an ongoing basis. Significant judgment is required to evaluate assumptions related to these estimates. The effect of revisions to estimates related to the transaction price or costs to complete a project are recorded in the period in which the estimate is revised. Most contracts may be terminated upon 30 to 90 days notice by the customer; however, in the event of termination, most contracts require payment for services rendered through the date of termination, as well as for subsequent services rendered to close out the contract.

The majority of revenue in our Contract Sales & Medical Solutions segment is from contract salesforce to the biopharmaceutical industry and broader healthcare market and recognized over time using a single measure of progress dependent on the performance obligation. Some of our Contract Sales & Medical Solutions contracts contain multiple performance obligations with distinct promises including recruiting, sales force automation and deployment of sales representatives. The Company utilizes a single measure of progress for each performance obligation to recognize revenue, which includes deployment of sales representatives based on employee days worked; recruiting based on candidates recruited; sales force automation set-up based on hours worked; and sales force automation hosting and maintenance based on usage. These services meet the over time criterion as the customer consumes the benefit as activities are performed and another party would not need to substantially re-perform the work already completed to satisfy the remaining obligations if the services were migrated to another party.

Variable Consideration

In some cases, contracts provide for variable consideration that is contingent upon the occurrence of uncertain future events, such as performance incentives (including royalty payments, bonuses, or penalty clauses that can either increase or decrease the transaction price). Variable consideration is estimated at the expected value or at the most likely amount depending on the type of consideration. Estimated amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The estimate of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of the Company's anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company and reevaluated each reporting period.

Reimbursed Expenses

The Company includes reimbursed expenses in revenues and costs of revenue as the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified service, including the integration of the related services into a combined output to the customer, which are inseparable from the integrated service. These costs include such items as payments to investigators and travel expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors and sales representatives, over which the Company has discretion in establishing prices. The Company controls the good or service and has inventory risk on contractually reimbursable expenses, as sometimes the Company is unable to obtain reimbursement from the customer for costs incurred.

Change Orders

Changes in the scope of work are common, especially under long-term contracts, and generally result in a change in transaction price. Change orders are evaluated on a contract-by-contract basis to determine if they should be accounted for as a new contract or as part of the existing contract. Generally, services from change orders are not distinct from the original performance obligation. As a result, the effect that the contract modification has on the contract revenue, and measure of progress, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue when it occurs.
Costs of Revenue

Costs of revenue include (i) compensation and benefits for billable employees and personnel involved in production, data management and delivery, and the costs of acquiring and processing data for the Company’s information offerings; (ii) costs of staff directly involved with delivering technology-related services offerings and engagements, and the costs of data purchased specifically for technology services engagements; (iii) reimbursed expenses that are comprised principally of payments to investigators who oversee clinical trials and travel expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors and sales representatives; and (iv) other expenses directly related to service contracts such as courier fees, laboratory supplies, professional services and travel expenses.

Trade Receivables, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income

In general, billings and payments are established by contractual provisions including predetermined payment schedules, which may or may not correspond to the timing of the transfer of control of the Company’s services under the contract. In general, the Company’s intention in its invoicing (payment terms) is to maintain cash neutrality over the life of the contract. Generally, the payment terms are 30 to 90 days based on contracts. Upfront payments, when they occur, are intended to cover certain expenses the Company incurs at the beginning of the contract. Neither the Company nor its customers view such upfront payments and contracted payment schedules as a means of financing. Unbilled services primarily arise from long-term contracts when a cost-based or hours-based input method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer.

Unearned income consists of advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. As the contracted services are subsequently performed and the associated revenue is recognized, the unearned income balance is reduced by the amount of the revenue recognized during the period. Unearned income is classified as a current liability on our consolidated balance sheet as the Company expects to recognize the associated revenue in less than one year.
Restructuring Costs
Restructuring Costs

Restructuring costs, which primarily include termination benefits, are recorded at estimated value. Key assumptions in determining the restructuring costs include the terms and payments that may be negotiated to terminate certain contractual obligations and the timing of employees leaving the Company.
Debt Fees
Debt Fees

Fees incurred to issue debt are generally deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the estimated term of the related debt using the effective interest rate method.
Contingencies
Contingencies

The Company records accruals for claims, suits, investigations and proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews claims, suits, investigations and proceedings at least quarterly and records or adjusts accruals related to such matters to reflect the impact and status of any settlements, rulings, advice of counsel or other information pertinent to a particular matter. Legal costs associated with contingencies are charged to expense as incurred.

The Company is party to legal proceedings incidental to its business. While the outcome of these matters could differ from management’s expectations, the Company does not believe the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect to the Company’s financial statements.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and foreign taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records U.S. deferred taxes based on the Federal corporate income tax rate of 21%. The Company accounts for tax related to Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) as a period cost when incurred. Recognition of deferred income tax assets is based on management’s belief that it is more likely than not that the income tax benefit associated with certain temporary differences, income tax operating loss, capital loss carryforwards, and income tax credits, would be realized. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred income tax assets for those deferred income tax items for which it was more likely than not that realization would not occur. The Company determines the amount of the valuation allowance based, in part, on the Company’s assessment of future taxable income and in light of the Company’s ongoing income tax strategies. If the estimate of future taxable income or tax strategies changes at any time in the future, the Company would record an adjustment to our valuation allowance. Recording such an adjustment could have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Income tax expense is based on the distribution of profit before income tax among the various taxing jurisdictions in which we operate, adjusted as required by the income tax laws of each taxing jurisdiction. Changes in the distribution of profits and losses among taxing jurisdictions may have a significant impact on our effective income tax rate. The Company does not consider the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company provides retirement benefits to certain employees, including defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plans. The determination of benefit obligations and expense is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, cash balance crediting rate, lump sum conversion rate and the assumed rate of compensation increases. In addition, retiree medical care cost trend rates are a key assumption used exclusively in determining costs for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for stock options and stock appreciation rights under the fair value method and uses the Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the value of such stock-based awards granted to its employees and non-executive directors. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of a peer group for a period equal to the expected term, as the Company does not have adequate history to calculate its own volatility and believes the expected volatility will approximate the historical volatility of the peer group. The Company does not currently anticipate paying dividends. The expected term represents the period of time the grants are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

The Company values its stock-based compensation for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation for performance awards related to compound annual earnings per share (“EPS”) growth and/or other internal performance measures based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, and for performance awards related to relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) based on a Monte Carlo simulation model.
Leases
Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and reassesses if there are changes in terms and conditions of the contract. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in deposits and other assets, other current liabilities, and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Lease assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. Lease assets also include any lease payments made before lease commencement and initial direct costs and excludes lease incentives. In determining the lease term at lease commencement, the Company includes the noncancellable term and the periods which the Company deems it is reasonably certain to exercise or not to exercise a renewal or cancellation option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components that the Company has elected to account for as single lease components.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares or common stock equivalents outstanding during the applicable period. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is excluded from basic earnings per share and is included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock units, restricted stock and performance awards. Diluted shares outstanding are calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, and the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

The Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for under the equity method if the Company exercises significant influence or has an investment in a limited partnership that is considered to be greater than minor. These investments are classified as investments in unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its pro rata share of the earnings, adjusted for accretion of basis difference, of these investments in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock

The Company records treasury stock purchases under the cost method. Upon reissuance of treasury stock, amounts in excess of the acquisition cost are credited to additional paid-in capital. If the Company reissues treasury stock at an amount below its acquisition cost and additional paid-in capital associated with prior treasury stock transactions is insufficient to cover the difference between the acquisition cost and the reissue price, this shortfall is recorded in retained earnings.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounting pronouncements recently adopted

In March 2020, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another rate that is expected to be discontinued. The new accounting guidance became effective for the Company as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In January 2020, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that states any equity security transitioning from the alternative method of accounting to the equity method, or vice versa, due to an observable transaction, will be remeasured immediately before the transition. In addition, the new accounting guidance clarifies the accounting for certain non-derivative forward contracts or purchased call options to acquire equity securities stating such instruments will be measured using the fair value principles before settlement or exercise. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to clarify and simplify the accounting for income taxes. Changes under the new guidance includes eliminating certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Accounting pronouncements issued but not adopted as of December 31, 2021

In October 2021, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under current GAAP, an acquirer generally recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, including contract assets and contract liabilities arising from revenue contracts with customers and other similar contracts that are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, at fair value on the acquisition date. Generally, this new guidance will result in the acquirer recognizing contract assets and contract liabilities at the same amounts recorded by the acquiree. The new accounting guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans on adopting this new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2022. The impact of this guidance on the Company's consolidated financial statements will depend on the size and nature of future acquisitions.
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Major Classes of Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if related to leased property, as follows:

Buildings and leasehold improvements3-40 years
Equipment
3-10 years
Furniture and fixtures
5-10 years
Transportation equipment
3-20 years
The major classes of property and equipment were as follows:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements$376 $351 
Equipment745657 
Furniture and fixtures72 76 
Transportation equipment69 71 
Property and equipment, gross1,262 1,155 
Less accumulated depreciation(765)(673)
Property and equipment, net$497 $482 
Definite-Lived Identifiable Intangible Assets Amortized
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets are amortized primarily using an accelerated method that reflects the pattern in which the Company expects to benefit from the use of the asset over its estimated remaining useful life as follows:

Trademarks and trade names1-17 years
Contract backlog and client relationships
1-25 years
Software and related assets
1-10 years
Databases
1-9 years
Non-compete agreements and other
2-5 years
The following is a summary of other identifiable intangible assets:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Client relationships and backlog$5,193 $(2,024)$3,169 $5,095 $(1,745)$3,350 
Trademarks, trade name and other550 (241)309 544 (212)332 
Databases1,889 (1,853)36 1,930 (1,629)301 
Software and related assets2,637 (1,213)1,424 2,109 (915)1,194 
Non-compete agreements17 (12)5 28 (18)10 
$10,286 $(5,343)$4,943 $9,706 $(4,519)$5,187 
Indefinite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Trade name$ $ $ $18 $— $18 
v3.22.0.1
Revenues by Geography, Concentration of Credit Risk and Remaining Performance Obligations (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Summary of Revenues by Geographical Region and Reportable Segment
The Company attributes revenues to geographical region based upon where the services are performed. The following tables represent revenues by geographical region and reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

December 31, 2021
(in millions)Technology & Analytics SolutionsResearch & Development SolutionsContract Sales & Medical Solutions
Total
Revenues:
Americas
$2,610 $3,887 $351 $6,848 
Europe and Africa2,282 1,899 176 4,357 
Asia-Pacific642 1,770 257 2,669 
Total revenues
$5,534 $7,556 $784 $13,874 
December 31, 2020
(in millions)Technology & Analytics SolutionsResearch & Development SolutionsContract Sales & Medical Solutions
Total
Revenues:
Americas
$2,413 $2,680 $326 $5,419 
Europe and Africa1,844 1,667 184 3,695 
Asia-Pacific601 1,413 231 2,245 
Total revenues
$4,858 $5,760 $741 $11,359 
December 31, 2019
(in millions)Technology & Analytics SolutionsResearch & Development SolutionsContract Sales & Medical Solutions
Total
Revenues:
Americas
$2,370 $2,693 $399 $5,462 
Europe and Africa1,543 1,734 200 3,477 
Asia-Pacific573 1,361 215 2,149 
Total revenues
$4,486 $5,788 $814 $11,088 
v3.22.0.1
Trade Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]  
Trade Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services
Trade accounts receivables and unbilled services consist of the following:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Billed$1,275 $1,181 
Unbilled services1,309 1,263 
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services2,584 2,444 
Allowance for doubtful accounts(33)(34)
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net$2,551 $2,410 
Schedule of Net Contract Assets (Liabilities)
Unbilled services and unearned income was as follows:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Change
Unbilled services$1,309$1,263$46
Unearned income(1,825)(1,252)(573)
Net balance$(516)$11$(527)
v3.22.0.1
Investments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund III, L.P. (“NQ Fund III”)$7 $
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. (“NQ Fund IV”)128
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund V, L.P. (“NQ Fund V”)22 17 
NovaQuest Private Equity Fund I, L.P. (“NQ PE Fund I”)73
NostraData Pty Ltd. (“NostraData”)1818
Inteliquet (“Inteliquet”) 16 
Helparound ("Helparound")33
Longwood Fund V, L.P. ("Longwood")3 
Other16 11 
$88 $84 
Summary of Investments in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities and Estimated Maximum Exposure to Loss
As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and its estimated maximum exposure to loss were as follows:
(in millions)
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs
Maximum Exposure to Loss
NQ Fund III
$7 $12 
NQ Fund IV
12 14 
NQ Fund V
22 51 
NQ PE Fund I
7 8 
Longwood3 10 
Other
59
$56 $104 
v3.22.0.1
Derivatives (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments, on a gross basis, and the line items on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to which they were recorded are summarized in the following table:

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)Balance Sheet ClassificationAssetsLiabilitiesNotionalAssetsLiabilitiesNotional
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forward contractsOther current assets and liabilities$ 3 $110 $$— $70 
Interest rate swapsOther assets and liabilities4 24 1,800 — 55 1,800 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swapsOther liabilities   — 356 
Total derivatives$4 $27 $$56 
Pre-tax Effect of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The pre-tax effect of the Company’s cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss) is summarized in the following table:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Foreign exchange forward contracts$(8)$$
Interest rate derivatives35 (28)(22)
Total$27 $(27)$(20)
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021:

(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:
Marketable securities
$145 $ $ $145 
Derivatives 4  4 
Total
$145 $4 $ $149 
Liabilities:
Derivatives
$ $27 $ $27 
Contingent consideration  76 76 
Total
$ $27 $76 $103 

The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:

(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:
Marketable securities
$122 $— $— $122 
Derivatives— — 
Total
$122 $$— $127 
Liabilities:
Derivatives
$— $56 $— $56 
Contingent consideration— — 119 119 
Total
$— $56 $119 $175 
Changes in Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31,:
Contingent Consideration
(in millions)202120202019
Balance as of January 1$119 $113 $123 
Business combinations3947 40 
Contingent consideration paid(39)(22)(46)
Revaluations included in earnings and foreign currency translation adjustments(43)(19)(4)
Balance as of December 31$76$119$113 
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Summary of Major Classes of Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if related to leased property, as follows:

Buildings and leasehold improvements3-40 years
Equipment
3-10 years
Furniture and fixtures
5-10 years
Transportation equipment
3-20 years
The major classes of property and equipment were as follows:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements$376 $351 
Equipment745657 
Furniture and fixtures72 76 
Transportation equipment69 71 
Property and equipment, gross1,262 1,155 
Less accumulated depreciation(765)(673)
Property and equipment, net$497 $482 
Schedule of Property and Equipment Depreciation Expense
Property and equipment depreciation expense was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
202120202019
Depreciation expense
$147 $134 $128 
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Amortization Expense Associated with Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization expense associated with other identifiable definite-lived intangible assets was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
202120202019
Amortization expense$1,117 $1,153 $1,074 
Definite-Lived Identifiable Intangible Assets Amortized
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets are amortized primarily using an accelerated method that reflects the pattern in which the Company expects to benefit from the use of the asset over its estimated remaining useful life as follows:

Trademarks and trade names1-17 years
Contract backlog and client relationships
1-25 years
Software and related assets
1-10 years
Databases
1-9 years
Non-compete agreements and other
2-5 years
The following is a summary of other identifiable intangible assets:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Client relationships and backlog$5,193 $(2,024)$3,169 $5,095 $(1,745)$3,350 
Trademarks, trade name and other550 (241)309 544 (212)332 
Databases1,889 (1,853)36 1,930 (1,629)301 
Software and related assets2,637 (1,213)1,424 2,109 (915)1,194 
Non-compete agreements17 (12)5 28 (18)10 
$10,286 $(5,343)$4,943 $9,706 $(4,519)$5,187 
Indefinite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Trade name$ $ $ $18 $— $18 
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The following is a summary of other identifiable intangible assets:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Client relationships and backlog$5,193 $(2,024)$3,169 $5,095 $(1,745)$3,350 
Trademarks, trade name and other550 (241)309 544 (212)332 
Databases1,889 (1,853)36 1,930 (1,629)301 
Software and related assets2,637 (1,213)1,424 2,109 (915)1,194 
Non-compete agreements17 (12)5 28 (18)10 
$10,286 $(5,343)$4,943 $9,706 $(4,519)$5,187 
Indefinite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:
Trade name$ $ $ $18 $— $18 
Summary of Goodwill by Segment
The following is a summary of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:


(in millions)

Technology & Analytics Solutions
Research & Development Solutions
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions

Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2019$10,374 $1,646 $139 $12,159 
Business combinations86 29 — 115 
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other
404 (29)380 
Balance as of December 31, 202010,864 1,646 144 12,654 
Business combinations874 160 26 1,060 
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other
(401)(4)(8)(413)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$11,337 $1,802 $162 $13,301 
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Compensation, including bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes$946 $852 
Restructuring30 53 
Interest56 55 
Client contract related884 849 
Professional fees102 92 
Contingent consideration and deferred purchase price31 59 
Other311 272 
$2,360 $2,232 
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Credit Facilities
The following is a summary of the Company’s revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2021:
FacilityInterest Rates
$1,500 million (revolving credit facility)
LIBOR in the relevant currency borrowed plus a margin of 1.25% as of December 31, 2021
$110 million (receivables financing facility)
LIBOR Market Index Rate (0.10% as of December 31, 2021) plus 0.90%
Summary of Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at the dates indicated:
December 31,
(dollars in millions)20212020
Revolving Credit Facility due 2026:
U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.35%
$100 $— 
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Term A Loan due 2023—U.S. Dollar 728 
Term A Loan due 2023—U.S. Dollar 766 
Term A Loan due 2026—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.47%
1,415  
Term A Loan due 2023—Euro 400 
Term A Loan due 2026—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.25%
351  
Term B Loan due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.85%
510 535 
Term B Loan due 2024—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.00%
1,242 1,413 
Term B Loan due 2025—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.85%
670 726 
Term B Loan due 2025—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.97%
860 926 
Term B Loan due 2025—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.00%
592 697 
5.0% Senior Notes due 2027—U.S. Dollar denominated
1,100 1,100 
5.0% Senior Notes due 2026—U.S. Dollar denominated
1,050 1,050 
2.875% Senior Notes due 2025—Euro denominated
476 515 
3.25% Senior Notes due 2025—Euro denominated
 1,748 
2.25% Senior Notes due 2028—Euro denominated
817 883 
2.875% Senior Notes due 2028—Euro denominated
807 872 
1.750% Senior Notes due 2026—Euro denominated
624 — 
2.250% Senior Notes due 2029—Euro denominated
1,021 — 
Receivables financing facility due 2022—U.S. Dollar LIBOR  240 
Receivables financing facility due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.00%
550 — 
Principal amount of debt12,185 12,600 
Less: unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(60)(67)
Less: current portion(91)(149)
Long-term debt$12,034 $12,384 
Contractual Maturities of Long-term Debt
Contractual maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:
(in millions)
2022$91 
202391 
20242,392 
20252,690 
20263,178 
Thereafter3,743 
$12,185 
v3.22.0.1
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Components of Lease Expense
The components of lease expense were as follows:
(in millions)
Classification
Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Operating lease cost (1)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$184 $209 $193 
Finance lease cost (1)
Depreciation and amortization, and Interest expense10 — 
Total lease cost
$194 $215 $193 
(1) Includes variable lease costs, which are immaterial.
Other Information Related to Leases
Other information related to leases was as follows:

(in millions)Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$175 $211 $195 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases
$81 $109 $96 
Finance leases
$44 $119 $— 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases
4.53 years4.58 years5.01 years
Finance leases
21.28 years24.00 years— 
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases
3.36 %3.78 %4.22 %
Finance leases
2.70 %3.18 %— 
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-cancellable Leases
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2022$143 $10 
2023114 10 
202486 10 
202570 10 
202633 10 
Thereafter48 201 
Total future minimum lease payments494 251 
Less imputed interest(41)(65)
Total$453 $186 
Reported as of December 31, 2021:
Other current liabilities$140 $
Operating lease liabilities313 — 
Other liabilities— 177 
Total$453 $186 
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Share Repurchases Made Both Under and Outside of Repurchase Program
Below is a summary of the share repurchases made both under and outside of the Repurchase Program:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)202120202019
Number of shares of common stock repurchased1.7 2.7 6.6 
Aggregate purchase price$395 $423 $945 
Average price per share$238.22 $155.63 $143.02 
v3.22.0.1
Business Combinations (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The following table provides certain financial information for these acquisitions:

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents$40 $10 
Other assets75 22 
Goodwill1,060 115 
Other identifiable intangibles576 101 
Liabilities assumed:
Other liabilities(62)(9)
Deferred income taxes, long-term(147)(5)
Net assets acquired (1)$1,542 $234 
(1) Total cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, includes contingent consideration and deferred purchase price of $44 million and $47 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination
The following table provides a summary of the estimated fair value of certain intangible assets acquired:

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)Amortization Period20212020
Other identifiable intangibles:
Customer relationships10-18years$393 $90 
Non-compete agreements3-5years
Software and related assets3-8years133 
Trade names3-15years31 
Backlog2years17 — 
Total Other identifiable intangibles$576 $101 
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Summary of Amounts Recorded for Restructuring Plans
The following amounts were recorded for the restructuring plans:
(in millions)Severance and Related CostsExit CostsTotal
Balance as of December 31, 2019$64 $$67 
Expense, net of reversals52 — 52 
Payments(67)(1)(68)
Foreign currency translation and other— 
Balance as of December 31, 2020$51 $$53 
Expense, net of reversals20 — 20 
Payments(40)(1)(41)
Foreign currency translation and other(1)(1)(2)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$30 $ $30 
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Components of Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliates
The components of income before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Domestic$(73)$(649)$(504)
Foreign1,2011,022856
$1,128$373$352
Components of Income Tax Expense Attributable to Continuing Operations
The components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions) 202120202019
Current expense:
Federal and state
$16$$11 
Foreign293 244 248 
309 244 259 
Deferred (benefit) expense:
Federal and state(106)(161)(109)
Foreign(40)(11)(34)
(146)(172)(143)
$163 $72 $116 
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The differences between the Company’s consolidated income tax expense attributable to continuing operations and the expense computed at the United States statutory income tax rate of 21% were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate$237 $78 $74 
State and local income taxes, net of federal effect2 19 — 
Research and development(14)(14)(21)
United States taxes recorded on foreign earnings(*)
(29)
Tax contingencies3 (5)27 
Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”)(34)(8)20 
Foreign rate differential17 25 26 
Equity compensation(23)(29)(14)
Non-taxable gain on acquisition adjustment (5)
Non-controlling interest (5)(6)
Other4 
$163 $72 $116 
(*) Includes impact of GILTI, and other U.S. taxes on foreign earnings.
Income Tax Effects of Temporary Differences from Continuing Operations that Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Income Tax Assets (Liabilities)
The income tax effects of temporary differences from continuing operations that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented below:
December 31,
(in millions)
20212020
Deferred income tax assets:
Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards$212 $231 
Tax credit carryforwards375 369 
Accrued expenses and unearned income59 54 
Employee benefits212 228 
Lease liability92 139 
Foreign exchange on debt instruments  143 
U.S. interest expense limitation62 75 
Other64 64 
Total deferred income tax assets1,076 1,303 
Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets(294)(306)
Total deferred income tax assets (net of valuation allowance)782 997 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Amortization and depreciation(898)(1,038)
Lease right-of-use assets(81)(133)
Foreign exchange on debt instruments(36)— 
Other(53)(50)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(1,068)(1,221)
Net deferred income tax liabilities$(286)$(224)
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized income tax benefits is presented below:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Balance as of January 1,$118 $120 $94 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year7 
Additions for income tax positions of prior years16 15 33 
Impact of changes in exchange rates(3)— 
Settlements with tax authorities(2)(2)(1)
Reductions for income tax positions of prior years(11)(16)(6)
Reductions due to the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations(9)(7)(5)
Balance as of December 31,$116 $118 $120 
Summary of Tax Years Open for Examination
The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. The following table summarizes the tax years that remain open for examination by tax authorities in the most significant jurisdictions in which the Company operates:

United States
2017-2020
India
2006-2021
Japan
2019-2020
United Kingdom
2019-2020
Switzerland
2016-2020
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Summary of Changes in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Pension Benefit Plans
The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, the plan assets and the funded status of the pension benefit plans:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
December 31,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Obligation and funded status:
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$481 $401 $693 $591 
Service costs14 13 29 29 
Interest cost11 12 6 
Actuarial losses(7)65 (25)60 
Business combinations — 4 — 
Benefits paid(11)(10)(23)(18)
Contributions — 2 
Amendments — (2)(1)
Settlements — (7)(7)
Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (25)29 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year488 481 652 693 
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year455 401 475 418 
Actual return on plan assets76 61 26 38 
Contributions4 26 27 
Benefits paid(11)(10)(23)(18)
Settlements — (7)(7)
Business combinations — 3 — 
Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (6)17 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year524 455 494 475 
Funded status$36 $(26)$(158)$(218)
Summary of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets
The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets related to the pension benefit plans:
Pension Benefits
United States Plans
Non-United States Plans
December 31,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Deposits and other assets$83$23$39 $
Accrued expenses$3$2$10 $15 
Other liabilities$44$47$187$210 
AOCI$29$(21)$(24)$(65)
Summary of Accumulated Benefit Obligation for Pension Benefit Plans
The following table summarizes the accumulated benefit obligation for all pension benefit plans:
Pension Benefits
United States Plans
Non-United States Plans
December 31,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Accumulated benefit obligation$482 $474 $608$654 
Summary of Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
The following table provides the information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Pension Benefits
United States Plans
Non-United States Plans
December 31
(in millions)2021202020212020
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation
$50$52$222$572 
Fair value of plan assets$5$5$67$384 
Plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation
$52 $53 $282 $610
Fair value of plan assets
$5 $$85 $386
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of net periodic benefit cost changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019202120202019
Service cost$14 $13$12 $29 $29 $25
Interest cost11 1214 68
Expected return on plan assets(32)(30)(25)(20)(18)(16)
Amortization of actuarial losses — 1 1
Curtailment gain —  — (5)
Settlement gain — 1— — 
Net periodic benefit cost(7)(5)17 20 13 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial (gain) loss – current years(50)34 (2)(39)35 32 
Prior service cost - current year — — (2)— — 
Curtailment gain - current year — —  — 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
(50)34 (2)(41)35 37 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income$(57)$29 $(1)$(24)$55 $50 
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Benefit Obligations
The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
202120202019202120202019
Discount rate
2.84 %3.52 %4.42 %1.00 %1.45 %1.99 %
Rate of compensation increases
3.00 %3.00 %3.00 %2.55 %2.78 %4.54 %
Expected return on plan assets
7.23 %7.42 %7.67 %3.92 %3.91 %4.02 %

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows as of December 31:
Pension Benefits
United States PlansNon-United States Plans
2021202020212020
Discount rate
3.08 %2.84 %1.42 %1.02 %
Rate of compensation increases
3.00 %3.00 %2.57 %2.55 %
Schedule of Allocation of Pension Plan Assets
The Company’s pension plan target asset allocations and weighted average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows:
Plan Assets as of December 31,
TargetUnited States PlansNon-United States PlansTotal
Asset CategoryAllocation202120202021202020212020
Equity securities
45-65%
71.13 %71.15 %41.29 %42.69 %56.65 %56.62 %
Debt securities
10-30%
23.72 23.88 24.36 20.08 24.03 21.94 
Real estate
0-5%
5.15 4.97  — 2.65 2.43 
Other
10-30%
 — 34.35 37.23 16.67 19.02 
Total100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %100.00 %
Summary of Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value
The following table summarizes United States plan assets measured at fair value:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Asset CategoryLevel 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
(in millions)
Domestic equities$34 $ $34 $29 $— $29 
International equities10  10 — 
Corporate bonds75  75 65 — 65 
Real estate27  27 23 — 23 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy146  146 126 — 126 
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (“NAV”)(1)
  378 — — 329 
Total$146 $ $524 $126 $— $455 

The following table summarizes non-United States plan assets measured at fair value:
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Asset CategoryLevel 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
(in millions)
International equities$1 $56 $57 $$66 $69 
Debt issued by national, state or local government3 118 121 93 96 
Investments funds 10 10 — 10 10 
Insurance contracts 160 160 — 171 171 
Other3 7 10 — 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy7 351 358 346 352 
Assets measured at NAV(1)
  136 — — 123 
Total$7 $351 $494 $$346 $475 
(1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value (NAV) per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above plan asset tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets in the fair value hierarchy to the plan asset amounts presented in the above funded status table as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments, Net of Expected Participants Contributions for Pension Benefits
The following benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for pension benefits are expected to be paid as follows:
(in millions)
2022$44 
202344
202447
202549
202654
Years 2027 through 2031283
$521 
Estimated Fair Value of Stock Options and SARs
The Company used the following assumptions when estimating the value of the stock-based compensation for stock options and SARs issued as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
Expected volatility
27 – 31%
23 – 31%
23 – 24%
Weighted average expected volatility29%23%23%
Expected dividends0.0%0.0%0.0%
Expected term (in years)
3.6 – 6.6
3.2 – 6.2
3.7 – 6.7
Risk-free interest rate
0.28 – 1.40%
0.17 –1.41%
1.55 – 2.56%
Summary of Stock Option Activity
The Company’s stock option activity in 2021 is as follows:
(in millions, except number of options and exercise price)
Number of Options
Weighted Average Exercise PriceAggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020532,627 $48.42 $70 
Exercised(160,966)40.88 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021371,661 $51.69 $86 
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity
The Company’s SSR activity in 2021 is as follows:
(in millions, except number of SSRs and exercise price)
Number of SSRs
Weighted Average Exercise PriceAggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 20204,241,342$112.66 $282 
Granted494,929 184.96 
Exercised(695,195)103.06 
Canceled(86,183)152.10 
Outstanding as of December 31, 20213,954,893$122.54 $632 
Summary of Performance Award Activity
The Company’s performance award activity in 2021 is as follows:
Number of Performance AwardsWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020786,165$136.96 
Granted248,019202.66
Additional goal achievement shares
303,128104.29
Vested(631,215)103.96
Canceled(35,937)168.49
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021670,160$175.89 
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity
The Company’s RSU activity in 2021 is as follows:


Number of RSUs
Weighted Average Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020573,090 $143.23 
Granted (1)
536,199 196.91 
Vested(214,084)128.85 
Canceled(74,419)170.29 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021820,786 $179.59 
(1) Pursuant to the IQVIA Holdings Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferral Plan (the “Director Deferral Plan”), non-employee directors may elect to defer receipt of their cash retainers. If a director elects to defer his or her retainer, he or she will instead be credited with that value in deferred shares under the Director Deferral Plan. Deferred shares become payable in Company common stock following a termination of the director’s Board service or the director’s death, or upon a change in control of the Company. The Company granted 1,017 deferred RSUs in 2021.
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Software by Geography (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Property Equipment And Software By Geography [Abstract]  
Property, Equipment and Software, Net, by Geographic Region
The following table represents the Company’s property, equipment and software, net, by geographic region, which is further broken down to show each country that accounts for 10% or more of the totals:
December 31,
(in millions)20212020
Property, equipment and software, net:
 Americas:
United States$1,573 $1,379 
Other69 66 
Americas1,642 1,445 
Europe and Africa218 161 
Asia-Pacific61 70 
Total property, equipment and software, net$1,921 $1,676 
v3.22.0.1
Segments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of Revenues and Income from Segments to Consolidated Asset information by segment is not presented, as this measure is not used by the chief operating decision maker to assess the Company’s performance. The Company’s reportable segment information is presented below:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Revenues
Technology & Analytics Solutions$5,534 $4,858 $4,486 
Research & Development Solutions7,556 5,760 5,788 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions784 741 814 
Total revenues13,874 11,359 11,088 
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Technology & Analytics Solutions3,278 2,900 2,663 
Research & Development Solutions5,303 3,974 3,936 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions652 626 701 
Total costs of revenue9,233 7,500 7,300 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Technology & Analytics Solutions798 742 722 
Research & Development Solutions777 738 711 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions57 58 61 
General corporate and unallocated332 251 240 
Total selling, general and administrative expenses1,964 1,789 1,734 
Segment profit
Technology & Analytics Solutions1,458 1,216 1,101 
Research & Development Solutions1,476 1,048 1,141 
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions75 57 52 
Total segment profit3,009 2,321 2,294 
General corporate and unallocated(332)(251)(240)
Depreciation and amortization(1,264)(1,287)(1,202)
Restructuring costs(20)(52)(75)
Total income from operations$1,393 $731 $777 
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Reconciles the Basic to Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
The following table reconciles the basic to diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)202120202019
Numerator:
Net income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc.$966 $279 191 
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding191.4 191.3 195.1 
Effect of dilutive stock options and share awards3.6 3.7 4.5 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding195.0 195.0 199.6 
Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic$5.05 $1.46 $0.98 
Diluted$4.95 $1.43 $0.96 
v3.22.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Summary of Components of AOCI
Below is a summary of the components of AOCI:
(in millions)Foreign Currency TranslationDerivative InstrumentDefined Benefit PlansIncome TaxesTotal
Balance as of December 31, 2018$(419)$(1)$19 $177 $(224)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(11)(19)(35)(21)(86)
Reclassification adjustments— (1)— — (1)
Balance as of December 31, 2019(430)(21)(16)156 (311)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications35 (40)(69)170 96 
Reclassification adjustments— 13 — (3)10 
Balance as of December 31, 2020(395)(48)(85)323 (205)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(165)11 90 (139)(203)
Reclassification adjustments 16  (4)12 
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest(10)   (10)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$(570)$(21)$5 $180 $(406)
Summary of Adjustments for (Gains) Losses Reclassified from AOCI into Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Affected Financial Statement Line Item
Below is a summary of the effects on net income of amounts reclassified from AOCI into the consolidated statements of income and the affected financial statement line item:
Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)
Affected Financial Statement Line Item202120202019
Derivative instruments:
Interest rate swaps Interest expense$(21)$(13)$— 
Foreign exchange forward contractsRevenues5 (5)
Foreign exchange forward contractsOther income, net (1)
Total before income taxes(16)(13)
Income taxes(4)(3)— 
Total net of income taxes$(12)$(10)$
v3.22.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]  
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table presents the Company’s supplemental cash flow information:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202120202019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid$343$399 $421
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$222$209 $215
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)
Employee in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Employee
Country
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies      
Number of employees | Employee 79    
Capitalized and amortized expense related to software and related assets $ 211,000,000 $ 267,000,000 $ 196,000,000
Impairment charges recognized $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Minimum      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies      
Number of countries | Country 100    
Subscription arrangements terms 1 year    
Maximum      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies      
Subscription arrangements terms 3 years    
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment at Cost Using Straight-Line Method (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Buildings and leasehold improvements | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 3 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 40 years
Equipment | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 3 years
Equipment | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 10 years
Furniture and fixtures | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 5 years
Furniture and fixtures | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 10 years
Transportation equipment | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 3 years
Transportation equipment | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Property and equipment, Estimated useful life, Years 20 years
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Definite-lived identifiable intangible assets amortized (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Trademarks and trade names | Minimum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 1 year
Trademarks and trade names | Maximum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 17 years
Contract backlog and client relationships | Minimum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 1 year
Contract backlog and client relationships | Maximum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 25 years
Software and related assets | Minimum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 1 year
Software and related assets | Maximum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 10 years
Databases | Minimum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 1 year
Databases | Maximum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 9 years
Non-compete agreements and other | Minimum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 2 years
Non-compete agreements and other | Maximum  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Definite-lived intangible assets, Estimated useful life, Years 5 years
v3.22.0.1
Revenues by Geography, Concentration of Credit Risk and Remaining Performance Obligations - Summary of Revenues by Geographical Region and Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues $ 13,874 $ 11,359 $ 11,088
Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 6,848 5,419 5,462
Europe and Africa      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 4,357 3,695 3,477
Asia-Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 2,669 2,245 2,149
Technology & Analytics Solutions      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 5,534 4,858 4,486
Technology & Analytics Solutions | Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 2,610 2,413 2,370
Technology & Analytics Solutions | Europe and Africa      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 2,282 1,844 1,543
Technology & Analytics Solutions | Asia-Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 642 601 573
Research & Development Solutions      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 7,556 5,760 5,788
Research & Development Solutions | Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 3,887 2,680 2,693
Research & Development Solutions | Europe and Africa      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 1,899 1,667 1,734
Research & Development Solutions | Asia-Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 1,770 1,413 1,361
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 784 741 814
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions | Americas      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 351 326 399
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions | Europe and Africa      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues 176 184 200
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions | Asia-Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Total revenues $ 257 $ 231 $ 215
v3.22.0.1
Revenues by Geography, Concentration of Credit Risk and Remaining Performance Obligations - Credit Risk (Detail) - Geographic Concentration Risk - Revenue
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
United States      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Concentration risk 34.00% 35.00% 45.00%
United Kingdom      
Disaggregation of Revenue      
Concentration risk   10.00% 10.00%
v3.22.0.1
Revenues by Geography, Concentration of Credit Risk and Remaining Performance Obligations - Future Obligations (Detail)
$ in Billions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue  
Revenue expected to be recognized in future from remaining performance obligations $ 27.2
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2022-01-01  
Disaggregation of Revenue  
Percentage of remaining performance obligations on which revenue is expected to be recognized 35.00%
Unearned income recognition period 12 months
v3.22.0.1
Trade Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income - Trade Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]    
Billed $ 1,275 $ 1,181
Unbilled services 1,309 1,263
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services 2,584 2,444
Allowance for doubtful accounts (33) (34)
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net $ 2,551 $ 2,410
v3.22.0.1
Trade Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income - Schedule of Net Contract Assets (Liabilities) (Detail)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Unbilled services  
Unbilled services, beginning balance $ 1,263
Change 46
Unbilled services, ending balance 1,309
Unearned income  
Unearned income, beginning balance (1,252)
Change (573)
Unearned income, ending balance (1,825)
Net balance, beginning balance 11
Decrease of net balance of unbilled services and unearned income (527)
Net balance, ending balance $ (516)
v3.22.0.1
Trade Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Services and Unearned Income - Additional Information (Detail)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Receivables [Abstract]  
Unbilled receivables (percentage) 62.00%
Contract assets (percentage) 38.00%
Increase in unbilled services $ 46
Increase in unearned income 573
Decrease of net balance of unbilled services and unearned income $ (527)
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 88 $ 84
NQ Fund III    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 7 7
NQ Fund IV    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 12 8
NQ Fund V    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 22 17
NQ PE Fund I    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 7 3
NostraData Pty Ltd. (“NostraData”)    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 18 18
Inteliquet (“Inteliquet”)    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 0 16
Helparound ("Helparound")    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 3 3
Longwood Fund V, L.P. ("Longwood")    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 3 1
Other    
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates    
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 16 $ 11
v3.22.0.1
Investments - Summary of Investments in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities and Estimated Maximum Exposure to Loss (Detail) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs $ 24,689,000,000 $ 24,564,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary    
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 56,000,000  
Maximum Exposure to Loss 104,000,000  
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | NQ Fund III    
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 7,000,000  
Maximum Exposure to Loss 12,000,000  
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | NQ Fund IV    
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 12,000,000  
Maximum Exposure to Loss 14,000,000  
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | NQ Fund V    
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 22,000,000  
Maximum Exposure to Loss 51,000,000  
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | NQ PE Fund I    
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 7,000,000  
Maximum Exposure to Loss 8,000,000  
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Longwood    
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 3,000,000  
Maximum Exposure to Loss 10,000,000  
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Other    
Variable Interest Entity    
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 5,000,000  
Maximum Exposure to Loss $ 9,000,000  
v3.22.0.1
Derivatives - Additional Information (Detail)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Country
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
Country
Jun. 04, 2020
USD ($)
Mar. 27, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jul. 19, 2018
USD ($)
interestRateSwap
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures              
Gains related to contracts $ 0 $ 5,000,000          
Losses related to contracts 3,000,000 0          
Foreign exchange losses related to net investment hedge 475,000,000 (561,000,000)       $ 97,000,000  
Foreign currency unrealized loss expected to be reclassified in the next 12 months 23,000,000            
Foreign currency denominated debt              
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures              
Borrowings, net of original issue discount $ 5,929,000,000   € 5,227        
Minimum              
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures              
Number of countries | Country 100   100        
Foreign Exchange Risk              
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures              
Notional amount $ 110,000,000 $ 70,000,000          
2018 Swaps              
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures              
Notional amount             $ 500,000,000
Number of interest rate contracts | interestRateSwap             2
Derivative fixed interest rate             3.00%
Interest rate swaps              
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures              
Notional amount       $ 300,000,000 $ 1,000,000,000    
Derivative fixed interest rate       0.54% 0.56%    
Interest rate swap, fixed interest rate debt percent 63.00%   63.00%        
Interest rate swaps, variable rate debt percent 37.00%   37.00%        
v3.22.0.1
Derivatives - Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges (Detail) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Jun. 04, 2020
Mar. 27, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value        
Assets $ 4,000,000 $ 5,000,000    
Liabilities 27,000,000 56,000,000    
Interest rate swaps        
Derivatives, Fair Value        
Notional     $ 300,000,000 $ 1,000,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Other current assets and liabilities | Foreign exchange forward contracts        
Derivatives, Fair Value        
Assets 0 5,000,000    
Liabilities 3,000,000 0    
Notional 110,000,000 70,000,000    
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Other assets and liabilities | Interest rate swaps        
Derivatives, Fair Value        
Assets 4,000,000 0    
Liabilities 24,000,000 55,000,000    
Notional 1,800,000,000 1,800,000,000    
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Other liabilities | Interest rate swaps        
Derivatives, Fair Value        
Assets 0 0    
Liabilities 0 1,000,000    
Notional $ 0 $ 356,000,000    
v3.22.0.1
Derivatives - Pre-tax Effect of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments on Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures      
Effect of cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss) $ 27 $ (27) $ (20)
Foreign exchange forward contracts      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures      
Effect of cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss) (8) 1 2
Interest rate derivatives      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures      
Effect of cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss) $ 35 $ (28) $ (22)
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Percentage accrued of maximum consideration payments to become payable 72.00%  
Identifiable intangible assets $ 4,943 $ 5,205
Level 1 and Level 2    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Fair value of total debt 12,255 $ 12,746
Level 3 | Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Total 18,374  
Cost and equity method investments 130  
Goodwill 13,301  
Identifiable intangible assets $ 4,943  
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Assets:    
Marketable securities $ 111 $ 88
Derivatives 4 5
Recurring    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 145 122
Derivatives 4 5
Total 149 127
Liabilities:    
Derivatives 27 56
Contingent consideration 76 119
Total 103 175
Level 1 | Recurring    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 145 122
Derivatives 0 0
Total 145 122
Liabilities:    
Derivatives 0 0
Contingent consideration 0 0
Total 0 0
Level 2 | Recurring    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 0 0
Derivatives 4 5
Total 4 5
Liabilities:    
Derivatives 27 56
Contingent consideration 0 0
Total 27 56
Level 3 | Recurring    
Assets:    
Marketable securities 0 0
Derivatives 0 0
Total 0 0
Liabilities:    
Derivatives 0 0
Contingent consideration 76 119
Total $ 76 $ 119
v3.22.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Contingent Consideration - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation      
Balance as of January 1 $ 119 $ 113 $ 123
Business combinations 39 47 40
Contingent consideration paid (39) (22) (46)
Revaluations included in earnings and foreign currency translation adjustments (43) (19) (4)
as of December 31 $ 76 $ 119 $ 113
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment - Summary of Major Classes of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment    
Property and equipment, gross $ 1,262 $ 1,155
Less accumulated depreciation (765) (673)
Property and equipment, net 497 482
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment    
Property and equipment, gross 376 351
Equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment    
Property and equipment, gross 745 657
Furniture and fixtures    
Property, Plant and Equipment    
Property and equipment, gross 72 76
Transportation equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment    
Property and equipment, gross $ 69 $ 71
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment -Schedule of Property and Equipment Depreciation Expense (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Depreciation expense $ 147 $ 134 $ 128
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Identifiable intangible assets $ 4,943,000,000 $ 5,205,000,000  
Estimated amortization expense, 2022 826,000,000    
Estimated amortization expense, 2023 748,000,000    
Estimated amortization expense, 2024 651,000,000    
Estimated amortization expense, 2025 546,000,000    
Estimated amortization expense, 2026 409,000,000    
Goodwill impairment losses $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Summary of Amortization Expense Associated with Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Amortization expense $ 1,117 $ 1,153 $ 1,074
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:    
Gross Amount $ 10,286 $ 9,706
Accumulated Amortization (5,343) (4,519)
Net Amount 4,943 5,187
Trade name    
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:    
Indefinite-lived other identifiable intangible assets: 0 18
Client relationships and backlog    
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:    
Gross Amount 5,193 5,095
Accumulated Amortization (2,024) (1,745)
Net Amount 3,169 3,350
Trademarks, trade name and other    
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:    
Gross Amount 550 544
Accumulated Amortization (241) (212)
Net Amount 309 332
Databases    
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:    
Gross Amount 1,889 1,930
Accumulated Amortization (1,853) (1,629)
Net Amount 36 301
Software and related assets    
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:    
Gross Amount 2,637 2,109
Accumulated Amortization (1,213) (915)
Net Amount 1,424 1,194
Non-compete agreements    
Definite-lived other identifiable intangible assets:    
Gross Amount 17 28
Accumulated Amortization (12) (18)
Net Amount $ 5 $ 10
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill    
Beginning Balance $ 12,654 $ 12,159
Business combinations 1,060 115
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other (413) 380
Ending Balance 13,301 12,654
Technology & Analytics Solutions    
Goodwill    
Beginning Balance 10,864 10,374
Business combinations 874 86
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other (401) 404
Ending Balance 11,337 10,864
Research & Development Solutions    
Goodwill    
Beginning Balance 1,646 1,646
Business combinations 160 29
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other (4) (29)
Ending Balance 1,802 1,646
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions    
Goodwill    
Beginning Balance 144 139
Business combinations 26 0
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other (8) 5
Ending Balance $ 162 $ 144
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expenses (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Compensation, including bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes $ 946 $ 852
Restructuring 30 53
Interest 56 55
Client contract related 884 849
Professional fees 102 92
Contingent consideration and deferred purchase price 31 59
Other 311 272
Total $ 2,360 $ 2,232
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements - Summary of Credit Facilities (Detail) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Aug. 13, 2021
Aug. 12, 2021
Revolving credit facility      
Line of Credit Facility      
Interest Rate Description LIBOR in the relevant currency borrowed plus a margin of 1.25% as of December 31, 2021    
USD Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facility      
Line of Credit Facility      
Facility $ 1,500,000,000    
USD Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facility | LIBOR      
Line of Credit Facility      
Rate 1.25%    
Receivables financing facility due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.00%      
Line of Credit Facility      
Interest Rate Description LIBOR Market Index Rate (0.10% as of December 31, 2021) plus 0.90%    
Facility   $ 550,000,000 $ 300,000,000
Receivables financing facility due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.00% | Line of Credit      
Line of Credit Facility      
Facility $ 110,000,000    
Rate 0.10%    
Receivables financing facility due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.00% | Line of Credit | LIBOR      
Line of Credit Facility      
Interest rate spread on base rate 0.90%    
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements - Summary of Debt (Detail)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 03, 2021
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 24, 2020
EUR (€)
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 12,185   $ 12,600  
Less: unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (60)   (67)  
Less: current portion (91)   (149)  
Long-term debt, less current portion $ 12,034   12,384  
Due in 2028 | 2.875% Senior Notes | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt | €       € 711,000,000
Rate 2.875%      
USD | Revolving credit facility | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 100   0  
Average floating rate 1.35%      
USD | Due in 2022 | Receivables Financing Facility | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 0   240  
USD | Due in 2023 | Senior Secured Facilities, Term A Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt 0   728  
USD | Due in 2023 | Senior Secured Facilities, Term A Loan 2 | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt 0   766  
USD | Due in 2024 | Senior Secured Facilities, Term B Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 510   535  
Average floating rate 1.85%      
USD | Due in 2024 | Senior Secured Additional Term B Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Average floating rate 1.00%      
USD | Due in 2024 | Receivables Financing Facility | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 550   0  
USD | Due in 2025 | Senior Secured Facilities, Term B Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 670   726  
Average floating rate 1.85%      
USD | Due in 2025 | Senior Secured Additional Term B Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 860   926  
Average floating rate 1.97%      
USD | Due in 2026 | Senior Secured Term A Loan At One Point Thirty Three Percent | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 1,415   0  
Average floating rate 1.47%      
USD | Due in 2026 | Senior Secured Term A Loan At One Point Twenty Five Pecent | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 351   0  
USD | Due in 2026 | 5.0% Senior Notes | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 1,050   1,050  
Rate 5.00%      
USD | Due in 2027 | 5.0% Senior Notes | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 1,100   1,100  
Rate 5.00%      
EUR | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt | €   € 1,450,000,000    
EUR | Due in 2023 | Senior Secured Facilities, Term A Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 0   400  
EUR | Due in 2024 | Senior Secured Facilities, Term B Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 1,242   1,413  
Average floating rate 2.00%      
EUR | Due in 2025 | Senior Secured Additional Term B Loan | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 592   697  
Average floating rate 2.00%      
EUR | Due in 2025 | 2.875% Senior Notes | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 476   515  
Rate 2.875%      
EUR | Due in 2025 | 3.25% Senior Notes due 2025—Euro denominated | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 0   1,748  
Rate 3.25%      
EUR | Due in 2026 | Senior Secured Term A Loan At One Point Twenty Five Pecent | LIBOR        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Average floating rate 1.25%      
EUR | Due in 2026 | 1.75% Senior Notes due 2026 | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 624 550,000,000 0  
Rate 1.75%      
EUR | Due in 2028 | 2.875% Senior Notes | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 807   872  
Rate 2.875%      
EUR | Due in 2028 | 2.250% Senior Notes due 2029—Euro denominated | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 817   883  
Rate 2.25%      
EUR | Due in 2029 | 2.250% Senior Notes due 2029—Euro denominated | Senior Notes        
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:        
Principal amount of debt $ 1,021 € 900,000,000 $ 0  
Rate 2.25%      
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements - Contractual Maturities of Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Contractual Maturities    
2022 $ 91  
2023 91  
2024 2,392  
2025 2,690  
2026 3,178  
Thereafter 3,743  
Principal amount of debt $ 12,185 $ 12,600
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements - Senior Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Sep. 14, 2021
Aug. 25, 2021
Mar. 11, 2020
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Loss on extinguishment of debt       $ 26,000,000 $ 13,000,000 $ 24,000,000
Principal amount of debt       12,185,000,000 12,600,000,000  
Repayment of debt       2,091,000,000 864,000,000 $ 899,000,000
Senior Secured Facilities, Term A Loan            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Loss on extinguishment of debt   $ 2,000,000        
Senior Secured Facilities, Term B Loan            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Repayments of debt $ 250,000,000          
Senior Secured Credit Facilities            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Facility       7,140,000,000 7,692,000,000  
Principal amount of debt       5,740,000,000 6,192,000,000  
Available borrowing capacity       1,400,000,000 1,496,000,000  
Current borrowing capacity       1,500,000,000    
Senior Secured Credit Facilities | Standby Letters of Credit            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Available borrowing capacity         $ 4,000,000  
Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Available in US Dollars, Euro, Swiss Francs, And Other Foreign Currencies            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Current borrowing capacity       600,000,000    
Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Available in US Dollars, Euro, Swiss Francs, And Other Foreign Currencies | USD            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Current borrowing capacity       675,000,000    
Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Available In US Dollars And Yen            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Current borrowing capacity       $ 225,000,000    
TLA - 2 Loans | Secured Debt            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Facility     $ 900,000,000      
Repayment of debt     $ 100,000,000      
TLA - 2 Loans | Secured Debt | LIBOR            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate spread on base rate     1.00%      
TLA - 2 Loans | Secured Debt | Minimum | LIBOR            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate spread on base rate     1.50%      
TLA - 2 Loans | Secured Debt | Maximum | LIBOR            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate spread on base rate     2.25%      
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements - Senior Notes (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Mar. 03, 2021
EUR (€)
Jun. 24, 2020
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt     $ 12,185 $ 12,600  
Loss on extinguishment of debt     26 13 $ 24
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes due 2026 | Due in 2026          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Redemption premium percentage 0.875%        
Debt Instrument, Redemption Premium Percentage, Early Redemption Rate 0.00%        
Senior Notes | 2.250% Senior Notes due 2029—Euro denominated | Due in 2029          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Redemption premium percentage 1.125%        
Debt Instrument, Redemption Premium Percentage, Early Redemption Rate 0.00%        
Senior Notes | 3.25% Senior Notes due 2025—Euro denominated | Due in 2025          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt     $ 24    
Senior Notes | 2.875% Senior Notes | Due in 2028          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt | €   € 711,000,000      
Rate     2.875%    
Senior Notes | 2.875% Senior Notes | Due in 2028 | Maximum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Redemption premium percentage   1.438%      
Senior Notes | 2.875% Senior Notes | Due in 2028 | Minimum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Redemption premium percentage   0.00%      
EUR | Senior Notes          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt | € € 1,450,000,000        
EUR | Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes due 2026 | Due in 2026          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt 550,000,000   $ 624 0  
Rate     1.75%    
EUR | Senior Notes | 2.250% Senior Notes due 2029—Euro denominated | Due in 2029          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt € 900,000,000   $ 1,021 0  
Rate     2.25%    
EUR | Senior Notes | 2.250% Senior Notes due 2029—Euro denominated | Due in 2028          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt     $ 817 883  
Rate     2.25%    
EUR | Senior Notes | 3.25% Senior Notes due 2025—Euro denominated | Due in 2025          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt     $ 0 1,748  
Rate     3.25%    
EUR | Senior Notes | 2.875% Senior Notes | Due in 2025          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt     $ 476 515  
Rate     2.875%    
EUR | Senior Notes | 2.875% Senior Notes | Due in 2028          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount of debt     $ 807 $ 872  
Rate     2.875%    
EUR | Senior Notes | 2.25% Senior Notes due 2028—Euro denominated | Due in 2028          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Rate     3.50%    
v3.22.0.1
Credit Arrangements - Receivables Financing Facility (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Aug. 13, 2021
Aug. 12, 2021
Receivables financing facility due 2024—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 1.00%    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Facility $ 550 $ 300
Accounts Receivable Financing Facility, Term Loan | Bankruptcy-remote Special Purpose Entity ("SPE")    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term Line of Credit 440  
Accounts Receivable Financing Facility, Revolving Loan Commitment | Bankruptcy-remote Special Purpose Entity ("SPE")    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term Line of Credit $ 110  
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description      
Total lease cost $ 194 $ 215 $ 193
Selling, general and administrative expenses      
Lessee, Lease, Description      
Operating lease cost 184 209 193
Depreciation and amortization, and Interest expense      
Lessee, Lease, Description      
Finance Lease Costs $ 10 $ 6 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Other Information Related to Leases (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:      
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 175 $ 211 $ 195
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:      
Operating leases 81 109 $ 96
Finance leases $ 44 $ 119  
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:      
Operating leases 4 years 6 months 10 days 4 years 6 months 29 days 5 years 3 days
Finance leases 21 years 3 months 10 days 24 years  
Weighted Average Discount Rate:      
Operating leases 3.36% 3.78% 4.22%
Finance leases 2.70% 3.18%  
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-cancellable Leases (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases    
2022 $ 143  
2023 114  
2024 86  
2025 70  
2026 33  
Thereafter 48  
Total future minimum lease payments 494  
Less imputed interest (41)  
Total 453  
Other current liabilities $ 140  
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position Other current liabilities  
Operating lease liabilities $ 313 $ 371
Total 453  
Finance Leases    
2022 10  
2023 10  
2024 10  
2025 10  
2026 10  
Thereafter 201  
Total future minimum lease payments 251  
Less imputed interest (65)  
Total 186  
Other current liabilities $ 9  
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position Other current liabilities  
Other liabilities $ 177  
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position Other liabilities  
Total $ 186  
v3.22.0.1
Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)
May 24, 2019
medical_doctor
Sep. 11, 2017
medical_doctor
Sep. 11, 2017
private_individual
Mar. 13, 2017
USD ($)
Feb. 23, 2015
employees
private_individual
Feb. 13, 2014
medical_doctor
Feb. 13, 2014
private_individual
Feb. 13, 2014
Defendant
KPIC                
Loss Contingencies                
Number of plaintiffs 247 280 200     1,200 900  
Number of defendants | Defendant               2
Seoul Central District Prosecutors                
Loss Contingencies                
Number of plaintiffs | private_individual         24      
Number of defendants | employees         2      
Minimum | Veeva                
Loss Contingencies                
Amount of damages claimed | $       $ 200,000,000        
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 10, 2022
Apr. 01, 2021
Feb. 13, 2020
Aug. 31, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Oct. 30, 2013
Class of Stock                          
Preferred stock, authorized (shares)           1,000,000              
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share)           $ 0.01              
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)           0 0            
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)           0 0            
Repurchase of stock, value           $ 406,000,000 $ 433,000,000 $ 963,000,000          
Common stock, par value (usd per share)           $ 0.01 $ 0.01            
Quest | Q2 Solutions                          
Class of Stock                          
Percentage of voting interest acquired   40.00%                      
Voting interest acquired, consideration   $ 758,000,000                      
Q2 Solutions | Quest                          
Class of Stock                          
Percentage of Quest's non-controlling interest in Q2 Solutions   100.00%                      
Secondary Public Offering                          
Class of Stock                          
Common stock held by Selling Stockholders underwritten (shares)         5,000,000                
Repurchase of stock (shares)         1,000,000                
Repurchase of stock, value         $ 140,800,000                
Equity Repurchase Program                          
Class of Stock                          
Equity repurchase program authorized amount                         $ 125,000,000
Equity repurchase program increase in authorized amount               $ 2,000,000,000.0 $ 1,500,000,000 $ 2,000,000,000.0 $ 1,500,000,000 $ 600,000,000  
Equity available for repurchase under the repurchase program           $ 500,000,000              
Equity Repurchase Program | Subsequent Event                          
Class of Stock                          
Equity repurchase program authorized amount $ 9,725,000,000                        
Equity repurchase program increase in authorized amount 2,000,000,000                        
Equity available for repurchase under the repurchase program $ 2,500,000,000                        
Other Equity Repurchases                          
Class of Stock                          
Common stock held by Selling Stockholders underwritten (shares)     5,000,000 5,000,000                  
Aggregate number of shares authorized to be repurchased (shares)     1,000,000 1,000,000                  
Common stock, par value (usd per share)     $ 0.01 $ 0.01                  
Common stock sold by Selling Stockholders underwritten (shares)     4,000,000 4,000,000                  
v3.22.0.1
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Share Repurchases Made Both Under and Outside of Repurchase Program (Detail) - Equity Repurchase Under and Outside of Repurchase Program - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Class of Stock      
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares) 1.7 2.7 6.6
Aggregate purchase price $ 395 $ 423 $ 945
Average price per share (in usd per share) $ 238.22 $ 155.63 $ 143.02
v3.22.0.1
Business Combinations - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Assets acquired:      
Goodwill $ 13,301 $ 12,654 $ 12,159
Several Individually Immaterial Acquisitions      
Assets acquired:      
Cash and cash equivalents 40 10  
Other assets 75 22  
Goodwill 1,060 115  
Other identifiable intangibles 576 101  
Liabilities assumed:      
Other liabilities (62) (9)  
Deferred income taxes, long-term (147) (5)  
Net assets acquired 1,542 234  
Contingent consideration and deferred payments $ 44 $ 47  
v3.22.0.1
Business Combinations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Several Individually Immaterial Acquisitions    
Business Acquisition    
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount $ 503 $ 99
v3.22.0.1
Business Combinations - Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination (Details) - Several Individually Immaterial Acquisitions - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition    
Total Other identifiable intangibles $ 576 $ 101
Customer relationships    
Business Acquisition    
Total Other identifiable intangibles 393 90
Non-compete agreements    
Business Acquisition    
Total Other identifiable intangibles 2 2
Software and related assets    
Business Acquisition    
Total Other identifiable intangibles 133 8
Trade name    
Business Acquisition    
Total Other identifiable intangibles $ 31 1
Backlog    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 2 years  
Total Other identifiable intangibles $ 17 $ 0
Minimum | Customer relationships    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 10 years  
Minimum | Non-compete agreements    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 3 years  
Minimum | Software and related assets    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 3 years  
Minimum | Trade name    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 3 years  
Maximum | Customer relationships    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 18 years  
Maximum | Non-compete agreements    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 5 years  
Maximum | Software and related assets    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 8 years  
Maximum | Trade name    
Business Acquisition    
Amortization Period 15 years  
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]      
Restructuring costs $ 20 $ 52 $ 75
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring - Summary of Amounts Recorded for Restructuring Plans (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring Reserve    
Restructuring reserves, beginning balance $ 53 $ 67
Expense, net of reversals 20 52
Payments (41) (68)
Foreign currency translation and other (2) 2
Restructuring reserves, ending balance 30 53
Severance and Related Costs    
Restructuring Reserve    
Restructuring reserves, beginning balance 51 64
Expense, net of reversals 20 52
Payments (40) (67)
Foreign currency translation and other (1) 2
Restructuring reserves, ending balance 30 51
Exit Costs    
Restructuring Reserve    
Restructuring reserves, beginning balance 2 3
Expense, net of reversals 0 0
Payments (1) (1)
Foreign currency translation and other (1) 0
Restructuring reserves, ending balance $ 0 $ 2
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Components of Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Examination      
Total before income taxes $ 1,128 $ 373 $ 352
Domestic      
Income Tax Examination      
Total before income taxes (73) (649) (504)
Foreign      
Income Tax Examination      
Total before income taxes $ 1,201 $ 1,022 $ 856
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense Attributable to Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current expense:      
Federal and state $ 16 $ 0 $ 11
Foreign 293 244 248
Total 309 244 259
Deferred (benefit) expense:      
Federal and state (106) (161) (109)
Foreign (40) (11) (34)
Total (146) (172) (143)
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 163 $ 72 $ 116
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Examination        
Tax benefit related to FDII and GILTI tax credits $ 29      
Tax expense related to final regulation on foreign tax credits 9      
Favorable tax impact   $ 26    
Tax expense (benefit) related to FDII     $ (25)  
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries 4,260      
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowances (12)      
Valuation allowance 294 306    
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits 116 118 120 $ 94
Addition/(Reduction) of interest and penalties recorded 0 3 $ 2  
Accrued interest and penalties 19 $ 21    
Federal, State And Foreign        
Income Tax Examination        
Tax credit and tax loss carryforwards, tax effect 631      
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits 22      
Foreign Tax        
Income Tax Examination        
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits 21      
Indefinite Carryforward Period | Federal, State And Foreign        
Income Tax Examination        
Tax credit and tax loss carryforwards, tax effect 22      
Earliest Tax Year | Federal, State And Foreign        
Income Tax Examination        
Tax credit and tax loss carryforwards, tax effect $ 609      
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate $ 237 $ 78 $ 74
State and local income taxes, net of federal effect 2 19 0
Research and development (14) (14) (21)
United States taxes recorded on foreign earnings (29) 2 9
Tax contingencies 3 (5) 27
Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) (34) (8) 20
Foreign rate differential 17 25 26
Equity compensation (23) (29) (14)
Non-taxable gain on acquisition adjustment 0 6 (5)
Non-controlling interest 0 (5) (6)
Other 4 3 6
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 163 $ 72 $ 116
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Income Tax Effects of Temporary Differences from Continuing Operations that Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Income Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred income tax assets:    
Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards $ 212 $ 231
Tax credit carryforwards 375 369
Accrued expenses and unearned income 59 54
Employee benefits 212 228
Lease liability 92 139
Foreign exchange on debt instruments 0 143
U.S. interest expense limitation 62 75
Other 64 64
Total deferred income tax assets 1,076 1,303
Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets (294) (306)
Total deferred income tax assets (net of valuation allowance) 782 997
Deferred income tax liabilities:    
Amortization and depreciation (898) (1,038)
Lease right-of-use assets (81) (133)
Foreign exchange on debt instruments (36) 0
Other (53) (50)
Total deferred income tax liabilities (1,068) (1,221)
Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (286) $ (224)
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits      
Beginning balance $ 118 $ 120 $ 94
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 7 5 5
Additions for income tax positions of prior years 16 15 33
Impact of changes in exchange rates (3) 3 0
Settlements with tax authorities (2) (2) (1)
Reductions for income tax positions of prior years (11) (16) (6)
Reductions due to the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (9) (7) (5)
Ending balance $ 116 $ 118 $ 120
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Years Open for Examination (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
United States | Earliest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2017
United States | Latest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2020
India | Earliest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2006
India | Latest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2021
Japan | Earliest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2019
Japan | Latest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2020
United Kingdom | Earliest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2019
United Kingdom | Latest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2020
Switzerland | Earliest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2016
Switzerland | Latest Tax Year  
Schedule Of Income Taxes  
Open tax year 2020
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Changes in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Pension Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
United States      
Change in plan assets:      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 455    
Business combinations 0    
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 524 $ 455  
Non-United States Plans      
Change in plan assets:      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 475    
Business combinations 3 0  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 494 475  
Pension Benefits | United States      
Change in benefit obligation:      
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year 481 401  
Service costs 14 13 $ 12
Interest cost 11 12 14
Actuarial losses (7) 65  
Business combinations 0 0  
Benefits paid (11) (10)  
Contributions 0 0  
Amendments 0 0  
Settlements 0 0  
Foreign currency fluctuations and other 0 0  
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 488 481 401
Change in plan assets:      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 455 401  
Actual return on plan assets 76 61  
Contributions 4 3  
Benefits paid (11) (10)  
Settlements 0 0  
Foreign currency fluctuations and other 0 0  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 524 455 401
Funded status 36 (26)  
Pension Benefits | Non-United States Plans      
Change in benefit obligation:      
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year 693 591  
Service costs 29 29 25
Interest cost 6 8 9
Actuarial losses (25) 60  
Business combinations 4 0  
Benefits paid (23) (18)  
Contributions 2 2  
Amendments (2) (1)  
Settlements (7) (7)  
Foreign currency fluctuations and other (25) 29  
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 652 693 591
Change in plan assets:      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 475 418  
Actual return on plan assets 26 38  
Contributions 26 27  
Benefits paid (23) (18)  
Settlements (7) (7)  
Foreign currency fluctuations and other (6) 17  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 494 475 $ 418
Funded status $ (158) $ (218)  
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets Related to the Pension Benefit Plans (Detail) - Pension Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Deposits and other assets $ 83 $ 23
Accrued expenses 3 2
Other liabilities 44 47
United States | Actuarial Net (Gain) Loss    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
AOCI 29 (21)
Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Deposits and other assets 39 7
Accrued expenses 10 15
Other liabilities 187 210
Non-United States Plans | Actuarial Net (Gain) Loss    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
AOCI $ (24) $ (65)
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Accumulated Benefit Obligation For Pension Benefit Plans (Detail) - Pension Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
United States    
Defined Contribution And Defined Benefit Plans    
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 482 $ 474
Non-United States Plans    
Defined Contribution And Defined Benefit Plans    
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 608 $ 654
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - Pension Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 50 $ 52
Fair value of plan assets 5 5
Projected benefit obligation 52 53
Fair value of plan assets 5 5
Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Accumulated benefit obligation 222 572
Fair value of plan assets 67 384
Projected benefit obligation 282 610
Fair value of plan assets $ 85 $ 386
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - Pension Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
United States      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Service cost $ 14 $ 13 $ 12
Interest cost 11 12 14
Expected return on plan assets (32) (30) (25)
Amortization of actuarial losses 0 0 0
Curtailment gain 0 0 0
Settlement gain 0 0 0
Net periodic benefit cost (7) (5) 1
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:      
Actuarial (gain) loss – current years (50) 34 (2)
Prior service cost - current year 0 0 0
Curtailment gain - current year 0 0 0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (50) 34 (2)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (57) 29 (1)
Non-United States Plans      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Service cost 29 29 25
Interest cost 6 8 9
Expected return on plan assets (20) (18) (16)
Amortization of actuarial losses 1 1 0
Curtailment gain 0 0 (5)
Settlement gain 1 0 0
Net periodic benefit cost 17 20 13
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:      
Actuarial (gain) loss – current years (39) 35 32
Prior service cost - current year (2) 0 0
Curtailment gain - current year 0 0 5
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (41) 35 37
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ (24) $ 55 $ 50
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Benefit Obligations (Detail) - Pension Benefits
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
United States      
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost      
Discount rate 2.84% 3.52% 4.42%
Rate of compensation increases 3.00% 3.00% 3.00%
Expected return on plan assets 7.23% 7.42% 7.67%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation      
Discount rate 3.08% 2.84%  
Rate of compensation increases 3.00% 3.00%  
Non-United States Plans      
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost      
Discount rate 1.00% 1.45% 1.99%
Rate of compensation increases 2.55% 2.78% 4.54%
Expected return on plan assets 3.92% 3.91% 4.02%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation      
Discount rate 1.42% 1.02%  
Rate of compensation increases 2.57% 2.55%  
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Defined Contribution Plans And Defined Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Company's assumed health care cost trend rate for the next seven years 7.00%    
Company's assumed ultimate health care cost trend rate 4.50%    
Year in which ultimate cost trend rate is assumed to reach 2027    
Expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year $ 33    
Expenses related to matching contributions $ 60 $ 48 $ 56
U.S. Government Treasury Bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Investment credit term 30 years    
Cash balance crediting rate as a portion of yield 8.3333%    
Cash balance credit rate percentage 0.25%    
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Pension Plan Weighted Average Asset Allocations (Detail) - Pension Benefits
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 100.00% 100.00%
United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 100.00% 100.00%
Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 100.00% 100.00%
Equity securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 56.65% 56.62%
Equity securities | Minimum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 45.00%  
Equity securities | Maximum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 65.00%  
Equity securities | United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 71.13% 71.15%
Equity securities | Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 41.29% 42.69%
Debt securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 24.03% 21.94%
Debt securities | Minimum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 10.00%  
Debt securities | Maximum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 30.00%  
Debt securities | United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 23.72% 23.88%
Debt securities | Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 24.36% 20.08%
Real estate    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 2.65% 2.43%
Real estate | Minimum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 0.00%  
Real estate | Maximum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 5.00%  
Real estate | United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 5.15% 4.97%
Real estate | Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 0.00% 0.00%
Other    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 16.67% 19.02%
Other | Minimum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 10.00%  
Other | Maximum    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets 30.00%  
Other | United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 0.00% 0.00%
Other | Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations 34.35% 37.23%
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
United States    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $ 146 $ 126
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV") 378 329
Total 524 455
United States | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 146 126
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV") 0 0
Total 146 126
United States | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 0 0
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV") 0 0
Total 0 0
United States | Domestic equities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 34 29
United States | Domestic equities | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 34 29
United States | Domestic equities | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 0 0
United States | International equities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 10 9
United States | International equities | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 10 9
United States | International equities | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 0 0
United States | Corporate bonds    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 75 65
United States | Corporate bonds | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 75 65
United States | Corporate bonds | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 0 0
United States | Real estate    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 27 23
United States | Real estate | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 27 23
United States | Real estate | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 0 0
Non-United States Plans    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 358 352
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV") 136 123
Total 494 475
Non-United States Plans | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 7 6
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV") 0 0
Total 7 6
Non-United States Plans | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 351 346
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV") 0 0
Total 351 346
Non-United States Plans | International equities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 57 69
Non-United States Plans | International equities | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 1 3
Non-United States Plans | International equities | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 56 66
Non-United States Plans | Debt issued by national, state or local government    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 121 96
Non-United States Plans | Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 3 3
Non-United States Plans | Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 118 93
Non-United States Plans | Investments funds    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 10 10
Non-United States Plans | Investments funds | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 0 0
Non-United States Plans | Investments funds | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 10 10
Non-United States Plans | Insurance contracts    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 160 171
Non-United States Plans | Insurance contracts | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 0 0
Non-United States Plans | Insurance contracts | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 160 171
Non-United States Plans | Other    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 10 6
Non-United States Plans | Other | Level 1    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 3 0
Non-United States Plans | Other | Level 2    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $ 7 $ 6
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments, Net of Expected Participants Contributions for Pension Benefits (Detail) - Pension Benefits
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure  
2022 $ 44
2023 44
2024 47
2025 49
2026 54
Years 2027 through 2031 283
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments, Total $ 521
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Stock Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Stock-based compensation $ 170.0 $ 95.0 $ 146.0
Recognized future income tax benefit 26.0 14.0 22.0
Unrecognized non-vested stock-based compensation $ 149.0    
Weighted average period of stock-based compensation 11 months 19 days    
Expiry period of options from grant date 10 years    
Weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding 2 years 8 months 12 days    
Aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable stock options and the stock options expected to vest $ 86.0    
Stock Options      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Total intrinsic value of options exercised 29.0 120.0 124.0
Proceeds from options exercised $ 7.0 25.0 36.0
At End Of Three Year Period      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 100.00%    
Stock Incentive Plan      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Number of shares available for future grant 10,000,000    
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Intrinsic value of shares exercised $ 81.0 73.0 $ 47.0
Weighted average remaining contractual life of equity instruments other than options outstanding 6 years 8 months 12 days    
Weighted average remaining contractual life of equity instruments other than options exercisable 5 years 9 months 18 days    
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable expected to vest $ 625.0    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 632.0 $ 282.0  
Number of stock units outstanding (shares) 3,954,893 4,241,342  
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled | Second Anniversary of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 33.33%    
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled | Third Anniversary Of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 33.33%    
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled | First Anniversary of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 33.33%    
Performance Awards      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Number of stock units outstanding 670,160 786,165  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 189.0    
Fair value of Stock Appreciation Rights granted $ 202.66    
Restricted Stock Units - Stock Settled      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Number of stock units outstanding 820,786 573,090  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 232.0    
Number of days for stock units to settle in common stock from vesting date 45 days    
Fair value of Stock Appreciation Rights granted $ 196.91    
Restricted Stock Units - Stock Settled | Second Anniversary of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 50.00%    
Restricted Stock Units - Stock Settled | Third and Fourth Anniversary of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 25.00%    
Stock Appreciation Rights - Cash Settled      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Weighted average remaining contractual life of equity instruments other than options outstanding 3 years 6 months    
Weighted average remaining contractual life of equity instruments other than options exercisable 3 years 1 month 6 days    
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable expected to vest $ 28.0    
Fair value of Stock Appreciation Rights granted $ 216.87 $ 112.10 $ 99.27
Cash paid to settle exercised SARs $ 1.0 $ 4.0 $ 7.0
Restricted Stock Units - Cash Settled      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 3.5    
Number of stock units outstanding (shares) 12,319    
Restricted Stock Units - Cash Settled | Third Anniversary Of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 100.00%    
Restricted Stock Awards | Second Anniversary of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 25.00%    
Restricted Stock Awards | Third Anniversary Of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 25.00%    
Restricted Stock Awards | Fourth Anniversary Of Grant Date      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award      
Percentage of options granted per annum 50.00%    
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Estimate Value of Stock-Based Compensation for Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Issued (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used      
Expected volatility, Minimum 27.00% 23.00% 23.00%
Expected volatility, Maximum 31.00% 31.00% 24.00%
Weighted average expected volatility 29.00% 23.00% 23.00%
Expected dividends 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum 0.28% 0.17% 1.55%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum 1.40% 1.41% 2.56%
Minimum      
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used      
Expected term (in years) 3 years 7 months 6 days 3 years 2 months 12 days 3 years 8 months 12 days
Maximum      
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used      
Expected term (in years) 6 years 7 months 6 days 6 years 2 months 12 days 6 years 8 months 12 days
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Number of Options    
Beginning balance (shares) 532,627  
Exercised (shares) (160,966)  
Ending balance (shares) 371,661  
Weighted Average Exercise Price    
Beginning balance (usd per share) $ 48.42  
Exercised (usd per share) 40.88  
Ending balance (usd per share) $ 51.69  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 86 $ 70
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled And Cash Settled Activity (Detail) - Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Number of Stock Appreciation Rights    
Shares outstanding, beginning (shares) 4,241,342  
Granted (shares) 494,929  
Exercised (shares) (695,195)  
Canceled (shares) (86,183)  
Shares outstanding, ending (shares) 3,954,893  
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Weighted Average Grant Price [Abstract]    
Outstanding, beginning balance (usd per share) $ 112.66  
Granted (usd per share) 184.96  
Exercised (usd per share) 103.06  
Canceled (usd per share) 152.10  
Outstanding, ending balance (usd per share) $ 122.54  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 632 $ 282
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Performance Award Activity (Detail) - Performance Awards
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
$ / shares
shares
Nonvested Other than Options  
Beginning balance (shares) | shares 786,165
Granted (shares) | shares 248,019
Additional goal achievement shares (shares) | shares 303,128
Vested (shares) | shares (631,215)
Canceled (shares) | shares (35,937)
Ending balance (shares) | shares 670,160
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]  
Beginning Balance (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 136.96
Granted (usd per share) | $ / shares 202.66
Additional goal achievement shares (usd per share) | $ / shares 104.29
Vested (usd per share) | $ / shares 103.96
Canceled (usd per share) | $ / shares 168.49
Ending balance (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 175.89
v3.22.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Units - Stock Settled And Cash Settled Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units - Stock Settled
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
$ / shares
shares
Nonvested Other than Options  
Beginning balance (shares) 573,090
Granted (shares) 536,199
Vested (shares) (214,084)
Canceled (shares) (74,419)
Ending balance (shares) 820,786
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]  
Beginning Balance (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 143.23
Granted (usd per share) | $ / shares 196.91
Vested (usd per share) | $ / shares 128.85
Canceled (usd per share) | $ / shares 170.29
Ending balance (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 179.59
Director Deferral Plan  
Nonvested Other than Options  
Granted (shares) 1,017
v3.22.0.1
Property, Equipment and Software by Geography - Property, Equipment and Software, Net, by Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Long Lived Assets Geographic    
Total property, equipment and software, net $ 1,921 $ 1,676
Americas    
Long Lived Assets Geographic    
Total property, equipment and software, net 1,642 1,445
United States    
Long Lived Assets Geographic    
Total property, equipment and software, net 1,573 1,379
Other    
Long Lived Assets Geographic    
Total property, equipment and software, net 69 66
Europe and Africa    
Long Lived Assets Geographic    
Total property, equipment and software, net 218 161
Asia-Pacific    
Long Lived Assets Geographic    
Total property, equipment and software, net $ 61 $ 70
v3.22.0.1
Segments - Additional Information (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of reportable segments 3
v3.22.0.1
Segments - Operations by Reportable Segments (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information      
Revenues $ 13,874 $ 11,359 $ 11,088
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 9,233 7,500 7,300
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,964 1,789 1,734
Depreciation and amortization (1,264) (1,287) (1,202)
Restructuring costs (20) (52) (75)
Income from operations 1,393 731 777
Technology & Analytics Solutions      
Segment Reporting Information      
Revenues 5,534 4,858 4,486
Research & Development Solutions      
Segment Reporting Information      
Revenues 7,556 5,760 5,788
Contract Sales & Medical Solutions      
Segment Reporting Information      
Revenues 784 741 814
Operating Segments      
Segment Reporting Information      
Segment profit 3,009 2,321 2,294
Operating Segments | Technology & Analytics Solutions      
Segment Reporting Information      
Revenues 5,534 4,858 4,486
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 3,278 2,900 2,663
Selling, general and administrative expenses 798 742 722
Segment profit 1,458 1,216 1,101
Operating Segments | Research & Development Solutions      
Segment Reporting Information      
Revenues 7,556 5,760 5,788
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 5,303 3,974 3,936
Selling, general and administrative expenses 777 738 711
Segment profit 1,476 1,048 1,141
Operating Segments | Contract Sales & Medical Solutions      
Segment Reporting Information      
Revenues 784 741 814
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 652 626 701
Selling, general and administrative expenses 57 58 61
Segment profit 75 57 52
General corporate and unallocated      
Segment Reporting Information      
Selling, general and administrative expenses 332 251 240
Segment profit $ (332) $ (251) $ (240)
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share - Reconciles the Basic to Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Net income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc. $ 966 $ 279 $ 191
Denominator:      
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 191.4 191.3 195.1
Effect of dilutive stock options and share awards (in shares) 3.6 3.7 4.5
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 195.0 195.0 199.6
Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 5.05 $ 1.46 $ 0.98
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 4.95 $ 1.43 $ 0.96
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Detail) - shares
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares) 0.1 2.4 2.0
v3.22.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Summary of Components of AOCI (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity      
Beginning Balance $ 6,001    
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest, net of tax (710)    
Ending Balance 6,042 $ 6,001  
Income Taxes      
Beginning Balance 323 156 $ 177
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (139) 170 (21)
Reclassification adjustments (4) (3) 0
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest 0    
Ending Balance 180 323 156
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, Total (203) 96 (86)
Reclassification adjustments, Total 12 10 (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity      
Beginning Balance (205) (311) (224)
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest, net of tax (10)    
Ending Balance (406) (205) (311)
Foreign Currency Translation      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity      
Beginning Balance (395) (430) (419)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (165) 35 (11)
Reclassification adjustments 0 0 0
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest, net of tax (10)    
Ending Balance (570) (395) (430)
Derivative Instrument      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity      
Beginning Balance (48) (21) (1)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 11 (40) (19)
Reclassification adjustments 16 13 (1)
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest, net of tax 0    
Ending Balance (21) (48) (21)
Defined Benefit Plans      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity      
Beginning Balance (85) (16) 19
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 90 (69) (35)
Reclassification adjustments 0 0 0
Acquisition of Quest's non-controlling interest, net of tax 0    
Ending Balance $ 5 $ (85) $ (16)
v3.22.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Summary of Adjustments for (Gains) Losses Reclassified from AOCI into Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Affected Financial Statement Line Item (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income      
Total before income taxes $ (16) $ (13) $ 1
Income taxes (4) (3) 0
Total net of income taxes (12) (10) 1
Interest rate swaps | Interest expense      
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income      
Total before income taxes (21) (13) 0
Foreign exchange forward contracts | Revenues      
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income      
Total before income taxes 5 1 (5)
Foreign exchange forward contracts | Other income, net      
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income      
Total before income taxes $ 0 $ (1) $ 6
v3.22.0.1
Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:      
Interest paid $ 343 $ 399 $ 421
Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ 222 $ 209 $ 215
v3.22.0.1
Schedule I - Condensed Statements of Income And Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions      
Net income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc. $ 966 $ 279 $ 191
Comprehensive income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc. 775 385 104
Parent Company      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions      
Equity in earnings of subsidiary 966 279 191
Net income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc. 966 279 191
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiary, net of tax (191) 106 (87)
Comprehensive income attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc. $ 775 $ 385 $ 104
v3.22.0.1
Schedule I - Condensed Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,366 $ 1,814
Total current assets 4,763 5,090
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 24,689 24,564
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Total liabilities 18,647 18,284
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 shares authorized as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $0.01 par value, 255.8 shares issued and 190.6 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021; 254.7 shares issued and 191.2 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 10,777 11,095
Retained earnings 2,243 1,277
Treasury stock, at cost, 65.2 and 63.5 shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (6,572) (6,166)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (406) (205)
Equity attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc.’s stockholders 6,042 6,001
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 24,689 24,564
Parent Company    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 2 1
Total current assets 2 1
Investment in subsidiary 9,667 9,666
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs 9,669 9,667
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Investment in subsidiary 3,625 3,664
Payable to subsidiary 2 2
Total liabilities 3,627 3,666
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 shares authorized as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $0.01 par value, 255.8 shares issued and 190.6 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021; 254.7 shares issued and 191.2 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 10,777 11,095
Retained earnings 2,243 1,277
Treasury stock, at cost, 65.2 and 63.5 shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (6,572) (6,166)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (406) (205)
Equity attributable to IQVIA Holdings Inc.’s stockholders 6,042 6,001
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 9,669 $ 9,667
v3.22.0.1
Schedule I - Condensed Balance Sheets -Narrative (Detail) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions    
Common stock, shares authorized 400,000,000.0 400,000,000.0
Common stock, par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued (shares) 255,800,000 254,700,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 190,600,000 191,200,000
Treasury stock, shares 65,200,000 63,500,000
Parent Company    
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions    
Common stock, shares authorized 400,000,000.0 400,000,000.0
Common stock, par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued (shares) 255,800,000 254,700,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 190,600,000 191,200,000
Treasury stock, shares 65,200,000 63,500,000
v3.22.0.1
Schedule I - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Operating activities:      
Net income $ 971 $ 308 $ 227
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,942 1,959 1,417
Investing activities:      
Net cash used in investing activities (2,103) (796) (1,190)
Financing activities:      
(Payments) proceeds related to employee stock option plans (59) (44) 11
Repurchase of common stock (406) (447) (949)
Intercompany with subsidiary 0 (13) (18)
Net cash used in financing activities (1,235) (217) (276)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (448) 977 (54)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,814 837 891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,366 1,814 837
Parent Company      
Operating activities:      
Net income 966 279 191
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:      
Equity in earnings of subsidiary (966) (279) (191)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Other operating assets and liabilities (1) 0 0
Net cash provided by operating activities (1) 0 0
Investing activities:      
Investment in subsidiary, net of dividends received 467 477 951
Net cash used in investing activities 467 477 951
Financing activities:      
(Payments) proceeds related to employee stock option plans (59) (44) 11
Repurchase of common stock (406) (434) (963)
Intercompany with subsidiary 0   3
Intercompany with subsidiary   (1)  
Net cash used in financing activities (465) (479) (949)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1 (2) 2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1 3 1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 2 $ 1 $ 3
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Schedule I - Additional Information (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Parent Company  
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions  
Minimum percentage of restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries of consolidated net assets 25.00%
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Schedule I - Dividends Paid (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Nov. 30, 2021
Oct. 31, 2021
Sep. 30, 2021
Aug. 31, 2021
Jul. 31, 2021
Jun. 30, 2021
May 31, 2021
Apr. 30, 2021
Mar. 31, 2021
Feb. 28, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Feb. 29, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Nov. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
May 31, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Feb. 28, 2019
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Parent                                                      
Dividends Payable                                                      
Cash dividend paid to parent company $ 57 $ 89 $ 60 $ 36 $ 35 $ 25 $ 20 $ 23 $ 4 $ 51 $ 70 $ 81 $ 20 $ 2 $ 44 $ 333 $ 13 $ 255 $ 74 $ 239 $ 94 $ 140 $ 141 $ 3 $ 470 $ 480 $ 959
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Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves      
Balance at Beginning of Year $ 306 $ 266 $ 226
Additions Charged to Expenses 1 40 40
Additions Charged to Other Accounts 0 0 0
Additions (Deductions) (13) 0 0
Balance at End of Year $ 294 $ 306 $ 266