Core Insights - The article revisits Infosys Limited, an Indian IT services and consulting company, after a two-year interval, indicating a focus on providing objective, data-driven research primarily on small- to mid-cap companies while also considering large-cap firms for a broader market perspective [1] Company Overview - Infosys Limited is recognized for its IT services and consulting offerings, which are critical in the current digital transformation landscape [1] Market Context - The analysis reflects a trend where small- to mid-cap companies are often overlooked by investors, suggesting potential investment opportunities in these segments [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses Infosys Limited, an Indian IT services and consulting company, highlighting its performance and market position over the past two years [1]. Company Overview - Infosys Limited is noted for providing IT services and consulting, with a focus on small- to mid-cap companies, while also occasionally analyzing large-cap companies to provide a broader market perspective [1].

Core Insights - Railway Metrics and Dynamics (RMD) has secured a contract with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) for a precision positioning service for railway vehicles, valued at Skr10.5 million ($1.11 million) annually [1][2] Group 1: Contract Details - The contract includes a service package that covers product supply, installation, communications, management, and support, with an initial term until December 31, 2030, and an option for a two-year extension [2] - The positioning service will utilize RMD's Performance Monitoring Unit integrated with RTK-GPS technology, installed in locomotives to provide real-time location data [2] Group 2: Operational Impact - The positioning data will enhance response times and accuracy during rail traffic incidents, support safety measures during wildlife incidents, and may be utilized at unattended crossings in the future [3] - Each railway company is required to rent one unit for every locomotive in operation, allowing train operators and vehicle owners to access the service through a call-off process [3] Group 3: Company Profile - RMD is a Swedish IT firm specializing in real-time analysis and monitoring platforms for transportation and infrastructure, with technology initially developed for the rail sector [4] - The CEO of RMD expressed satisfaction with the contract, highlighting its positive impact on market position and safety in rail traffic [4] Group 4: Related Developments - In October 2024, Hector Rail, a Scandinavian rail freight operator, began testing RMD's Digital Surveillance Camera System, aimed at reducing hazardous tasks for personnel [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IT services revenue for Q2 FY 2026 was $2.6 billion, with a sequential growth of 0.3% in constant currency and a year-on-year decline of 2.6% [6][18] - Adjusted operating margin for the quarter was 17.2%, an improvement of 0.4% compared to the same period last year [6][19] - Net income and EPS grew by 1% year on year, while operating cash flows remained higher than net income at 104% for Q2 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas One grew 0.5% sequentially and 5% year on year, while Americas Two declined 2% sequentially and 5% year on year [20] - Europe reported a sequential growth of 1.4% but a year-on-year decline of 10.2% [21] - APMEA grew 3.1% sequentially and 2.6% year on year, with strong performance in India, Australia, and Southeast Asia [21] - BFSI sector showed sequential growth of 2%, driven by Europe and APMEA [85] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The healthcare sector is undergoing structural changes, impacting performance, but remains a strong performer for the company [9][88] - Consumer, energy, and manufacturing sectors are facing tariff uncertainties, leading to reevaluation of supply chains [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on AI adoption and vendor consolidation as key strategies for growth [9][10] - Wipro Intelligence, a unified suite of AI-powered platforms, is being introduced to enhance client capabilities [13][14] - The company aims to maintain operational discipline while converting a strong backlog into revenue [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in future growth, particularly in BFSI, as large deals begin to ramp up [30][31] - The company anticipates a sequential IT services revenue growth of -0.5% to +1.5% in constant currency for Q3 [16][24] - Management acknowledged headwinds from large deal ramp-ups and seasonal factors affecting Q3 performance [35] Other Important Information - The Harman Digital Transformation Solutions acquisition is expected to close in the upcoming quarter, but revenues from this acquisition are not included in current guidance [24] - The company is actively investing in growth, which may pressure margins in the short term [19][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on deal to revenue conversion and future growth - Management noted that large deal wins in BFSI are expected to ramp up in Q3, contributing to future growth [28][29] Question: Margin outlook and transition costs - Management indicated that while there are headwinds from large deals, operational improvements and currency fluctuations have positively impacted margins [32][34] Question: Sustainability of year-on-year growth in line with peers - Management expressed confidence in sustaining growth, focusing on executing deal wins and maintaining a robust pipeline [50][52] Question: Clarity on renewal deals and their impact - Management clarified that renewal deals are a mix of renewals and expansions, with some deflationary pressures expected [95][96] Question: Impact of bankruptcy on revenue - Management confirmed that there was no impact on Q2 revenue from the bankruptcy provision made [99]

Financial Performance - IT Services revenue reached $26043 million in Q2 FY25-26[6], showing a sequential growth of 03% in constant currency[6] and a year-over-year decline of 26% in constant currency[9] - The adjusted operating margin for IT Services was 172%[2, 11], after accounting for a $131 million provision related to a customer bankruptcy[11] - Total Bookings reached $4688 million[2, 6], while Large Deal TCV amounted to $2853 million[2, 6], representing a 905% year-over-year increase in constant currency[2] - Operating Cash Flow was $382 million[2] Strategic Market Units and Sectors - Americas 1 accounted for 330% of the Strategic Market Units mix[2, 6] - Americas 2 accounted for 296% of the Strategic Market Units mix[2, 6] - Europe accounted for 263% of the Strategic Market Units mix[2, 6] - APMEA accounted for 111% of the Strategic Market Units mix[2, 6] - Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sector contributed 343% to the sector mix[2, 6] Outlook and Other Metrics - The company anticipates IT Services revenue to be in the range of $2591 million to $2644 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2025[3], which translates to a sequential guidance of (-)05% to (+)15% in constant currency terms[3] - The total headcount was 235,492[4] - Net utilization (excluding trainees) stood at 864%[4, 7] - Offshore revenue accounted for 602% of services revenue[4, 8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported a revenue growth of 2.2% sequentially and 2.9% year-on-year in constant currency terms for Q2 FY 2026 [4][8] - Operating margins expanded by 20 basis points sequentially, reaching 21% [10][11] - Free cash flow stood at $1.1 billion, representing 131% of net profit, marking the sixth consecutive quarter above 100% [10][11] - Earnings per share (EPS) in rupee terms grew by 13% year-on-year to INR 17.6 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Financial services and manufacturing verticals grew above 5% year-on-year in constant currency for both Q2 and H1 [9][13] - The company signed 23 large deals during the quarter, with significant contributions from financial services and manufacturing [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe experienced growth greater than 5% year-on-year in constant currency terms [9] - The company added 8,000 employees during the quarter, bringing total headcount to 332,000 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a revenue growth guidance of 2%-3% for the financial year, with operating margin guidance remaining at 20%-22% [7][17] - Strategic focus on AI capabilities has positioned the company as a leading enterprise AI services provider, with over 2,500 generative AI projects [18][20] - The company is pursuing a joint venture with Versant in Australia, which is expected to close later this year [7][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong client focus on deploying AI for growth and cost-efficiency programs [4][5] - The company anticipates seasonal factors impacting growth in H2, with lower working days and higher furloughs expected [88] - Management expressed confidence in navigating the changing visa landscape through localization and nearshoring strategies [52][54] Other Important Information - The company announced an INR 18,000 crore buyback through a tender route at INR 1,800 per share, expected to be completed in Q3 [12] - The board approved an interim dividend of INR 23, which is 9.5% higher than the previous year's interim dividend [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Partnerships with companies building AI capabilities - Management confirmed ongoing partnerships with companies building AI capabilities, focusing on modernization as a significant growth opportunity [30][34] Question: Large deal margins and comfort level - Management stated that while they do not disclose margins separately, they maintain a disciplined approach to large deals to ensure margin profiles are preserved [36] Question: Changes in smaller deal activity - Management indicated no significant changes in smaller deal activity, with a consistent pipeline [39] Question: Impact of H1B visa changes on business model - Management noted that while there is no immediate change, the long-term model will adapt with increased localization and nearshoring [52][54] Question: AI's impact on revenue growth profile - Management highlighted that AI presents both growth opportunities and efficiency improvements, but the current focus is on cost reduction due to economic conditions [69][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q2 FY26 grew 2.2% sequentially and 2.9% year-on-year in constant currency terms, with quarterly revenues crossing $5 billion and $10 billion for the half year [3][6] - Operating margins expanded by 20 basis points sequentially to 21%, with H1 margins at 20.9% compared to 21.1% in H1 FY25 [7][9] - Free cash flow stood at $1.1 billion, representing 131% of net profit, marking the sixth consecutive quarter above 100% [8][9] - Earnings per share (EPS) in rupee terms grew by 13% year-on-year to INR 17.6 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Financial services and manufacturing verticals grew above 5% year-on-year in constant currency terms for both Q2 and H1 [7][11] - The company signed 23 large deals during the quarter, with significant contributions from financial services, manufacturing, communication, and retail sectors [10][11] - The manufacturing segment faced trade and macro uncertainties, impacting discretionary spending, particularly in the automotive sector [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Four of the five large industry verticals and three of the four geographies grew year-on-year in constant currency terms [3] - Europe experienced growth greater than 5% year-on-year in constant currency terms [7] - The deal pipeline remains strong, with a focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency across various sectors [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has revised its revenue growth guidance for the financial year to 2% to 3% in constant currency terms, maintaining operating margin guidance at 20% to 22% [5][14] - Infosys is positioning itself as a leading enterprise AI services provider, with a focus on AI-driven initiatives and modernization projects [4][15] - The strategic approach includes a joint venture with Versent in Australia, aimed at enhancing service capabilities [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macro uncertainties and highlighted strong client demand for AI and modernization initiatives [11][14] - The company anticipates seasonal factors impacting growth in H2, with lower working days and potential furloughs [14][68] - Management noted that while there is uncertainty in the environment, the overall pipeline and signing remain strong [11][44] Other Important Information - The company added 8,000 employees during the quarter, with a total headcount of 332,000 [8] - Cash and investments totaled $6.2 billion at the end of the quarter, with a yield on cash balance of 6.98% [9] - The company announced an INR 18,000 crore buyback plan and an interim dividend of INR 23, reflecting a 9.5% increase from the previous year [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Partnerships with companies building AI capabilities - Management confirmed ongoing partnerships with companies expanding AI capabilities, focusing on modernization as a significant growth opportunity [28][30] Question: Large deal margins and comfort level - Management stated that while they do not disclose margins separately, they maintain a disciplined approach to large deals to ensure margin profiles are preserved [31] Question: Smaller deal activity and average sizes - Management indicated no significant changes in smaller deal activity, with a consistent structure in deal sizes [33][34] Question: Impact of H1B visa changes on business model - Management noted that while there is uncertainty, they have been working on localization strategies to adapt to changes in the visa landscape [44][45] Question: AI's impact on revenue growth profile - Management highlighted that AI presents both growth opportunities and efficiency improvements, with a focus on cost reduction in the current economic environment [55][56] Question: Seasonal softness and employee additions - Management explained that the addition of employees was driven by demand visibility, despite anticipated seasonal softness in H2 [74]

Core Viewpoint - HPE shares have declined sharply due to lower guidance for the next fiscal year, with a strategic shift towards higher growth and margin areas, particularly in cloud and artificial intelligence [1] Financial Guidance - HPE has provided a strong earnings per share and free cash flow guidance, with a commitment to generate over $3.5 billion in free cash flow by 2028, driven by operating profit expansion of 11% to 17% over the next three years [6][7] - The company expects revenue growth between 17% and 23% on a reported basis, with operating profit expansion between 10% and 18% [8][10] Shareholder Returns - More than 75% of cash generated by 2028 will be returned to shareholders, including a 10% increase in dividends and an additional $3 billion share buyback authorization [7][13][15] - The total authorization for share buybacks has been increased to $3.7 billion, with plans to pay down $4 billion of debt to achieve a leverage ratio of two times EBITDA [15] Strategic Focus - HPE's strategy revolves around three pillars: networking, cloud, and AI, with a significant portion of operating profit expected to come from the networking business [10][11] - The company aims to compete in the Neo clouds and sovereign space, emphasizing the importance of networking infrastructure to support AI and GPU demands [12][16] Market Positioning - HPE is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for AI and supercomputing technologies, with unique offerings such as direct liquid cooling [12][13] - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined approach to working capital in the AI sector, where margins are currently low [16][17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue growth of 2.2% sequentially and 2.9% year-on-year in constant currency terms for Q2 [2][3] - Operating margin was reported at 21% [3] - The revenue growth guidance for the financial year was revised to 2% to 3% in constant currency terms, while the operating margin guidance remains at 20% to 22% for the full year [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Large deals amounted to $3.1 billion, with 67% being new or net new work [3] - The company added 8,000 employees during the quarter [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted in manufacturing and financial services, while retail continues to face constraints [10][21] - The company has seen good traction in its client base, particularly in financial services and manufacturing [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on deploying AI across enterprises for growth and cost efficiency [3][16] - There is a strong emphasis on scaling the team of forward-deployed engineers to support AI initiatives [3] - The company is actively looking at further acquisitions to enhance capabilities in various sectors [14][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged the uncertain global environment but expressed confidence in the guidance due to good traction observed [9][21] - The company is adapting to changes in the macroeconomic environment, with a focus on cost optimization and automation [29] Other Important Information - The company is strengthening its nearshore centers and local hiring strategies in response to stricter H-1B visa norms [44][46] - The recent mega deal worth $1.6 billion is with the UK NHS, focusing on a complete transformation supported by AI technologies [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on guidance and industry recovery - The management explained that the guidance reflects a typical seasonal pattern, with the second half of the year being slower than the first half, and noted good performance in manufacturing and financial services despite constraints in retail [9][10] Question: H-1B visa concerns - The management stated that the majority of employees in the U.S. do not require Infosys immigration support and emphasized a focus on local hiring and nearshore strategies [11][12][64] Question: AI revenue quantification - The management acknowledged the interest in AI projects and indicated that they are scaling up efforts in enterprise AI, but did not provide specific revenue figures [16][20] Question: Project Maximus impact - The management reported that Project Maximus has continued to deliver margin expansion despite headwinds, contributing positively to the operating margin [26] Question: Client contribution changes - The management noted that changes in client contributions are marginal and attributed them to project ramp-ups and ramp-downs [32] Question: Acquisitions and growth outlook - The management confirmed ongoing interest in acquisitions to fill capability gaps and enhance growth, particularly in sectors like digital and AI [14][60] Question: Voluntary attrition increase - The management acknowledged an increase in voluntary attrition compared to the previous year but did not provide specific reasons [71] Question: Nearshore strategy - The management highlighted the success of nearshore centers and local hiring initiatives, which are expected to scale further [46][44]

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