Accenture is now the worst performer today on the S&P 500 falling despite a beat on the top and bottom line. New bookings dropping 6% in the US currency in its fiscal third quarter. The company last quarter warned that Doge's crackdown on federal spending would lead to delays and cancellations of new contracts.Let's talk about all of that right now with Accenture CEO Julie. Julie, thank you for taking the time. also want to get to some of the the new business changes that you announced today, but what do yo ...

Core Insights - Accenture plc (ACN) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates [1][10] - Earnings per share were $3.49, surpassing estimates by 5.8% and increasing 11.5% year-over-year [1][10] - Total revenues reached $17.7 billion, beating estimates by 2.6% and rising 7.7% year-over-year [1][10] Revenue Breakdown - Managed services revenues were $8.7 billion, up 9% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $8.5 billion [3] - Consulting revenues increased 7% year-over-year to $9 billion, surpassing the estimate of $8.7 billion [3] - Health and public service revenues grew 7% to $3.8 billion, beating the estimate of $3.7 billion [4] - Resources segment revenues were $2.4 billion, rising 5% year-over-year, meeting the estimate [4] - Product segment revenues reached $5.3 billion, increasing 7% year-over-year, outpacing the estimate of $5.2 billion [4] - Communications, media, and technology revenues were $2.9 billion, up 5% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $2.8 billion [5] - Financial services revenues grew 13% to $3 billion, meeting projections [5] Geographic Performance - Revenues from the Americas were $8.9 billion, up 8% year-over-year, beating the estimate of $8.7 billion [6] - EMEA revenues reached $6.2 billion, gaining 8% year-over-year, surpassing the estimate of $6 billion [6] - Asia Pacific revenues were $2.5 billion, increasing 5% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $2.4 billion [6] Booking Trends - Total bookings for the third quarter were $19.7 billion, down 6% year-over-year [7] - Consulting bookings were $9.1 billion, while managed services bookings were $10.6 billion [7] Operating Results - Gross margin for the quarter was 32.9%, down 50 basis points from the previous year [8] - Adjusted operating income was $2.2 billion, flat year-over-year, with an adjusted operating margin of 16.8%, down 40 basis points [8] Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $9.6 billion, up from $8.5 billion at the end of the first quarter [11] - Generated $3.7 billion in cash from operating activities, with capital expenditure of $169.1 million [11] - Free cash flow was reported at $3.5 billion, with $1.8 billion spent on repurchasing 6 million shares and $924 million paid in dividends [12] Guidance - For Q4 fiscal 2025, revenue guidance was raised to $17-$17.6 billion, higher than the previous estimate of $16.9-$17.5 billion [13] - Fiscal 2025 revenue growth guidance was updated to 6-7%, with operating cash flow expectations raised to $9.6 billion to $10.3 billion [14] - Free cash flow expectations were also increased to $9 billion to $9.7 billion [14]

U.S. stock futures are edging lower as investors digest President Donald Trump's comments on Iran, while shares of Accenture fall after the consulting firm reports weak bookings. Here's what investors need to know today. https://t.co/ybHVA4Uojd ...

Core Insights - Accenture reported $17.73 billion in revenue for the quarter ended May 2025, a year-over-year increase of 7.7% and an EPS of $3.49 compared to $3.13 a year ago, exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates for both revenue and EPS [1] - The company experienced a surprise of +2.56% in revenue and +5.76% in EPS compared to analyst expectations [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Total New Bookings were $19.70 billion, below the two-analyst average estimate of $21.43 billion [4] - Managed Services New Bookings were $10.62 billion, compared to the average estimate of $11.94 billion [4] - Consulting New Bookings were $9.08 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $9.49 billion [4] Geographic Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the Americas was $8.97 billion, exceeding the three-analyst average estimate of $8.75 billion, with a year-over-year change of +14.5% [4] - Asia Pacific revenue was $2.53 billion, surpassing the estimated $2.22 billion but reflecting a year-over-year decline of -11.4% [4] - EMEA revenue reached $6.23 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $6.12 billion, with a year-over-year increase of +7.9% [4] Revenue by Type of Work - Consulting revenue was $9.01 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $8.63 billion, representing a +6.5% year-over-year change [4] - Managed Services revenue was $8.72 billion, above the average estimate of $8.58 billion, with an +8.9% year-over-year increase [4] Revenue by Industry Groups - Revenue from the Product industry group was $5.34 billion, surpassing the three-analyst average estimate of $5.19 billion, with a year-over-year change of +7.2% [4] - Health & Public Service revenue was $3.78 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $3.76 billion, reflecting a +7.5% year-over-year change [4] - Financial Services revenue was $3.28 billion, exceeding the estimated $2.94 billion, with a year-over-year increase of +13.3% [4] - Communications, Media & Technology revenue was $2.91 billion, above the average estimate of $2.82 billion, representing a +5.4% year-over-year change [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 FY2025 was $17.7 billion, reflecting a 7% growth in local currency and exceeding the guided range [5][10][13] - Operating margin expanded by 40 basis points to 16.8% compared to adjusted results from the previous year [6][11][18] - Earnings per share (EPS) grew by 12% to $3.49 compared to adjusted EPS from Q3 FY2024 [6][11][18] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $3.5 billion, with a cash balance of $9.6 billion at the end of May [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consulting revenues were $9 billion, up 7% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency [14] - Managed services revenues reached $8.7 billion, reflecting a 9% increase in both U.S. dollars and local currency, driven by double-digit growth in technology managed services [15] - New bookings totaled $19.7 billion, with consulting bookings at $9.1 billion and managed services bookings at $10.6 billion [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth in The Americas was 9% in local currency, led by banking and capital markets, industrial, and health sectors [15] - EMEA region saw a 6% growth in local currency, driven by life sciences, banking, and insurance [16] - Asia Pacific revenue grew 4% in local currency, with growth in public service and banking, partially offset by declines in chemicals and natural resources [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the reinvention partner of choice for clients, focusing on large-scale reinventions and leading in GenAI [5][22] - A new integrated business unit called Reinvention Services will be established to enhance service delivery and embed data and AI into solutions [34] - Significant investments in training and acquisitions are being made to drive growth in strategic areas, including a focus on AI and data capabilities [7][8][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted elevated uncertainty in the global economic and geopolitical environment, impacting client interactions and spending [21][22] - Clients are increasingly focused on reinvention and leveraging GenAI to navigate challenges and drive growth [22][23] - The company raised its full-year revenue outlook, expecting 6% to 7% growth in local currency for FY2025 [35][37] Other Important Information - The company invested over $297 million in four strategic acquisitions during the quarter [7] - The brand value increased by 27% to $103.8 billion, reflecting strong market recognition [8] - The company is committed to returning at least $8.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Talent retention and leadership changes - Management noted a slight increase in attrition but emphasized that it remains within normal ranges and that they have a strong bench of leaders [40][41] Question: Impact of heightened uncertainty on revenue guidance - Management highlighted the resilience of their model and the ability to pivot to meet client needs, maintaining strong revenue generation despite market challenges [46][47] Question: GenAI demand and acquisition pace - Demand for GenAI remains strong, though growth has slightly slowed. The acquisition strategy is consistent, focusing on economic viability and strategic fit [51][53][56] Question: Federal contracting impact on bookings - Federal business had an immaterial impact on overall growth, with Q4 headwinds expected from both slower procurements and cancellations [90] Question: Blockchain technology interest - Management acknowledged renewed interest in blockchain, particularly in financial services, but emphasized that AI remains the primary growth driver [92][93]

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 FY2025 was $17.7 billion, reflecting a 7% growth in local currency and exceeding the guided range [5][10][12] - Operating margin expanded by 40 basis points to 16.8% compared to adjusted results from the previous year [10][18] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) grew by 12% to $3.49 compared to adjusted EPS of $3.13 in Q3 FY2024 [10][18] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $3.5 billion, with a cash balance of $9.6 billion at the end of the quarter [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consulting revenues were $9 billion, up 7% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency [13] - Managed services revenues reached $8.7 billion, reflecting a 9% increase in both U.S. dollars and local currency, driven by double-digit growth in technology managed services [14] - New bookings totaled $19.7 billion for the quarter, with consulting bookings at $9.1 billion and managed services bookings at $10.6 billion [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth in The Americas was 9% in local currency, led by banking and capital markets, industrial, and health sectors [14][15] - EMEA region saw a 6% growth in local currency, driven by life sciences, banking, and insurance [15] - Asia Pacific revenue grew by 4% in local currency, with growth in public service and banking, partially offset by declines in chemicals and natural resources [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the preferred partner for client reinvention, focusing on GenAI as a key driver for transformation [5][22] - A new integrated business unit called Reinvention Services will be established to enhance service delivery and embed data and AI into solutions [36][75] - The company is committed to investing in talent and capabilities, with significant training hours and strategic acquisitions to support growth [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted heightened uncertainty in the global economic and geopolitical environment, impacting client interactions and spending [21][22] - The focus remains on helping clients navigate challenges and drive reinvention, with GenAI being a critical tool for achieving better results [22][23] - The outlook for Q4 FY2025 anticipates revenues between $17 billion and $17.6 billion, with a growth expectation of 1% to 5% in local currency [37][39] Other Important Information - The company has invested over $297 million in four strategic acquisitions and increased its workforce in data and AI to approximately 75,000 [6][7] - The brand value increased by 27% to $103.8 billion, reflecting strong market recognition [7] - The company plans to return at least $8.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Talent retention and leadership changes - Management noted a slight increase in attrition but emphasized that it remains within normal ranges and that leadership changes are common as leaders pursue new opportunities [43][44] Question: Impact of heightened uncertainty on revenue generation - Management highlighted the resilience of their model, noting that clients are focusing on significant projects despite economic challenges [45][48] Question: GenAI demand and acquisition pace - Demand for GenAI remains strong, though growth has slightly slowed. The acquisition strategy is consistent, targeting about 2% inorganic contribution annually [53][55][62] Question: Changes in acquisition strategy and focus - The acquisition strategy remains aligned with business needs, focusing on building capabilities internally when necessary [61][62] Question: Federal contracting impact on bookings - Federal contracting had an immaterial impact on bookings, with Q4 headwinds arising from both slower procurements and cancellations [89][90]

Core Viewpoint - Accenture reported quarterly earnings of $3.49 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.30 per share, and showing an increase from $3.13 per share a year ago, indicating a 5.76% earnings surprise [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $17.73 billion for the quarter ended May 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.56%, compared to $16.47 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Accenture has exceeded consensus EPS estimates three times and topped revenue estimates four times [2] Stock Performance and Outlook - Accenture shares have declined approximately 12.9% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 1.7% [3] - The company's earnings outlook will be crucial for future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates at $3 for the upcoming quarter and $12.72 for the current fiscal year [4][7] Industry Context - The Computers - IT Services industry, to which Accenture belongs, is currently ranked in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable environment for stock performance [8]

Financial Performance - Q3 FY25 - Total revenues reached $17.7 billion, an increase of 7% in local currency and 8% in USD[2] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 12% on an adjusted basis to $3.49[2] - Operating margin increased by 40 bps on an adjusted basis to 16.8%[4] - Free cash flow was $3.5 billion[7] Financial Performance - Q3 YTD FY25 - Total revenues reached $52.1 billion, an increase of 8% in local currency and 7% in USD[11] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 8% on an adjusted basis to $9.90[12] - Operating margin increased by 10 bps on an adjusted basis to 15.7%[14] Strategic Priorities & New Bookings - New bookings amounted to $19.7 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1[7] - New bookings decreased by 7% in local currency and 6% in USD[7] - Consulting new bookings accounted for 46% ($9.08 billion) of the total, while Managed Services accounted for 54% ($10.62 billion)[36] Revenue by Geographic Market - Q3 FY25 - Americas generated $9.0 billion in revenue, with a 9% increase in local currency[2] - EMEA generated $6.2 billion in revenue, with a 4% increase in local currency[2] - Asia Pacific generated $2.5 billion in revenue[2] Revenue by Industry Group - Q3 FY25 - Communications, Media & Technology generated $2.9 billion in revenue, with a 5% increase in local currency[2] - Financial Services generated $3.3 billion in revenue, with a 13% increase in local currency[2] - Health & Public Service generated $3.8 billion in revenue, with a 7% increase in local currency[2] - Products generated $5.3 billion in revenue, with a 7% increase in local currency[2] - Resources generated $2.4 billion in revenue, with a 4% increase in local currency[2]

Accenture on Friday reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results and lifted its full-year revenue and profit projections. https://t.co/1wsHkEBzxn ...