Core Viewpoint - Accenture reported strong second-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, but shares declined due to a full-year earnings outlook that fell slightly below forecasts [1]. Financial Performance - The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $2.93 for the quarter ended February 28, surpassing the analyst consensus of $2.85 by $0.08 [2]. - Revenue reached $18.0 billion, beating estimates of $17.83 billion, reflecting growth of 8% in U.S. dollars and 4% in local currency compared to the prior-year period [2]. - New bookings amounted to $22.1 billion, marking a 6% increase in U.S. dollars [2]. Future Guidance - For fiscal 2026, Accenture guided adjusted earnings per share to a range of $13.65 to $13.90, with the midpoint of $13.78 falling short of the analyst consensus estimate of $13.86 [3]. - The company expects revenue growth of 3% to 5% in local currency, or 4% to 6% excluding an anticipated 1% headwind from its U.S. federal business [3]. Operational Metrics - Operating margin improved by 30 basis points to 13.8% during the quarter [4]. - Accenture generated free cash flow of $3.7 billion and returned $2.7 billion to shareholders, including $1.7 billion in share repurchases and $1.0 billion in dividends [4]. - The company raised its full-year free cash flow outlook to between $10.8 billion and $11.5 billion [4].