Cognizant to Roll Out 100% Bonus Pay for 2025 After Hitting Growth Targets Ahead of Schedule

In a major boost for its global workforce, Cognizant Technology Solutions has announced a full 100% payout under its discretionary bonus program for the year 2025. This decision comes after the company achieved its internal “Winner’s Circle” benchmark—signifying top-tier performance in revenue growth, margins, and execution—two years earlier than planned.

Originally targeted for 2027 as outlined during its Investor Day, Cognizant entered the “Winner’s Circle” in calendar year 2025, reflecting strong execution and strategic progress under CEO Ravi Kumar S.

Strong Performance Drives Full Bonus Payout

Cognizant led major IT services peers with a robust 6.4% year-on-year revenue growth in constant currency for CY2025, outperforming competitors like Accenture, HCL, and Infosys. This marked the company’s sixth consecutive quarter of organic revenue growth and positioned it among the top performers in the industry.

In an internal communication to employees (accessed by sources like Moneycontrol), CEO Ravi Kumar S credited the achievement to the dedication of Cognizant’s over 350,000 employees worldwide, many of whom are based in India.

“To recognise this effort, I am pleased to share that we have authorised funding our discretionary bonus programme at 100 percent,” Kumar stated in the email.

He further highlighted during the post-earnings analyst call that the company accrued its highest bonus since 2018, emphasizing the team’s consistent execution on growth and margin improvements.

What is the “Winner’s Circle”?

The “Winner’s Circle” is Cognizant’s internal metric for achieving elite status among global IT services firms, typically defined by leading revenue growth rates and operational efficiency. Reaching this milestone ahead of schedule underscores the success of Cognizant’s AI-focused strategy, productivity enhancements, and client delivery model.

This early accomplishment not only rewards employees but also signals confidence in sustained momentum heading into 2026.

Looking Ahead: Cognizant’s 2026 Outlook

The company has guided for 4.0% to 6.5% revenue growth in constant currency for fiscal 2026, with adjusted diluted EPS projected between $5.56 and $5.70. Cognizant also plans aggressive campus hiring of 24,000–25,000 fresh graduates in 2026, leveraging AI-driven productivity gains.

Additionally, the firm intends to return approximately $1.6 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, reinforcing its commitment to balanced growth and capital allocation.

Why This Matters for Employees and the IT Sector

For Cognizant’s large Indian workforce (a significant portion of its global headcount), the 100% bonus announcement serves as a strong morale booster amid a competitive IT job market. It contrasts with varying bonus trends at other firms and highlights Cognizant’s focus on rewarding performance.

This development reinforces Cognizant’s positioning in the AI-led transformation era, where investments in skilling (over 340,000 employees trained in AI) and strategic deals are paying off.

Stay tuned to ClickUSA News for more updates on IT industry trends, corporate announcements, and employee welfare stories.

Published: February 5, 2026 | www.clickusanews.com

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