Cognizant has trimmed the upper end of its FY26 revenue guidance, citing continued macroeconomic uncertainty and cautious client spending, even as it reported solid second-quarter financial results. The IT services giant posted steady revenue growth, but management signalled that enterprises remain selective about technology spending, prompting a more conservative outlook for the rest of the year.
Despite the revised guidance, the company maintained confidence in long-term demand, particularly for AI-driven transformation projects.
Q2 Revenue Grows 4.5%
For the second quarter of FY26, Cognizant reported revenue of $5.5 billion, representing a 4.5% year-on-year increase.
The company said growth was supported by continued demand across major business segments, particularly financial services, while bookings remained healthy. Management noted that clients continue to invest in critical digital transformation and AI initiatives, although discretionary spending remains under pressure.
FY26 Guidance Revised
Cognizant has narrowed its full-year FY26 revenue guidance by reducing the upper end of the forecast.
The company now expects FY26 revenue between $22.11 billion and $22.60 billion, compared with its earlier guidance of $22.11 billion to $22.64 billion. While the lower end remains unchanged, the revised outlook reflects greater caution over the pace of enterprise technology spending during the second half of the year.
Management said geopolitical uncertainty and a challenging macroeconomic environment continue to affect client decision-making.
AI Continues To Drive Demand
Artificial Intelligence remains one of Cognizant’s strongest growth drivers.
The company highlighted increasing demand for AI implementation, automation, cloud modernisation and enterprise transformation services. Businesses across industries are investing in AI to improve productivity, automate workflows and enhance customer experiences.
Cognizant believes these long-term technology trends will continue to create significant business opportunities despite short-term economic challenges.
Focus On Operational Efficiency
The company also continues to improve operational efficiency through its ongoing transformation initiatives.
Earlier this year, Cognizant announced Project Leap, an AI-led restructuring programme designed to streamline operations, improve productivity and strengthen profitability. The initiative is expected to generate significant cost savings while allowing the company to invest further in AI capabilities, workforce upskilling and integrated service offerings.
Management believes these measures will help improve margins over the long term.
Outlook Remains Cautiously Optimistic
Although Cognizant has become slightly more conservative on revenue expectations, the company remains optimistic about long-term growth.
Executives believe that demand for AI services, cloud migration, cybersecurity and digital engineering will continue to support future business expansion. However, they acknowledged that clients are still carefully evaluating large technology investments amid global economic uncertainty.
The company expects enterprise spending to gradually improve as market conditions stabilise.
Summary
Cognizant reported second-quarter FY26 revenue of $5.5 billion, up 4.5% year-on-year, but reduced the upper end of its full-year revenue guidance from $22.64 billion to $22.60 billion due to continued macroeconomic uncertainty. The company remains optimistic about long-term growth, driven by increasing demand for AI, cloud services and digital transformation, while continuing to improve efficiency through its AI-focused Project Leap initiative.
