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Infosys share price falls 1% ahead of Q1 results 2026. Should you buy or sell the IT stock? | Stock Market News

www.livemint.com · July 23, 2026 · 09:21

Infosys share price falls 1% ahead of Q1 results 2026. Should you buy or sell the IT stock?

On July 23, 2026, Infosys Ltd (NSE: INFY) slipped by roughly 1% in early trading, closing at ₹1,420 per share. The dip came as investors awaited the company’s first‑quarter earnings for the fiscal year 2026‑27, scheduled for release later this week.

The modest decline reflects a mix of market sentiment and broader sector dynamics. While the Indian IT industry has benefited from a resurgence in offshore demand, rising geopolitical tensions and a stronger rupee have added pressure on export‑oriented earnings.

Key factors influencing the stock

  • Revenue outlook: Analysts expect Infosys to post a YoY revenue growth of 8‑10% for Q1, driven by higher digital transformation contracts in North America and Europe.
  • Margin pressure: Higher wage inflation in the United States and competitive pricing for cloud services could compress operating margins.
  • Currency impact: The rupee has appreciated 3% against the US dollar since the start of the year, potentially reducing foreign‑currency earnings.
  • Share buy‑back: The board announced a ₹12,000 crore share buy‑back programme, slated to begin in August, which may provide a floor for the stock.
  • Valuation: Infosys trades at a forward P/E of around 20x, slightly below the sector average of 22x, suggesting a modest discount.

Buy or sell? Analyst view

Given the current environment, most market participants are adopting a cautious stance. Below is a quick summary of the arguments on both sides.

  • Buy:
    • Strong order pipeline with several multi‑year digital deals secured in Q4 2025.
    • Share buy‑back could boost earnings per share and support the price.
    • Valuation remains attractive relative to peers.
  • Sell:
    • Potential margin squeeze from wage inflation and competitive pricing.
    • Currency headwinds may erode foreign earnings.
    • Uncertainty around Q1 earnings; any miss could trigger further downside.

In summary, investors seeking exposure to the Indian IT sector may find Infosys a reasonable addition if they are comfortable with short‑term volatility and the company’s medium‑term growth narrative. However, risk‑averse traders might prefer to wait for the Q1 results before taking a position.