Google Cloud and Accenture are working together on a joint unit dedicated to sending engineers into enterprises to help them better adopt Google’s AI tools and services.
The new unit, dubbed Accenture Gemini Enterprise Business Group, is Google’s latest foray into the increasingly competitive world of “forward-deployed engineers,” or FDEs. Rivals in the AI race, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Amazon, have all recently launched separate business units in a bet that implementing AI models can become its own trillion-dollar business.
It’s the kind of bet AI companies and hyperscalers increasingly need to make. Hyperscalers are committing hundreds of billions of dollars a year to GPUs, data centers, and power capacity even as the revenue directly attributable to AI remains a fraction of that investment.
Google Cloud generated $24.8 billion in the second quarter, a big chunk of which was driven by enterprise AI. But the commitments behind that growth are enormous. Google Cloud’s parent company Alphabet reportedly accumulated $811 billion in purchase commitments and contractual obligations as of June 30.
This return on investment is not yet materializing in the way companies and investors need it to, so everything hinges on whether or not AI companies can create enough demand for their services. But that demand is not guaranteed, as enterprises themselves are struggling to see a true return on investment on their AI spending.
It’s conventionally held that enterprises have simply lacked the expertise to intelligently integrate AI tools and services into their workflows in a way that not only saves them money, but helps them make more of it in the long run. That’s where the FDEs come in as a steady, guiding hand that, ideally, possesses the perfect mental cocktail of business acumen and agentic AI prowess needed to change everything.
As part of its deal with Accenture, Google will train up to 1,000 of the consultancy firm’s FDEs to work with enterprises and build custom AI applications on the Gemini Enterprise platform. The organization will live under Accenture, according to a Google spokesperson.
According to August data from Ramp, Google accounts for roughly 6% of enterprise AI spending among Ramp’s U.S. customers, compared to Anthropic’s 43.5% and OpenAI’s 39.7%. (A Google spokesperson pointed out that many of Ramp’s customers exclude the types of major enterprises that are signing large, strategic AI deals with Google Cloud, which go beyond just model API usage — like Oracle, Meta, Anthropic, and ServiceNow.) Google’s new unit with Accenture, which The Wall Street Journal first reported, is the latest of its aggressive expansions of its FDE model this year as it attempts to resolve enterprise deployment bottlenecks and catch up to rivals.
Earlier this year, Google Cloud launched a $750 million partner ecosystem commitment that embedded Google’s own FDEs across multiple consultancies, including Capgemini, Cognizant, and Deloitte. The tech giant also struck a multi-year partnership with CVC Capital Partners to deploy FDEs directly into the investment firm’s portfolio companies.
Google isn’t the only giant at risk of being outpaced by newer firms. Companies that are dedicated specifically to embedding engineers into businesses to build bespoke AI workflows — like Ode with Anthropic, or OpenAI’s The Deployment Co. — threaten big consultancy firms like Accenture as well. For the professional services giant, the Google tie-up adds to its own wave of FDE programs this year, which include a similar Microsoft FDE practice in March, an FDE initiative with ServiceNow in May, and a joint program with SAP in June.
This article has been updated with comments from Google.
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Rebecca Bellan is a senior reporter at TechCrunch where she covers the business, policy, and emerging trends shaping artificial intelligence. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, and other publications.
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Accenture se dohodla na akvizici tokijské COMWARE, aby posílila Accenture Edge a rozšířila působení v japonském mid-marketu. COMWARE přidá více než 180 odborníků a know-how v SAP, CRM a výrobě.
Key Takeaways Accenture will acquire COMWARE to strengthen Accenture Edge and expand its reach in Japan's mid-market. COMWARE adds multiple professionals, plus SAP, CRM and manufacturing expertise to ACN's delivery capacity.COMWARE's templates and local relationships should speed AI, cloud and data-driven digital-core projects. Accenture (ACN - Free Report) has agreed to acquire COMWARE Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based provider of end-to-end technology services to mid-market companies. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Accenture Edge, a business unit launched in June 2026 to help mid-sized companies adopt artificial intelligence and transform their operations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
COMWARE is recognized for its IT implementation and operational capabilities, particularly across SAP and customer relationship management technologies. The company will bring more than 180 professionals to Accenture and support the continued expansion of Accenture Edge. Its addition will enhance Accenture’s ability to help clients modernize their digital cores using AI, data and cloud technologies.
Founded in September 2000, COMWARE provides services covering the implementation, development, maintenance and operation of core business systems. The company has considerable experience serving discrete manufacturing businesses, including make-to-order and make-to-plan production, as well as process manufacturers in the chemical and food industries. It will also contribute extensive knowledge of manufacturing operations and long-standing client relationships in Japan.
COMWARE has served as a business partner of SAP Japan for more than 25 years. Accenture indicated that the growing importance of AI has made faster execution increasingly vital for improving corporate decision-making, productivity and competitiveness. COMWARE’s knowledge of mid-market companies, skilled workforce and established client relationships, combined with Accenture’s global delivery capabilities and AI-led transformation services, are expected to enable faster delivery of scalable and repeatable solutions to a wider client base. Accenture intends to continue providing end-to-end support that converts AI and technology-led transformation into sustainable growth and stronger competitiveness for companies in Japan.
The acquisition will aid Accenture by expanding its presence in Japan’s mid-market segment and adding specialized SAP, CRM and manufacturing capabilities to Accenture Edge. COMWARE’s implementation templates, local market expertise and established customer relationships should help Accenture deploy AI, cloud and data-driven solutions more quickly and efficiently. The addition of more than 180 professionals will also strengthen Accenture’s delivery capacity, enabling it to serve a broader group of clients and capture rising demand for digital-core modernization in Japan.
Taking a Look at Accenture’s Other Recent DealsAccenture recently entered into a long-term strategic partnership with UniCredit, one of Europe’s foremost pan-European banking groups, and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM - Free Report) to build the technology foundation for supporting UniCredit’s continued growth across 13 European markets where it operates.
Through this collaboration, the three companies will develop a new banking technology operating model that provides UniCredit with greater control over its technology roadmap while combining the reliability of mission-critical systems with the agility of modern digital platforms. This approach is designed to foster continuous innovation and enhance operational flexibility.
Under the agreement, Accenture will acquire IBM’s majority stake in the joint venture responsible for managing a substantial portion of UniCredit’s technology infrastructure. IBM will also deliver modernized technology platforms to UniCredit, including IBM Z systems, software and consulting services. The collaboration marks the start of a multi-year transformation initiative aimed at modernizing the bank’s core systems and evolving its operating model.
Earlier this year, Accenture inked a deal with ServiceNow (NOW - Free Report) by introducing a joint AI-powered cybersecurity offering aimed at helping enterprises modernize their risk management operations. The new solution combines managed security services built on the ServiceNow AI Platform with Accenture's AI-driven migration capabilities, addressing two major challenges organizations face when replacing legacy cybersecurity systems — high costs and implementation complexity. The partnership with ServiceNow comes at a time when cybersecurity threats are becoming more severe and expensive.
Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAccenture has lost roughly 32% so far this year compared with a 14% decline in its industry.
YTD Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.58, well below the industry average.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN’s Zacks Rank
ACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Accenture za měsíc vzrostlo o 26,7 % díky silné poptávce po AI, modernizaci aplikací, cloudu a kyberbezpečnosti. Firma zároveň uzavřela fiskální Q3 2026 s 10,2 mld. USD hotovosti, 5 mld. USD dlouhodobého dluhu a 3% růstem provozního cash flow.
Key Takeaways Accenture stock has risen 26.7% in a month, beating its industry and the S&P 500 Composite.AI demand, app modernization, cloud enablement and cybersecurity are lifting ACN's managed services.ACN ended fiscal Q3 2026 with $10.2B in cash, $5B in long-term debt and 3% operating cash flow growth. Accenture (ACN - Free Report) stock has gained 26.7% in a month, outperforming the industry’s 8.8% growth and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's 3% return.
1-Month Share Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Let us delve deeper into the factors that have contributed to the company’s outperformance.
Application Modernization & AI Pave ACN’s Growth PotentialThe worldwide artificial intelligence (AI) boom is driving growth opportunities for ACN. The management recently highlighted growing demand from clients seeking to integrate advanced AI capabilities into core business processes. The company has already employed more than 85,000 AI and data professionals. Moreover, strong demand for application modernization and maintenance, cloud enablement and cybersecurity-as-a-service is boosting Accenture’s managed services business globally, creating a significant growth opportunity.
ACN’s Robust Liquidity ProfileThe company had a cash and cash equivalents balance of $10.2 billion at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026 against a total long-term debt of just $5 billion. This solid cash position has been strengthened by 3% year-over-year growth in operating cash flow, providing ACN with sufficient flexibility to pursue opportunities in other markets without straining its short-term debt position.
ACN had a current ratio of 1.34 during the same time frame. Though the figure is lower than the industry benchmark of 1.52, a metric above 1 indicates greater efficiency in paying off short-term obligations, which bolsters investor morale.
Shareholder-Friendly Strategy of ACNIn fiscal 2023, 2024 and 2025, the company distributed $2.8 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.7 billion in dividends, respectively. Such moves reflect ACN’s dedication to enhancing shareholder value and its confidence in the business's long-term potential.
The company repurchased 6 million shares for $1.2 billion in the fiscal third quarter. It paid out $1 billion in dividends or $1.63 per share, reflecting a 10% increase.
ACN’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderAccenture currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
A couple of better-ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector are Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI - Free Report) and AMETEK, Inc. (AME - Free Report) . You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Analog Devices carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 31%.
ADI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.5%, on average.
AMETEK also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 9.4%.
AME beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 4.9%.
Accenture uzavřela víceletou spolupráci s Dabur India na zavedení AI, jednotné datové základny a generativních nástrojů pro růst tržeb, úspory nákladů a rozšíření marže EBITDA.
Key Takeaways Accenture will build a unified data foundation for real-time insights and faster decisions. AI and analytics will target revenue growth, cost optimization and supply-chain responsiveness. Generative AI tools and new operating models aim to scale transformation and expand EBITDA margins. Accenture (ACN - Free Report) entered into a multi-year collaboration with Dabur India Limited, one of India’s leading FMCG companies, to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and build a future-ready digital enterprise. The initiative aims to strengthen decision-making, enhance business agility and create new opportunities for profitable growth by embedding AI across Dabur.
The collaboration builds on Dabur’s ongoing investments in cloud technologies and digital core modernization. As part of the engagement, Accenture will help establish a scalable and unified data foundation by integrating internal, external, structured and unstructured data into a centralized data lake. This approach is expected to enable standardized, automated and reliable data flows across the enterprise. The enhanced data infrastructure will support the deployment of control towers and digital dashboards, providing real-time visibility into key performance indicators and enabling faster, more informed responses to changing market conditions.
This initiative will leverage advanced analytics and AI to identify revenue growth opportunities, optimize costs, improve supply-chain responsiveness and enhance end-to-end visibility across key business functions, including finance, procurement, marketing and sales. Dabur also plans to introduce generative AI-powered conversational interfaces and digital assistants to simplify data access, generate actionable insights and support faster, data-driven decision-making for business users.
The collaboration will prioritize high-impact, outcome-driven use cases aimed at delivering measurable business value through spend optimization, operational efficiency and EBITDA margin expansion. In addition, Accenture will support Dabur in redesigning talent capabilities, operating models and governance frameworks to ensure sustainable AI-led transformation at scale.
From Accenture’s perspective, the partnership reinforces its position as a leading provider of AI-driven digital transformation services for the consumer goods sector. By helping Dabur modernize the data ecosystem and integrate AI into core business processes, Accenture further strengthens its portfolio of large-scale enterprise transformation engagements. The collaboration also provides an opportunity to showcase its expertise in cloud, data, analytics and generative AI, while deepening the long-term relationship with a leading FMCG company and creating a strong reference for similar AI-transformation initiatives across the industry.
The initiative marks the next phase of Dabur’s multi-year digital transformation journey with Accenture and is expected to enable it to operationalize AI at scale, improve business resilience and support long-term, purpose-driven growth.
Taking a Look at Accenture’s Other AI-Oriented DealsAccenture entered into a long-term strategic partnership with UniCredit, one of Europe’s foremost pan-European banking groups, and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM - Free Report) to build the technology foundation for supporting UniCredit’s continued growth across 13 European markets where it operates.
Through this collaboration, the three companies will develop a new banking technology operating model that provides UniCredit with greater control over its technology roadmap while combining the reliability of mission-critical systems with the agility of modern digital platforms. This approach is designed to foster continuous innovation and enhance operational flexibility.
Under the agreement, Accenture will acquire IBM’s majority stake in the joint venture responsible for managing a substantial portion of UniCredit’s technology infrastructure. IBM will also deliver modernized technology platforms to UniCredit, including IBM Z systems, software and consulting services. The collaboration marks the start of a multi-year transformation initiative aimed at modernizing the bank’s core systems and evolving its operating model.
Earlier this year, Accenture inked a deal with ServiceNow (NOW - Free Report) by introducing a joint AI-powered cybersecurity offering aimed at helping enterprises modernize their risk management operations. The new solution combines managed security services built on the ServiceNow AI Platform with Accenture's AI-driven migration capabilities, addressing two major challenges organizations face when replacing legacy cybersecurity systems — high costs and implementation complexity. The partnership with ServiceNow comes at a time when cybersecurity threats are becoming more severe and expensive.
Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAccenture has lost roughly 36% so far this year compared with a 17% decline in its industry.
YTD Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.49, way below the industry’s 11.87.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN’s Zacks RankACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
NetRise rozšířil Provenance o kontrolu důvěry v balíčky přímo v rámci vývojářského workflow, aby blokoval škodlivé nebo nevyhovující open source závislosti ještě před instalací. Podpora je zatím pro Python (PyPI) a zahrnuje CLI, Visual Studio Code i AI asistenty.
New Package Firewall CLI, VS Code extension, and AI coding assistant plugins enforce package trust before malicious or policy-violating dependencies are installed.
, /PRNewswire/ -- NetRise®, the software supply chain security company that exists to eliminate blind trust in software, today announced enhancements to NetRise Provenance®, bringing package trust enforcement into the developer workflow via Visual Studio Code, the command line, and AI coding assistants. The release enables organizations to detect and block malicious or policy-violating open source packages before they enter software projects.
The release introduces three new enforcement mechanisms that extend Provenance's package trust decisions across developer workflows:
Provenance Package Firewall CLI: Enforces organizational policy at package install time in the command line interface (CLI), blocking malicious or non-compliant packages before they are downloaded. Provenance Extension for Visual Studio Code: Evaluates dependency manifests as developers write them, identifying malicious or non-compliant packages directly in the editor with contextual guidance and one-click remediation. AI Coding Assistant Plugins: Extends Provenance enforcement to AI coding assistants, including Claude Code, Gemini, and Codex, applying the same package trust decisions and policy enforcement to AI-initiated dependency installs. Modern software supply chain attacks, such as the recent LiteLLM and Axios compromises, share similar characteristics: a package or one of its dependencies is compromised. The malicious release stays published and is pulled into every project that requests it, until it is detected. Each compromise was quickly discovered and fixed, with the window of exposure being merely hours.
"The problem is everything that happens while it's still up," said Michael Scott, Co-Founder and CTO of NetRise. "Builds run, releases go out, containers deploy, all automatically. AI tools pull dependencies into projects for people who aren't even developers. By the time an advisory is published and the package is quarantined, the compromised version has already spread."
"Provenance is built for that window. It blocks the package at every point of install - the developer machine, the software and firmware build pipeline, the AI assistant working on a user's behalf. It shifts the approach of CISOs and Product Security leaders into one of proactive defense rather than reactive response. When the next attack makes headlines, they have the confidence that the affected packages never got in."
The new mechanisms move package trust decisions earlier in the software development lifecycle by evaluating dependencies as they are introduced into a project and enforcing the same policy at install time. A shared policy engine ensures the same trust decision is applied in the editor, at the command line, in AI coding assistants, and in continuous integration (CI).
Developers receive immediate feedback while they edit dependency manifests, including plain-language explanations for flagged packages, one-click remediation, and options to record policy exceptions. The Package Firewall enforces those same decisions during package installation.
"The oldest problem in cybersecurity isn't malicious code—it's trusting software before you know where it came from or whether it deserves that trust," said Thomas Pace, Co-founder and CEO of NetRise. "Malicious packages are just the latest example of a much older problem: organizations continue to rely on software and components they haven't truly validated. That model has to end. Software should prove its origin, integrity, and lineage before it ever runs, and when something does slip through, you should immediately understand where it came from and everywhere it exists. With Provenance integrated into the developer workflow and Turbine continuously validating software in production, that becomes the foundation of how software is built and trusted."
The new enforcement capabilities build on Provenance's existing software supply chain intelligence, extending the same package trust decisions from dependency authoring through software delivery. Learn more about NetRise Provenance at netrise.io/products/provenance.
The Provenance Package Firewall CLI, the AI coding assistant plugins, and the Provenance extension for Visual Studio Code are available to Provenance customers, with initial support for the Python (PyPI) ecosystem and additional ecosystems planned.
Resources
Schedule a demo: To see Provenance enforce trust from the editor through the pipeline, request a demo at https://www.netrise.io/demo-request. For more information about NetRise Provenance, visit: https://www.netrise.io/products/provenance. Meet with us at Black Hat USA 2026: Visit Booth #5547 or schedule a private meeting with the NetRise team: https://www.netrise.io/company/events/netrise-black-hat-usa-2026 For more information or to request a demonstration, visit netrise.io or contact [email protected].
About NetRise
NetRise is the software supply chain security company that exists to eliminate blind trust in software forever. By identifying every component in each binary image across firmware, kernels, operating systems, containers, and applications, NetRise exposes the full stack of inherited risk that source-based tools, vendor SBOMs, and questionnaires cannot see. Non-code related risk uncovered includes hidden dependencies, cryptographic artifacts, misconfigurations, secrets, among others. Global enterprises that produce and consume software, including government agencies, rely on NetRise to validate what they ship and what they run. When the software supply chain is compromised by bad actors, NetRise answers the questions, "how far do these compromises extend?" and "where am I exposed?" enabling rapid identification, prioritization, mitigation, and policy updates, reducing material risk to the business. NetRise has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Accenture (NYSE: ACN), which is also taking a majority investment in Dragos. Upon close of the transactions, NetRise will operate under Dragos.
https://www.netrise.io
Accenture ve spolupráci s Radisson Hotel Group spustila v ChatGPT AI aplikaci pro vyhledávání a rezervaci hotelů. Nabízí aktuální dostupnost, ceny i mapy pro více než 1 000 hotelů ve více než 100 zemích.
Key Takeaways Accenture launched an AI-powered Radisson hotel discovery app in ChatGPT for search and booking. The app uses live availability, pricing, amenities, property details, location insights and maps. Future upgrades may add personalization, loyalty recognition, in-chat booking and AI concierge services. Accenture (ACN - Free Report) has partnered with Radisson Hotel Group to launch an AI-powered hotel discovery app in ChatGPT, enabling travelers to move seamlessly from trip planning to hotel search, comparison and booking through natural language conversations.
Accessible as @RadissonHotels in ChatGPT, the app allows users to discover more than 1,000 Radisson Hotels properties across over 100 countries. By starting a ChatGPT conversation with @RadissonHotels, travelers can request recommendations for trips, such as family-friendly stays in Amsterdam or hotels near the Eiffel Tower in Paris that offer gym and spa facilities. The app provides relevant hotel recommendations featuring live room availability, pricing, amenities, property information, location insights and interactive maps. Once a selection is made, users are directed to the Radisson Hotels website to complete their reservation.
As more travelers rely on AI to research destinations, evaluate options and organize trips, hospitality providers are increasingly required to ensure their offerings remain discoverable, accurate and actionable during the planning stage. Accenture’s Consumer Pulse Research indicates that 87% of travelers are willing to use AI-powered travel agents to identify the most suitable options, while 71% expect AI to influence at least half of their hotel or airline spending over the next year.
The partnership began with Radisson Hotel Group adopting an MCP accelerator within Accenture’s AI Merchant Center, an agentic readiness and intelligence platform. The solution helped organize, validate and optimize the company's hotel content, inventory, pricing and booking data for AI-driven discovery. Accenture also designed the user experience and integrated the app with Radisson Hotel Group’s existing systems to deliver real-time hotel information. The companies plan to further enhance the platform with personalized recommendations, loyalty recognition, in-chat booking, reservation management, itinerary modifications and AI concierge services.
For Accenture, the collaboration reinforces its leadership in generative AI and agentic commerce while demonstrating the practical value of the AI Merchant Center platform. The project highlights Accenture’s ability to help enterprises modernize customer engagement, accelerate AI adoption and create new digital commerce channels. Successful deployment of the solution is expected to strengthen Accenture’s credentials in the hospitality sector and support future AI transformation opportunities across travel and other consumer-facing industries.
The ChatGPT app also supports Radisson Hotel Group’s broader digital transformation and direct booking strategy. Accenture has already assisted the company in modernizing the digital and data infrastructure, consolidating its brands onto a unified global platform and enabling more personalized marketing across the portfolio of more than 1,000 hotels. Extending this foundation to ChatGPT is expected to help Radisson Hotel Group remain visible, relevant and easily bookable as traveler preferences continue to evolve.
Taking a Look at Similar AI-Powered DealsSalesforce (CRM - Free Report) is participating in a similar hospitality-focused AI initiative with Minor Hotels, alongside Google Cloud, OneTrust and Deloitte. The companies are developing a global data and AI platform that will connect more than 640 Minor Hotels properties, unify guest information and support AI-driven personalization. Salesforce’s Agentforce Marketing capabilities are anticipated to help the hotel operator deliver more relevant communications and experiences throughout the customer journey.
Like Accenture’s collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group, the project involving Salesforce demonstrates how enterprise technology providers are helping hospitality companies modernize legacy systems, use real-time data more effectively and create increasingly personalized digital interactions for travelers.
Choice Hotels International (CHH - Free Report) has also entered into a comparable collaboration with Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) to integrate artificial intelligence across its operations. The initiative is intended to move AI beyond isolated experiments and deploy it at an enterprise scale, supporting enhanced guest experiences, hotel management and organizational efficiency. By integrating AI into core functions such as guest personalization, pricing and operations, Choice Hotels aims to improve both customer experience and internal efficiency. Importantly, this strategy extends beyond AWS.
Choice Hotels is building a broader ecosystem of AI partnerships, including collaborations with Google for AI-powered travel discovery and participation in OpenAI’s ChatGPT advertising pilot. This multi-platform approach indicates a forward-looking strategy as travel search and booking increasingly shift toward AI-driven and conversational interfaces.
Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAccenture has lost nearly 40% in the past year, underperforming its industry.
1-Year Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.44, way below the industry’s 11.14.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN’s Zacks RankACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Accenture získala sedmiletou zakázku od NATO na podporu Protected Business Network v hodnotě zhruba 200 milionů EUR. Spolu se společností Leonardo vybuduje bezpečnou cloudovou platformu pro asi 29 000 uživatelů.
Key Takeaways Accenture won a seven-year NATO contract to support the Protected Business Network.Accenture and Leonardo will build a secure cloud platform for about 29,000 NATO users.The deal expands Accenture's role in defense tech and may support recurring revenue opportunities. Accenture (ACN - Free Report) has secured a multi-million-euro contract from the NATO Communications and Information Agency (“NCIA”) to support the Protected Business Network (“PBN”) program, a major initiative aimed at building NATO’s secure, cloud-enabled digital enterprise. The company will execute the seven-year contract in collaboration with Italy’s Leonardo. The agreement, valued at approximately €200 million over the contract period, marks a significant milestone in NATO’s digital transformation efforts.
The Protected Business Network will serve as the foundation for classified digital operations across the NATO Enterprise. It is designed to enable military personnel and decision-makers across multiple domains to communicate, collaborate and access critical information through a standardized, scalable and secure cloud environment that offers greater resilience against cyber threats and operational disruptions.
The program is intended to replace legacy systems with a modern digital infrastructure based on a common cloud operating model, standardized engineering practices and a secure platform for developing, deploying and maintaining digital services more efficiently. This framework is expected to improve the agility and security of NATO’s digital ecosystem while supporting future technological capabilities.
Under the contract, Accenture and Leonardo will design, implement and operate the core Protected Business Network platform across NCIA’s multi-cloud environment. The platform will facilitate the phased deployment and long-term adoption of secure cloud services for approximately 29,000 users across the NATO Alliance. Leonardo will also implement a Zero Trust Architecture secured by its proprietary Global Cybersec Platform, an AI-powered multi-agent cyber defense platform, to strengthen cyber resilience.
According to Accenture, the project represents one of the most significant digital transformation initiatives undertaken by the Alliance and emphasized that, together with Leonardo, it will provide the cloud and cybersecurity capabilities needed to build a resilient, interoperable and future-ready digital backbone for NATO.
The contract further strengthens Accenture’s position in the defense and public-sector technology market by expanding its role in delivering large-scale, mission-critical cloud transformation projects. The long-term, seven-year engagement provides recurring revenue opportunities while showcasing the company’s expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital modernization. Successfully executing a high-profile NATO program is also likely to enhance Accenture’s credentials for securing similar government and defense contracts globally.
Similar Contracts Won by ACN’s Fellow Sectoral PlayersIn 2024, CACI International (CACI - Free Report) , housed in the same sector as Accenture, won a five-year task order worth $1.3 billion to provide communications and information technology services. Under the contract, CACI will modernize and enhance critical software and hardware systems, improve network IT and communications, and provide end-user support to more than 11,000 personnel across 60 locations in Europe and Africa. This modernization effort will support global multi-domain digital operations, enterprise software deployment, and secure interoperability among mission partners across the European theater.
In 2024, Science Applications International (SAIC - Free Report) secured a $229 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to deliver critical IT solutions under the NORAD/USNORTHCOM Information Technology Enterprise Services (“NITES”) program. The contract enables Science Applications International to support the modernization, innovation, and operational efficiency of the NITES program. To achieve this, the company provides skilled professionals and expertise in IT service management, network modernization, automation of existing IT systems, cloud migration, and cybersecurity. Science Applications International also works across all branches of the U.S. military to deliver mission-ready solutions that help maintain a strategic advantage.
Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAccenture has lost 51.2% in the past year compared with a 24.2% decline in its industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
1-Year Price ComparisonFrom a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.2, way below the industry’s 11.64.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN’s Zacks RankACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Accenture snížil výhled růstu tržeb pro fiskální rok 2026 na 3 % až 4 % z 3 % až 5 % poté, co ve 3. čtvrtletí tržby zaostaly za odhady. Akcie za tři měsíce klesly o 29,3 %.
Key Takeaways Accenture's shares fell 29.3% in three months, worse than the IT services industry's 7.9% decline. Accenture cut its fiscal 2026 revenue growth outlook after revenues lagged estimates in Q3. AI disruption concerns, soft bookings and Middle East conflict costs are weighing on Accenture. Accenture’s (ACN - Free Report) shares are having a tough time of late and are down in double digits (% wise) over the past three months. This significant decline in the ACN stock (29.3% to be exact) has resulted in it performing worse than the Zacks Computers – IT Services industry’s 7.9% decline. ACN’s shares are also lagging those of fellow Computers IT Services players like Vertiv Holdings (VRT - Free Report) and Serve Robotics (SERV - Free Report) .
While Serve Robotics’ shares have declined roughly 23%, those of Vertiv Holdings have performed well, gaining in double digits (13.3%) over the past three months.
3-Month Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
Revenue Growth Outlook Hurts ACN StockThe chief contributor to the stock’s recent disappointing performance on the bourse is the revenue growth outlook provided by management when it released the third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended May 31, 2026) results last month.
The consulting and technology services company lowered the upper end of its fiscal 2026 revenue growth outlook, overshadowing the fact that the third-quarter earnings per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
The company now expects fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 3% to 4% in local currency, down from its previous forecast of 3% to 5%. The disappointing outlook, coupled with the fact that revenues lagged expectations in the fiscal third quarter, naturally disappointed investors.
AI Disruption Concerns: A Major Headwind for ACNArtificial Intelligence or AI-related disruptions were reflected in the company’s fiscal third-quarter results, causing a 2% in U.S. dollars (3% in local currency) year-over-year drop in new bookings. The below-par quarterly sales and soft bookings further give rise to concerns that AI is disrupting demand across consulting and managed services.
Fears that AI may render the services offered by firms like Accenture have been huge concerns. The double-digit decline highlighted above is mainly due to the skepticism about the impact of artificial intelligence on its business.
Although Accenture has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, many businesses are still unsure about how much value AI can deliver. Instead of rushing into large AI projects, companies are taking more time to evaluate the potential benefits, improve their data systems and manage costs in an uncertain economic environment.
As a result, many clients are starting with small AI pilot programs rather than committing to larger transformation projects. Moreover, many companies are spending mainly on essential AI and cybersecurity projects while cutting back on other technology investments. This is reducing demand for Accenture's broader consulting and IT services, weighing on its revenue growth and putting pressure on the stock.
This cautious approach is slowing the pace of new business for Accenture. This makes it harder for the company to quickly turn a strong interest in AI into higher revenues.
Geopolitical Uncertainty Represents Another ChallengeEven with the interim agreement between the United States and Iran, economic turbulence remains firmly in place. Hopes of a final deal continue to be shrouded in uncertainty.
At Accenture, revenues were impacted to the tune of roughly $100 million in the fiscal third quarter due to the Middle East conflict. Similar headwind is expected in the fiscal fourth quarter as well. Macroeconomic pressures have resulted in many key outsourcing contracts being delayed, thereby highlighting the growth concerns at Accenture.
How Is the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Earnings Faring?Due to the headwinds mentioned above, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter fiscal 2026, first-quarter fiscal 2027, full-year fiscal 2026 and 2027 has moved south over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN: Valuation Looks AppealingAccenture is currently trading at a significant discount, with a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S) of 1.2X compared with its industry’s 11.53X. It also appears to be highly undervalued compared with fellow industry players Serve Robotics and Vertiv Holdings. Accenture has a Value Score of A.
ACN Stock Looks CheapImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
How to Approach ACN Stock?Accenture’s top-line weakness and dim outlook, macroeconomic woes and AI-related concerns make the investment case risky. Concerns that generative AI may reduce the need for traditional IT consulting and outsourcing, leading to fewer projects for Accenture, in turn slowing its growth, have put pressure on the stock price
In view of the above, it appears prudent for investors to avoid Accenture for now rather than buy or hold the stock solely owing to the promising valuation picture. The company carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) currently.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Accenture ve spolupráci se ServiceNow spustila společnou AI kyberbezpečnostní nabídku, která automatizuje řízení rizik, sledování dodavatelů i regulací. Cílem je zkrátit přechod z legacy platforem a snížit náklady i narušení provozu.
Key Takeaways Accenture launched a joint AI-powered cybersecurity offering with ServiceNow to modernize risk management. The solution uses agentic AI to automate workflows, monitor vendors and track regulatory changes. Accenture's AI migration tools aim to cut legacy platform transition time, disruption and costs. Accenture (ACN - Free Report) has inked a deal with ServiceNow (NOW - Free Report) by introducing a joint AI-powered cybersecurity offering aimed at helping enterprises modernize their risk management operations. The new solution combines managed security services built on the ServiceNow AI Platform with Accenture's AI-driven migration capabilities, addressing two major challenges organizations face when replacing legacy cybersecurity systems — high costs and implementation complexity.
The partnership with ServiceNow comes at a time when cybersecurity threats are becoming more severe and expensive. Data breach costs in the United States reached a record $10.22 million per incident in 2025, while advances in artificial intelligence have significantly reduced the time between the discovery of software vulnerabilities and their exploitation by cybercriminals. To help organizations respond faster, the new offering uses agentic AI to automate risk management, strengthen cyber resilience and improve enterprise-wide security operations.
The joint solution includes AI-powered services for integrated risk management, third-party risk management, operational technology security and regulatory compliance. AI agents continuously monitor vendors, track regulatory changes and automate routine workflows, enabling organizations to identify and address risks more efficiently. In addition, Accenture's AI-powered migration solution simplifies the transition from legacy cybersecurity platforms to the ServiceNow AI Platform, reducing implementation time, minimizing business disruption and lowering migration costs.
The collaboration also builds on Accenture's growing recognition in the cybersecurity consulting market. The company was recently named a Leader in IDC MarketScape's Worldwide Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance Consulting Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment, with the report highlighting Accenture's ability to combine technology, automation and strategic partnerships, including its alliance with ServiceNow, to deliver scalable risk management solutions.
The new partnership is expected to benefit Accenture by strengthening its presence in the fast-growing cybersecurity and AI services market, where enterprise spending has remained resilient despite broader weakness in discretionary IT budgets. The new offering is likely to create additional consulting, implementation and recurring managed-services opportunities while making it easier for customers to adopt the ServiceNow platform.
A deeper relationship with one of its most important strategic partners also enhances Accenture's cross-selling opportunities across AI, cloud and cybersecurity services. Although the announcement does not include any financial projections or major customer wins, it reinforces Accenture's long-term growth strategy by expanding the portfolio of AI-enabled enterprise solutions and further strengthening its competitive position in digital transformation services.
ACN's Rich Partner Base to Drive ProspectsAccenture’s growing partner base, which includes the likes of ServiceNow and NVIDIA (NVDA - Free Report) , is expected to drive its long-term growth prospects. NVIDIA utilizes Accenture’s proven AI scaling frameworks and deep industry expertise, along with the NVIDIA AI software and accelerated computing, for delivering rapid, scalable AI-driven reinvention.
Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAccenture has lost nearly 50% so far this year compared with a 24% decline in its industry.
YTD Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.2, way below the industry’s 11.66.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN’s Zacks RankACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
