Core Insights - Accenture reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $3.94, exceeding estimates of $3.73 and improving from last year's EPS of $3.59, indicating strong financial health and effective business strategies [2][6] - The company's revenue for the quarter reached approximately $18.74 billion, surpassing the estimated $18.53 billion, driven by advancements in its AI business [3][6] Financial Metrics - Accenture's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is around 31.38, reflecting investor confidence in its earnings potential [4] - The price-to-sales ratio stands at 3.29, and the enterprise value to sales ratio is 3.22, indicating its market value relative to revenue and total value [4] - The company maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, suggesting limited reliance on debt, and a current ratio of 1.41, indicating a strong ability to cover short-term liabilities [5][6] - Accenture's earnings yield is 3.19%, highlighting its financial stability and solid return on investment for shareholders [5][6]

Core Insights - Accenture plc (ACN) reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates [1][10] - Earnings per share were $3.94, surpassing estimates by 5.6% and increasing 9.8% year-over-year [1][10] - Total revenues reached $18.7 billion, beating consensus estimates by 1% and rising 6% year-over-year [1][10] Revenue Breakdown - Managed services revenues were $9.3 billion, up 8% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $8.8 billion [3] - Consulting revenues totaled $9.4 billion, a 4% increase year-over-year, but fell short of the $9.6 billion projection [3] - Health and public service revenues were flat at $3.8 billion, missing the estimate of $3.9 billion [4] - Resources segment revenues were $2.5 billion, up 3% year-over-year, meeting estimates [4] - Product segment revenues reached $5.7 billion, increasing 6% year-over-year, surpassing the estimate of $5.6 billion [4] - Communications, media, and technology revenues were $3.1 billion, up 9% year-over-year, exceeding the $3 billion projection [5] - Financial services revenues grew 14% year-over-year to $3.6 billion, surpassing the estimate of $3.4 billion [5] Geographic Performance - Revenues from the Americas were $9.1 billion, a 4% increase year-over-year, meeting projections [6] - EMEA revenues reached $6.9 billion, up 8% year-over-year, beating the estimate of $6.7 billion [6] - Asia Pacific revenues were $2.7 billion, increasing 7% year-over-year, surpassing the estimate of $2.6 billion [6] Booking Trends - Total bookings for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 were $20.9 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year [7] - Consulting bookings were $9.9 billion, while managed services bookings were $11.1 billion [7] Operating Results - Gross margin for the first quarter was 33.1%, up 20 basis points from the previous year [8] - Adjusted operating margin increased to 17%, up 30 basis points year-over-year [8] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter were $9.6 billion, down from $11.5 billion at the end of the previous quarter [11] - Generated $1.7 billion in cash from operating activities, with capital expenditure of $156.6 million [11] - Free cash flow was $1.5 billion, with $2.3 billion spent on share repurchases and $1 billion paid in dividends [11] Guidance - For Q2 fiscal 2026, revenues are expected to be between $17.35 billion and $18 billion, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $18.56 billion [12] - For fiscal 2026, the company anticipates revenue growth of 2-5% year-over-year [12] - Operating cash flow is projected at $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion, with free cash flow expected to be between $9.8 billion and $10.5 billion [12]

Core Insights - Accenture plc is a global leader in professional services, specializing in strategy and consulting, technology and operations, and interactive services, with a strong focus on application services, data management, digital transformation, and cybersecurity [1] Price Target Trends - The consensus price target for Accenture's stock has declined from $321.2 a year ago to $289.09 three months ago, and further to $292.5 last month, indicating a more conservative outlook from analysts [2][6] Revenue Performance - Despite the declining price target, Accenture has exceeded Wall Street's expectations for first-quarter revenue, driven by strong demand for its artificial intelligence solutions [3][6] - Analyst Moshe Katri from Wedbush has set a higher price target of $350 for Accenture, reflecting optimism about the company's future prospects [3] Stock Performance and Investor Focus - Accenture's stock has declined by 22% this year, increasing pressure on the company to address investor concerns regarding bookings, guidance, and investments in artificial intelligence [4] - The upcoming first-quarter earnings report on December 18 will be closely monitored for new guidance or strategic initiatives that could impact stock performance [4] Strategic Focus - Accenture continues to innovate and expand its service offerings, particularly in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, maintaining its position as a key player in the professional services industry [5][6]

We're joined now by CEO [music] Julie to discuss the quarter and and we were just wondering about the stock reaction. Julie, the market doesn't appear to be believing that the AI narrative around Accenture even though it's clearly accelerating your business. What's happening.You know, Sarah, we delivered an incredible Q1, our biggest ever in new business, and it's because our clients know they have to deliver results today, and they've got to reinvent. So, we demonstrated that again, $20.9% billion in new b ...

Core Viewpoint - Accenture (ACN.US) reported strong Q1 earnings, exceeding market expectations, particularly in digital and AI sectors, despite a stock price decline of over 1.4% to $269.74 [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted Q1 EPS was $3.94, surpassing market expectations - Revenue reached $18.74 billion, a year-over-year increase of 5.9%, exceeding analyst forecasts by approximately $210 million [1] - New signed orders totaled $20.9 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year in USD, and a 10% increase in local currency [1] - Advanced AI-related new orders amounted to $2.2 billion, indicating strong client investment in AI transformation [1] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $1.5 billion, with a total of $3.3 billion returned to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [1] - Share repurchases or redemptions totaled approximately $23 billion (around 9.5 million shares), with cash dividends of $1 billion, equating to $1.63 per share, a 10% increase year-over-year [1] Future Outlook - Q2 revenue guidance is set at $17.78 billion, aligning closely with market expectations - Full-year revenue growth is projected between 2% to 5% in local currency; excluding the estimated 1% negative impact from U.S. federal government business, growth could reach 3% to 6%, slightly below the previous market expectation of 5.6% [2] - The company raised its GAAP operating margin guidance to 15.2% to 15.4%, an expansion of 50 to 70 basis points year-over-year; adjusted operating margin is expected to be 15.7% to 15.9%, expanding 10 to 30 basis points [2] - GAAP diluted EPS guidance was increased to $13.12 to $13.50, reflecting an 8% to 11% year-over-year growth; adjusted EPS is projected at $13.52 to $13.90, slightly above the consensus estimate of $13.77 [2]

Core Insights - Accenture reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence-led IT services as clients are increasingly adopting automation and machine learning solutions [1] Group 1 - The company experienced a significant rise in demand for its services, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence [1] - Clients are increasingly turning to automation and machine learning, which is positively impacting Accenture's performance [1]

周四，埃森哲(ACN.US)股价走低，截至发稿，该股跌超1.4%，报269.74美元。此前该公司公布Q1业 绩，多项核心指标超出市场预期，显示其在数字化与人工智能(AI)领域的持续增长动能。 从业务订单看，公司新签订单总额达209亿美元，以美元计同比增长12%，按当地货币计增长10%。其 中，先进人工智能相关的新订单规模达到22亿美元，反映企业客户在AI转型方面的投入持续升温。 盈利能力与现金流方面，埃森哲本季度实现自由现金流15亿美元，并通过回购与分红向股东合计返还33 亿美元。其中，公司回购或赎回股份约230亿美元(约950万股)，并支付现金股息10亿美元，合每股1.63 美元，同比增长10%。 财报显示，埃森哲第一财季经调整后每股收益(Non-GAAP EPS)为3.94美元，超市场预期；营收为187.4 亿美元，同比增加5.9%，较分析师预期高出约2.1亿美元。 盈利指引方面，公司上调GAAP口径下的经营利润率预期至15.2%至15.4%，同比扩张50至70个基点；经 调整经营利润率仍预计为15.7%至15.9%，扩张10至30个基点。同时，埃森哲将GAAP摊薄后每股收益指 引上调至13.12至13. ...

Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced a positive trading session, with the Dow Jones index increasing by approximately 400 points, up 0.84% to 48,289.58, while the NASDAQ rose 1.53% to 23,040.25 and the S&P 500 gained 1.09% to 6,794.36 [1] - In the commodities market, oil prices increased by 1% to $56.48, while gold decreased by 0.2% to $4,364.50, silver fell by 1.1% to $66.160, and copper rose by 0.1% to $5.4370 [5] Company Performance - Accenture (NYSE:ACN) reported first-quarter 2026 earnings of $3.94 per share, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $3.75, and sales of $18.700 billion, slightly above the consensus estimate of $18.523 billion [2] - Athira Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:ATHA) shares surged 88% to $7.76 following the announcement of an agreement to acquire rights for the development and commercialization of lasofoxifene [9] - FuelCell Energy Inc (NASDAQ:FCEL) shares increased by 32% to $10.39 after reporting better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results [9] Sector Performance - Consumer discretionary shares rose by 1.6% on Thursday, indicating a positive trend in this sector [1] - Energy stocks, however, saw a decline of 0.8% during the same trading session [1] International Markets - European shares showed gains, with the eurozone's STOXX 600 up 0.5%, Spain's IBEX 35 Index rising 0.7%, London's FTSE 100 gaining 0.1%, Germany's DAX 40 increasing by 0.5%, and France's CAC 40 up 0.4% [6] - Asian markets closed mixed, with Japan's Nikkei falling 1.03%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.12%, China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.16%, and India's BSE Sensex fell 0.09% [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the quarter was $18.7 billion, reflecting a 5% growth in local currency and a 6% increase in U.S. dollars, at the top of the guided range [17][19] - Adjusted operating margin expanded by 30 basis points year over year to 17% [18][22] - Adjusted EPS grew by 10% year over year to $3.94 [18][22] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $1.5 billion, with a cash balance of $9.6 billion at the end of the quarter [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New bookings totaled $20.9 billion, representing a 12% growth in U.S. dollars and a 10% growth in local currency [18][19] - Consulting revenues were $9.4 billion, growing 4% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency [19] - Managed Services revenues reached $9.3 billion, with an 8% increase in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, revenue grew 4% in local currency, with a 6% growth excluding federal business impacts [20] - EMEA delivered 4% growth in local currency, driven by banking and capital markets, insurance, and life sciences [20] - Asia-Pacific revenue grew 9% in local currency, led by banking and capital markets, communications and media, and public service [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on large transformational programs for clients, emphasizing the importance of a modern digital core [25][26] - Advanced AI is increasingly embedded in solutions, with a significant focus on integrating multiple forms of AI [11][36] - The partnership strategy is grounded in client demand, with 60% of revenue in Q1 coming from work with top 10 ecosystem partners [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are prioritizing strategic and large-scale transformational programs, with no significant changes in discretionary spending observed [25][72] - The demand for advanced AI is rapidly maturing, with expectations for significant growth in the total addressable market for advanced AI [34] - The company expects revenue growth for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of 2%-5% in local currency, with an inorganic contribution of about 1.5% [39][40] Other Important Information - The company recorded $308 million in business optimization costs, impacting operating margin and EPS [21][22] - The company announced an agreement to acquire a 65% majority stake in DLB Associates, expanding its capabilities in the data center professional services market [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Shift in consulting industry's role in AI - Management acknowledged a shift in perception, emphasizing that enterprise AI adoption requires foundational work around security and data management [43][44] Question: Timing for AI partnerships to impact revenue - Management indicated that the partnerships are part of a broader ecosystem and enterprise adoption will drive revenue growth [51][52] Question: Sustainability of revenue growth outpacing headcount growth - Management confirmed that revenue per person grew 7%, driven by talent rotation and hiring for new skills [56][57] Question: Discretionary spending outlook - Management stated that they are not waiting for discretionary spending to return, focusing instead on delivering results despite market conditions [71][72] Question: Fixed-price work growth potential - Management expressed confidence in the competitive advantage of fixed-price deals, noting that they provide clients with confidence in outcome delivery [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the quarter was $18.7 billion, reflecting a 5% growth in local currency and a 6% increase in U.S. dollars, at the top of the guided range [17][19] - Adjusted operating margin expanded by 30 basis points year over year to 17% [18][22] - Adjusted EPS grew by 10% year over year to $3.94 [18][22] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $1.5 billion, with a cash balance of $9.6 billion [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New bookings totaled $20.9 billion, representing a 12% growth in U.S. dollars and a 10% growth in local currency [18][19] - Consulting revenues were $9.4 billion, growing 4% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency [19] - Managed services revenues reached $9.3 billion, with an 8% increase in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, revenue grew 4% in local currency, with a 6% growth excluding federal business impacts [20] - EMEA saw a 4% growth in local currency, driven by banking and capital markets [20] - Asia-Pacific revenue grew 9% in local currency, led by banking and capital markets [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on being a reinvention partner for clients, emphasizing large-scale transformational programs [25] - Advanced AI is increasingly embedded in solutions, with a significant focus on data management and modernization [26][36] - The partnership strategy is crucial, with 60% of revenue coming from top ecosystem partners, which is expected to continue driving growth [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are prioritizing strategic transformational programs despite a lack of change in discretionary spending [72] - The demand for advanced AI is growing, with expectations for significant market expansion in the coming years [34] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 2-5% in local currency for fiscal 2026, with a focus on maintaining strong cash returns to shareholders [39][40] Other Important Information - The company recorded $308 million in business optimization costs, impacting operating margin and EPS [21] - The company plans to invest approximately $3 billion in acquisitions for fiscal 2026 [39] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Shift in consulting industry's role in AI - Management acknowledged a shift in perception, emphasizing that enterprise AI adoption requires foundational work around data and processes [43][44] Question: Timing for AI partnerships to impact revenue - Management indicated that the impact of AI partnerships on revenue is tied to enterprise adoption, which is expected to evolve over time [51][52] Question: Sustainability of revenue growth outpacing headcount growth - Management confirmed that revenue per person grew 7%, driven by talent rotation, and expects this trend to moderate [56][57] Question: Discretionary spending outlook - Management stated that they are not waiting for discretionary spending to return, focusing instead on delivering results through large transformational deals [72] Question: Fixed-price work growth potential - Management expressed confidence in the competitive advantage of fixed-price deals, noting that they provide clients with certainty in outcomes [74][75]