ExlService (EXLS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $530 million for Q3 2025, a 12% year-over-year increase, and Adjusted EPS grew by 11% to $0.48 per share [4][17] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.48, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.8% [20][21] - Revenue for the first nine months of 2025 was $1.55 billion, up 14% year-over-year on a constant currency basis [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Data and AI-led revenue grew 18% year-over-year, accounting for 56% of total revenue [4][5] - Digital operations revenue increased by 6% year-over-year [5][41] - The insurance segment grew 9% year-over-year, contributing a third of total revenue [5][18] - Healthcare and life sciences segment grew 22% year-over-year, representing the fastest growth [6][18] - Banking, capital markets, and diversified industries grew 12% year-over-year [7][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International growth markets segment generated revenue of $92.8 million, up 8.4% year-over-year [19] - The company maintained a high renewal rate of over 75% for existing contracts, indicating strong client retention [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its data and AI capabilities, launching the EXLdata.ai solution to help clients make their data AI-ready [9][10] - The strategy includes embedding AI into client workflows to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth [8][11] - The company aims to leverage its strong sales pipeline and existing client relationships to sustain double-digit growth into 2026 [9][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a positive demand environment, with clients increasingly seeking to innovate and transform their business models [8][30] - The company raised its revenue and EPS guidance for 2025, anticipating revenue in the range of $2.07 billion to $2.08 billion, representing 13% year-over-year growth [23][24] - Management expressed confidence in sustaining double-digit growth due to the strong performance of data and AI-led services [31][24] Other Important Information - The company reported a net cash position of $38 million as of September 30, with cash flow from operations improving to $233 million for the first nine months of the year [21][22] - The company received several industry recognitions for its AI services and solutions, validating its leadership in the market [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Change in overall demand environment - Management characterized the overall demand as very strong, with a significant shift towards AI-led operations becoming visible in financials [30] Question: Sustainability of growth rate - Management indicated that the growth rate is sustainable due to the increasing demand for AI solutions and the company's ability to win market share [31] Question: Expectations for digital operations - Management explained that digital operations growth is impacted by the shift of revenue to data and AI-led categories, with a net growth of 6% for the quarter [41] Question: Top client strength and sustainability - Management noted that the penetration rate with top clients remains low, indicating significant growth potential [42] Question: Client relationship management changes - Management highlighted the need for account managers to be proficient in AI and data to engage clients effectively [47] Question: Revenue per employee growth - Management expects upward improvement in revenue per employee as AI is applied, with slower employee growth compared to revenue growth [51] Question: Healthcare segment growth outlook - Management expressed confidence in the healthcare segment's growth potential, citing the enormous market and data-rich environment [56] Question: Margin expectations for next year - Management anticipates stable margin growth in 2026, with a more balanced performance compared to the current year [59] Question: Landscape for EXLdata.ai - Management acknowledged competition in the data management space but emphasized the unique AI-driven approach of EXLdata.ai [63] Question: International segment growth acceleration - Management is investing in marketing and talent to accelerate growth in international markets [65]