Endava(DAVA) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue totaled GBP 184.1 million, representing a 5.9% decrease year-on-year and a 3.3% increase from Q1 FY2026 [7][21] - Loss before tax for the quarter was GBP 7.2 million, compared to a profit of GBP 2.5 million in the same period last year [21] - Adjusted PBT was GBP 10.7 million, down from GBP 21.8 million year-on-year, with an adjusted PBT margin of 5.8% compared to 11.2% [22] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were 16 pence, down from 30 pence year-on-year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the 10 largest clients accounted for 35% of total revenue, down from 36% year-on-year, with average spend per client decreasing from GBP 7.1 million to GBP 6.5 million [23] - North America accounted for 40% of revenue, Europe for 23%, the UK for 31%, and the rest of the world for 6% [24] - Revenue from North America decreased by 5.1%, Europe by 8.5%, and the UK by 9.1%, while the rest of the world increased by 21.8% [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 3.3% FX headwind impacting revenue, particularly in North America [33] - The rest of the world showed strong growth, driven mainly by the payments and TNT verticals [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is heavily investing in AI to establish itself as a leader in the AI space, focusing on recruitment, training, and evolving engagement strategies [5][6] - Strategic partnerships with OpenAI and other hyperscalers are being leveraged to enhance service offerings and drive demand [11][12][14] - The launch of Endava Rise aims to convert startup innovations into enterprise-ready solutions, enhancing the company's capabilities [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the ongoing investment in AI-native delivery models is impacting margins but is essential for long-term growth [22][28] - The company expects revenue guidance for Q3 FY2026 to be in the range of GBP 182 million to GBP 185 million, indicating a constant currency revenue decrease of 4% to 2.5% year-on-year [29] - The outlook for Q4 is more optimistic, with expected sequential growth driven by secured deals and increased working days [34] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with 11,385 employees, a 2.4% decrease from the previous year [19] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled GBP 68.5 million, an increase from GBP 59.3 million at the end of June 2025 [25] - Borrowings increased to GBP 202.7 million, supporting the share repurchase program [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fiscal year guidance and growth drivers for Q4 - Management indicated that Q4 growth is supported by secured deals and increased working days, with underlying growth expected to be around 6% [34] Question: Details on extensions with largest payment clients - Extensions primarily involve work in switch/gateway areas, focusing on cost rationalization and enhancing customer value propositions [38] Question: Margin impact from increased investments - Investments in partnerships and AI initiatives are heavier than expected, impacting margins, with FX also contributing to margin pressures [41][43] Question: OpenAI adoption trends and displacement concerns - The relationship with OpenAI is strong, with successful enterprise adoption of ChatGPT, and management sees opportunities outweighing displacement fears in the enterprise market [44][46][49] Question: Top client spending and pipeline assumptions - Stability is expected among top clients, with a slight slowdown in healthcare but overall sequential growth anticipated [56]