Mphasis CEO Highlights Strategic Shift Toward Major AI-Driven Contracts

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Mphasis to focus on large AI-led deals, says CEO

AI-Powered Growth: Mphasis Charts New Territory in IT Services

Mphasis Sees Rising Demand for AI-Driven Deals

Artificial intelligence, according to Mphasis Chief Executive Nitin Rakesh, is reshaping the IT landscape. Despite macroeconomic uncertainties such as fluctuating tariffs, AI-led deals are expanding market opportunities for IT companies.

Redefining IT Deal Structures

Rakesh highlighted that the nature of large contracts has evolved since two or three years ago. "AI is changing what we are selling, how we are selling, who we are selling to, and what we are delivering," he stated. This transformation indicates that while industries may lose revenue in one area, they are simultaneously identifying new revenue streams.

Focusing on Large AI-Led Deals

For Mphasis, the sweet spot lies within large AI-driven deals valued between $100 million and $250 million. "We have some mega deals exceeding $250 million in the pipeline, though those tend to take longer to close," he explained.

Record Contract Value Achieved

In the January to March period of fiscal 2025, Mphasis achieved deals totaling $390 million in total contract value (TCV), marking the highest figure in the past seven quarters. Additionally, the company reported new TCV of $1.27 billion for the fiscal year, with 55% attributed to AI-led initiatives.

Industry Trend: Mid-Tier Companies Surge Ahead

Mphasis’s promising results align with a broader trend wherein mid-tier IT companies are outpacing their larger counterparts. This performance is indicative of the changing dynamics in the industry.

Strong Sequential Growth

The company reported its highest sequential revenue growth in three years, driven by significant deal wins and robust performance in the Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) and Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) sectors.

Impressive Revenue Figures

In the January-March quarter, Mphasis recorded an 8.7% increase in revenue year-over-year, rising to ₹3,710 crore. The net profit saw a notable growth of 13.6% on a year-over-year basis, reaching ₹446.5 crore.

Contrasting Performance of Large IT Firms

In contrast, large-cap IT companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro have reported stagnant or negative to low single-digit revenue growth. This downturn is attributed to clients adopting a cautious approach amidst uncertainties surrounding global trade and tariffs.

AI-Led Deflation in Revenue

Rakesh pointed out that while there is an AI-driven revenue deflation affecting the industry, not every company will experience growth. However, AI is broadening the market opportunities available to software service providers, enabling them to target businesses beyond their existing client base.

Client Focus on Digital Transformation

This shift in focus comes as clients increasingly prioritize digital transformation initiatives and cost-efficiency projects, tightening their budgets for non-essential spending.

Urgency in Spending Reprioritization

"It’s foolhardy to wait for discretionary spending to resume," Rakesh remarked, emphasizing the necessity for businesses to adapt their budgeting strategies. "Spending will get reprioritized."

Expanding Addressable Market Opportunities

Rakesh expressed optimism about Mphasis’s potential within a larger addressable market. "We are focusing on expanding wallet share not through price competition but by offering technology-led solutions," he noted.

The Path Forward for IT Services

As AI continues to reshape the IT landscape, Mphasis is poised to capitalize on new opportunities. The integration of advanced technologies not only enhances service delivery but also meets evolving client demands.

Industry Insights: A Look Ahead

With businesses increasingly embracing innovation, the future for mid-tier IT firms appears promising. Companies that effectively leverage AI will likely outperform those clinging to traditional models.

Conclusion

Mphasis’s robust performance showcases the transformational power of AI in driving growth and redefining market dynamics. As the company navigates these changes, its focus on technology-led solutions positions it favorably for future challenges and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main focus of Mphasis’s business strategy?
Mphasis is concentrating on large AI-driven deals, particularly those valued between $100 million and $250 million, to expand its market reach.

2. How has Mphasis’s revenue growth compared to larger IT companies?
Mphasis outperformed larger firms like TCS and Infosys, reporting an 8.7% year-over-year revenue increase, while others experienced stagnation or decline.

3. What percentage of Mphasis’s new total contract value was AI-led?
In the fiscal year, 55% of Mphasis’s new total contract value was driven by AI initiatives.

4. What industry trends are influencing Mphasis’s growth?
Mid-tier companies, like Mphasis, are outperforming larger competitors, reflecting a shift in industry dynamics.

5. How is AI affecting revenue across the IT industry?
AI is causing revenue deflation in certain sectors, challenging companies to adapt by targeting new business opportunities beyond their traditional client base.

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