The chart below shows how CTSH performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, CTSH sees a +0.33% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a +1.71% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by +0.52%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Earnings Per Share Beat: Cognizant reported Q4 2024 EPS of $1.21, exceeding expectations of $1.12, reflecting strong financial performance.
Q4 Revenue Performance: Q4 revenue reached $5.1 billion, marking a 6.7% year-over-year growth in constant currency, driven by strong performance in Health Sciences and Financial Services.
Large Deal Growth: The company signed 10 large deals in Q4, up from 7 a year ago, contributing to a total of 29 large deals for 2024, indicating robust demand across service lines.
Operating Margin Improvement: Adjusted operating margin improved sequentially to 15.7% in Q4, exceeding expectations and reflecting the successful completion of the NextGen program.
Strong Cash Generation: Free cash flow for Q4 was $837 million, contributing to a full-year total of $1.8 billion, representing 82% of net income, demonstrating strong cash generation capabilities.
Negative
Revenue Growth Slowdown: Revenue growth for the full year 2024 was only 1.9% year-over-year in constant currency, indicating a significant slowdown compared to previous years.
Operating Margin Analysis: The adjusted operating margin for the full year was 15.3%, which is only a 20 basis points increase year-over-year, reflecting limited operational efficiency improvements despite significant investments.
Cash Flow Impact Analysis: Fourth quarter free cash flow was impacted by a $360 million payment to Indian tax authorities, highlighting ongoing financial liabilities that affect cash reserves.
Revenue Decline Forecast: The first quarter of 2025 is expected to see a sequential revenue decline of up to 0.5%, indicating potential challenges in maintaining growth momentum into the new year.
Limited Earnings Growth Outlook: The guidance for full year 2025 earnings per share growth is only 3% to 7%, which includes a headwind from unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates, suggesting limited growth potential.
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
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