Ketan Mittal (SEBI RA)
14 Oct • 8:52 AM · SEBI-Registered Analyst
HCLTech profit rises 21.2% as AI revenue grows
HCL Technologies Limited (NSE: HCLTECH) reported Q2 FY27 net profit of ₹5,132 crore, up 21.2% year-on-year. Annualised advanced AI revenue reached $219 million, while new deal bookings increased 27% to $3.26 billion. The strongest part of this result is the improvement in profitability. HCLTech's EBIT margin expanded to 18.2%, supported by better operating leverage and growth in AI-related services. The company also raised the lower end of its FY27 constant-currency revenue growth guidance from 1% to 2.5%, retaining the upper end at 4%. However, I would not confuse strong AI growth with an immediate acceleration in the overall business. Annualised AI revenue of $219 million is still relatively small compared with HCLTech's total revenue base. AI adoption is creating new implementation opportunities, but it is also allowing clients to demand more output with fewer billable hours. The net impact on revenue will depend on how successfully HCLTech monetises these new services. The increase in deal bookings is encouraging because it provides potential future revenue visibility. The next test is converting those bookings into revenue without sacrificing margins. My view: HCLTech has delivered a better quarter, but the revised guidance remains modest. I would focus on whether AI-related demand starts accelerating overall revenue growth rather than valuing the company solely on its AI growth rate. What I am watching next: - Q3 FY27 revenue growth and deal conversion. - Whether EBIT margins remain within the 17.5% to 18.5% guidance range. - Whether FY27 growth moves towards the upper end of the 2.5% to 4% guidance.
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