Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter reached $18.7 billion, growing 5% in local currency, with adjusted EPS growth of 10% compared to the same quarter last year [6][17][20] - Adjusted operating margin expanded by 30 basis points year over year, reaching 17% [7][17] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $1.5 billion, with a cash balance of $9.6 billion at the end of the quarter [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New bookings totaled $20.9 billion, representing 12% growth in U.S. dollars and 10% growth in local currency [16][17] - Consulting revenues were $9.4 billion, growing 4% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency, while managed services revenues were $9.3 billion, growing 8% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency [18] - Advanced AI bookings reached $2.2 billion, nearly doubling from the previous year, with revenue of approximately $1.1 billion [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth in the Americas was 4% in local currency, with a 6% growth excluding federal business impacts [18][19] - EMEA saw 4% growth in local currency, driven by banking and capital markets, while Asia-Pacific experienced 9% growth, led by Japan and Australia [19] - The demand for reinvention remains strong, with 60% of revenue in Q1 coming from work with top 10 ecosystem partners [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the most client-focused, AI-enabled workplace, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and strategic acquisitions to enhance capabilities [5][14] - Recent acquisitions include a 65% stake in DLB Associates, expanding capabilities in the AI data center engineering market [14] - The focus is on embedding advanced AI across various solutions, moving beyond standalone projects to integrated end-to-end solutions [10][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are prioritizing large-scale transformational programs, with no significant changes in discretionary spending observed [24][66] - 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% from acquisitions [37][39] - The outlook for adjusted diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 is projected to be between $13.52 and $13.90, reflecting 5-8% growth over the previous fiscal year [38][39] Other Important Information - The company recorded $308 million in business optimization costs related to employee severance, impacting operating margin and EPS [20] - The company continues to invest significantly in talent and technology, with nearly 80,000 AI and data professionals targeted [7][8] 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 data and processes [42][44] Question: Revenue impact of AI partnerships - Management indicated that partnerships are crucial for enterprise adoption and will contribute to revenue as the market evolves [50][51] Question: Sustainability of revenue per head growth - Management confirmed a 7% growth in revenue per person, driven by talent rotation, but expects moderation as new hires are integrated [52][54] Question: Discretionary spending outlook - Management stated that they are not waiting for discretionary spending to return, focusing instead on delivering results despite current market conditions [65][66] Question: Fixed-price work growth potential - Management expressed confidence in the competitive advantage of fixed-price contracts, which have increased significantly, and noted ongoing evolution in commercial models [67][68]

Financial Performance - Total revenues reached $18.7 billion, a 5% increase in local currency[2] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 10% to $3.94, excluding a $0.40 per share business optimization impact[3] - Adjusted operating margin increased by 30 bps to 17.0%, excluding a 170 bps business optimization impact[4] - Free cash flow was $1.5 billion[5] Revenue Breakdown - Consulting revenues were $9.4 billion, a 3% increase in local currency[3] - Managed Services revenues were $9.3 billion, a 7% increase in local currency[3] - Americas revenues were $9.1 billion, a 4% increase in local currency[2] - EMEA revenues were $6.9 billion, a 4% increase in local currency[2] - Asia Pacific revenues were $2.7 billion, a 9% increase in local currency[2] - Communications, Media & Technology revenues were $3.1 billion, an 8% increase in local currency[2] - Financial Services revenues were $3.6 billion, a 12% increase in local currency[2] Cash Return and Bookings - $1 billion was paid in dividends and $2.3 billion in share repurchases[5] - New bookings totaled $20.9 billion, reflecting 10% local currency growth, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1[5] AI and Ecosystem - Advanced AI bookings were $2.2 billion, with revenues of $1.1 billion, representing YoY growth of 76% and 120% respectively in USD[22] - Over 60% of revenue was driven by the top 10 ecosystem partners in Q1 FY26[11] Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook - Revenue growth in local currency is projected to be between 2% and 5%[8] - Adjusted earnings per share are expected to increase by 5% to 8% over FY25, reaching $13.52 - $13.90[8] - Free cash flow is projected to be between $9.8 billion and $10.5 billion[8] - At least $9.3 billion of cash is expected to be returned to shareholders, a 12% or $1 billion increase over FY25[29]

Core Insights - The technology consulting company reported higher first-quarter sales driven by growth in its AI business [1] Group 1 - The increase in sales is attributed to the expansion of the company's AI offerings [1]

Accenture stock was rising early on Thursday after it reported earnings and revenue ahead of expectations, while confirming its outlook. ...

Core Insights - FTI Consulting Inc. (NYSE: FCN) reported a record performance in Q3 2025, primarily driven by its Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment [1] Financial Performance - The quarter marked a record across several metrics, indicating strong growth and operational efficiency [1] Segment Analysis - The Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment played a significant role in the overall performance, suggesting a robust demand for these services in the current market environment [1]

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced that Dr. Xi Chen, Professor and Andre Meyer Faculty Fellow at the Department of Technology, Operations and Statistics at the New York University Stern School of Business, has affiliated with its subsidiary Compass Lexecon. Dr. Chen, who is based in New York, is an award-winning expert in machine learning, artificial intelligence, quantitative economics and digital platforms. He has collaborated on major AI and pla ...

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) heads into Thursday’s earnings with its share price down roughly 22% this year, as slowing contract momentum and macro uncertainty have overshadowed what management pitches as strong AI-enabled growth opportunities. For traders, the question is no longer whether Accenture can beat on earnings— but whether guidance and bookings can offset the impact of government austerity and competition from its cloud rivals. What To Watch In Q1 PrintWall Street is forecasting $3.72 per share on re ...

Core Insights - Accenture is expected to report an EPS of $3.74 and revenue of approximately $18.51 billion on December 18, 2025, indicating strong market performance [1] - The EPS for the quarter ending November 2025 is projected to be $3.74, reflecting a 4.2% increase year-over-year, while revenue is anticipated to reach $18.56 billion, marking a 4.9% rise from the previous year [2][6] - Recent consensus EPS estimates have been slightly revised downwards by 0.1%, indicating a reassessment by analysts that may influence investor actions [3] Financial Metrics - Accenture has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 22.06, indicating the price investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings [4] - The company’s price-to-sales ratio is about 2.44, reflecting the value placed on each dollar of sales, while the enterprise value to sales ratio is around 2.39 [4] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 14.53, and the earnings yield stands at 4.53%, providing a return on investment relative to earnings [5] - Accenture's debt-to-equity ratio is 0.26, indicating a relatively low level of debt compared to equity, and a current ratio of 1.42 suggests good liquidity to cover short-term liabilities [5][6]

Core Insights - Accenture and Palantir Technologies have established the Accenture Palantir Business Group to enhance the deployment of AI and data solutions globally [1] - Palantir has designated Accenture as a preferred global partner for enterprise transformation [1] Group Structure and Team Composition - The new business group will consist of dedicated forward-deployed engineers from Palantir and over 2,000 Accenture professionals skilled in Palantir technologies [2] - These teams will collaborate directly with clients to transition from isolated data systems to integrated, AI-driven decision-making using Palantir's platforms [2] Industry Focus and Applications - The partnership aims to support clients across various industries, including government, energy, oil and gas, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, consumer goods, and financial services [3] - Accenture has noted existing activities in government and energy sectors while planning to develop additional use cases in other industries [3] Operational Focus - A primary focus for the group will be on data center and AI infrastructure operations, deemed critical for economic resilience [4] - Accenture and Palantir will assist clients in utilizing Palantir Foundry and Artificial Intelligence Platform, as well as accessing secure computing resources in complex environments [4] Strategic Expansion - Accenture's CEO, Julie Sweet, emphasized that the expanded partnership will enable clients to accelerate advanced AI across enterprises and achieve faster business outcomes [5] - The combination of Accenture's industry experience and Palantir's platforms is expected to facilitate the development of scalable enterprise AI systems [5] Acquisition and Capabilities Enhancement - Accenture has agreed to acquire a 65% stake in DLB Associates, a US-based AI data center engineering and consulting firm, to enhance its end-to-end data center capabilities [5][6] - DLB Associates specializes in data center site selection, design engineering, and energy optimization services, supporting clients in accelerating speed to market [6][7]

Core Insights - Deloitte Ireland has appointed Aziz Ahmad and Vikram Kunnath as partners to enhance its consultative businesses, part of a broader investment in talent with 18 new partners appointed in the last ten months [1][5] - Ahmad will lead the Valuations practice within the Advisory business, bringing over 20 years of international experience, particularly in technology, life sciences, and aviation finance [1][2] - Kunnath joins as a partner in the Technology and Transformation business, focusing on life sciences, with a background of 25 years in global roles at major firms [3][4] Group 1: Appointments and Roles - Aziz Ahmad has extensive experience in complex valuation assignments, including cross-border IP transfers and acquisition accounting [2] - Vikram Kunnath's expertise lies in manufacturing and supply chain within life sciences, emphasizing technology-led transformation [4] Group 2: Company Strategy and Workforce - Deloitte Ireland's CEO highlighted the importance of these strategic appointments in addressing clients' interconnected decisions and the need for quality insights [5] - The firm employs around 3,000 people in Ireland, providing a range of services including audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory [5][6]