Infosys Q3 Preview: Revenue Seen Up 2%, Profit Slips; Maximus Aims Margin Boost
Overview
Infosys is poised to release its December quarter results on January 14, 2026. Brokerage forecasts indicate an 8% year-on-year revenue jump to ₹45,206 crore, with a modest 2% sequential rise. Net profit is projected to inch up 7% year-on-year to ₹7,316 crore, though a slight 0.64% dip is anticipated quarter-on-quarter. Analysts are focused on margins, deal pipeline, and client spending amidst global economic uncertainty.
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Infosys Q3 Earnings Preview
Technology giant Infosys Ltd. is scheduled to announce its third-quarter earnings for the fiscal year 2026 on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Analysts polled by Business Standard anticipate a revenue growth of approximately 8% year-on-year, reaching ₹45,206.68 crore. Sequentially, revenue is expected to climb by 2% from the previous quarter, driven by deal ramp-ups.
Net profit is forecast to rise 7% year-on-year to an average of ₹7,315.83 crore. However, a marginal decline of 0.64% is predicted on a quarter-on-quarter basis, falling to ₹7,364 crore. Investors will closely scrutinize commentary regarding the company's deal pipeline, profit margins, client spending patterns, and the impact of macroeconomic volatility in the United States.
Margin Outlook and Guidance
Brokerages foresee margin improvements, primarily attributed to cost optimization initiatives under 'Project Maximus.' Nomura expects earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins to increase by 40 basis points quarter-on-quarter to 21.4%, aided by currency tailwinds. The firm anticipates Infosys may tighten its full-year FY26 revenue growth guidance to 2.5-3% with an EBIT margin band of 20-22%.
Kotak Institutional Equities highlights a significant deal pipeline, estimating a total contract value (TCV) of $4.5-5 billion, boosted by a £1.2 billion win from NHSBSA. They expect Infosys to revise its FY2026E revenue growth guidance upwards slightly to 2.5-3%. Motilal Oswal Financial Services projects flat sequential revenue growth in constant currency due to seasonal furloughs but expects operating margins to remain steady, citing the absence of wage hikes and reduced third-party costs.
Sectoral Performance and Client Spending
Analysts predict resilience in the U.S. Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, with some discretionary spending in rate-sensitive areas. Retail demand, however, may remain subdued amidst tariff uncertainties. Axis Direct forecasts a 2.7% revenue increase, with EBIT margins improving by 14 basis points sequentially, driven by cost optimization.
Investors will be keen to understand Infosys's outlook on global client spending and its ability to navigate ongoing macroeconomic shifts, particularly in key markets like the U.S. The company's strategic initiatives, such as Project Maximus, are expected to be a significant factor in maintaining profitability.
