Core Thesis - Globant S.A. has faced significant challenges leading to a slowdown in growth, but retains capabilities and a diversified client base that may support recovery in the medium term [2][3][4] Company Overview - Founded in 2003 during Argentina's economic crisis, Globant has evolved from a small startup to a global leader in digital services, achieving an NYSE IPO in 2014 [2] - The company has served high-profile clients such as Google, Electronic Arts, and Santander, and has developed an innovative operating model centered around "Studios" and "Pods" for agile project delivery [2] Financial Performance - As of September 22, 2023, Globant's share price was $57.49, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 23.47 and 9.16, respectively [1] - In Q2 2023, revenues grew only 4.5% year-on-year, indicating a significant slowdown compared to previous growth rates [3] Industry Challenges - The company faces industry-wide pressures including economic uncertainty and post-pandemic normalization, which have impacted growth [3] - Generative AI presents both opportunities for efficiency and challenges by potentially reducing demand for human coders and compressing profit margins [3] - Increased competition from firms like EPAM, Endava, Accenture, and TCS, which are investing heavily in AI capabilities, has eroded Globant's competitive differentiation [3] Strategic Considerations - Despite current challenges, Globant's reputation for delivering high-value digital transformation projects and its diversified client base may support a recovery [4] - Long-term differentiation and adaptation to AI-driven changes are critical for the company's future success and investor confidence [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Alger Spectra Fund's second-quarter 2025 investor letter indicates a significant rebound in equities after a challenging first quarter, with the fund's Class A shares outperforming the Russell 3000 Growth Index [1]. Group 1: Fund Performance - The Alger Spectra Fund's Class A shares outperformed the Russell 3000 Growth Index in Q2 2025 [1]. - The equities market showed a significant rebound in Q2 2025 following a difficult first quarter [1]. Group 2: Company Focus - Globant S.A. - Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) is a Luxembourg-based technology services company that focuses on digital transformation through software solutions, AI, and cloud services [3]. - In Q2 2025, Globant S.A. reported revenues of $614.2 million, reflecting a 4.5% year-over-year growth [5]. - The stock of Globant S.A. experienced a one-month return of -14.30% and a 52-week loss of 70.76%, closing at $57.49 per share with a market capitalization of $2.53 billion on September 22, 2025 [2][5]. Group 3: Performance Challenges - Globant S.A.'s performance was negatively impacted by weaker-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results, with revenue growth missing analyst estimates [3]. - The revenue shortfall was attributed to clients delaying discretionary IT and digital transformation projects due to macroeconomic uncertainty, particularly in North America [3]. - Management noted that the slowdown in non-essential corporate spending was a primary factor affecting new bookings and revenue growth [3]. Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest - Globant S.A. was held by 26 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, a decrease from 31 in the previous quarter [5].

Core Viewpoint - Globant has formed a global partnership with Unity to deliver advanced interactive technologies across various industries, including automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership Details - As a Unity Service Partner, Globant will leverage Unity's real-time 3D technology and digital asset management solutions to enhance product development, optimize operations, and improve customer engagement [2][3]. - The collaboration will focus on creating digital twins for manufacturing, immersive training tools for healthcare, and advanced visualization platforms for automotive and industrial clients [2][4]. Group 2: Training and Development - A key aspect of the partnership includes a comprehensive training initiative where Globant will certify its engineers and designers on Unity's platform, ensuring access to a large pool of Unity-trained technologists [3][4]. - Ongoing investment in talent development and annual recertification will keep Globant's teams at the forefront of innovation using the Unity platform [3]. Group 3: Market Expansion - The partnership will extend across North America, EMEA, and APAC, utilizing Globant's delivery centers and market expertise to scale Unity-powered solutions globally [5]. - This collaboration aims to support Unity's expansion into new commercial markets by integrating Unity products into enterprise technology stacks and co-developing tailored solutions for clients [2][5]. Group 4: Company Background - Globant is a digitally native company with over 31,200 employees across 35 countries, recognized as a leader in AI services and media consultation [6][11]. - Unity provides a suite of tools for creating interactive experiences across various platforms, including mobile, PC, and extended reality [9].

Core Viewpoint - Globant is currently experiencing a prolonged period of weakness in its stock performance, as indicated by its position in the Adhishthana cycle, particularly in Phase 16 of 18 phases [1][10]. Monthly Chart Analysis - On the monthly chart, Globant is in Phase 3, characterized by the Adhishthana Yajña formation, which has seen the stock decline approximately 72% from its peak of $238 to $66 [2]. - The decline can be traced back to Phase 2, which consists of two distinct parts, where the stock initially showed significant bullish sentiment, rising by 425% during the Sankhya period, only to be punished in the Buddhi period [5][3]. Weekly Chart Analysis - The weekly chart indicates that Globant is in Phase 16, progressing through the Guna Triads, which are critical for determining the potential for achieving Nirvana in Phase 18 [7][10]. - There has been no indication of bullish sentiment (Satoguna) in Phases 14, 15, or 16, suggesting a low likelihood of reaching Nirvana in Phase 18, which begins in June next year [10][11]. Investor Outlook - The stock is under pressure in both monthly and weekly cycles, with expectations of retesting the Phase 2 low near $46 before any potential rebound [11]. - The absence of Satoguna across the triads implies that any future movements are likely to be characterized by slump and consolidation rather than a sustained recovery [11].

Core Insights - Globant S.A. (GLOB) reported Q2 2025 non-GAAP EPS of $1.53, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52, and up from $1.51 in the prior-year quarter [1] - Revenues for the quarter reached $614.2 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $613 million, marking a 4.5% year-over-year increase [1] Financial Performance - The company had a record pipeline of $3.7 billion, a 25% increase from the previous year, indicating strong growth potential in AI-driven opportunities [3][9] - Adjusted net income for the period was $69.7 million, reflecting a 4.2% year-over-year increase [11] - Non-IFRS adjusted gross margin remained flat at 38.1%, while the adjusted profit from operations margin slightly decreased to 15% from 15.1% [11] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from Media and Entertainment decreased by 8.3% year over year to $122 million [6] - Technology & Telecommunications revenues fell by 9.8% year over year to $56.2 million [6] - Travel & Hospitality revenues increased by 24.6% year over year to $79.8 million [6] - Banks, Financial Services, and Insurance revenues rose by 21% year over year to $126.6 million [7] - Healthcare revenues increased by 3.5% year over year to $43.8 million [10] Customer Base - As of June 30, 2025, GLOB served 981 customers, with 339 clients generating over $1 million in annual revenues, up from 329 the previous year [5] - The top five customers accounted for 20.3% of total revenues, while the top ten customers contributed 29.3% [5] Guidance and Outlook - For Q3 2025, GLOB expects revenues of at least $615 million, reflecting a 0.1% year-over-year growth [13] - For the full year 2025, the company anticipates revenues of at least $2.445 billion, representing a 1.2% year-over-year growth, revised down from an earlier projection of $2.464 billion [14]

Core Viewpoint - Globant's recent financial report indicates that while the company is optimistic about future growth driven by AI, current performance metrics show only modest improvements, leading to investor disappointment [1][3][6]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $614.2 million, a 5% increase from $587.5 million in Q2 2024, exceeding expectations [2]. - Adjusted earnings per share rose to $1.53, a 1% increase from $1.51 in the previous year, also beating expectations [2]. - Adjusted gross profit margin remained unchanged at 38.1%, while adjusted operating margin slightly decreased to 15% from 15.1% [2]. AI and Future Prospects - The company is focusing on generative AI adoption, with initiatives like AI Pods and AI Studios, but acknowledges that significant work remains to realize the full potential of these technologies [4]. - Globant's sales pipeline reached an all-time high of $3.7 billion, indicating strong future sales potential as more clients seek AI-driven solutions [5]. Market Reaction - Following the quarterly report, Globant's stock fell by 7%, reflecting investor dissatisfaction with the sales and earnings results, which did not meet high expectations for growth [6]. - Guidance for Q3 projects sales of $615 million, representing only a 0.1% year-over-year growth, and fiscal 2025 expectations of at least $2.445 billion, a mere 1.2% increase from 2024 [7]. Investor Sentiment - Investors remain skeptical about Globant's ability to return to a growth trajectory similar to its performance in 2021, with 2025 proving challenging for shareholders [8]. - There is still potential for Globant to capitalize on the generative AI boom, but shareholder patience is waning, necessitating a stronger performance from the company [9].

Group 1 - U.S. stock futures showed mixed results, with Dow futures gaining approximately 300 points on Friday [1] - Applied Materials reported third-quarter revenue of $7.3 billion, exceeding analyst estimates of $7.22 billion, and adjusted earnings of $2.48 per share, surpassing estimates of $2.36 per share [1] - Applied Materials anticipates fourth-quarter revenue of $6.7 billion, with a variance of $500 million, compared to estimates of $7.33 billion, and adjusted earnings expected between $1.91 and $2.31 per share, against estimates of $2.39 per share [2] Group 2 - Applied Materials shares fell 14.7% to $160.51 in pre-market trading following the weak fourth-quarter guidance [2] - Other companies experiencing declines in pre-market trading include Gambling.com Group Limited, which dropped 13.4% to $8.98, and Globant S.A., which fell 11.8% to $68.75 due to lower FY25 sales guidance [4] - Sandisk Corporation reported strong fourth-quarter earnings but still saw a decline of 11.1% to $41.50 in pre-market trading, despite expecting first-quarter revenue between $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion, above estimates of $1.99 billion [4]

Core Insights - Soros Fund Management reported a total market value of $7.97 billion for Q2 2025, up from $6.70 billion in the previous quarter, reflecting a 19% increase [1][2] - The fund added 80 new stocks and increased holdings in 60 stocks, while reducing positions in 45 stocks and completely selling out of 87 stocks [1][2] Holdings Overview - The top ten holdings account for 28.11% of the total market value [1][2] - The largest position is in SPDR S&P 500 ETF put options (SPY.US, PUT) with approximately 537,500 shares valued at about $332 million, representing 4.17% of the portfolio, a significant increase of 168.75% from the previous quarter [3][4] - Other notable holdings include Smurfit WestRock (SW.US) with 7.48 million shares valued at approximately $323 million (4.05% of the portfolio) and First Solar call options (FSLR.US, CALL) with 1.64 million shares valued at about $271 million (3.40% of the portfolio) [3][4] Buying and Selling Activity - The top five purchases by percentage change in portfolio include Invesco QQQ Trust call options (QQQ.US, CALL), SPDR S&P 500 ETF put options (SPY.US, PUT), and Globant (GLOB.US) notes [4][6] - The top five sales by largest value include AstraZeneca (AZN.US), iShares 20+ Year Treasury ETF call options (TLT.US, CALL), and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY.US) [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Globant reported quarterly earnings of $1.53 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 per share, and showing a slight increase from $1.51 per share a year ago, indicating a positive earnings surprise of +0.66% [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $614.18 million for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.19% and reflecting a year-over-year increase from $587.46 million [2] - Over the last four quarters, Globant has exceeded consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates twice [2] Stock Performance - Globant shares have declined approximately 62.8% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a 10% gain in the S&P 500 [3] - The stock's immediate price movement will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and future earnings expectations [3][4] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.55, with expected revenues of $621.53 million, while the estimate for the current fiscal year is $6.14 on $2.47 billion in revenues [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Globant was favorable ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) for the stock, suggesting it is expected to outperform the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Internet - Software and Services industry, to which Globant belongs, is currently ranked in the top 33% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for stocks within this sector [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was €614.2 million, representing a 4.5% year-over-year growth, with a 1% growth in organic constant currency and 0.5% sequential growth [7][32] - Non-IFRS adjusted operating margin was 15% for the quarter, maintaining stability despite foreign exchange headwinds [32] - Non-IFRS adjusted diluted EPS for the quarter was $1.53, an increase from $1.51 in the previous year [32] - Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $2.9 million, an improvement from negative $28 million in the same period last year [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The AI Pods model has gained traction, with 18 clients adopting the subscription model, contributing significantly to pipeline growth [10][41] - The company reported 49 clients generating over €10 million in annual revenue, up from 39 a year ago [20] - The revenue mix is diverse, with North America accounting for 54.1%, Latin America 19.7%, Europe 19.6%, and new markets 6.6% [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America remains the largest market, but Latin America showed strong recovery with new records in bookings [18][19] - Europe is the fastest-growing region, up 8.1% sequentially, with major wins in aviation and financial services [19] - New markets grew 84% year-over-year, with the Middle East leading this surge [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on AI-driven solutions and has launched a new go-to-market strategy centered around AI industry studios and the 100 square accounts [34] - A business optimization plan was executed, resulting in a reduction of approximately 1,000 employees (3% of the workforce) to align with strategic priorities [35] - The company aims to ensure structural agility to compete effectively in an evolving landscape while delivering strong results for shareholders [8][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macro environment has extended sales cycles, but they remain optimistic about converting the pipeline into signed work [7][50] - The company expects revenue for 2025 to be at least $2.445 billion, representing 1.2% year-over-year growth [38] - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the recovery in North America and Latin America, with signs of stabilization and growth [72][74] Other Important Information - The company has strengthened its position in the robotics and AI ecosystem by investing in InOrbit, enhancing capabilities in advanced orchestration of robotic systems [17] - A multiyear collaboration with OpenAI and a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services were announced to enhance AI adoption [15][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the AI-based delivery model and subscription clients - Management confirmed that 18 clients have adopted the subscription model, which has been well received and is generating significant pipeline growth [41][44] Question: Discussion on optimization progress and headcount reduction - Management indicated that additional reductions are expected in Q3, with most of the optimization plan already implemented [52][53] Question: Performance of the creative pillar relative to other studios - Management noted that the creative pillar has been growing nicely and is not expected to be significantly impacted by AI [56][60] Question: Stickiness of the enterprise AI platform compared to traditional engagements - Management stated that the enterprise AI platform is becoming essential for clients, enhancing engagement and reducing churn [66][68] Question: Details on larger deals in the pipeline - Management highlighted significant deals in the financial services and healthcare sectors in the US, indicating a positive trend in the pipeline [71][72] Question: Assumptions around revised growth outlook and conservatism - Management explained that the revised guidance reflects stabilization in Latin America and a positive outlook for the US market [77][78] Question: North American deceleration and pipeline conversion trends - Management acknowledged a sequential decline in North America but expressed optimism about pipeline growth and deal closures [94][95]