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ExlService Holdings, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________________________________
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2021
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO                     
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-33089
_________________________________________________________
EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________________________________________________
Delaware 82-0572194
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
320 Park Avenue,
29th Floor,
 
New York,New York10022
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(212) 277-7100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class:Trading symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share EXLSNASDAQ
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
________________________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer  Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes      No  

As of April 27, 2021, there were 33,457,656 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding, par value $0.001 per share.



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PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$177,121 $218,530 
Short-term investments198,721 184,286 
Restricted cash5,295 4,690 
Accounts receivable, net159,296 147,635 
Prepaid expenses12,709 11,344 
Advance income tax, net7,580 5,684 
Other current assets35,828 37,109 
Total current assets596,550 609,278 
Property and equipment, net90,153 92,875 
Operating lease right-of-use assets88,777 91,918 
Restricted cash2,298 2,299 
Deferred tax assets, net10,657 7,749 
Intangible assets, net56,243 59,594 
Goodwill349,098 349,088 
Other assets29,669 32,099 
Investment in equity affiliate2,921 2,957 
Total assets$1,226,366 $1,247,857 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$8,304 $6,992 
Current portion of long-term borrowings25,000 25,000 
Deferred revenue14,764 32,649 
Accrued employee costs43,492 67,645 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities73,241 66,410 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities18,476 18,894 
Income taxes payable, net14,443 3,488 
Total current liabilities197,720 221,078 
Long-term borrowings, less current portion202,687 201,961 
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion81,948 84,874 
Income taxes payable1,790 1,790 
Deferred tax liabilities, net877 847 
Other non-current liabilities15,119 18,135 
Total liabilities500,141 528,685 
Commitments and contingencies (Refer to Note 24)
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
— — 
ExlService Holdings, Inc. Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 39,273,989 shares issued and 33,526,889 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 38,968,052 shares issued and 33,559,434 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020
39 39 
Additional paid-in capital428,882 420,976 
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Retained earnings673,310 641,379 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(78,753)(74,984)
Total including shares held in treasury1,023,478 987,410 
Less: 5,747,100 shares as of March 31, 2021 and 5,408,618 shares as of December 31, 2020, held in treasury, at cost
(297,253)(268,238)
Stockholders’ equity726,225 719,172 
Total equity726,225 719,172 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $1,226,366 $1,247,857 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Revenues, net$261,415    $245,990 
Cost of revenues(1)
158,821    162,656 
Gross profit(1)
102,594 83,334 
Operating expenses:   
General and administrative expenses30,703 28,941 
Selling and marketing expenses18,235 14,456 
Depreciation and amortization expense12,101 12,450 
Total operating expenses61,039 55,847 
Income from operations41,555    27,487 
Foreign exchange gain, net434    1,377 
Interest expense(2,474)(3,072)
Other income, net1,410    2,529 
Income before income tax expense and earnings from equity affiliates40,925 28,321 
Income tax expense8,958 5,855 
Income before earnings from equity affiliates31,967 22,466 
Loss from equity-method investment36 55 
Net income attributable to ExlService Holdings, Inc. stockholders$31,931 $22,411 
Earnings per share attributable to ExlService Holdings, Inc. stockholders:
Basic$0.95 $0.65 
Diluted$0.93 $0.65 
Weighted-average number of shares used in computing earnings per share attributable to ExlService Holdings Inc. stockholders:   
Basic33,734,118    34,401,565
Diluted34,318,318 34,720,603

(1) Exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense.



See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Net income$31,931 $22,411 
 Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges568 (14,846)
Foreign currency translation loss(1,911)(21,571)
Reclassification adjustments
Gain on cash flow hedges(1)
(2,829)(929)
Retirement benefits(2)
179 101 
Income tax effects relating to above(3)
224 9,033 
  Total other comprehensive loss$(3,769)$(28,212)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)$28,162 $(5,801)


(1)These are reclassified to net income and are included either in cost of revenues or operating expenses, as applicable in the unaudited consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 16 - Derivatives and Hedge Accounting to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

(2)These are reclassified to net income and are included in other income, net in the unaudited consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 19 - Employee Benefit Plans to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

(3)These are income tax effects recognized on cash flow hedges, retirement benefits and foreign currency translation gains/(losses). Refer to Note 21 - Income Taxes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.







See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossTreasury StockTotal Equity
SharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance as of January 1, 202138,968,052 $39 $420,976 $641,379 $(74,984)(5,408,618)$(268,238)$719,172 
Stock issued against stock-based compensation plans305,937 — 74 — — — — 74 
Stock-based compensation— — 7,832 — — — — 7,832 
Acquisition of treasury stock— — — — — (338,482)(29,015)(29,015)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (3,769)— — (3,769)
Net income— — — 31,931 — — — 31,931 
Balance as of March 31, 202139,273,989 $39 $428,882 $673,310 $(78,753)(5,747,100)$(297,253)$726,225 


Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossTreasury StockTotal Equity
SharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance as of January 1, 202038,480,654 $39 $391,240 $551,903 $(84,892)(4,295,413)$(188,289)$670,001 
Stock issued against stock-based compensation plans333,121 — 921 — — — — 921 
Stock-based compensation— — 4,778 — — — — 4,778 
Acquisition of treasury stock— — — — — (202,366)(13,995)(13,995)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (28,212)— — (28,212)
Net income— — — 22,411 — — — 22,411 
Balance as of March 31, 202038,813,775 $39 $396,939 $574,314 $(113,104)(4,497,779)$(202,284)$655,904 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$31,931 $22,411 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by / (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense12,266 12,472 
Stock-based compensation expense7,832 4,778 
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets6,761 6,853 
Unrealized (gain) / loss on short term investments(1,103)267 
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain), net(1,139)(6,490)
Deferred income tax (benefit)/expense(2,695)3,539 
Allowance for expected credit losses48 195 
Loss from equity-method investment36 55 
Amortization of non-cash interest expense related to convertible senior notes673 635 
Others, net216 (26)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(11,818)(17,518)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(21)(1,871)
Advance income tax, net9,057 (1,109)
Other assets1,268 925 
Accounts payable1,902 1,400 
Deferred revenue(17,986)2,579 
Accrued employee costs(23,611)(37,046)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities8,456 972 
Operating lease liabilities(6,868)(6,576)
Net cash provided by /(used for) operating activities15,205 (13,555)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment(12,680)(12,347)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment129 73 
Investment in equity affiliate— (700)
Purchase of investments(18,835)(23,830)
Proceeds from redemption of investments5,357 72,844 
Net cash (used for) /provided by investing activities(26,029)36,040 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of finance lease liabilities(57)(67)
Proceeds from borrowings25,000 110,000 
Repayments of borrowings(25,000)(10,201)
Acquisition of treasury stock(29,015)(13,995)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options75 921 
Net cash (used for)/provided by financing activities(28,997)86,658 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(984)(2,653)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(40,805)106,490 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period225,519 127,044 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period$184,714 $233,534 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest$610 $775 
Income taxes, net of refunds$2,415 $2,646 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Assets acquired under finance lease$10 $28 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
1. Organization

ExlService Holdings, Inc. (“ExlService Holdings”) is organized as a corporation under the laws of the state of Delaware. ExlService Holdings, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, the “Company”), operates in the Business Process Management (“BPM”) industry providing operations management services and analytics services that helps its clients build and grow sustainable businesses. By orchestrating its domain expertise, data, analytics and digital technology, the Company looks deeper to design and manage agile, customer-centric operating models to improve global operations, drive profitability, enhance customer satisfaction, increase data-driven insights, and manage risk and compliance. The Company’s clients are located principally in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”).
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Preparation and Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements and therefore should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (of a normal and recurring nature) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of such statements for the interim periods presented. The unaudited consolidated statements of income for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year or for any subsequent period.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of ExlService Holdings and all of its subsidiaries. The standalone financial statements of subsidiaries are fully consolidated on a line-by-line basis. Intra-group balances and transactions, and gains and losses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated while preparing consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies of the respective individual subsidiary and associate are aligned wherever necessary, so as to ensure consistency with the accounting policies that are adopted by the Company under U.S. GAAP.

The Company’s investments in equity affiliates are initially recorded at cost and any excess purchase consideration paid over proportionate share of the fair value of the net assets of the investee at the acquisition date is recognized as goodwill. The proportionate share of net income or loss of the investee after its acquisition is recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income.
(b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the unaudited consolidated statements of income during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best assessment of the current business environment, actual results may be different from those estimates. The significant estimates and assumptions that affect the unaudited consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, allowance for expected credit losses, the nature and timing of the satisfaction of performance obligations, the standalone selling price of performance obligations, and variable consideration in a customer contract, expected recoverability from customers with contingent fee arrangements, estimated costs to complete fixed price contracts, recoverability of dues from statutory authorities, assets and obligations related to employee benefit plans, deferred tax valuation allowances, income-tax uncertainties and other contingencies, valuation of derivative financial instruments, assumptions used to calculate stock-based compensation expense, assumptions used to determine the incremental borrowing rate to calculate lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, lease term to calculate amortization of ROU, depreciation and amortization periods, purchase price allocation and recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangibles.

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




As of March 31, 2021, the extent to which the global Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic (“COVID-19”) will ultimately impact the Company's business depends on numerous dynamic factors, which the Company still cannot reliably predict. As a result, many of the Company's estimates and assumptions herein required increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. As events continue to evolve with respect to COVID-19, the Company’s estimates may materially change in future periods. Any changes in estimates are adjusted prospectively in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
(c) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2021, Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope, to clarify that all derivative instruments affected by changes to the interest rates used for discounting, margining or contract price alignment (commonly referred to as the discounting transition) are within the scope of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 848. The amendments in this ASU further clarify that certain optional expedients and exceptions for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivative instruments that use an interest rate for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment that is modified as a result of the discontinuation of the use of LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate due to reference rate reform. This ASU is effective immediately for all entities with the option to be applied retrospectively as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, and prospectively to any new contract modifications made on or after January 7, 2021 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease potential accounting impacts associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued, such as interbank offered rates and London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The ASU provides practical expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments are elective and are effective upon issuance for all entities through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. This ASU simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU removes separation models for (1) convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and (2) convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature and hence most of the instruments will be accounted for as a single model (either debt or equity). The ASU also states that entities must apply the if-converted method to all convertible instruments for calculation of diluted EPS and the treasury stock method is no longer available. An entity can use either a full or modified retrospective approach to adopt the ASU’s guidance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and may be early adopted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

(d) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this ASU has a minimal impact on the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements.

In October 2020, FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements, to provide guidance for technical corrections such as conforming amendments, clarifications to guidance, simplifications to wording or structure of guidance, and other minor improvements. The amendments in this ASU improve the consistency of the ASC by ensuring that all guidance that requires or provides an option for an entity to provide information in the notes to financial statements is codified in the disclosure section of the ASC. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




3. Segment and Geographical Information

The Company operates in the BPM industry and is a provider of operations management and analytics services.

The Company manages and reports financial information through its four strategic business units: Insurance, Healthcare, Analytics and Emerging Business. These business units develop client-specific solutions, build capabilities, maintain a unified go-to-market approach and are integrally responsible for service delivery, customer satisfaction, growth and profitability.

The chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) generally reviews financial information such as revenues, cost of revenues and gross profit, disaggregated by the operating segments to allocate an overall budget among the operating segments.
The Company does not allocate and therefore the CODM does not evaluate, certain operating expenses, interest expense or income taxes by segment. Many of the Company’s assets are shared by multiple operating segments. The Company manages these assets on a total Company basis, not by operating segment, and therefore asset information and capital expenditures by operating segment are not presented.
    
Revenues and cost of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, for each of the reportable segments, are as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
InsuranceHealthcareEmerging BusinessAnalyticsTotal
Revenues, net$91,160 $30,265 $37,668 $102,322 $261,415 
Cost of revenues(1)
56,093 17,391 20,844 64,493 158,821 
Gross profit(1)
$35,067 $12,874 $16,824 $37,829 $102,594 
Operating expenses61,039 
Foreign exchange gain, interest expense and other income, net(630)
Income tax expense8,958 
Loss from equity-method investment36 
Net income$31,931 

(1) Exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense.
Three months ended March 31, 2020
InsuranceHealthcareEmerging BusinessAnalyticsTotal
Revenues, net$83,739 $27,029 $42,791 $92,431 $245,990 
Cost of revenues(1)
58,965 19,593 25,482 58,616 162,656 
Gross profit(1)
$24,774 $7,436 $17,309 $33,815 $83,334 
Operating expenses55,847 
Foreign exchange gain, interest expense and other income, net834 
Income tax expense5,855 
Loss from equity-method investment55 
Net income$22,411 

(1) Exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense.



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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Revenues, net by service type, were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
BPM and related services(1)
$159,093 $153,559 
Analytics services102,322 92,431 
Revenues, net$261,415 $245,990 

(1) BPM and related services include revenues of the Company's Insurance, Healthcare and Emerging Business reportable segments. Refer to the reportable segment disclosure above.

The Company attributes the revenues to regions based upon the location of its customers.
 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
Revenues, net
United States$224,368 $207,880 
Non-United States
United Kingdom24,751 23,278 
Rest of World12,296 14,832 
Total Non-United States37,047 38,110 
Revenues, net$261,415 $245,990 

Long-lived assets by geographic area, which consist of property and equipment, net and operating lease right-of-use assets were as follows:
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Long-lived assets
India$93,329 $97,261 
United States47,676 46,659 
Philippines27,486 29,434 
Rest of World10,439 11,439 
Long-lived assets$178,930 $184,793 

4. Revenues, net

Refer to Note 3 - Segment and Geographical Information to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for revenues disaggregated by reportable segments and geography.

Contract balances
The following table provides information about accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Accounts receivable, net$159,296 $147,635 
Contract assets3,984 4,437 
Contract liabilities:
   Deferred revenue (consideration received in advance)12,971 30,450 
   Consideration received for process transition activities$2,280 $2,774 

Accounts receivable includes $78,502 and $63,995 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, representing unbilled receivables. The Company has accrued the unbilled receivables for work performed in accordance with the terms of contracts with customers and considers no significant performance risk associated with its unbilled receivables.

Contract assets represent upfront payments such as deal signing discounts or deal signing bonuses made to customers. These costs are amortized over the expected period of the benefit and are recorded as an adjustment to transaction price and reduced from revenues. The Company’s assessment did not indicate any impairment losses on its contract assets for the periods presented.

Contract liabilities represent that portion of deferred revenue for which payments have been received in advance from customers. The Company also defers revenues attributable to certain process transition activities for which costs have been capitalized by the Company as contract fulfillment costs. Consideration received from customers, if any, relating to such transition activities are classified under contract liabilities and are included within “Deferred revenues” and “Other non-current liabilities” in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The revenues are recognized as (or when) the performance obligation is fulfilled under the contract with customer.

Revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, which was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the respective periods:

 Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Deferred revenue (consideration received in advance)
$23,621 $5,968 
Consideration received for process transition activities
$679 $274 

Contract acquisition and fulfillment costs
The following table provides details of the Company’s contract acquisition and fulfillment costs:
Contract Acquisition CostsContract Fulfillment Costs
Quarter EndedYear EndedQuarter EndedYear Ended
March 31, 2021March 31, 2020December 31, 2020March 31, 2021March 31, 2020December 31, 2020
Opening Balance$1,027 $1,307 $1,307 $5,631 $7,255 $7,255 
Additions— — 310 284 779 
Amortization(242)(92)(590)(1,218)(623)(2,403)
Closing Balance$785 $1,215 $1,027 $4,419 $6,916 $5,631 

There was no impairment for contract acquisition and contract fulfillment costs as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The capitalized costs are amortized over the expected period of benefit of the contract.

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Allowance for expected credit losses

The Company evaluates the credit risk of its customers based on a combination of various financial and qualitative factors that may affect the ability of each customer to pay. The Company considered current and anticipated future economic conditions relating to the industries of the Company’s customers and the countries where it operates. In calculating expected credit loss, the Company also considered past payment trends, credit rating and other related credit information for its significant customers to estimate the probability of default in the future and estimates relating to the possible effects resulting from COVID-19.

The duration and severity of COVID-19 and continued market volatility is highly uncertain and, as such, the impact on expected losses is subject to significant judgment, including but not limited to changes in customers’ credit rating, and may cause variability in the Company’s allowance for credit losses in future periods.
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Accounts receivable, including unbilled receivables$160,479 $148,824 
Less: Allowance for expected credit loss(1,183)(1,189)
Accounts receivable, net$159,296 $147,635 

The movement in allowance for expected credit loss on customer balances for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows:
Three months endedYear ended
March 31, 2021March 31, 2020December 31, 2020
Balance at the beginning of the period$1,189 $1,163 $1,163 
Additions during the period50 195 300 
Charged against allowance(60)— (269)
Translation adjustment(12)(5)
Balance at the end of the period$1,183 $1,346 $1,189 

5. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for outstanding shares that are subject to repurchase during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares plus the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (outstanding stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units) issued and outstanding at the reporting date, and assumed conversion premium of outstanding convertible notes, using the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalents and the conversion premium of outstanding convertible notes that are anti-dilutive are excluded from the computation of weighted average shares outstanding. The Company includes performance stock unit awards in dilutive potential common shares when they become contingently issuable and have a dilutive impact per authoritative guidance and excludes such awards when they are not contingently issuable.

The Company has a choice to settle the Notes in cash, shares or any combination of the two. The Company presently intends and has the ability to settle the principal balance of the Notes in cash, and as such, the Company has applied the treasury stock method. The dilution related to the conversion premium, if any, of the Notes is included in the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding to the extent the issuance is dilutive based on the average stock price during the reporting period being greater than the conversion price of $75. Refer to Note 17 - Borrowings to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for further details.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
Numerators:
Net income$31,931 $22,411 
Denominators:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding33,734,118 34,401,565 
Dilutive effect of share based awards342,993 319,038 
Dilutive effect of conversion premium on convertible notes241,207 — 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding34,318,318 34,720,603 
Earnings per share attributable to ExlService Holdings Inc. stockholders:
Basic$0.95 $0.65 
Diluted$0.93 $0.65 
Weighted average potentially dilutive shares considered anti-dilutive and not included in computing diluted earnings per share— 170,313 
6. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

For the purpose of unaudited statements of cash flows, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash comprise of the following:
 As of
 March 31, 2021March 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents$177,121 $224,874 
Restricted cash (current)5,295 6,369 
Restricted cash (non-current)2,298 2,291 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$184,714 $233,534 

7. Other Income, net
Other income, net consists of the following:
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Gain on sale and mark-to-market of mutual funds$1,103 $2,056 
Interest and dividend income602 532 
Others, net(295)(59)
Other income, net$1,410 $2,529 
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)





8. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
Estimated useful livesAs of
(Years)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Owned Assets:
Network equipment and computers
3-5
$107,695 $107,109 
Software
3-5
100,395 99,708 
Leasehold improvements
3-8
46,889 48,052 
Office furniture and equipment
3-8
21,888 22,117 
Motor vehicles
2-5
597 599 
Buildings301,088 1,089 
Land712 712 
Capital work in progress5,316 4,647 
284,580 284,033 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(194,854)(191,629)
$89,726 $92,404 
Right-of-use assets under finance leases:
Leasehold improvements$816 $817 
Office furniture and equipment347 348 
Motor vehicles669 688 
1,832 1,853 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,405)(1,382)
$427 $471 
Property and equipment, net$90,153 $92,875 

Capital work in progress represents advances paid towards acquisition of property and equipment and costs incurred on internally developed software not yet ready to be placed in service.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no changes in estimated useful lives of property and equipment.

The depreciation and amortization expense, excluding amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income was as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Depreciation and amortization expense$8,740 $8,297 

The effect of foreign exchange gain/(loss) upon settlement of cash flow hedges recorded under depreciation and amortization, was as follows:

Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Effect of foreign exchange gain$165 $22 

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Internally developed software costs, included under Software, was as follows:
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Cost$18,608 $18,371 
Less : Accumulated amortization(7,022)(5,998)
Internally developed software, net$11,586 $12,373 

The amortization expense on internally developed software recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income was as follows:
Three months ended March 31
20212020
Amortization expense$1,024 $831 

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company believes no impairment exists because the long-lived asset's future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated exceeds its carrying value; however, there can be no assurances that long-lived assets will not be impaired in future periods. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which undiscounted cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount, and the asset’s residual value, if any. It is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods. The duration and severity of COVID-19 and continued market volatility is highly uncertain and, as such, the impact on undiscounted cash flows is subject to significant judgment and may cause variability in the Company’s assessment of the existence of any impairment.

9. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company transitioned to new segment reporting structure effective January 1, 2020, which resulted in certain changes to its operating segments and reporting units. The Company reallocated goodwill to its reporting units using a relative fair value approach. In addition, the Company completed an assessment of any potential goodwill impairment for all its reporting units immediately prior to the reallocation and determined that no impairment existed.

The following table sets forth details of changes in goodwill by reportable segment of the Company:
InsuranceHealthcareEmerging BusinessAnalyticsTT&LF&AAll OtherTotal
Balance at January 1, 2020$38,276 $19,276 $— $227,289 $12,457 $46,905 $5,326 $349,529 
Goodwill reallocation(1)
12,192 2,693 49,803 — (12,457)(46,905)(5,326)$— 
Currency
translation
adjustments
31 (16)(455)(1)— — — (441)
Balance at December 31, 2020$50,499 $21,953 $49,348 $227,288 $— $— $— $349,088 
Currency
translation
adjustments
21 — (11)— — — — 10 
Balance at March 31, 2021$50,520 $21,953 $49,337 $227,288 $— $— $— $349,098 

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




    (1) Represents the reallocation of goodwill resulting from the Company reorganizing its operating segments as described in Note 3 - Segment and Geographical Information to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill for those reporting units that had goodwill recorded. Based on the results, the fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying value and the goodwill was not impaired.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company evaluated the continuing effects of COVID-19 and its impact on the global economy on each of the Company’s reporting units to assess whether there was a triggering event during the quarter requiring the Company to perform a goodwill impairment test. The Company considered certain improvements in current and forecasted economic and market conditions and qualitative factors, such as the Company’s performance in the first quarter and business forecasts for the remainder of the year, stock price movements and expansion plans. The Company reviewed key assumptions, including revisions of projected future revenues for reporting units against the results of the annual impairment test performed during the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company did not identify any triggers or indications of potential impairment for its reporting units as of March 31, 2021.

There can be no assurances that goodwill will not be impaired in future periods. Estimating the fair value of reporting units requires the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results. These estimates and judgements may not be within the control of the Company and accordingly it is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods. The duration and severity of COVID-19 and continued market volatility is highly uncertain and, as such, the impact on cash flows, long-term debt-free net cash flow growth rate in the terminal year and discount rates are subject to significant judgments and may cause variability in the Company’s assessment of existence of any impairment. The Company will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 on the Company and significant changes in key assumptions that could result in future period impairment charges.

The recoverability of goodwill is dependent upon the continued growth of cash flows from the Company’s business activities. This growth is based on business forecasts and improvement in profitability of its reporting units. The Company continues to maintain its focus on cultivating long-term client relationships as well as attracting new clients.

Intangible Assets
Information regarding the Company’s intangible assets is set forth below:
As of March 31, 2021
Gross
Carrying Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Amount
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationships$73,373 $(29,378)$43,995 
Developed technology23,523 (12,984)10,539 
Trade names and trademarks5,100 (4,291)809 
$101,996 $(46,653)$55,343 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trade names and trademarks$900 $— $900 
Total intangible assets$102,896 $(46,653)$56,243 
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




As of December 31, 2020
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying
Amount
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationships$73,357 $(27,464)$45,893 
Developed technology23,510 (11,858)11,652 
Trade names and trademarks5,100 (3,951)1,149 
$101,967 $(43,273)$58,694 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trade names and trademarks$900 $— $900 
Total intangible assets$102,867 $(43,273)$59,594 

The amortization expense recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income was as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Amortization expense$3,361 $4,153 

The remaining weighted average life of intangible assets is as follows:
(in years)
Customer relationships6.68
Developed technology2.48
Trade names and trademarks (Finite lived)2.29
Estimated future amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2021 was as follows:
2021 (April 1 - December 31)$9,410 
202211,342 
20239,053 
20246,711 
20255,959 
2026 and thereafter12,868 
Total$55,343 






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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




10. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of the following:
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Derivative instruments$9,651 $9,755 
Advances to suppliers2,816 3,906 
Receivables from statutory authorities15,515 15,658 
Contract assets1,778 1,814 
Deferred contract fulfillment costs2,344 2,888 
Interest accrued on term deposits 210 169 
Others3,514 2,919 
Other current assets$35,828 $37,109 
11. Other Assets
Other assets consist of the following:
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Lease deposits$9,635 $9,788 
Derivative instruments5,856 6,933 
Deposits with statutory authorities6,339 6,341 
Term deposits219 216 
Contract assets2,206 2,623 
Deferred contract fulfillment costs2,075 2,743 
Others3,339 3,455 
Other assets$29,669 $32,099 

12. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Accrued expenses$38,562 $39,951 
Payable to statutory authorities17,245 10,594 
Accrued capital expenditures5,791 7,857 
Derivative instruments290 435 
Client liabilities5,333 4,740 
Interest payable2,734 1,399 
Other current liabilities3,077 1,205 
Finance lease liabilities209 229 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities$73,241 $66,410 
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




13. Other Non-Current Liabilities
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following:
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Derivative instruments$645 $29 
Unrecognized tax benefits907 907 
Retirement benefits9,174 8,940 
Deferred transition revenue823 924 
Accrued capital expenditures— 3,486 
Other liabilities3,314 3,568 
Finance lease liabilities256 281 
Other non-current liabilities$15,119 $18,135 

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) consists of actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefits and foreign currency translation adjustments. In addition, the Company enters into foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815. Cumulative changes in the fair values of these foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in AOCI on the Company's unaudited consolidated balance sheets until the settlement of those contracts. The balances as of March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 are as follows:

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Foreign currency translation (loss)/gainUnrealized (loss)/gain on cash flow hedgesRetirement benefitsTotal
Balance as of January 1, 2021$(86,185)$13,799 $(2,598)$(74,984)
Gains / (losses) recognized during the period(1,911)568 — (1,343)
Reclassification to net income (1)
— (2,829)179 (2,650)
Income tax effects (2)
284 (9)(51)224 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31, 2021$(87,812)$11,529 $(2,470)$(78,753)
Balance as of January 1, 2020$(87,591)$4,098 $(1,399)$(84,892)
Losses recognized during the period(21,571)(14,846)— (36,417)
Reclassification to net income (1)
— (929)101 (828)
Income tax effects (2)
4,234 4,808 (9)9,033 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31, 2020$(104,928)$(6,869)$(1,307)$(113,104)

(1) Refer to Note 16 - Derivatives and Hedge Accounting and Note 19 - Employee Benefit Plans to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for reclassification to net income.

(2) These are income tax effects recognized on changes in the fair values of cash flow hedges, actuarial (loss) / gain on retirement benefits and foreign currency translation (loss) / gain, net of reclassifications related to the period activity. Refer to Note 21 - Income Taxes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.


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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




15. Fair Value Measurements
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable InputsSignificant Other Unobservable Inputs
As of March 31, 2021Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Mutual funds*$161,868 $— $— $161,868 
Derivative financial instruments— 15,507 — 15,507 
Total$161,868 $15,507 $— $177,375 
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments$— $935 $— $935 
Total$— $935 $— $935 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable InputsSignificant Other Unobservable Inputs
As of December 31, 2020Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Mutual funds*$160,441 $— $— $160,441 
Derivative financial instruments— 16,688 — 16,688 
Total$160,441 $16,688 $— $177,129 
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments$— $464 $— $464 
Total$— $464 $— $464 
* Represents those short-term investments, which are carried at the fair value option under ASC 825 "Financial Instruments”.

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Fair values for derivative financial instruments are based on independent sources including highly rated financial institutions and are classified as Level 2. Refer to Note 16 - Derivatives and Hedge Accounting to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for further details.
Financial instruments not carried at fair value:

The Company’s other financial instruments not carried at fair value consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments (except investments in mutual funds, as disclosed above), restricted cash, accrued interest on term deposits, accrued capital expenditures, accrued expenses and interest payable on borrowings for which fair values approximate their carrying amounts due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of the Company’s outstanding revolving credit facility approximates its fair value because the Company’s interest rate yield is near current market rates for comparable debt instruments.
Convertible Senior Notes:

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




The total estimated fair value of the convertible senior notes as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $152,636 and $152,384, respectively. The fair value was determined based on the market yields for similar convertible notes as of the March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company considers the fair value of the convertible senior notes to be a Level 2 measurement due to the limited inputs available for its fair valuation.

16. Derivatives and Hedge Accounting

The Company uses derivative instruments and hedging transactions to mitigate exposure to foreign currency fluctuation risks associated with forecasted transactions denominated in certain foreign currencies so as to minimize earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are largely forward foreign exchange contracts that are designated as effective hedges and that qualify as cash flow hedges under ASC 815. The Company had outstanding cash flow hedges totaling $509,860 as of March 31, 2021 and $451,935 as of December 31, 2020.

Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, until the hedged transactions occurs. The resultant foreign exchange gain/(loss) upon settlement of these cash flow hedges is recorded along with the underlying hedged item in the same line of unaudited consolidated statements of income as either a part of “Cost of revenues,” “General and administrative expenses,” “Selling and marketing expenses”, “Depreciation and amortization expense”, as applicable.

The Company evaluates hedge effectiveness at the time a contract is entered into as well as on an ongoing basis. For hedging positions that are discontinued because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur by the end of the originally specified period, any related amounts recorded in equity are reclassified to earnings.

The Company estimates that approximately $8,996 of derivative gains, net, excluding tax effects, included in AOCI, representing changes in the value of cash flow hedges, could be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months based on exchange rates prevailing as of March 31, 2021. At March 31, 2021, the maximum outstanding term of the cash flow hedges was 45 months.

The Company also enters into foreign currency forward contracts to economically hedge its intercompany balances and other monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than functional currencies, against the risk of foreign currency fluctuations associated with remeasurement of such assets and liabilities to functional currency. These derivatives do not qualify as fair value hedges under ASC 815. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income and are included in the foreign exchange gain/(loss) line item. The Company’s primary exchange rate exposure is with the Indian rupee, the U.K. pound sterling (GBP) and the Philippine peso. The Company also has exposure to Colombian pesos (COP), Czech koruna, the Euro (EUR), South African ZAR and other local currencies in which it operates. Outstanding foreign currency forward contracts amounted to USD 147,228, GBP 7,727, EUR 1,978 and COP 8,172,868 as of March 31, 2021 and USD 143,394, GBP 6,753, EUR 2,447 and COP 8,287,950 as of December 31, 2020.

All of the assets and liabilities related to our foreign exchange forward contracts are subject to master netting arrangements with each individual counterparty. These master netting arrangements generally provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with the counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. We have presented all of the assets and liabilities related to our foreign exchange forward contracts on a gross basis, with no offsets, in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position. There is no financial collateral (including cash collateral) provided or received by us related to our foreign exchange forward contracts.

The following tables set forth the fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts and their location on the unaudited consolidated financial statements:
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:As of
Foreign currency exchange contractsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Other current assets$9,261 $9,740 
Other assets$5,856 $6,933 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities$265 $176 
Other non-current liabilities$645 $29 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:As of
Foreign currency exchange contractsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Other current assets$390 $15 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities$25 $259 

The following tables set forth the effect of foreign currency exchange contracts on the unaudited consolidated statements of income and accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended March 31,
Forward Exchange Contracts:20212020
Unrealized (loss)/gain recognized in AOCI
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships$568 $(14,846)
Loss recognized in unaudited consolidated statements of income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$(394)$(4,214)
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Location and amount of gain/(loss) recognized in unaudited consolidated statements of income for cash flow hedging relationships and derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
As per unaudited consolidated statements of incomeGain/(loss) on foreign currency exchange contractsAs per unaudited consolidated statements of incomeGain/(loss) on foreign currency exchange contracts
Cash flow hedging relationships
Location in unaudited consolidated statements of income where gain was reclassed from AOCI
Cost of revenues$158,821 $2,424 $162,656 $812 
General and administrative expenses$30,703 252 $28,941 73 
Selling and marketing expenses$18,235 13 $14,456 
Depreciation and amortization expense$12,101 140 $12,450 40 
Total before tax2,829 929 
Income tax expense relating to above(389)(102)
Net of tax$2,440 $827 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Location in unaudited consolidated statements of income where gain/(loss) was recognized
Foreign exchange gain, net$434 $(394)$1,377 $(4,214)
$434 $(394)$1,377 $(4,214)

17. Borrowings

The following tables summarizes the Company’s debt position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

As of March 31, 2021
Revolving Credit FacilityNotesTotal
Current portion of long-term borrowings$25,000 $— $25,000 
Long-term borrowings$64,000 $150,000 $214,000 
Unamortized debt discount— (10,562)(10,562)
Unamortized debt issuance costs*— (751)(751)
Long-term borrowings$64,000 $138,687 $202,687 
Total borrowings$89,000 $138,687 $227,687 
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




As of December 31, 2020
Revolving Credit FacilityNotes
Total
Current portion of long-term borrowings$25,000 $— $25,000 
Long-term borrowings$64,000 $150,000 $214,000 
Unamortized debt discount— (11,235)(11,235)
Unamortized debt issuance costs*— (804)(804)
Long-term borrowings$64,000 $137,961 $201,961 
Total borrowings$89,000 $137,961 $226,961 

*Unamortized debt issuance costs for the Company’s revolving Credit Facility of $426 and $490 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, is presented under “Other current assets” and “Other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Credit Agreement

The Company’s $300,000 revolving credit facility pursuant to its credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with certain lenders and Citibank N.A. as Administrative Agent (the “Credit Facility”) carried an effective interest rate as shown below.

Three months ended March 31
2021
2020
Effective Interest Rate2.0 %3.0 %


As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants listed under the Credit Agreement.

Convertible Senior Notes

On October 1, 2018, the Company entered into an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with Orogen Echo LLC (the “Purchaser”), an affiliate of The Orogen Group LLC, relating to the issuance to the Purchaser of $150,000 in an aggregate principal amount of 3.50% per annum Convertible Senior Notes due October 1, 2024 (the “Notes”). The transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreement, including the issuance of the Notes, closed on October 4, 2018. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Until October 4, 2020, under the Investment Agreement, the Purchaser was restricted from transferring the Notes or any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes, or entering into any transaction that transfers such interests to a third party. The Notes carried an effective interest rate as shown below:

Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Effective Interest Rate3.7 %3.7 %

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized interest expense and amortization of debt discount, on the Notes as below:

Three months ended
March 31,
20212020
Interest expense on the Notes$1,313 $1,313 
Amortization of debt discount on the Notes$673 $635 
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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)





Payments / maturities for all of the Company's borrowings as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:
NotesRevolving Credit FacilityTotal
2021 (April - December)$— $25,000 $25,000 
2022— 64,000 64,000 
2023— — — 
2024150,000 — 150,000 
Total$150,000 $89,000 $239,000 
Letters of Credit

In the ordinary course of business, the Company provides standby letters of credit to third parties primarily for facility leases. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $461, each, that were not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.
18. Capital Structure
Common Stock
The Company has one class of common stock outstanding.

The Company purchased shares of common stock from employees in connection with withholding tax payments related to the vesting of restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units, as below:

Shares repurchasedTotal consideration
Weighted average purchase price per share (1)
Three months ended March 31, 202125,450 $2,015 $79.18 
Three months ended March 31, 202026,601 $2,012 $75.63 

On December 16, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $200,000 common stock repurchase program beginning January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022 (the "2019 Repurchase Program"). Under the 2019 Repurchase Program, shares may be purchased by the Company from time to time from the open market and through private transactions, or otherwise, as determined by the Company’s management as market conditions warrant. Repurchases may be discontinued at any time by the management.

The Company purchased shares of its common stock, including commissions, under the 2019 Repurchase Program, as below:

Shares repurchasedTotal consideration
Weighted average purchase price per share (1)
Three months ended March 31, 2021313,032 $27,000 $86.25 
Three months ended March 31, 2020175,765 $11,983 $68.18 


(1) The weighted average purchase price per share was the closing price of the Company's share of common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the trading day prior to the vesting date of the shares of restricted stock.

Repurchased shares have been recorded as treasury shares and will be held until the Company’s Board of Directors designates that these shares be retired or used for other purposes.

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




The 2019 Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
19. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company’s Gratuity Plan in India (the "India Plan") provides for a lump sum payment to vested employees on retirement or upon termination of employment in an amount based on the respective employee’s salary and years of employment with the Company. In addition, the Company’s subsidiary operating in the Philippines conforms to the minimum regulatory benefit, which provide for lump sum payment to vested employees on retirement from employment in an amount based on the respective employee’s salary and years of employment with the Company (the "Philippines Plan"). Liabilities with regard to the India Plan and the Philippines Plan are determined by actuarial valuation using the projected unit credit method. Current service costs for these Plans are accrued in the year to which they relate. Actuarial gains or losses or prior service costs, if any, resulting from amendments to the plans are recognized and amortized over the remaining period of service of the employees.

Components of net periodic benefit costs, were as follows:
 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
Service cost$889 $678 
Interest cost235 243 
Expected return on plan assets(201)(161)
Amortization of actuarial loss, gross of tax 179 101 
Net gratuity cost$1,102 $861 
Income tax benefit on amortization of actuarial loss(51)(9)
Amortization of actuarial loss, net of tax$128 $92 


The India Plan is partially funded whereas the Philippines plan is unfunded. The Company makes annual contributions to the employees' gratuity fund of the India Plan established with Life Insurance Corporation of India and HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company. Fund managers manage these funds and calculate the annual contribution required to be made by the Company and manage the India Plan, including any required payouts. These funds are managed on a cash accumulation basis and interest is declared retrospectively on March 31 of each year. The Company expects to earn a return of approximately 7.0% per annum on the India Plan for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at January 1, 2021$11,512 
Actual return201 
Employer contribution— 
Benefits paid(283)
Effect of exchange rate changes(6)
Plan assets at March 31, 2021$11,424 

The Company maintains several 401(k) plans (the “401(k) Plans”) under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), covering all eligible employees, as defined in the Code as a defined contribution plan. The Company may make discretionary contributions of up to a maximum of 4.0% of employee compensation within certain limits.

The Company's accrual for contributions to the 401(k) Plans were as follows:

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Contribution to the 401(k) Plan$1,299 $226 

The Company's contribution for various defined benefit plans on behalf of employees in India, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Colombia, Australia and Singapore were as follows:

Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Contributions to the defined benefit plans
$3,294 $2,977 

20. Leases

The Company conducts its operations using facilities leased under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates. The Company finances its use of certain motor vehicles and other equipment under various lease arrangements provided by financial institutions. The lease agreements do not contain any covenants to impose any restrictions except for market-standard practice for similar lease arrangements.

The Company had performed an evaluation of its contracts with suppliers in accordance with Topic 842, Leases, and had determined that, except for leases for office facilities, motor vehicles and other equipment as described above, none of the Company’s contracts contain a lease. In assessment of the lease term, the Company considers the extension option as part of its lease term for those lease arrangements where the Company is reasonably certain of availing the extension option. As part of the Company’s effort to moderate the impact of COVID-19, the Company continued to evaluate its office facilities to determine where it can exit, consolidate, or otherwise optimize its use of office space. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company changed the lease term for certain of its leases and recognized the resultant amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability as an adjustment to the ROU assets.

The impact of COVID-19 on the economic environment is uncertain and has caused variability in the determination of the incremental borrowing rate and extension option, which have an impact on measurement of lease liabilities and ROU assets.

Supplemental balance sheet information
As of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Operating Lease
Operating lease right-of-use assets$88,777 $91,918 
Operating lease liabilities - Current$18,476 $18,894 
Operating lease liabilities - Non-current81,948 84,874 
Total operating lease liabilities$100,424 $103,768 
Finance Lease
Property and equipment, gross$1,832 $1,853 
Accumulated depreciation(1,405)(1,382)
Property and equipment, net$427 $471 
Finance lease liabilities - Current$209 $229 
Finance lease liabilities - Non-current256 281 
Total finance lease liabilities$465 $510 
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)





Finance lease liabilities are presented as a part of “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other non-current liabilities,” as applicable, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The components of lease cost, which are included in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income, are as follows:
Lease costThree months ended March 31, 2021Three months ended March 31, 2020
Finance lease:
Amortization of right-of-use assets$52 $62 
Interest on lease liabilities17 30 
Operating lease(a)
6,761 6,853 
Total lease cost$6,830 $6,945 
(a) Includes short-term leases, which are immaterial.


Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases are as follows:

Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Cash payments for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities :
Operating cash outflows for operating leases$6,868$6,576
Operating cash outflows for finance leases$17$30
Financing cash outflows for finance leases$57$67
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$2,054$16,366
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities$10$28
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)
Finance lease1.7 years2.3 years
Operating lease6.2 years6.8 years
Weighted-average discount rate
Finance lease10.7 %10.2 %
Operating lease7.3 %7.4 %

The Company determines the incremental borrowing rate by adjusting the benchmark reference rates, applicable to the respective geographies where the leases were entered, with appropriate financing spreads and lease specific adjustments for the effects of collateral.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, the Company modified certain of its operating leases, resulting in a reduction of its lease liabilities by $0 and $3,143 respectively, with a corresponding reduction in ROU assets.

Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2021 (April 1 - December 31)$19,102 $212 
202224,613 169 
202322,931 120 
202417,262 46 
20259,971 14 
2026 and thereafter34,414 — 
Total lease payments$128,293 $561 
Less: Imputed interest27,869 96 
Present value of lease liabilities$100,424 $465 

Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows:
Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2021$25,829 $262 
202224,316 194 
202322,066 114 
202417,084 36 
20259,749 11 
2026 and thereafter34,334 — 
Total lease payments$133,378 $617 
Less: Imputed interest29,610 107 
Present value of lease liabilities$103,768 $510 
21. Income Taxes

The Company determines the tax provision for interim periods using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate. Each quarter, the Company updates its estimate of annual effective tax rate, and if its estimated tax rate changes, the Company makes a cumulative adjustment. The impact of COVID-19 on the economic environment is uncertain and may change the annual effective tax rate, which could impact tax expense.

The Company's effective tax rate increased from 20.7% during the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 21.9% during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company recorded income tax expense of $8,958 and $5,855 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in the income tax expense was primarily as a result of higher profit during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Income tax (deferred) recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Deferred taxes benefit / (expense) recognized on:
Unrealized gain / (loss) on cash flow hedges$(398)$4,706 
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges389 102 
Reclassification adjustment for retirement benefits(51)(9)
Foreign currency translation loss284 4,234 
Total Income tax benefit recognized in other comprehensive income / (loss)$224 $9,033 


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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




22. Stock-Based Compensation

The following costs related to the Company’s stock-based compensation plan are included in the unaudited consolidated statements of income:
 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
Cost of revenues$1,536 $1,418 
General and administrative expenses3,298 1,568 
Selling and marketing expenses2,998 1,792 
Total$7,832 $4,778 

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had 1,887,604 shares available for grant under the 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Stock Options

Stock option activity under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans is shown below:
Number of
Options
Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
Outstanding at December 31, 202031,265 $25.43 $1,866 1.85
Granted— — — — 
Exercised(3,016)24.77 188 — 
Forfeited— — — — 
Outstanding at March 31, 202128,249 $25.50 $1,826 1.69
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 202128,249 $25.50 $1,826 1.69
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock unit activity under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans is shown below:
 Restricted Stock Units
 NumberWeighted-Average
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2020*903,666 $67.84 
Granted342,656 83.86 
Vested(302,921)64.00 
Forfeited(13,182)70.05 
Outstanding at March 31, 2021*930,219 $74.96 

* As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 restricted stock units vested for which the underlying common stock is yet to be issued was 181,638 each.

As of March 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation cost of $64,277 is expected to be expensed over a weighted average period of 3.01 years.
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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Performance Based Stock Awards

Under the 2018 Plan, the Company grants performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) to executive officers and other specified employees. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted PRSUs that cliff vest at the end of a three year period based on a market condition that is contingent on the Company's meeting the total shareholder return relative to a group of peer companies specified under the program measured over a three-year performance period. The award recipient may earn up to two hundred percent (200%) of the PRSUs granted based on the actual achievement of targets. Unlike the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company did not grant PRSUs that cliff vest at the end of a three-year period based on an aggregated revenue target for such three year period.

Performance restricted stock unit activity under the Company’s stock plans is shown below:
 Revenue Based PRSUsMarket Condition Based PRSUs
 NumberWeighted-Average
Fair Value
NumberWeighted-Average
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2020105,892 $72.32 105,867 $97.85 
Granted— — 121,180 119.80 
Vested— — — — 
Forfeited— — — — 
Outstanding at March 31, 2021105,892 $72.32 227,047 $109.57 
As of March 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation cost of $20,882 is expected to be expensed over a weighted average period of 2.34 years.

The impact of COVID-19 on the economic environment is uncertain and has caused variability in the estimation of number of performance based restricted stock units that will eventually vest and the related compensation cost to be recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income.

23. Related Party Disclosures

On October 1, 2018, the Company entered into the Investment Agreement with the Purchaser relating to the issuance to the Purchaser of $150,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes. In connection with the investment, Vikram S. Pandit, Chairman and CEO of The Orogen Group LLC (an affiliate of the Purchaser), was appointed to Company’s Board of Directors.

The Company had outstanding Notes with a principal amount of $150,000 each as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and interest accrued of $2,625 and $1,313 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, related to the Investment Agreement.

The Company recognized interest expense on the Notes related to the Investment Agreements as below. Refer to Note 17 – Borrowings to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for details.

Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Interest expense on Notes
$1,313 $1,313 


24. Commitments and Contingencies

Capital Commitments

At March 31, 2021, the Company had committed to spend approximately $3,300 under agreements to purchase property and equipment. This amount is net of capital advances paid which are recognized in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets as property and equipment.

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




Other Commitments

Certain units of the Company’s Indian subsidiaries were established as 100% Export-Oriented units or under the Software Technology Parks of India or Special Economic Zone scheme promulgated by the Government of India. These units are exempt from customs, central excise duties, and levies on imported and indigenous capital goods, stores, and spares. The Company has undertaken to pay custom duties, service taxes, levies, and liquidated damages payable, if any, in respect of imported and indigenous capital goods, stores and spares consumed duty free, in the event that certain terms and conditions are not fulfilled. The Company’s management believes, however, that these units have in the past satisfied and will continue to satisfy the required conditions.

The Company’s operations centers in the Philippines are registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The registration provides the Company with certain fiscal incentives on the import of capital goods and local purchase of services and materials and requires ExlService Philippines, Inc. to meet certain performance and investment criteria. The Company’s management believes that these centers have in the past satisfied and will continue to satisfy the required criteria.

Contingencies

The U.S. and Indian transfer pricing regulations require that any international transaction involving associated enterprises be at an arm’s-length price. Accordingly, the Company determines the appropriate pricing for the international transactions among its associated enterprises on the basis of a detailed functional and economic analysis involving benchmarking against transactions among entities that are not under common control. The tax authorities have jurisdiction to review this arrangement and in the event that they determine that the transfer price applied was not appropriate, the Company may incur increased tax liability, including accrued interest and penalties. The Company is currently involved in disputes with the Indian tax authorities over the application of some of its transfer pricing policies for some of its subsidiaries. Further, the Company and a U.S. subsidiary are engaged in tax litigation with the income-tax authorities in India on the issue of permanent establishment. The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states and foreign jurisdictions. For the U.S., the Philippines and India, tax year 2016 and subsequent tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities as of March 31, 2021.

The aggregate amount demanded by income tax authorities (net of advance payments, if any) from the Company related to its transfer pricing issues for tax years 2003 to 2015 and its permanent establishment issues for tax years 2003 to 2007 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is $16,739 and $16,748, respectively, of which the Company has made payments and/or provided bank guarantees to the extent $8,116 and $8,120, respectively. Amounts paid as deposits in respect of such assessments aggregating to $6,304 and $6,307 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are included in “Other assets” and amounts deposited for bank guarantees aggregating to $1,812 and $1,813 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are included in “Restricted cash” in the non-current assets section of the Company’s unaudited consolidated balance sheets.

Based on the facts underlying the Company’s position and its experience with these types of assessments, the Company believes that its position will more likely than not be sustained upon final examination by the tax authorities based on its technical merits as of the reporting date and accordingly has not accrued any amount with respect to these matters in its unaudited consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect any impact from these assessments on its future income tax expense. It is possible that the Company might receive similar orders or assessments from tax authorities for subsequent years. Accordingly, even if these disputes are resolved, the Indian tax authorities may still serve additional orders or assessments.

In February 2019, there was a judicial pronouncement in India with respect to defined social security contribution benefits payments interpreting certain statutory defined contribution obligations of employees and employers. Currently some of the Company's subsidiaries in India are undergoing assessment with the statutory authorities. As of the reporting date, it is unclear whether the interpretation set out in the pronouncement has retrospective application. If applied retrospectively, the interpretation may result in a significant increase in contributions payable by the Company for past periods for certain of its India-based employees. There are numerous interpretative challenges concerning the retrospective application of the judgment. Due to such challenges and a lack of interpretive guidance, and based on legal advice, the Company believes it is currently impracticable to reliably estimate the timing and amount of any payments the Company may be required to make. The Company will continue to monitor and evaluate its position based on future events and developments in this matter for the implications on the financial statements, if any.

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EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)
March 31, 2021
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




In September 2020, the Indian Parliament passed various consolidating labor codes, including the Code on Social Security, 2020 (the “Indian Social Security Code”) which aims to rationalize labor laws. The Indian Social Security Code has implications on defined social security contribution plans, provision of certain benefits or facilities to employees at employer’s costs and post-retirement benefits. Most specifically, it broadens the definition of an employee and wages and liberalizes the definition of “continuous period” for the purpose of determining employee benefits, amongst others. However, the rules for the Indian Social Security Code are yet to be published and the effective date from which these changes are applicable is yet to be notified. The Company will complete its evaluation once the subject rules are notified and will give appropriate impact in the financial statements in the period in which, the Indian Social Security Code becomes effective and the related rules to determine the financial impact are published.

From time to time, the Company and/or its present officers or directors, on individual basis, may be or have been, named as a defendant in litigation matters, including employment-related claims. The plaintiffs in those cases seek damages, including, where applicable, compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorney’s fees. With respect to pending litigation matters as of the reporting date, the Company believes that the damages amounts claimed in such cases are not meaningful indicators of the potential liabilities of the Company, that these matters are without merit, and that the Company intends to vigorously defend each of them.

The outcomes of legal actions are unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, and thus it is inherently difficult to determine the likelihood of the Company incurring a material loss or quantification of any such loss. With respect to pending litigation matters as of the reporting date, based on information currently available, including the Company’s assessment of the facts underlying each matter and advice of counsel, the amount or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated. Based on the Company’s assessment, including the availability of insurance recoveries, the Company’s management does not believe that currently pending litigation, individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.




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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion in connection with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Some of the statements in the following discussion are forward looking statements. Dollar amounts within Item 2 are presented as actual, rounded, dollar amounts.

We have described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the impact of the global Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic (“COVID-19”) on our financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" below, Item 1A -“Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 for further information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to COVID-19.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on these statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These statements often include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Many of the following risks, uncertainties and other factors identified below have been, and will be, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”). These factors include but are not limited to:

the impact of COVID-19 and related response measures on our business, results of operations and financial condition, including the impact of governmental lockdowns and other restrictions on our operations and processes and those of our clients and suppliers;

our dependence on a limited number of clients in a limited number of industries;

worldwide political, economic or business conditions;

negative public reaction in the U.S. or elsewhere to offshore outsourcing;

fluctuations in our earnings;

our ability to attract and retain clients including in a timely manner;

our ability to successfully consummate or integrate strategic acquisitions;

our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage the costs and/or timing of winding down businesses;

restrictions on immigration;

our ability to hire and retain enough sufficiently trained employees to support our operations;

our ability to grow our business or effectively manage growth and international operations;

any changes in the senior management team;

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increasing competition in our industry;

telecommunications or technology disruptions or breaches, natural or other disasters, or medical epidemics or pandemics;

our ability to withstand the loss of a significant customer;

our ability to realize the entire book value of goodwill and other intangible assets from acquisitions;

our ability to make accurate estimates and assumptions in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements;

regulatory, legislative and judicial developments, including changes to or the withdrawal of governmental fiscal incentives;

changes in tax laws or decisions regarding repatriation of funds held abroad;

ability to service debt or obtain additional financing on favorable terms;

legal liability arising out of customer contracts;

technological innovation;

political or economic instability in the geographies in which we operate;

operational and information security failures arising as a result of remote work solutions adopted due to COVID-19;

cyber security incidents, data breaches, or other unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client and customer data; and

adverse outcome of our disputes with the Indian tax authorities.

These and other factors are more fully discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. These and other risks could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The forward-looking statements made by us in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or elsewhere, speak only as of the date on which they were made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. We have no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, except as required by federal securities laws.
Executive Overview

We are a leading operations management and analytics company that helps our clients build and grow sustainable businesses. By orchestrating our domain expertise, data, analytics and digital technology, we look deeper to design and manage agile, customer-centric operating models to improve global operations, drive profitability, enhance customer satisfaction, increase data-driven insights, and manage risk and compliance. We serve customers in multiple industries, including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, utilities, travel, transportation and logistics, media and retail, among others.

We operate in the business process management (“BPM”) industry and we provide operations management and analytics services. We manage and report financial information through our four strategic business units: Insurance, Healthcare, Analytics and Emerging Business.

Our global delivery network, which includes highly trained industry and process specialists across the United States, Latin America, South Africa, Europe and Asia (primarily India and the Philippines), is a key asset. We have operations centers in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Bulgaria, Colombia, South Africa, Romania and the Czech Republic.
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Continued impact of COVID-19 on Our Business

The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to materially impact worldwide economic activity and levels of business confidence and has had widespread, rapidly-evolving and unpredictable impacts on global societies, economies, financial markets and business practices. During 2020, COVID-19 materially impacted our business, however during the first fiscal quarter of 2021, we saw moderate improvement in key indicators. Over the course of 2020, and continuing into 2021, our customers, contractors, suppliers, and other partners adapted in order to conduct business activities in a COVID-19 environment. The U.S. economy continued on a path to recovery in the first quarter of 2021 with millions of Americans receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and states and municipalities increasingly reopening. In addition, the U.S. federal government continued to enact policies to provide fiscal stimulus to the economy and relief to those affected by the pandemic. As the global economy begins to emerge from the impact of COVID-19 in 2021, our clients are focused on receiving personalized customer experiences, optimizing costs and supporting resilient operating models. We remain committed to helping our clients adapt and thrive through the ongoing uncertainties caused by COVID-19 and, going forward, to the shifting business environment. Notwithstanding the moderate improvement in conditions during the first quarter of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and due to the associated uncertainties, we continue to evaluate the nature and scope of the impact to our business and may take further strategic actions in order to manage our business operations, costs and liquidity in response to the ongoing impacts and changing conditions and markets resulting from COVID-19.

We have a business continuity plan in place and have adapted delivery to a work from home model, while actively working to understand our clients’ changing requirements, continuing to ensure data security, prioritizing critical processes, adjusting service levels and managing discretionary costs (such as travel costs) and fixed costs (such as non-critical personnel costs). We have made ongoing efforts to reduce our reliance on travel by incorporating into our business model the ability to conduct business using virtual conferencing and collaboration tools. Our work from home delivery capability steadily improved throughout 2020 and continued to improve during the first quarter of 2021. We estimate that we are able to deliver a significant portion of our clients’ current requirements in a work from home model given the current lockdown restrictions in the locations in which we operate and certain clients not authorizing us to perform the remaining process work remotely due to its sensitive nature. In addition, we have also worked, and continue to work with national, state, and local authorities to comply with applicable rules and regulations related to COVID-19. There continues to be volatility and economic and geopolitical uncertainty in many markets around the world. Despite the efforts described above, there is a risk that if jurisdictions in which we operate reinstate prior restrictions, stagnate in their reopening processes, or implement new restrictions in response to new outbreaks or continued spread, our operations and business could be materially impacted. In late March 2021, a new serious outbreak of the COVID-19 virus began affecting India with an exorbitant spike in the number of COVID patients. The Indian government has reinstated lockdowns limiting in certain cases the movement of our employees to offices. During the same period, the Philippines also began experiencing a spike in the number of COVID patients. Although at present our Indian and Philippines operations have not been materially affected and we have initiated appropriate business continuity procedures, it is possible that these new developments could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We also took actions in response to the pandemic that focused on helping our employees. These actions included disseminating guidance and information to our employees, facilitating work from home, implementing best practices for employees while working from home, periodic CEO messaging, various programs aimed at employee wellness, including a global wellness program, enhanced leave for employees affected by COVID-19, enhanced awareness towards information security, and updated cyber security and data privacy policies, among others. We have implemented broad travel restrictions and largely moved to virtual-only events for the safety of our employees and our customers. We also implemented pandemic-specific protocols for our essential employees whose jobs require them to be on-site or with our customers by implementing additional safety measures at all of our facilities, including increased frequency in cleaning and disinfecting, and enhanced hygiene and social distancing practices.

We continue to incur additional costs in order to ensure the continuity of our operations and shift towards a work from home model. Such costs include purchase of desktops and laptops for our employees, software and internet connectivity devices, technology tools for productivity enhancement, accommodation, meal, overtime, transportation and regular sanitization and cleaning costs of our offices and facilities. We also expect that we will continue to incur additional costs to monitor and improve operational efficiency of our work from home model, implement new information technology solutions and security measures to safeguard against information security risks and protect the health and safety of our employees as they gradually return to the office. We believe that these short-to-medium-term costs may benefit us in the long-term, as these steps have
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broadened our “remote working” capabilities, which we expect to become a permanent feature in our future delivery model, as well as our business continuity plans.

In response to certain anticipated impacts from COVID-19, we implemented a series of temporary cost reduction measures in 2020 which continued in the first quarter of 2021 to further preserve financial flexibility. These actions included the postponement of certain discretionary spending including travel and marketing expenses, reevaluating the pace of our capital expenditures, rationalizing certain of our real estate and facilities, deferring non-critical hiring among others.

Certain impacts of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flow during the first quarter of 2021 has been described above and below, however the full extent of the impact for the period beyond the first quarter of 2021 is currently uncertain and will depend on many factors that are not within our control, including, but not limited to: the duration and scope of the pandemic; the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the pandemic and prevent or limit any reoccurrence; governmental, business and individuals’ actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the pandemic; development and availability of effective treatments and vaccines and the speed at which such vaccines are administered; significant increases in healthcare costs in the event that a significant number of our personnel become infected with COVID-19 and require medical treatment; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and financial market volatility; global economic conditions and levels of economic growth; and the pace of recovery when COVID-19 subsides. Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our financial results, including but not limited to net revenues, income from operations, net income, cash flow and earnings per share, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year of 2021. We continue to monitor the implications of COVID-19 on our business, as well as our customers’ and suppliers’ businesses.

For additional information and risks related to COVID-19, see Item 1A - “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Revenues

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had revenues of $261.4 million compared to revenues of $246.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of $15.4 million, or 6.3%.

We serve clients mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom, with these two regions generating 85.8% and 9.5%, respectively, of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and 84.5% and 9.5%, respectively, of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our total revenues from our top ten clients accounted for 39.3% and 37.3% of our total revenues, respectively. Our revenue concentration with our top clients remains largely consistent year-over-year and we continue to develop relationships with new clients to diversify our client base. We believe that the loss of any of our top ten clients could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.
Our Business

We provide operations management and analytics services. We market our services to our existing and prospective clients through our sales and client management teams, which are aligned by key industry verticals and cross-industry domains such as finance and accounting. Our sales and client management teams operate from the United States, Europe and Australia.

Operations Management Services: We provide our clients with a range of operations management services from our Insurance, Healthcare and Emerging Business operating segments, which typically involve the transfer by our clients to EXL of certain of their business operations, such as claims processing, clinical operations, or financial transaction processing, after which we administer and manage those operations on an ongoing basis. As part of this transfer, we hire and train employees to work at our operations centers on the relevant business operations, implement a process migration to these operations centers and then provide services either to the client or directly to the client’s customers. Each client contract has different terms based on the scope, deliverables and complexity of the engagement. We also provide consulting services related to operations management that include industry-specific digital transformational services as well as cross-industry finance and accounting services as part of the Emerging Business operating segment.

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We provide our services under contracts with our clients, which typically have terms of three or more years, with some being rolling contracts with no end dates. Typically, our clients can terminate these contracts with or without cause and with short notice periods. These contracts provide us with a relatively predictable revenue base for a substantial portion of our operations management business. However, we have a long selling cycle for our services and the budget and approval processes of prospective clients make it difficult to predict the timing of entering into definitive agreements with new clients. Similarly, new license sales and implementation projects for our technology service platforms and other software-based services have a long selling cycle, however ongoing annual maintenance and support contracts for existing arrangements provide us with a relatively predictable revenue base.

We charge for our services using various pricing models like time-and-material pricing, full-time-equivalent pricing, transaction-based pricing, outcome-based pricing, subscription-based pricing and other alternative pricing models. Outcome-based pricing arrangements are examples of non-linear pricing models where clients link revenues from platforms and solutions and the services we provide to usage or savings rather than the efforts deployed to provide these services. We continue to observe a shift in the industry pricing models toward transaction-based pricing, outcome-based pricing and other alternative pricing models. We believe this trend will continue and we use such alternative pricing models with some of our current clients and are seeking to move certain other clients from a full-time-equivalent pricing model to a transaction-based or other alternative pricing model. These alternative pricing models place the focus on operating efficiency in order to maintain or improve our gross margins.

We have also observed that prospective larger clients are entering into multi-vendor relationships with regard to their outsourcing needs. We believe that the trend toward multi-vendor relationships will continue. A multi-vendor relationship allows a client to seek more favorable pricing and other contract terms from each vendor, which can result in significantly reduced gross margins from the provision of services to such client for each vendor. To the extent our large clients expand their use of multi-vendor relationships and are able to extract more favorable contract terms from other vendors, our gross margins and revenues may be reduced with regard to such clients if we are required to modify the terms of our relationships with such clients to meet competition.

Analytics: Our analytics services focus on driving improved business outcomes for our customers by unlocking deep insights from data and create data driven solutions across all parts of our customers’ business. We also provide care optimization and reimbursement optimization services, for our clients through our healthcare analytics solutions and services. We also offer integrated solutions to help our clients in cost containment by leveraging technology platforms, customizable and configurable analytics and expertise in healthcare reimbursements to help clients enhance their claim payment accuracy. Our teams deliver predictive and prescriptive analytics in the areas of customer acquisition and lifecycle management, risk underwriting and pricing, operational effectiveness, credit and operational risk monitoring and governance, regulatory reporting, payment integrity and care management and data management. We enhance, modernize and enrich structured and unstructured data and use a spectrum of advanced analytical tools and techniques, including our in-house Machine Learning (“ML”) and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) capabilities to create insights and improve decision making for our clients. We actively cross-sell and, where appropriate, integrate our Analytics services with other operations management services as part of a comprehensive offering for our clients.

We anticipate that revenues from our analytics services will grow as we expand our service offerings and client base, both organically and through acquisitions.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates referred in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
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Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
 (dollars in millions)
Revenues, net$261.4    $246.0 
Cost of revenues(1)
158.8    162.7 
Gross profit(1)
102.6 83.3 
Operating expenses:   
General and administrative expenses30.7    28.9 
Selling and marketing expenses18.2    14.5 
Depreciation and amortization expense12.1    12.4 
Total operating expenses61.0 55.8 
Income from operations41.6    27.5 
Foreign exchange gain, net0.4    1.4 
Interest expense(2.5)(3.1)
Other income, net1.4    2.5 
Income before income tax expense and earnings from equity affiliates40.9 28.3 
Income tax expense9.0 5.8 
Income before earnings from equity affiliates31.9 22.5 
Loss from equity-method investment— 0.1 
Net income attributable to ExlService Holdings, Inc. stockholders$31.9 $22.4 

(1) Exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense.

Due to rounding, the numbers presented in the tables included in this Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” may not add up precisely to the totals provided.

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Revenues.

The following table summarizes our revenues by reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended March 31,Percentage
change
20212020Change
(dollars in millions)
Insurance$91.1 $83.7 $7.4 8.9 %
Healthcare30.3 27.0 3.3 12.0 %
Emerging Business37.7 42.8 (5.1)(12.0)%
Analytics102.3 92.5 9.8 10.7 %
Total revenues, net$261.4 $246.0 $15.4 6.3 %

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $261.4 million, up $15.4 million, or 6.3%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Revenue growth in Insurance of $7.4 million was primarily driven by expansion of business from our existing clients aggregating to $6.4 million and an increase in revenues of $1.1 million that was mainly attributable to the appreciation of the Australian dollar and the U.K. pound sterling against the U.S. dollar during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. Insurance revenues were 34.9% and 34.0% of our total revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.

Revenue growth in Healthcare of $3.3 million was primarily driven by expansion of business from our new and existing clients aggregating to $3.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Healthcare revenues were 11.6% and 11.0% of our total revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.

Revenue decline in Emerging Business of $5.1 million was primarily driven by lower travel and transportation volumes due to the impact of COVID-19. Emerging Business revenues were 14.4% and 17.4% of our total revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.

Revenue growth in Analytics of $9.8 million was attributable to the higher volumes in our annuity and project-based engagements from our new and existing clients of $9.2 million and an increase in revenues of $0.6 million mainly attributable to the appreciation of the U.K. pound sterling against the U.S. dollar during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. Analytics revenues were 39.1% and 37.6% of our total revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.

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Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin: The following table sets forth cost of revenues and gross margin of our reportable segments.
Cost of RevenuesGross Margin
Three months ended March 31,Percentage changeThree months ended March 31,Change
20212020Change20212020
(dollars in millions)
Insurance$56.1$59.0$(2.9)(4.9)%38.5 %29.6 %8.9 %
Healthcare17.419.6(2.2)(11.2)%42.5 %27.5 %15.0 %
Emerging Business20.825.5(4.7)(18.2)%44.7 %40.5 %4.2 %
Analytics64.558.65.9 10.0 %37.0 %36.6 %0.4 %
Total$158.8$162.7$(3.9)(2.4)%39.2 %33.9 %5.3 %

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, cost of revenues was $158.8 million compared to $162.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 2.4%. Our gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 39.2% compared to 33.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of 530 basis points (“bps”) primarily driven by higher revenues and lower operating costs.

The decrease in cost of revenues in Insurance of $2.9 million was primarily due to decreases in travel costs of $1.9 million, lower employee-related costs of $1.1 million and foreign exchange gain, net of hedging of $0.3 million. This was partially offset by higher technology costs of $0.4 million, primarily due to increased usage of the work from home model. Gross margin in Insurance increased by 890 bps during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to higher revenues, expansion in margin in certain existing clients and operational efficiencies during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The decrease in cost of revenues in Healthcare of $2.2 million was primarily due to decreases in employee-related costs of $2.5 million and lower travel costs of $0.3 million. This was partially offset by higher technology costs of $0.4 million, primarily due to increased usage of the work from home model and facilities cost of $0.2 million. Gross margin in Healthcare increased by 1,500 bps during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to higher revenues and increased mix of higher margin business during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The decrease in cost of revenues in Emerging Business of $4.7 million was primarily due to a decreases in employee-related costs of $3.5 million, lower facilities costs of $0.7 million and lower travel costs of $0.5 million. Gross margin in Emerging Business increased by 420 bps during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to decrease in employee-related costs and other operating costs, partially offset by lower revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The increase in cost of revenues in Analytics of $5.9 million was primarily due to increase in employee-related costs of $4.8 million, higher other operating costs of $3.0 million and higher technology costs of $0.8 million. This was partially offset by lower travel costs of $1.7 million, foreign exchange gain, net of hedging of $0.4 million and lower facilities costs of $0.6 million. Gross margin in Analytics increased by 40 bps during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to higher revenues and increased mix of higher margin business during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
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Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses.
 Three months ended March 31, ChangePercentage
change
 20212020
 (dollars in millions)  
General and administrative expenses$30.7 $28.9 $1.8 6.1 %
Selling and marketing expenses18.2 14.5 3.7 26.1 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses$48.9 $43.4 $5.5 12.8 %
As a percentage of revenues18.7 %17.6 %

The increase in SG&A expenses of $5.5 million was primarily due to higher employee-related costs of $6.9 million, higher other operating costs of $1.2 million, partially offset by lower facilities costs of $1.5 million and lower travel costs of $1.1 million due to COVID-19 cost reduction measures.
Depreciation and Amortization.
 Three months ended March 31,ChangePercentage
change
 20212020
 (dollars in millions)  
Depreciation expense$8.7 $8.3 $0.4 5.3 %
Intangible amortization expense3.4 4.1 (0.7)(19.1)%
Depreciation and amortization expense$12.1 $12.4 $(0.3)(2.8)%
As a percentage of revenues4.6 %5.1 %

The decrease in intangibles amortization expense of $0.7 million was primarily due to end of useful lives for certain intangible assets during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase in depreciation expense of $0.4 million was primarily due to depreciation related to our investments in new operating centers, internally developed software and accelerated depreciation resulting from a reduction in useful lives related to certain operating centers, due to the impact of COVID-19.
Income from Operations. Income from operations increased by $14.1 million, or 51.2%, from $27.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to $41.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to higher revenues and lower cost of revenues, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2021. As a percentage of revenues, income from operations increased from 11.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 15.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Foreign Exchange Gain/(Loss). Net foreign exchange gains and losses are primarily attributable to the movement of the U.S. dollar against the Indian rupee, the U.K. pound sterling, the Philippine peso and the South African ZAR during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Indian rupee increased from 73.08 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 73.17 during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average exchange rate of the U.K. pound sterling against the U.S. dollar increased from 1.28 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 1.38 during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Philippine peso decreased from 50.83 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 48.39 during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the South African ZAR decreased from 16.13 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 15.02 during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

We recorded a net foreign exchange gain of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the net foreign exchange gain of $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased from $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to lower outstanding borrowings and lower effective interest rates of 2.0% under our Credit Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to 3.0% during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
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Other Income, net.
 Three months ended March 31, Percentage
change
 20212020Change
(dollars in millions)  
Gain on sale and mark-to-market of mutual funds$1.1 $2.0 $(0.9)(46.4)%
Interest and dividend income0.6 0.5 0.1 13.2 %
Other, net(0.3)— (0.3)100.0 %
Other income, net$1.4 $2.5 $(1.1)(44.2)%

Other income, net decreased by $1.1 million, from $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to lower return on mutual fund investments of $1.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Income Tax Expense. The effective tax rate increased from 20.7% during the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 21.9% during the three months ended March 31, 2021. We recorded income tax expense of $9.0 million and $5.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in income tax expense was primarily as a result of higher profit during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Net Income. Net income increased from $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to $31.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to increase in income from operations of $14.1 million and lower interest expense of $0.6 million, partially offset by higher income tax expense of $3.2 million, lower other income, net of $1.1 million and lower foreign exchange gain, net of $1.0 million. As a percentage of revenues, net income increased from 9.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to 12.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
 (dollars in millions)
Opening cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$225.5 $127.0 
Net cash provided by/(used for) operating activities15.2 (13.6)
Net cash (used for)/provided by investing activities(26.0)36.0 
Net cash (used for)/provided by financing activities(29.0)86.7 
Effect of exchange rate changes(1.0)(2.6)
Closing cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$184.7 $233.5 

As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, we had $375.8 million and $367.4 million, respectively, in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, of which $337.5 million, and $273.9 million, respectively, is located in foreign jurisdictions that upon distribution may be subject to withholding and other taxes. We periodically evaluate opportunities regarding distribution to fund our operations in the United States and other geographies, and as and when we decide to distribute, we may have to accrue additional taxes in accordance with local tax laws, rules and regulations in the relevant foreign jurisdictions.
Operating Activities:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $15.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to net cash used by operating activities of $13.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, reflecting higher cash earnings along with lower working capital needs. The major drivers contributing to the increase of $28.8 million year-over-year included the following:

Increase in net income of $9.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to an increase in income from operations of $14.1 million driven by higher revenues
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and lower cost of revenues, offset by higher income tax expense of $3.1 million and lower other income, net of interest expense of $1.5 million.

Changes in accounts receivable, including advance billings, contributed lower cash flow of $14.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease was a result of the advance collections from certain customers during the three months ended December 31, 2020, partially offset by higher collections of our accounts receivables during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Our accounts receivable days sales outstanding improved to 54 days as of March 31, 2021 from 68 days as of March 31, 2020.

Increase in accrued employee costs, accrued expenses and other liabilities contributed higher cash flow of $24.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to lower payment and higher provisions of annual performance incentive of $12.3 million and higher accrued expenses of $11.9 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Other drivers increasing cash flows in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 included: income tax expense, net of advances and deferred taxes, of $9.9 million, primarily due to higher income tax provisions and timing of payments.

Investing Activities: Cash flows used for investing activities were $26.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to cash flows provided by investing activities of $36.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease is mainly due to net purchase of investments of $13.5 million during three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to net redemption of investments of $49.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020, higher capital expenditures for purchase of long-lived assets, including investments in infrastructure, technology assets, software and product developments of $0.3 million, partially offset by an acquisition of an additional stake in our equity affiliate of $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Financing Activities: Cash flows used for financing activities were $29.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $86.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to net proceeds of $99.8 million under our revolving Credit Facility and higher proceeds received from the exercise of stock options of $0.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. This was partially offset by higher purchases of treasury stock by $15.0 million under our share repurchase program during the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

We expect to use cash from operating activities to maintain and expand our business by making investments, primarily related to new facilities and capital expenditures associated with leasehold improvements to build our facilities, digital capabilities and purchase telecommunications equipment and computer hardware and software in connection with managing client operations.

We incurred $12.7 million of capital expenditures in the three months ended March 31, 2021. We expect to incur total capital expenditures of between $35.0 million to $40.0 million in 2021, primarily to meet our growth requirements, including additions to our facilities as well as investments in technology applications, product development, digital technology, advanced automation, robotics and infrastructure.

In connection with any tax assessment orders that have been issued or may be issued against us or our subsidiaries, we may be required to deposit additional amounts with respect to such assessment orders (see Note 24 - Commitments and Contingencies to our unaudited consolidated financial statements herein for further details). We anticipate that we will continue to rely upon cash from operating activities to finance our smaller acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital needs. If we have significant growth through acquisitions, we may need to obtain additional financing.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, (the “CARES Act”) allows employers to defer the payment of the employer share of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes for the period from April 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we deferred our contributions to FICA of $6.3 million,
respectively, under the CARES Act. The deferred amount will be payable as follows: (1) 50% of the deferred amount will be paid on December 31, 2021 and (2) the remaining 50% of the deferred amount will be paid on December 31, 2022.

Financing Arrangements (Debt Facility and Notes)
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The following tables summarizes our Debt balances as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
As of March 31, 2021
(dollars in millions)
Revolving Credit
Facility
NotesTotal
Current portion of long-term borrowings$25.0$— $25.0 
Long-term borrowings$64.0$150.0$214.0 
Unamortized debt discount(10.6)(10.6)
Unamortized debt issuance costs*(0.8)(0.8)
Long-term borrowings$64.0$138.7$202.7 
Total borrowings$89.0$138.7$227.7

As of December 31, 2020
(dollars in millions)
Revolving Credit
Facility
NotesTotal
Current portion of long-term borrowings$25.0$$25.0 
Long-term borrowings$64.0$150.0$214.0 
Unamortized debt discount(11.2)(11.2)
Unamortized debt issuance costs*(0.8)(0.8)
Long-term borrowings$64.0$138.0$202.0 
Total borrowings$89.0$138.0$227.0 

*Unamortized debt issuance costs for our revolving Credit Facility of $0.4 million and $0.5 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, is presented under “Other current assets” and “Other assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.

See Note 17 - Borrowings to our unaudited consolidated financial statements herein for further details on our debt facilities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the ordinary course of business, we provide standby letters of credit to third parties primarily for facility leases. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding letters of credit of $0.5 million, each, that were not recognized in our unaudited and audited consolidated balance sheets, respectively. These are not reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We had no other off balance sheet arrangements or obligations.
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Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2021:
Payment Due by Period
Less than1-34-5After
1 yearyearsyears5 yearsTotal
(dollars in millions)
Finance leases$0.3 $0.3 $— $— $0.6 
Operating leases (a)
25.1 46.6 24.3 32.3 128.3 
Purchase obligations3.3 — — — 3.3 
Other obligations (b)
2.8 5.0 3.9 7.0 18.7 
Borrowings:
Principal payments (c)
25.0 64.0 150.0 — 239.0 
Interest payments (d)
6.1 10.9 5.3 — 22.3 
Total contractual cash obligations (e)
$62.6 $126.8 $183.5 $39.3 $412.2 


(a)Represents undiscounted operating lease liabilities payable over the lease term.

(b)Represents estimated employee benefit payments under the Gratuity Plan.

(c)Represents our intent and ability to settle the principal amount of our Notes of $150 million in cash and does not reflect any assumptions about our ability or intent to settle the Notes before their maturity.

(d)Interest on borrowings is calculated based on the interest rate on the outstanding borrowings as of March 31, 2021.

(e)Excludes $0.9 million related to uncertain tax positions, since the extent of the amount and timing of payment is currently not reliably estimable or determinable.

Certain units of our Indian subsidiaries were established as 100% Export-Oriented units under the Software Technology Parks of India or Special Economic Zone scheme promulgated by the Government of India. These units are exempt from customs, central excise duties, and levies on imported and indigenous capital goods, stores, and spares. We have undertaken to pay custom duties, service taxes, levies, and liquidated damages payable, if any, in respect of imported and indigenous capital goods, stores, and spares consumed duty free, in the event that certain terms and conditions are not fulfilled. We believe, however, that these units have in the past satisfied and will continue to satisfy the required conditions.

Our operations centers in the Philippines are registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The registration provides us with certain fiscal incentives on the import of capital goods and local purchase of services and materials and requires that ExlService Philippines, Inc. to meet certain performance and investment criteria. We believe that these centers have in the past satisfied and will continue to satisfy the required criteria.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2—“Recent Accounting Pronouncements” to the unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein.
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ITEM 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no material changes in our market risk exposure. For a discussion of our market risk associated with exchange rate risk and interest rate risk, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.


ITEM 4.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2021. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of March 31, 2021, were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II.     Other Information
 

ITEM 1.    Legal Proceedings

In the course of our normal business activities, various lawsuits, claims and proceedings may be instituted or asserted against us. Although there can be no assurance, we believe that the disposition of matters currently instituted or asserted will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 24 - Commitments and Contingencies to our unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein for details.


ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors
We have discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Form 10-K”), supplemented by the disclosure below, a number of risks which may materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. You should carefully consider these Risk Factors and other information set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. You should be aware that these risk factors and other information may not describe every risk facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
The following constitutes a supplement to the 2020 Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” under “Our business, results of operations and financial condition have been adversely affected, and could in the future be materially adversely affected, by the coronavirus pandemic.”
In late March 2021, a new serious outbreak of COVID-19 virus began affecting India. The outbreak has resulted in an exorbitant spike in the number of COVID patients, which has overwhelmed the healthcare infrastructure in India. The Indian government has reinstated lockdowns limiting in certain cases the movement of our employees to offices. During the same period, the Philippines also began experiencing a spike in the number of COVID patients. Although, at present our Indian and
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Philippines operations have not been materially affected and we have initiated appropriate business continuity procedures, it is possible that these new developments could adversely affect our business and results of operations.


ITEM 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
    
Use of Proceeds

None.

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, purchases of common stock were as follows:
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)
Average Price
Paid per share(1)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Jan 1, 2021 through Jan 31, 202170,539 $84.80 70,539 $116,200,368 
Feb 1, 2021 through Feb 28, 202198,232 $81.31 73,322 $110,182,102 
Mar 1, 2021 through Mar 31, 2021169,711 $88.66 169,171 $95,182,126 
Total338,482 $85.72 313,032 $— 
(1) Includes 25,450 shares of the Company’s common stock acquired by the Company at the price of $79.18 in connection with satisfaction of tax withholding obligations on vested restricted stock. Price paid per share for the restricted stock was the closing price of common stock on the trading day prior to the vesting date of the restricted stock units.

On December 16, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $200 million common stock repurchase program beginning January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022 (the “2019 Repurchase Program”). Under the Repurchase Program, shares may be purchased by the Company from time to time from the open market and through private transactions, or otherwise, as determined by the Company’s management as market conditions warrant.
ITEM 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

ITEM 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.    Other Information
None.

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ITEM 6.    Exhibits

The following exhibits are being filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
3.1
3.2
3.3
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Scheme
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PREXBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: April 29, 2021EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
By: 
/S/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
 MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Signatory, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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