IT services sector likely to grow by 6-8% in US dollar terms in FY20: ICRA

12 Jun 2019 Evaluate

The rating agency ICRA in its latest report has said that the IT services sector in India is likely to grow by 6-8 percent in US dollar terms during 2019-20 (FY20). It noted that country’s IT companies may also see salary bills and lower margins due to increased onsite hiring as they tackle stricter visa scrutiny and reduction in H1-B visa approvals. It added that the profitability of IT companies has remained flattish at 22.5 percent in 2018-19 despite currency benefits as well as use of operating levers. 

According to the report, increasing compliance and evidence requirements are adding to cost pressures, and along with lower H-1B visa issuance, Indian companies have ramped up onshore hiring in the US. It pointed out that this will culminate into approximately 10 percent reduction in H1-B visa approvals for regular applicants. It added that this will lead to higher onsite hiring which is associated with higher wage bills and lower margins.

ICRA has stated that the overall margins are projected to decline to 21.5 percent in 2019-20 from 22.5 percent in 2018-19 for ICRA sample companies. It noted that despite the pressure on growth and margins, the credit profile of Indian IT services companies is expected to remain stable, supported by its ability to sustain free cash flows. It added that the credit profile is also buoyed by net cash position with significant liquidity in the form of surplus investments generated out of past cash flows despite healthy dividend payout and share buybacks.

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