Cognizant(CTSH) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue grew by 8.2% year over year in constant currency to $5,100 million, driven by the Belcan acquisition and organic growth in Health Sciences and Financial Services [6][25] - Adjusted Operating Margin improved by 40 basis points year over year to 15.5%, on track to achieve full year guidance of 20 to 40 basis points of expansion [8][32] - Adjusted EPS grew 10% year over year, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of year over year growth [8][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Health Sciences revenue increased over 11% year over year in constant currency, with broad-based growth across payer, provider, and life sciences [7][28] - Financial Services segment grew 6.5% year over year in constant currency, with healthy discretionary spending as clients invested in cloud and data modernization [7][28] - Products and Resources segment growth was driven by Welch, but overall demand environment remained weak due to discretionary spending pressures [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue grew 10% year over year in constant currency, driven by Belcan and large deals [30] - Europe revenue increased by 3% year over year in constant currency, supported by life sciences and financial services clients [30] - The Rest of the World saw a 7% year over year increase in constant currency, driven by large deals in Communications, Media, and Technology [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is investing heavily in AI-powered software-led engineering, integrating expertise in embedded software and IoT with capabilities from recent acquisitions [10][21] - Strategic imperatives include amplifying talent, scaling innovation, and accelerating growth, with a focus on AI and embedded engineering [16][19] - The company aims to build a resilient and durable organization that can thrive in both slow and high-velocity markets [5][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment has changed sharply, leading to elevated uncertainty, but the company sees opportunities related to productivity and efficiency [9][26] - Management remains optimistic about the pipeline for large deals and believes the current environment presents opportunities for cost optimization and vendor consolidation [26][39] - The company expects revenue growth of 3.5% to 6% in constant currency for the full year 2025, with adjusted operating margin guidance of 15.5% to 15.7% [36][37] Other Important Information - The company has approximately 1,400 early Gen AI engagements, reflecting a strong focus on AI-led productivity [11][12] - The company plans to establish a 14-acre immersive learning center in Chennai, India, to train 100,000 individuals annually in advanced AI technologies [17][20] - The company returned$ 364 million of capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Shift in bookings and pipeline quality - Management noted that productivity gains from leveraging AI are leading to new deals and opportunities for consolidation, particularly in financial services [42][44] Question: April slowdown in decision-making - Management indicated that while there is some caution in health and products and resources sectors, financial services remain strong, and the impact is seen as isolated [56][57] Question: Organic growth and headcount changes - Management confirmed that organic growth has been driven by healthcare and financial services, with a significant improvement in utilization from 82% to 85% [64][90] Question: Confidence in cost takeout deals - Management expressed confidence that the current environment is conducive for closing cost takeout deals, despite some delays in mega deals [93]