Another quarter, another IT services concall where “AI” was said more times than “revenue growth.” But unlike the usual jargon marathon, Tech Mahindra actually brought receipts — fat deal wins, improving margins, and a CEO sounding unusually confident.
Q3 FY26 wasn’t about fireworks in topline growth. It was about control. Costs behaving. Cash flowing. Deals stacking up like Jenga blocks. And management subtly whispering: “FY27, just wait.”
Margins expanded for the ninth straight quarter, cash conversion stayed muscular, and deal wins hit a five-year high. Yet, revenue growth still looks like it’s stuck in economy class while margins upgraded to business.
Read on — because the real story isn’t what grew. It’s what finally stopped bleeding.
2. At a Glance
Revenue $1.61 bn – Growth showed up late, but at least it didn’t ghost.
PAT $125 mn – Up YoY, despite exceptional items crashing the party.
FCF $194 mn – Cash conversion still flexing harder than earnings.
Deal wins $1.1 bn – Sales team finally earning their bonuses.
ROCE 26.9% – Capital is working overtime, unlike some verticals.
3. Management’s Key Commentary
“Our deal wins on an LTM basis are the highest we have achieved in the past five years.” (Translation: After years of pipeline pain, sales finally remembered how to sell 😏)
“Momentum reflects sustained investments in sales and solution-oriented GTM.” (Translation: We spent money earlier; now it’s paying rent.)
“AI-led offerings are increasingly relevant for client needs.” (Translation: AI is no longer a slide — it’s billing.)
“Ninth consecutive quarter of margin expansion.” (Translation: Cost control is now a habit, not a New Year resolution 💪)
“Strong working capital discipline led to improved cash flows.” (Translation: DSO behaved. Finance team slept better.)
“We remain on track toward FY27 goals.” (Translation: Please don’t judge us before FY27 🙏)
4. Numbers Decoded
Metric
Q3 FY26
Decode
Revenue
$1,610 mn
Slow but steady, no drama
EBIT Margin
13.1%
Real operational improvement
PAT Margin*
9.2%
Clean once exceptions are ignored
Deal Wins
$1,096 mn
Future growth stocked
FCF / PAT
131%
Cash > Accounting profits
DSO
90 days
Slight wobble, still controlled
Margins exclude exceptional items. Labour codes cameoed, then exited.
5. Analyst Questions
Q: Why BFSI weak QoQ? A: Client spending cautious. (Translation: Banks are thinking, not