EXLS Q2 Deep Dive: Data and AI Solutions Drive Growth Across Key Verticals

Data analytics and digital solutions company ExlService Holdings (NASDAQ:EXLS) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 14.7% year on year to $514.5 million. The company expects the full year’s revenue to be around $2.06 billion, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.49 per share was 8.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy EXLS? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

ExlService Holdings’ second quarter saw revenue and non-GAAP earnings outpace Wall Street expectations, driven by strong demand for its data analytics and artificial intelligence solutions. Management pointed to momentum across all major operating segments, with insurance, health care, and international markets showing particular strength. CEO Rohit Kapoor cited the company’s continued shift toward complex, domain-specific AI offerings as a key differentiator, emphasizing, “Our results demonstrate significant momentum across all our operating segments.” The team also highlighted that over 75% of revenue is recurring, providing a stable foundation for growth.

Looking ahead, ExlService Holdings’ updated guidance reflects expectations for continued double-digit revenue growth as clients accelerate adoption of data and AI solutions. Management believes that ongoing investment in proprietary large language models and partnerships, such as the collaboration with Genesys, will help expand the company’s reach and deepen client relationships. CFO Maurizio Nicolelli noted that increased spending on next-generation AI and analytics will be prioritized in the second half of the year, stating, “We have to continue to invest in both data and AI solutions to really drive revenue in [future years].”

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed the quarter’s performance to robust adoption of data and AI-led solutions, strong client retention, and expanding partnerships that are driving growth across key industry verticals.

• Data and AI-led revenue growth: Management reported that revenue from data and AI solutions grew 17% year over year and now accounts for 54% of total revenue. This shift is attributed to rising demand for embedded AI in client workflows, particularly in health care and insurance.
• Segment diversification: Health care and life sciences was the fastest-growing segment, fueled by increased volumes in payment services and greater use of analytics among payer clients. The insurance and banking verticals saw healthy expansion through both new client wins and deeper relationships with existing customers.
• International markets expansion: The international segment grew to 18% of revenue, with management citing new client additions and higher volumes as key contributors. Geographic diversification is viewed as a lever for sustaining growth.
• Proprietary AI innovation: The company launched several new large language models (LLMs) tailored to specific use cases, such as property insurance underwriting and finance workflows. These proprietary solutions leverage unique domain data, supporting differentiation and margin expansion.
• Sales pipeline strength: Management highlighted a double-digit increase in the sales pipeline, driven by integrated deals and a high client renewal rate, which supports recurring revenue and long-term growth visibility.

Drivers of Future Performance

Management expects future growth to be driven by continued client demand for advanced data and AI solutions, increased investment in proprietary platforms, and expanded strategic partnerships.

• AI adoption accelerates: Leadership expects the majority of future revenue growth to come from increased adoption of generative and agentic AI solutions, with an emphasis on domain-specific, outcome-driven engagements that leverage proprietary data and models.
• Margin expansion opportunities: As commercial models shift toward usage-based and outcomes-based pricing, management anticipates higher margins over time, especially as more clients transition to AI-powered services and the company reinvests productivity gains.
• Ongoing investment and competition: Management plans to reinvest operational efficiencies and increased cash flow into developing new AI products and expanding talent. However, increased competition from both established consulting firms and AI-first entrants presents a risk to sustaining growth and differentiation.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be closely watching (1) the pace and scale of client adoption for newly launched proprietary AI solutions, (2) the company’s ability to convert a growing sales pipeline into expanded contracts across verticals, and (3) the impact of continued investment in AI talent and technology on future operating margins. Progress on expanding international market share and deepening strategic partnerships will be additional markers of successful execution.

EXL currently trades at $42.35, in line with $42.20 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

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