Infosys, HCL Tech, TCS Shares Rise As Accenture Earnings Fuel Optimism
Analysts expect Accenture’s first-quarter results to bode well for Indian technology companies.
The Nifty IT Index jumped to a record high as analysts expect Accenture Plc’s above-estimated first-quarter results, healthy deal pipeline and improving demand outlook to bode well for India’s technology companies.
The 10-stock gauge rose as much as 2.25% in Friday’s early trade to 23,408. Nine of the 10 stocks have gained, and Infosys Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Wipro Ltd. are among the top five gainers on the Nifty 50 index.
Accenture—which follows September-August fiscal—has also raised its revenue growth guidance for FY21 to 4-6% from 2-5% earlier. The company reported a 4% year-on-year growth in revenue in U.S. dollar terms in the quarter ended November to $11.8 billion. That’s $200 million higher than its guided range.
Its operating income rose 7% to $1.89 billion, with operating margin of 16.1%, an expansion of 50 basis points. The company’s new bookings rose 25% over the year earlier to $12.9 billion in the reported quarter. The overall growth for Accenture was led by its health and public services, outsourcing and financial services segment.
Accenture, while announcing its fourth-quarter results, had indicated the disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic to last longer even as demand for digital services rises. It, however, expected to return to its pre-Covid-19 growth rates—single digits or low double digits—in the second half of fiscal 2021.
Here’s what analysts had to say...
Morgan Stanley
Accenture’s revenue was above expectations with improved growth rates
FY21 revenue growth guidance raise is a function of stronger-than-expected trends seen so far in the first half
Strong deal wins and constructive management commentary bode well for Indian IT vendors
Commentary similar to Indian IT vendors who spoke of faster conversion on smaller sized deals
Healthcare has done well for companies like TCS.
Indian IT vendors, too, have seen improving attrition but one has to watch out for this trend as the economy opens up
Nomura
Accenture results were materially ahead of expectations
Traction in outsourcing continues to be strong, which is more relevant for Indian IT
Pressures are abating at stressed verticals
Sees a positive read-across for Indian IT
Jefferies
Accenture sees broad-based recovery across verticals and markets
Demand outlook remains strong with acceleration in cloud and digital transformation
Cloud, security and digital transformation are key medium-term growth drivers
Tier-I Indian IT firms are favourably placed to leverage these growth opportunities
Continues to like the sector with Infosys Ltd. as top pick
Credit Suisse
Accenture’s revenue was ahead of guided range
Revenue growth and strong bookings pick-up reflective of demand
Preferred picks: Infosys and HCL Technologies
Likes Infosys on expectations of its industry-leading revenue
Likes HCL Technologies due to its attractive valuation
Emkay
Accenture’s Q1 results and guidance were well ahead of expectations
Broad-based demand recovery and sustained healthy growth momentum in revenue/order booking of the outsourcing business augurs well for Indian IT
Sustained acceleration in revenue growth will support high valuations despite rally
Prefers Infosys, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra Ltd. among tier-1 companies
Prabhudas Lilladher
Accenture results show demand environment remains intact
Strong acceleration in cloud adoption
Post run-up Indian IT valuations may appear rich compared to long-term historical average
Believes valuations are still reasonable due to entering into technology upcycle, prolonged low interest rate environment, strong order book and deal pipeline
Continues to remain bullish on the sector
Top large-cap picks: Infosys, HCL Technologies, TCS
Top tier-2 picks: Coforge Ltd., L&T Infotech Ltd., Mindtree Ltd. and Mphasis Ltd.