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ABSTRACT
The quest for higher returns on equity (ROE) has been an enduring concern for investors and stakeholders
in the ever-evolving landscape of the global IT industry. Among the major players in this domain, Infosys
and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) stand out as two prominent IT giants that have consistently attracted
significant attention from analysts and investors alike. This study presents a comprehensive comparative
analysis of Infosys and TCS, with the primary objective of understanding and unravelling the key drivers
behind their respective returns on equity. Using quantitative methodologies, this research delves into the
financial and operational aspects of both companies. The information spanning throughout the years are
examined to capture patterns and trends in the ROE of Infosys and TCS, aiming to recognize all the factors
that contribute to the disparities in their respective ROE performance. This analysis explores profitability
metrics, capital structure, asset utilization, and growth prospects, to decipher the underlying reasons for
the differences in ROE between the two companies. The independent samples t-test will be employed for
testing of the null hypothesis and to compare the means of the ROE for TCS and Infosys. A significance
level of α = 0.05 will be used to determine statistical significance. The data for the study will be obtained
from the annually published reports of Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys.
Introduction
In the continuously growing and dynamic world of modern business, these two IT giants stand tall as
beacons of success in the information technology services sector - Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services
(TCS). These global IT giants have consistently showcased remarkable financial performance, capturing
the appreciation of investors, stakeholders, and industry experts alike. TCS started its working in 1968 and
is headquartered in Mumbai, India. TCS has a specialty in a different fields of IT services, including
software development, cloud services, system integration, cybersecurity, data analytics, consulting, and
business process outsourcing (BPO). TCS has doing its operation in over 46 countries and they have more
than 6 Lacs employees all over the world, offers various services to its clients in different types of
industries, including banking and financial services, healthcare, retail, aerospace etc. The major focus of
TCS is on Business process outsourcing and software development. Currently, TCS has a share capital of
rupees 365.91 crore and ranked 6th among top Information Technology companies all around the Globe.
Like TCS there have been another company named Infosys which is also globally renowned and give
tough competition to TCS. Infosys was founded in 1981, in Pune, India, and the company's headquarters
is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Initially, Infosys started as a small software development
company, and with continuous efforts they rapidly grew to become the leading players in the global IT
industry. The enterprise is known for its emphasis on innovation, technology-driven solutions, and a strong
focus on customer satisfaction. They have a share capital of rupees 2074 crore and employ more than 3
lacs people around the globe. Infosys is majorly a software development company and less focused on
BPO’s that’s why their assets acquisition is lower than the TCS. By analysing these two companies’ side
by side, we hope to give some important & valuable insights about returns to their existing and future
shareholders.
Objectives of the study: This study has the objective to find out the financial ratios of both companies,
including Assets turnover ratio, Net profit margin ratio and Equity multiplier ratio for a specified period
of time and further to compare the Return on Equity (ROE) trends of Infosys and Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS), and finally to assess financial health by examining their profitability, asset management,
and capital structure. At the end, to test the null hypothesis by applying independent t-test.
Contribution of this study: This study on unravelling the key drivers of return on equity: a comparative
analysis of Infosys and TCS is justified due to the significance of these two IT giants in the global market.
These two big enterprises are key players in the technology services industry, their financial performance
and profitability have far-reaching implications for stakeholders, investors, and the sector at large. By
employing the DuPont System, this research aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic evaluation
of their ROE components, enabling a deeper knowledge of the factors influencing their divergence or
success. The findings will illuminate operational efficiencies and strategic choices of Infosys and TCS but
also serve as a valuable benchmark for other businesses seeking to optimize their ROE in an evolving and
competitive marketplace.
Review Of Literature
In a study by Janarthanan (2023), they investigate the progression of TCS, Infosys, and Wipro for the
period 2017-2022 considering the fact that they demonstrate substantial market capitalization. In order to
assess business undertaking as a whole, ratio analysis is used together with statistical tools like one-way
ANOVA and Compound annual growth rate (CAGR). It was discovered that IT companies were not
adversely affected by COVID, and it appears that all these enterprises have been flourishing over the past
few years. Overall, Wipro's performance concerning generating operating profit, net profit, and pay-out
ratio over the long run is brilliant. In proprietary ratio, Infosys is the pioneer. Although TCS and Infosys
have a high market capitalisation.
Rose, Kumar, & Gowri (2023), their study aims to predict the financial stability of selected IT sector
companies by using financial statements obtained from the company’s websites for the past 10 years and
examine the financial stability of the sector during pre-Covid and post-covid period using the Altman’s z
score method and Springate model.
Divyaa & Panneerselvam’s (2023), study deals with the financial performance analysis of TCS Company
with reference to IT sector in India. The research mainly concentrates on analysing the profitability,
Turnover & solvency position of TCS Company. The ten-years annual report of the companies was taken
from websites (2011 to 2020). The secondary data was acquired via, balance sheets, financial statements,
journals, and articles. The study employs ratio analysis as its analytical tools and Future trend analysis
which help to understand the company's financial status.
In a study by Mehta (2021), they examined and analyse the financial & economic performance of selected
Indian I.T companies (Wipro, Infosys, HCL, and TCS) for a time period of 13 years (from 2007-08 to
2020-21) and formed a direct correlation between liquidity and leverage, efficiency, and profitability. In
this research paper, Financial Analysis is done using important accounting ratios and statistical tools like
Analysis of variances (ANOVA) and compounding annually growth rate (CAGR) which show differences
in the profitability of selected IT companies.
In a study conducted by Dzenopoljac, Janosevic, and Bontis in 2016, the focus was on uncovering whether
the intellectual capital (IC) within the Serbian information communication technology (ICT) sector holds
the capability to generate value. Over a period spanning from 2009 to 2013, the study meticulously
examined 13,989 ICT companies operating in Serbia. To gauge the extent of IC's impact on value creation,
the researchers employed the value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC). Various indicators of financial
performance, such as return on equity, return on assets, return on invested capital, profitability, and asset
turnover, were scrutinized. The findings revealed that, after adjusting for firm size and leverage, only
capital-employed efficiency emerged as a significant factor influencing financial performance.
samples t-test will be employed for testing of hypothesis and to compare the means of the ROE for TCS
and Infosys. A significance level of α = 0.05 will be used to determine statistical significance. The data for
the study will be obtained from the annually published reports of Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys.
Theoretical Framework: A key metric that has played a crucial role in their evaluation and comparison
is Return on Equity (ROE), a fundamental measure of a company's efficiency and profitability. The
DuPont System, developed by the chemical company DuPont in the early 20th century, is a powerful
financial tool that allows analysts, researchers and investors to delve deeper into a company's financial
performance. By breaking down the ROE into its component parts, the DuPont System helps uncover the
key drivers that contribute to a company's ability to generate returns for its shareholders.
In this research study, we embark on a comprehensive comparative analysis of two technology giants -
Infosys and TCS - using the DuPont System as the analytical framework. By applying this method, we
aim to unravel the underlying factors that have led to their divergent or convergent ROE trajectories over
the past few years. Understanding these factors will shed light on the distinct strategies and operational
efficiencies employed by each company, providing valuable insights into their competitive advantages and
challenges. This analysis will encompass multiple dimensions, including financial statements, profitability
ratios, asset turnover, and financial leverage. By synthesizing quantitative data, we strive to paint a
comprehensive picture of the overall health and performance of each company.
Through this in-depth examination, this research seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge
surrounding financial performance analysis and offer investors, stakeholders, and industry observers a
deeper understanding of what propels these industry titans forward in an increasingly competitive
landscape. As we progress with this comparative journey, we anticipate discovering valuable insights that
may not only provide a better understanding of Infosys and TCS but also equip businesses and investors
with a more robust framework for evaluating and optimizing ROE in their ventures.
Analysis of Infosys and Tata Consultancy Service’s financial performance using DuPont system
The DuPont system of financial analysis, also known as the DuPont analysis or DuPont model, is a method
used to assess a company's financial performance through an analysis of its return on equity (ROE), it
offers a structure to dissect the elements contributing to ROE, facilitating a more profound comprehension
of the company's fiscal well-being and effectiveness.
The DuPont analysis breaks down ROE into three key components, Profitability, Asset utilization, and
financial leverage. Let's look at each component in detail:
Results:
Net Profit Margin (NPM): The net profit margin stands as a crucial financial measure, gauging a
company's efficiency and profitability. It reflects the portion of revenue transformed into profit subsequent
to subtracting all expenses, encompassing taxes, interest, and operational costs. This metric serves as a
pivotal indicator of a company's proficiency in deriving profit from its fundamental business activities. A
heightened net profit margin signifies enhanced profitability and adept cost control. The formula for
computing the net profit margin is as follows:
20
15
10
0
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Interpretation: In the most recent financial year 2022-23, TCS achieved a net profit margin of 18.48%,
while Infosys had a slightly lower margin of 16.13%. Both companies experienced a decline in NPM
compared to the previous year, with TCS dropping from 19.64% to 18.48% and Infosys from 17.87% to
16.13%. However, TCS generally maintained higher NPMs over the five years, fluctuating between
20.93% (in 2018-19) and 18.48% (in 2022-23), whereas Infosys ranged from 18.92% (in 2020-21) to
16.13% (in 2022-23). The data suggests that TCS has historically managed to generate higher profits
relative to its revenue compared to Infosys, but both companies have experienced some margin
compression in recent years, potentially indicating challenges in managing costs and maintaining
profitability.
Asset Turnover Ratio (ATR): The asset turnover ratio is a tool used in finance to gauge how effectively
a company is putting its resources to work in making money. Essentially, it shows how much revenue a
company is generating compared to the total value of its assets. A higher ratio means the company is
making more money per dollar of assets it owns, suggesting it's using its resources efficiently. To calculate
it, you divide the company's total revenue by its total assets.
TCS Infosys
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Interpretation: TCS ATR has been consistently performing better than Infosys for all the years, indicating
that TCS has been more effective in generating revenue from its assets. From 2018-19 to 2022-23, TCS's
Assets Turnover Ratio has steadily increased, reflecting its improving efficiency in asset utilization. On
the other hand, Infosys also shows an upward trend in the ratio, though it remains below TCS throughout
the period. The difference in their ratios suggests that TCS has been more successful in generating revenue
relative to its asset base compared to Infosys, possibly due to better operational management and
utilization of resources.
Equity Multiplier Ratio: The Equity Multiplier, also known as the Leverage Ratio, is a financial metric
that measures the extent to which a company uses debt to finance its assets. It represents the percentage
of a company's assets that are supported by the investments made by its shareholders, rather than by
borrowing money. A higher equity multiplier suggests that the business is relying more on debt financing,
whereas a lower equity multiplier indicates a larger proportion of assets being funded by shareholders'
equity. The formula for computing the Equity Multiplier is as follows:
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Interpretation: TCS and Infosys have both experienced fluctuations in their Equity Multiplier Ratios
during this period. In 2022-23, TCS's Equity Multiplier increased to 1.588, while Infosys's Equity
Multiplier decreased to 1.668. Despite these changes, TCS consistently maintained a lower Equity
Multiplier than Infosys in all years, indicating that TCS relied less on debt financing to fund its assets
compared to Infosys. The decreasing trend in TCS's Equity Multiplier over the years indicates a potential
shift toward using more equity financing, while Infosys experienced fluctuations without a clear trend.
Return on Equity (ROE): In the DuPont system, Return on Equity (ROE) is a key financial metric used
to assess a company's profitability and efficiency in generating returns for its shareholders. The DuPont
system breaks down ROE into three components, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the
factors that contribute to the overall return on equity. By multiplying the three components together, we
obtain the ROE. The formula for ROE in the DuPont system is as follows:
Interpretation: Both Infosys and TCS have shown a positive trend in ROE over the years, indicating
improved profitability and shareholder value. In 2022-23, TCS achieved an impressive ROE of 46.66%,
while Infosys recorded a ROE of 32.02%. TCS consistently maintained a higher ROE than Infosys in all
the years, suggesting that TCS has been more effective in generating profits relative to its shareholders'
equity compared to Infosys. The rising trend in both companies' ROE indicates positive financial
performance and efficient utilization of shareholder capital.
Table 5: T-test
Particulars ROE of TCS ROE of Infosys
Mean 37.419 25.172
Variance 26.79468 10.92202
Observations 10 10
Pooled Variance 18.85835
Hypothesized Mean Difference 0
df 18
t Stat 6.30613
P(T<=t) one-tail 3.03E-06
t Critical one-tail 1.734064
P(T<=t) two-tail 6.06E-06
t Critical two-tail 2.100922
Source: Calculated by MS EXCEL
Observation: Based on the results of the analysis of Return on Equity (ROE) for TCS and Infosys, the
following observations can be made:
Mean ROE: The average ROE for TCS is 37.419%, while the average ROE for Infosys is 25.172%. This
indicates that, on average, TCS has been more profitable and efficient in generating returns for its
shareholders compared to Infosys.
Variance: The variance of ROE for TCS is 26.79468, and for Infosys, it is 10.92202. The higher variance
in TCS's ROE suggests that its profitability has been more volatile over the years compared to Infosys.
Hypothesis Testing: The hypothesis test is conducted to determine if there is a significant difference in the
mean ROE between TCS and Infosys. The hypothesized mean difference is 0, implying that there is no
assumed difference between the two companies' ROEs.
t Statistic and p-value: The calculated t statistic is 6.30613, and the p-value for a one-tail test is
0.00000303. For a two-tail test, the p-value is 0.00000606. Since the p-value is much smaller than the
significance level (usually 0.05), it suggests strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis (assumed mean
difference of 0). Thus, there is a statistically significant difference in the mean ROE between TCS and
Infosys.
t Critical Values: The critical t-value for a one-tail test at a significance level of 0.05 is 1.734064, and for
a two-tail test, it is 2.100922. Since the calculated t-statistic (6.30613) exceeds both critical values, it
further supports the rejection of the null hypothesis.
IJFMR240215313 Volume 6, Issue 2, March-April 2024 9
International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR)
E-ISSN: 2582-2160 ● Website: www.ijfmr.com ● Email: editor@ijfmr.com
Suggestions:
Cost Management: After analysis the study shows a decline in NPM ratio for both companies, focusing
on cost management strategies could help in maintaining profitability. Identifying areas for cost reduction
without compromising quality can lead to improved financial performance.
Asset Utilization: While both the businesses have shown positive improvements in asset turnover ratios,
further enhancing asset utilization could lead to increased revenue generation. Optimizing resource
allocation and operational efficiency can help maximize returns from existing assets.
Debt Management: Infosys could consider strategies to reduce its reliance on debt financing, which might
contribute to a lower equity multiplier. This could potentially lead to improved financial stability and
reduced financial risk.
Profitability Enhancement: Exploring ways to enhance net profit margins can positively impact overall
financial performance. Strategies such as diversifying revenue streams, improving pricing models, and
streamlining operations could contribute to better profitability.
Capital Structure Optimization: TCS's shift towards using more equity financing might indicate a
proactive approach to balancing its capital structure. Infosys could evaluate its financing mix to ensure an
optimal balance between equity and debt financing.
Continuous Improvement: Both companies should continue their efforts to maintain the positive trend
in ROE. This could involve ongoing monitoring of financial indicators, adapting to market changes, and
consistently seeking opportunities to enhance shareholder value.
Competitive Analysis: Examining industry peers' financial performance and practices can provide
insights into areas of improvement. Identifying best practices and benchmarks can guide both TCS and
Infosys in setting performance targets.
Innovation and Differentiation: Exploring avenues for innovation and differentiation can contribute to
increased revenue and profitability. Diversifying service offerings, embracing emerging technologies, and
capturing new markets can create competitive advantages.
Risk Management: Given the fluctuating financial indicators, both companies should prioritize effective
risk management strategies. This includes assessing market risks, regulatory changes, and global economic
factors that could impact their financial performance.
Investor Communication: Effectively communicating the financial health and performance of the
companies to investors and stakeholders can enhance their confidence. Transparency about strategies,
risks, and financial goals can foster trust and attract potential investors.
In conclusion, the DuPont analysis provides valuable insights into TCS and Infosys' financial performance.
By focusing on areas such as cost management, asset utilization, equity financing, and overall profitability,
both companies can work towards sustaining and enhancing their financial performance in the ever-
changing business landscape.
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