Information Services Group(US:III)2025-10-09 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined market is up 18% year to date, with as-a-service up 29% and managed services only up 1.5% [6][7][31] - Managed services in the Americas grew 15% year to date, while EMEA and Asia showed declines [4][7][32] - The BPO segment generated about $1.8 billion in ACV, down 16% year on year, with a year-to-date decline of 22% [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ITO segment was down 2% year on year but up 5% year to date, with the Americas accounting for all growth [14] - Engineering services saw a significant increase, up nearly 60% year over year and 36% year to date [15] - The BPO segment has seen a long-term decline, with nine of the past 11 quarters showing year-on-year declines [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The as-a-service market, which includes SaaS, is now over 65% of the total volume [6][7] - The Americas managed services segment was up 22% year over year, while EMEA was down 25% [31][32] - Asia-Pacific managed services generated $2.5 billion of ACV, down 26% year to date [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a shift towards cloud-first platforms and AI-driven solutions, indicating a fundamental replatforming rather than just hype [3][5] - There is a focus on automation and local hiring due to new H-1B visa policies, which are expected to reshape labor delivery models [5][10] - The company is adapting to a market that is increasingly integrating technology-led solutions into BPO services [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the macro environment remains uncertain, tech services spending in the U.S. is stabilizing and even expanding in some areas [31] - The outlook for managed services remains at 1.3% for the full year, while the forecast for as-a-service has been raised from 21% to 25% [57][58] - There are mixed signals in sectors like retail and automotive, with expectations of continued pressure on discretionary spending [61][64] Other Important Information - The company is seeing a significant shift in hiring patterns within BPO, focusing on specialized skills such as AI and data science [20][21] - Pricing pressures are evident across both BPO and ITO due to intense competition and the impact of AI [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the demand outlook for tariff-hit sectors like retail and autos? - Management indicated that while retail is under pressure, there are signs of increased deal activity focused on cost optimization, but bookings have not yet reflected this [61][62] Question: Will the increase in as-a-service outlook help revive demand for system integrators around SaaS implementation? - Management believes that the SaaS market is driving demand for system integrators, particularly as organizations rationalize their infrastructure to be AI-ready [60] Question: Are there delays in decision-making due to the H-1B visa fee hike? - Management noted that while there was initial concern, clarity from the administration helped calm the market, and clients have not significantly slowed down their decision-making [65]