Grid Dynamics(US:GDYN)2025-10-30 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q3 2025 revenue of $104.2 million, marking a 19.1% year-over-year growth and slightly exceeding the guidance range of $103 million to $105 million [30] - Non-GAAP EBITDA for the quarter was $12.7 million, within the higher end of the guidance range [30] - GAAP net income was $1.2 million, or $0.01 per share, down from $5.3 million in the previous quarter [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail vertical contributed $27.8 million, experiencing a sequential decline of 2.1% and a year-over-year decrease of 2.9% [31] - The technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) vertical accounted for 27.4% of total revenues, growing 13.5% quarter-over-quarter and 18.2% year-over-year [32] - The finance vertical represented 24.6% of total revenues, with slight sequential growth and an 81% year-over-year increase [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added five times more billable engineers in Q3 compared to Q2, indicating strong demand for AI-driven solutions [7] - Partnership influence revenue exceeded 18% of total revenue, reflecting the growing importance of partnerships in driving growth [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming an AI-first organization, with initiatives aimed at enhancing profitability and margins by at least 300 basis points over the next twelve months [9] - The strategic framework includes three horizons: Efforts Delivery, Agenda Guide at Scale, and Physical AI, aimed at embedding AI into operations and service delivery [11] - The company is committed to disciplined capital allocation, including a $50 million share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in long-term business prospects [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the demand recovery being structural rather than temporary, with clients shifting from risk management to growth strategies [20] - The company anticipates a materially higher billable run rate by the end of the year, positioning itself well for growth in 2026 [8] - Management noted that AI initiatives are expected to yield quicker ROI compared to traditional digital transformation programs, driving demand [22] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with a total headcount of 4,971, down from 5,013 in the previous quarter, while increasing billable headcount [35] - The company is rationalizing its overall headcount to align skill sets and geographies, aiming for greater efficiencies [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends for 2026 growth rates - Management noted that the highest billable headcount in the company's history and longer-duration programs related to AI initiatives provide confidence for growth in 2026 [44] Question: Constraints limiting adoption of AgenTeq AI - Management highlighted that the technology continues to evolve, and they are expanding capabilities to solve a broader spectrum of business problems [48] Question: Contribution of managed services versus custom build activity - The majority of revenue is currently related to solving business cases, fueling overall growth [55] Question: Share repurchase program rationale - The program signals confidence in the company's growth trajectory and is seen as a good return on investment [74] Question: Margin expansion context - Management indicated that the 300 basis points expansion target includes both gross and EBITDA margins, driven by pricing increases and cost optimization [95][100]