Revenue at Indian IT services giant Tata Consultancy Services Inc. rose 7.9%, or 2.8% year over year in constant currency, in its fiscal second quarter ended 30 September, the group reported on Wednesday. However, Reuters reported analysts had estimated growth of 8.9%.

In comparison, first-quarter revenue at TCS had risen by 12.6% year over year, or 7% in constant currency.

Headcount at TCS also fell by 6,320 in the second quarter compared to the first. Headcount at the firm now totals 608,998.

Still, TCS reported strong deal momentum and noted its pool of generative AI consultants available to clients.

“We continue to make investments in our people and new technologies,” COO and Executive Director N. Ganapathy Subramaniam said in a press release. “We now have a 100,000-strong pool of Gen-AI-ready consultants and prompt engineers who are engaged in hundreds of Gen AI projects for our clients across segments.”

Among major markets, the UK led with 10.7% growth; North America grew 0.1% and Continental Europe grew 1.3%. In emerging markets, Middle East & Africa grew 15.9%, Latin America grew 13.1%, Asia Pacific grew 4.1% and India grew 3.9%.

Looking at revenue growth based on the industry served, the “energy, resources and utilities” vertical led the way with revenue growth of 14.8% in constant currency. It was followed by revenue growth of 5.8% in manufacturing.

In addition, the company reported Al-Noor Ramji was appointed to its board. Ramji’s previous experience includes serving as group chief digital officer at Prudential plc. TCS also announced that independent director Daniel Hughes Callahan will not seek reappointment for a second term after his current term ends on 9 January.

In June, TCS fired six employees after whistleblowing complaints alleging staffing firm bribery.

TCS shares closed at INR 3,609 (USD 43.35) on Wednesday, down 0.5% on the day. The company has a market cap of INR 13.09 trillion (USD 157.23 million).