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Sep 30, 2023

Cognizant Q3 2023 Earnings Report

Announced third quarter 2023 financial results, demonstrating revenue within guidance and adjusted operating margin above expectations.

Key Takeaways

Cognizant's Q3 2023 revenue reached $4.9 billion, a 0.8% increase year-over-year, with a record trailing 12-month bookings of $26.9 billion, up 16% year-over-year. The company's fundamentals were strengthened with higher customer satisfaction scores, lower voluntary attrition and continued growth in bookings. Full-year revenue guidance narrowed to -0.7% to flat, and adjusted operating margin guidance is now ~14.7%.

Revenue of $4.9 billion increased 0.8% year-over-year, declined 0.2% in constant currency

Record trailing 12-month bookings of $26.9 billion, up 16% year-over-year

Operating cash flow of $828 million; free cash flow of $755 million was ~144% of net income

Share repurchase expectation for 2023 increased by $200 million to $1 billion

Total Revenue
$4.9B
Previous year: $4.86B
+0.8%
EPS
$1.16
Previous year: $1.17
-0.9%
Gross Profit
$1.69B
Previous year: $1.78B
-5.0%
Cash and Equivalents
$2.2B
Previous year: $2.04B
+7.9%
Free Cash Flow
$755M
Previous year: $953M
-20.8%
Total Assets
$18.1B
Previous year: $17.3B
+4.2%

Cognizant

Cognizant

Cognizant Revenue by Segment

Cognizant Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Cognizant anticipates Q4 2023 revenue between $4.69 - $4.82 billion, a decline of 3.1% to 0.3%, or a decline of 4.0% to 1.2% in constant currency. Full-year 2023 revenue is expected to be $19.3 - $19.4 billion, a decline of 0.7% to flat. Full-year 2023 Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $4.39 to $4.42 and Adjusted Operating Margin is expected to be approximately 14.7%.

Positive Outlook

  • Full-year 2023 Adjusted Operating Margin is expected to be approximately 14.7%.
  • Expanded relationship with The FA will see Cognizant become the Digital Transformation Partner of The FA, Official Partner of the Emirates FA Cup, Official Partner of the Women’s FA Cup, Official Partner of The FA Community Shield, and Official Partner of England Football.
  • Announced launch of a global strategic go-to-market partnership with Vianai to accelerate human-centered generative AI offerings.
  • Announced a five-year renewal with ISS, a leading workplace experience and facility management company.
  • Opened AI Innovation Hub in London in partnership with Google

Challenges Ahead

  • Fourth quarter revenue is expected to be $4.69 - $4.82 billion, a decline of 3.1% to 0.3%, or a decline of 4.0% to 1.2% in constant currency.
  • Full-year 2023 revenue is expected to be $19.3 - $19.4 billion, or a decline of 0.7% to flat, both as reported and in constant currency.
  • Recent discretionary spending pressure impacting near-term revenue expectations.
  • Ongoing economic uncertainty
  • Rebuilding its digital banking system on Google Cloud

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income