Cognizant(US:CTSH)2025-04-30 21:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue grew by 8.2% year over year in constant currency to $5.1 billion, 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][33] - 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 faced weak demand 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 [31] - The Rest of the World saw a 7% year over year increase in constant currency, driven by large deals in Communications, Media, and Technology [32] 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][19] - 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 resilience and durability by developing leadership and talent, strengthening operational discipline, and rebooting innovation [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment changed sharply in early April, leading to elevated uncertainty, but the company sees opportunities related to productivity and efficiency [9][26] - Management remains optimistic about capturing demand in Financial Services and believes the current environment presents opportunities for cost optimization [27] - The company expects revenue growth of 5% to 6.5% year over year in constant currency for the second quarter of 2025 [35][36] Other Important Information - The company had four large deals in the first quarter, including a mega deal valued at over $500 million [8][26] - Free cash flow for the first quarter was $393 million, with plans to redeploy proceeds from the sale of an office complex in India [35] - The company plans to return approximately $1.7 billion to shareholders in 2025, including $1.1 billion in share repurchases and $600 million in dividends [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on bookings and pipeline shifts - Management noted that productivity gains from leveraging AI are leading to new deals and opportunities for consolidation, particularly in financial services [43][44] Question: Impact of April slowdown on decision-making - Management indicated that the slowdown is primarily seen in the Products and Resources segment, while Financial Services remains strong [56][57] Question: Comfort level regarding backlog coverage - Management expressed confidence in the backlog coverage, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.3x and healthy demand in applications, AI, and cybersecurity [76] Question: Gross margin trends and expectations - Management highlighted that cost discipline will drive operating margin outcomes, with utilization and productivity improvements being key factors [78] Question: Sustainability of current growth and market position - Management emphasized the need for consistency in performance and expressed confidence in sustaining growth through a broad-based portfolio and strong market position [85][86]