Analysts see Accenture’s positive commentary on strong traction for AI & transformation deals in the financial sector as boding well for Indian IT companies
In the recent full-year financial numbers announced by Accenture Plc, its financial services segment saw the highest annual growth of 10% compared to other segments, with revenues growing from $11.6 billion in FY24 to $12.8 billion in FY25. The company has seen several of its major financial services clients continue to invest in artificial intelligence-led adoption and transformation amidst continuing macro-economic uncertainties in general and policy changes.
At the company’s earnings call, Julie Sweet, chair and chief executive officer, said that the American geography revenue growth of 5% in the fourth quarter was led by growth in banking and capital markets, industrials, and software and platforms.
This growth was partially offset by a decline in public service. “In banking, investment in digital core modernisation remains strong with cloud adoption accelerating as AI demand grows. Here's what it looks like in practice, and I'm particularly proud of this work because the scale is frankly breathtaking, and we were trusted by this client with mission-critical work,” Sweet said.
Analysts at Nomura see the revenue growth momentum continuing to be strong in financial services with no noticeable change in the macroeconomic environment.
Given that Gen AI opportunities continue to mature gradually, even the India IT companies saw Gen AI bookings rise from $3.0 billion in FY24 to $5.9 billion in FY25.
“We expect growth momentum in the financial services vertical to continue in the near term for Indian IT services companies. However, a sharp growth revival hinges on macroeconomic improvement, particularly in the US. We prefer Infosys (INFO IN, Buy) and Cognizant (CTSH US, Buy) in large-caps (both Buy-rated); Coforge (COFORGE IN, Buy) in mid-caps and Firstsource (FSOL IN, Buy) in small-caps,” Nomura analysts said in their note.
With Indian IT companies set to announce their second quarter results—Tata Consultancy Services will kick off the earnings season on October 9, followed by HCL Tech on October 13, and Infosys on October 16—the management commentary around the recent developments on the H-1B visas and U.S. job data, inflationary pressure, and decision-making cycle of U.S. clients, will be keenly awaited.
Revenue from North America and the banking, insurance, and financial services segment forms a major portion of their revenues for these companies.