HCLTECH - HCL Technologies

📊 NSE: HCLTECH 🏢 Computers - Software - Large 📅 Last Updated: 12/13/2025 22:51

💰 Financial Performance

Revenue Growth by Segment

In Q2 FY26, HCLTech's Services segment grew 5.5% YoY in constant currency (CC), driven by IT and Business Services (ITBS) at 3.8% YoY CC and Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) at 13.4% YoY CC. HCLSoftware revenue declined 3.7% YoY CC due to lower perpetual license revenue, though its Subscription and Support revenue grew 8.0% YoY CC.

Geographic Revenue Split

HCLTech derives more than 90% of its revenues from exports, primarily to North America and Europe. While specific regional percentages for Q2 FY26 were not detailed, the company noted that North America and Europe are key markets currently facing macroeconomic headwinds that have moderated discretionary IT spending.

Profitability Margins

For Q2 FY26, the EBIT margin stood at 17.5%, a 116 bps improvement QoQ but a 112 bps decline YoY. Net Income margin was 13.3%. The Services segment EBIT margin was 16.5% (up 88 bps QoQ), while HCLSoftware EBIT margin was 26.5% (up 408 bps QoQ).

EBITDA Margin

Operating Profit Margin (OPM) was 21.8% for FY2025 and 19.9% in Q1 FY2026. The moderation from 22% in FY2024 was primarily due to wage hikes, lower utilization levels, and higher marketing costs. Interest coverage remains robust at 39.6 times as of FY2025.

Capital Expenditure

HCLTech follows an asset-light approach with minimal CAPEX requirements. This strategy supports a high free cash flow conversion rate, which averaged 127% over the last five years (FCF/NI). Specific INR Cr CAPEX figures for the current quarter were not disclosed.

Credit Rating & Borrowing

The company maintains a superior credit profile with a gearing of 0.1 times and Total Debt/OPBITDA of 0.2 times for FY2025. Total borrowings as of September 2025 were INR 2,359 Crores ($265M), resulting in a negative net debt position due to gross cash of INR 31,570 Crores ($3,555M).

⚙️ Operational Drivers

Raw Materials

As an IT services firm, HCLTech's primary 'raw material' is human capital (talent). Employee costs represent the largest expense. Attrition was 12.8% on a Last Twelve Month (LTM) basis in Q2 FY26. Other operational costs include software IP licenses and cloud infrastructure.

Import Sources

Talent is sourced globally across 60 countries, with significant delivery centers in India, the US, Europe, and 'New Vistas' locations (nearshore/emerging hubs).

Key Suppliers

Not applicable as a traditional manufacturing model; however, the company partners with major hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and hardware/software OEMs for service delivery.

Capacity Expansion

Expansion is measured by headcount and delivery centers. HCLTech employs over 226,600 people. The company is expanding its 'New Vistas' and nearshore presence to access global talent and build service-delivery resilience.

Raw Material Costs

Employee wage revisions are a major cost driver. The Q3 FY26 wage cycle is expected to impact margins by 70-80 bps, with an incremental 40-50 bps impact in Q4 FY26. Project Ascend (efficiency program) helped offset costs by providing a 50 bps gain through higher utilization in Q2 FY26.

Manufacturing Efficiency

Efficiency is tracked via employee utilization. Project Ascend contributed 50 bps to margin improvement in Q2 FY26 by optimizing workforce deployment.

Logistics & Distribution

Not applicable; service delivery is primarily digital and remote via global networks.

📈 Strategic Growth

Expected Growth Rate

3-5%

Growth Strategy

Growth is driven by a 4-5% CC guidance in the Services segment, fueled by AI and Digital transformation. The strategy includes expanding 'Advanced AI' (which crossed $100M in quarterly revenue), increasing HCLSoftware's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) which stands at $1.06B, and executing a robust deal pipeline ($1.8B in Q1 FY26).

Products & Services

AI and GenAI solutions, Digital transformation services, Engineering and R&D (ER&D) services, Cloud services, Cybersecurity, and HCLSoftware products (Subscription, Support, and Professional Services).

Brand Portfolio

HCLTech, HCLSoftware, Project Ascend (internal efficiency brand).

New Products/Services

Advanced AI offerings (now contributing >$100M/quarter) and CTG assets acquired from HPE, which are expanding the telecom client base.

Market Expansion

Expansion into 'New Vistas' (emerging geographies) and nearshore locations to diversify the delivery model and access new talent pools.

Market Share & Ranking

HCLTech is a global leader in IT services; revenue growth of 4.7% in FY2025 was noted as being higher than most key industry peers.

Strategic Alliances

Collaborations with global advisors, clients, partners, and governments; specific recent acquisition of CTG assets from HPE to bolster telecom capabilities.

🌍 External Factors

Industry Trends

The industry is shifting toward AI-centric capital allocation. HCLTech is positioning itself by embedding AI into major deals and transitioning its software business to a subscription-based model (ARR at $1.06B).

Competitive Landscape

Faces intense competition from traditional IT service providers, management consulting firms, and emerging Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

Competitive Moat

Moat is built on deep engineering heritage (ERS segment grew 13.4% YoY), a strong G2000 client base, and a high ROIC (38.6% overall, 45.3% in Services), which indicates superior capital efficiency compared to peers.

Macro Economic Sensitivity

Highly sensitive to US and European GDP growth and corporate discretionary spending. Macro headwinds in these regions led to a moderation of revenue growth to 4.6% YoY CC in Q2 FY26.

Consumer Behavior

Clients are shifting from discretionary 'big-bang' projects to cost-optimization and AI-integrated long-term service contracts.

Geopolitical Risks

Exposure to changes in US immigration laws and trade policies (e.g., tariffs) which can increase competition for skilled workforce and raise operational costs.

⚖️ Regulatory & Governance

Industry Regulations

Subject to global data privacy laws and immigration regulations (H1-B/L1 visas in the US). Compliance with ISO 31000:2018 and COSO ERM standards for risk management.

Taxation Policy Impact

The company applies specific tax rates to HCLSoftware units/entities, with residual tax allocated to the Services business. Payout ratio was 93.5% in FY25.

Legal Contingencies

The company maintains insurance policies to mitigate potential liabilities from data breaches or material lapses in managing customer data, though specific pending case values were not disclosed.

⚠️ Risk Analysis

Key Uncertainties

GenAI poses both a threat to existing business models and an opportunity for new services. Macroeconomic headwinds in key markets remain the primary uncertainty for near-term revenue visibility.

Geographic Concentration Risk

High concentration in North America and Europe (over 90% of revenue from exports).

Third Party Dependencies

Dependency on hyperscalers and technology partners for delivering integrated digital solutions.

Technology Obsolescence Risk

Risk of inability to keep up with fast-paced technological changes (e.g., GenAI). Mitigated by the Strategic Risk & Opportunity Management (SROM) framework.