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Carnegie Investment Counsel grew its position in Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN – Free Report) by 63.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,565 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock after buying an additional 10,322 shares during the quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsel’s holdings in Accenture were worth $4,871,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Accenture by 147.1% during the 2nd quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 215 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 128 shares in the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in Accenture by 134.8% in the first quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 155 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC raised its position in Accenture by 110.4% during the second quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC now owns 284 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 149 shares in the last quarter. S&G Foundation acquired a new position in Accenture during the second quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Whipplewood Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Accenture by 57.9% during the first quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 210 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.14% of the company’s stock.

Accenture Trading Up 0.6% Shares of Accenture stock opened at $240.61 on Thursday. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $192.96 and its 200 day moving average is $175.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $160.68 billion, a PE ratio of 17.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.11. Accenture PLC has a 1 year low of $118.15 and a 1 year high of $291.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 1st. The information technology services provider reported $3.29 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.18 by $0.11. Accenture had a net margin of 11.28% and a return on equity of 26.53%. The business had revenue of $18.68 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.03 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.03 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Accenture has set its FY 2027 guidance at 14.390-14.810 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Accenture PLC will post 14.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Accenture Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 13th will be issued a dividend of $1.71 per share. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. This is a boost from Accenture’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.63. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 13th. Accenture’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 50.44%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have weighed in on ACN. Argus raised their target price on Accenture from $220.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, October 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group set a $220.00 price target on Accenture in a report on Friday, October 2nd. Evercore set a $250.00 price target on Accenture and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, October 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Accenture from $136.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, September 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Accenture from $175.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Friday, October 2nd. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $219.52.

View Our Latest Research Report on ACN

Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 10,498 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.98, for a total value of $1,710,964.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 17,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,890,450.30. This represents a 37.18% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, COO Catherine Hogan sold 1,320 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.00, for a total value of $264,000.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 12,556 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,511,200. This trade represents a 9.51% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Insiders sold a total of 12,518 shares of company stock valued at $2,124,932 over the last quarter. 0.02% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Accenture Company Profile (Free Report)

Accenture plc is a global professional services company that helps organizations transform their businesses through consulting, technology and managed services. Its work spans strategy and consulting, technology implementation, operations, and interactive customer experiences.

The company provides services in areas including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data and analytics, digital engineering, enterprise software, systems integration and business process outsourcing.

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Key Takeaways Accenture spent $4.9 billion on 17 acquisitions in fiscal 2026 and plans $8 billion in fiscal 2027.About $3 billion is tied to Cyber OT acquisitions, with another $5 billion planned for fiscal 2027 deals.Accenture expects acquisitions to contribute 2-2.5 percentage points to fiscal 2027 growth.
Accenture plc (ACN - Free Report) is stepping up its acquisition strategy, with approximately $8 billion in planned investments for fiscal 2027. The aggressive spending underscores its efforts to strengthen industry expertise, expand into emerging markets and accelerate growth. However, integration challenges could complicate the company's expansion ambitions.

ACN's $8B Acquisition PipelineAccenture invested $4.9 billion across 17 acquisitions in fiscal 2026 compared with $1.5 billion across 23 transactions in fiscal 2025. The substantial increase in spending despite fewer transactions highlights its growing appetite for larger acquisitions.

For fiscal 2027, approximately $3 billion of the projected $8 billion relates to Cyber Operational Technology (OT) acquisitions, including Dragos. These transactions shifted from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 to the first quarter of fiscal 2027 due to regulatory timing.

Management expects to deploy another approximately $5 billion toward acquisitions during fiscal 2027.

Accenture's Inorganic Growth ExpectationsAccenture's inorganic contribution to growth was approximately 1.5 percentage points in fiscal 2026, down from 3 percentage points in fiscal 2025.

For fiscal 2027, management anticipates inorganic growth of about 2-2.5 percentage points, highlighting the potential benefits of its expanding acquisition portfolio.

The strategy centers on scaling high-growth businesses, strengthening industry-specific capabilities and entering new growth markets. Cybersecurity-related investments could further enhance its enterprise technology offerings.

What Could Limit ACN's Acquisition Upside?Despite promising opportunities, substantial acquisition spending carries integration and execution risks. Delays in closing transactions, higher integration costs and weaker-than-expected synergies could weigh on returns.

Accenture's ability to convert its expanding portfolio into sustained revenue growth and stronger profitability will ultimately determine whether its acquisition strategy translates into meaningful shareholder value.

How Do IBM and Cognizant Compare?International Business Machines Corporation (IBM - Free Report) and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (CTSH - Free Report) are two U.S.-listed competitors pursuing growth through technology investments and acquisitions.

IBM continues to strengthen its hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence, and consulting capabilities through strategic transactions. These investments help IBM address evolving enterprise technology requirements, although integration complexities and competitive pressures remain concerns. IBM's diversified portfolio provides additional growth opportunities.

Cognizant is expanding its digital transformation capabilities through investments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and industry-specific solutions. Strategic acquisitions help Cognizant broaden its service portfolio and deepen client relationships. However, Cognizant faces intense competition, pricing pressure and uncertainty surrounding discretionary technology spending.

ACN’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesThe stock has gained 56% over the past three months compared with the industry’s 11% rise.

                                                                 Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 14.50X, below the industry average of 18.46X. It carries a Value Score of B.

                                                                   Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s fiscal 2027 earnings has increased slightly over the past 60 days.

ACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. raised its stake in shares of Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN – Free Report) by 22.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 28,414 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock after buying an additional 5,125 shares during the period. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.’s holdings in Accenture were worth $5,210,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in ACN. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 2.2% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 6,531,231 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $1,295,078,000 after buying an additional 143,483 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 120.0% during the first quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,482,150 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $690,475,000 after purchasing an additional 1,899,305 shares during the last quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Accenture by 84.0% in the first quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 2,405,683 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $477,023,000 after acquiring an additional 1,097,961 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in Accenture by 24.3% during the 1st quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 2,384,954 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $472,913,000 after purchasing an additional 466,452 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Artemis Investment Management LLP raised its stake in Accenture by 67.6% during the 3rd quarter. Artemis Investment Management LLP now owns 2,196,789 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $402,825,000 after purchasing an additional 885,687 shares during the period. 75.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Trending Headlines about Accenture Here are the key news stories impacting Accenture this week:

Positive Sentiment: Accenture outlined multi-year growth and margin targets through fiscal 2029. The plan reassured investors that the company expects sustained demand despite a cautious consulting market. Accenture growth targets Positive Sentiment: The board raised Accenture’s quarterly dividend to $1.71 per share from $1.63, supporting shareholder returns and signaling confidence in cash generation. The company also highlighted its share-repurchase activity. Accenture dividend hike and AI deals Positive Sentiment: Accenture expanded its AI and cybersecurity partnership with Anthropic, deepened its Dell alliance for private and sovereign AI infrastructure, and launched a forward-deployed engineering program with Workday. These initiatives could increase enterprise AI implementation revenue. Accenture expands AI partnerships Positive Sentiment: The acquisition of U.K. customer-intelligence company Sagacity Solutions is intended to scale AI-powered customer analytics across Accenture Song’s U.K. and Ireland operations, strengthening the company’s AI services portfolio. Accenture acquires Sagacity Solutions Neutral Sentiment: Recent quarterly results beat estimates, with revenue up 6.2% year over year, while Accenture’s valuation and free-cash-flow yield appear attractive. However, the discounted valuation may reflect investor concerns about slower future growth. Negative Sentiment: Analysts caution that cautious client spending, pricing pressure and reliance on acquisitions could limit upside. Investors also remain focused on whether AI investment will translate into higher margins and accelerated organic growth. Negative Sentiment: COO Catherine Hogan sold 700 shares under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan. The relatively small, scheduled transaction is unlikely to materially alter the investment case but may weigh modestly on sentiment. Accenture insider transaction Insider Activity In related news, COO Catherine Hogan sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $214.24, for a total value of $149,968.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 11,856 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,540,029.44. This represents a 5.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 10,498 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.98, for a total transaction of $1,710,964.04. Following the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 17,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,890,450.30. The trade was a 37.18% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 12,518 shares of company stock valued at $2,124,932. 0.02% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ACN has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “sell (d+)” rating on shares of Accenture in a research report on Tuesday, October 6th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Accenture from $175.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Friday, October 2nd. William Blair lowered Accenture from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research report on Thursday, June 18th. Mizuho lifted their target price on Accenture from $226.00 to $241.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 6th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane lowered their target price on Accenture from $180.00 to $130.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, June 26th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $219.15.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ACN

Accenture Trading Up 0.4% NYSE ACN opened at $214.51 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Accenture PLC has a 1-year low of $118.15 and a 1-year high of $291.09. The firm’s fifty day simple moving average is $187.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $173.93. The company has a market capitalization of $143.25 billion, a PE ratio of 15.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.11.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 1st. The information technology services provider reported $3.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.18 by $0.11. Accenture had a return on equity of 26.53% and a net margin of 11.28%. The firm had revenue of $18.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $18.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.03 earnings per share. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. Accenture has set its FY 2027 guidance at 14.390-14.810 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Accenture PLC will post 14.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Accenture declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Tuesday, June 23rd that allows the company to buy back $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the information technology services provider to buy up to 2.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the company’s board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Accenture Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.71 per share. This is a boost from Accenture’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.63. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 13th. This represents a $6.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.2%. Accenture’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 50.44%.

About Accenture (Free Report)

Accenture plc (NYSE: ACN) is a global professional services company that helps organizations improve performance, modernize operations and respond to technological and market changes. Its services span strategy and consulting, technology, operations, and managed services, with expertise across industries including communications, financial services, health care, public service, retail, manufacturing and resources.

The company provides digital transformation, cloud migration, data and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, systems integration and technology implementation services.

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Key Takeaways Accenture's growth is fueled by rising AI adoption, digital transformation demand and strategic buyouts.ACN invested $4.9 billion in 17 acquisitions in fiscal 2026 and plans about $5 billion more in fiscal 2027.ACN targets 3-6% revenue growth in fiscal 2027, supported by AI demand, despite spending and pricing risks. Accenture’s (ACN - Free Report) growth is driven by rising enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, demand for digital transformation and targeted acquisitions. Its expanding AI capabilities and diversified service portfolio support deeper client engagement and long-term organic growth. Operating efficiencies support margin expansion, while strong cash flow funds investments and shareholder returns.

ACN has a Growth Score of B. This style score condenses key financial metrics to reflect a fair sense of the quality and sustainability of its growth.

The company’s fiscal 2027 and 2028 earnings are expected to increase 5.1% and 8.2% year over year, respectively. Its revenues are projected to grow 4.2% in fiscal 2027 and 4.7% in fiscal 2028.

Factors That Bode Well for ACN’s SuccessAI-Led Transformation Drives Growth: Rising enterprise AI adoption is fueling demand for Accenture's digital transformation and data modernization services. In fiscal 2026, more than 400 clients initiated their first advanced AI engagements. Revenues from its eight emerging AI and data partners more than doubled, while bookings more than tripled year over year. With nearly 110,000 AI and data professionals, the company is positioned to capture growing demand for enterprise-wide AI deployment. Management expects broader AI adoption and large-scale reinvention to support sustained revenue growth and deeper client relationships.

Strategic Acquisitions Broaden Opportunities: The company is expanding its capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, digital engineering and industry-specific solutions through targeted acquisitions. In fiscal 2026, the company invested $4.9 billion across 17 acquisitions, including Ookla and Whalar, while recent Cyber OT acquisitions strengthened its security portfolio. For fiscal 2027, management expects inorganic revenues to contribute 2% to 2.5% and plans about $5 billion in additional acquisitions. These investments should broaden Accenture's service offerings, deepen industry expertise and support higher organic growth over time.

Operating Efficiency & Cash Generation Support Returns: Accenture's focus on operating efficiency and contract profitability continues to support earnings growth and shareholder returns. In fiscal 2026, adjusted operating margin expanded 20 basis points to 15.8%, while adjusted EPS rose 8% to $13.97. Free cash flow increased 7% to $11.6 billion, supporting record shareholder returns of $11.5 billion. For fiscal 2027, management expects an operating margin of 15.9-16.1%, EPS of $14.39-$14.81 and free cash flow of $11-$11.8 billion. Sustained cash generation should provide flexibility for strategic investments and shareholder returns, while operating efficiencies support long-term profitability.

Watch Out for These Risks to ACN StockWeak Discretionary Spending Weighs on Growth: Accenture faces demand uncertainty as clients remain cautious about discretionary technology spending. Demand showed limited improvement in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026, while Middle East disruptions worsened. The region represents approximately $1 billion in annualized revenues, with fiscal 2027 guidance assuming no growth at the upper end and potential deterioration at the lower end. Management expects local-currency revenue growth of 3-6% in fiscal 2027. Persistent spending weakness and regional disruptions could constrain organic growth and delay demand recovery.

Pricing Competition & AI Efficiencies Weigh on Margins: Accenture faces pricing pressure as competition intensifies and AI-driven efficiencies reshape service delivery. Despite stable overall pricing in fiscal 2026, management reported lower pricing across several areas in the fourth quarter. AI-led productivity gains also require greater client value at potentially lower costs. Fiscal 2027 operating margin guidance of 15.9-16.1% reflects continued competition. Persistent pricing pressure and AI-driven efficiencies could limit margin expansion unless offset by higher business volumes and expanded service offerings.

ACN’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderAccenture currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

A couple of better-ranked stocks in the broader Computer and Technology sector are Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO - Free Report) and CoStar Group, Inc. (CSGP - Free Report) .

Cisco Systems carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 10.9%.

CSCO beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an earnings surprise of 2.6%, on average.

CoStar Group also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 36.6%.

CSGP beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 21.2%.

SummaryAccenture is undervalued at $203, trading at 14x FY2027 EPS guidance, despite AI-driven fears and resilient financials.AI poses real disruption, but ACN is adapting, growing advanced AI bookings, and shifting to fixed-price, outcome-based contracts.FY2026 saw $74.2B revenue, $84.5B in bookings, 3% organic growth, expanding margins, and $11.6B in FCF; management guides for continued growth.My base-case fair value is $280, reflecting a 38% upside, as ACN only needs to stabilize, not return to historical growth rates. ABRAHAM GONZALEZ FERNANDEZ/E+ via Getty Images

Accenture plc (ACN) has crashed over the last few years. It trades around 2019 levels because investors seem to think that in the age of AI, no one needs consultants.

It's a given

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Rockland Trust Co. trimmed its position in shares of Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN – Free Report) by 96.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,513 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock after selling 121,982 shares during the period. Rockland Trust Co.’s holdings in Accenture were worth $828,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Accenture by 33.8% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 30,041 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $3,738,000 after buying an additional 7,591 shares during the period. Andra AP fonden grew its position in Accenture by 92.5% in the 2nd quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 121,326 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $15,098,000 after acquiring an additional 58,300 shares in the last quarter. Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas grew its position in Accenture by 8.3% in the 2nd quarter. Smith Chas P & Associates PA Cpas now owns 172,023 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $21,406,000 after acquiring an additional 13,244 shares in the last quarter. National Pension Service increased its stake in Accenture by 5.6% during the second quarter. National Pension Service now owns 1,564,857 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $194,731,000 after purchasing an additional 82,362 shares during the period. Finally, Engineers Gate Manager LP lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 5.2% during the second quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP now owns 15,708 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $1,955,000 after purchasing an additional 781 shares in the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Accenture News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Accenture this week:

Positive Sentiment: Accenture’s stronger-than-expected full-year revenue outlook helped lift technology-sector sentiment, including India’s Nifty IT index. The forecast also eased concerns that artificial intelligence could sharply reduce corporate technology spending. Accenture forecast boosts Indian IT stocks Positive Sentiment: Accenture completed its acquisition of Denmark-based Mjølner Informatics, adding software-engineering capabilities serving energy, utilities and manufacturing clients. The deal could strengthen its industry-specific digital transformation offerings. Accenture completes acquisition of Mjølner Informatics Positive Sentiment: Recent commentary highlights Accenture’s substantial free cash flow, strong return on equity and shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends. Truist raised its outlook for the shares, while RBC increased its price target, providing additional support. Accenture valuation and shareholder returns Neutral Sentiment: Analysts are assessing Accenture’s international revenue mix. Overseas exposure provides diversification and growth opportunities but also leaves results sensitive to foreign-exchange movements, regional economic weakness and uneven technology spending. Accenture international revenue trends Neutral Sentiment: Accenture’s diversified Fortune Global 100 customer base and recurring consulting relationships compare favorably with large technology peers, although investors continue to weigh its slower growth profile against its valuation. Accenture versus Microsoft Negative Sentiment: A bearish analysis describes Accenture as a potential warning signal for broader enterprise technology demand, suggesting investors should watch bookings, discretionary consulting spending and the pace at which AI changes traditional services. Accenture: Canary in a Coal Mine Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently weighed in on ACN shares. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Accenture from $135.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Monday, August 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of Accenture from $175.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed a “reduce” rating on shares of Accenture in a research report on Friday. Robert W. Baird set a $245.00 target price on Accenture in a report on Thursday. Finally, DA Davidson lowered their target price on Accenture from $275.00 to $175.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, June 23rd. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Accenture has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $218.59. Read Our Latest Research Report on Accenture

Insider Transactions at Accenture In related news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 10,498 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.98, for a total transaction of $1,710,964.04. Following the transaction, the general counsel owned 17,735 shares in the company, valued at $2,890,450.30. This trade represents a 37.18% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. 0.02% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Accenture Stock Down 1.9% ACN stock opened at $195.15 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $130.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.39, a PEG ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Accenture PLC has a twelve month low of $118.15 and a twelve month high of $291.09. The company’s 50 day moving average is $181.73 and its two-hundred day moving average is $173.43.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 1st. The information technology services provider reported $3.29 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.18 by $0.11. Accenture had a net margin of 11.28% and a return on equity of 26.53%. The firm had revenue of $18.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.03 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.03 EPS. Accenture’s revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Accenture has set its FY 2027 guidance at 14.390-14.810 EPS. Research analysts expect that Accenture PLC will post 14.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Accenture Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 13th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 13th will be given a $1.71 dividend. This is a boost from Accenture’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.63. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 13th. This represents a $6.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.5%. Accenture’s payout ratio is currently 48.08%.

Accenture declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Tuesday, June 23rd that allows the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the information technology services provider to purchase up to 2.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually an indication that the company’s management believes its stock is undervalued.

About Accenture (Free Report)

Accenture plc (NYSE: ACN) is a global professional services company that helps organizations improve performance, modernize operations and respond to technological and market changes. Its services span strategy and consulting, technology, operations, and managed services, with expertise across industries including communications, financial services, health care, public service, retail, manufacturing and resources.

The company provides digital transformation, cloud migration, data and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, systems integration and technology implementation services.

See Also Five stocks we like better than Accenture NVIDIA’s Record High Raises a Bigger Question About How Far the Rally Can Run A Manufacturing Surprise Could Be a Big Win for These 2 Companies What a $1 Billion Chip Deal Says About Amazon’s AI Ambitions 3 Stocks Benefiting From AI Demand Just Announced Major Buybacks Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN – Free Report).

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Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of Accenture logo in this illustration taken, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

SummaryCompaniesFBI says contractor failed to implement security patch explicitly issued to secure platformSources identify Accenture as platform manager and Oracle PeopleSoft as breached systemBreach exposed job details, addresses and medical records of thousands of FBI employeesWASHINGTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The ‌Federal Bureau of Investigation removed an Accenture contractor on Monday over their role in a damaging data breach that exposed sensitive personal details of thousands of bureau employees, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The development comes as the FBI is still trying to ascertain the ramifications of the breach, ​which some former bureau officials have described as a major blow to the organization's operational security.

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In a statement to Reuters, ​a senior FBI official confirmed that an unidentified contractor had failed to properly update — or patch — ⁠the system they were responsible for.

"To date, our review has determined that the incident occurred as the result of a security failure ​of a platform managed by a third-party organization — after a contractor failed to implement a security patch explicitly issued to secure the ​platform," FBI cyber chief Brett Leatherman said in the statement. "As such, the FBI has removed the contractor and taken all necessary steps to both mitigate any further risk and protect our workforce."

The FBI did not identify the platform or third-party organization, but the two sources familiar with the matter said the ​platform was Oracle's (ORCL.N), opens new tab PeopleSoft, a human resources platform that the hacking group ShinyHunters said it exploited to break into the FBI's ​job site last month.

Oracle did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The sources also said the third-party organization was Accenture (ACN.N), opens new tab. Reuters could not immediately ‌identify ⁠the specific contractor or determine their current employment status.

In a statement, Accenture said it was "proud to support the mission of the FBI and will continue to do so." It did not answer questions about the contractor or their alleged failure to patch.

CRITICAL PATCHESIn June, Google raised the alarm over a ShinyHunters-linked hack-and-extort campaign aimed at organizations using PeopleSoft software. The same day, Oracle issued a security alert, opens new tab identifying a ​weakness in PeopleSoft and offering security ​fixes.

Both companies urged organizations ⁠running PeopleSoft to "apply all Critical Patch Updates, Critical Security Patch Updates and Security Alerts without delay."

Swift patching of vulnerable software is considered a key part of defending networks and devices against hackers, but ​the process can be laborious and difficult, particularly with enterprise software that serves large numbers of ​people.

Reuters has not ⁠been able to determine whether or when those responsible for securing the FBI's job site followed those recommendations, but ShinyHunters credited a vulnerability in PeopleSoft for facilitating its intrusion.

The breach has triggered concern across the FBI and the wider intelligence community, exposing sensitive personal information, including granular ⁠descriptions of named ​employees' counterintelligence jobs, street addresses of human intelligence operatives, and medical and psychiatric records ​of bureau workers.

Last week, a key ShinyHunters suspect was detained in Jordan, Reuters reported. Sources told Reuters the alleged hacker was cooperating, a development that may help the bureau ​limit — or at the very least understand — the scope of the damage.

Adds context in paragraph 2, details on ​June security issue and Google and Oracle warnings in paragraphs 9-12.

Reporting by Raphael Satter and Jana Winter; Editing by Christian Schmollinger

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Accenture ACN reported impressive Q4 results this morning, featuring a 6% increase in revenue to $18.7 billion and a 46% year-on-year earnings growth to $3.29 per share.

Yet, TD Cowen’s senior analyst Bryan Bergin maintained a “cautious stance” – reiterating a Hold rating on the software giant with a bearish price target of $173.

Despite the post-earnings surge, Accenture stock is down some 14% versus the start of this year.  

Accenture Plc's better-than-expected earnings were powered by "$22.2 billion" in new bookings and robust enterprise AI deployment.

Still, Bergin recommends taking profits due to a major valuation disconnect, adding that a one-quarter pop could be a cyclical bounce rather than a structural re-acceleration in organic consulting growth.

In his research note, the analyst said enterprise IT budgets remain tightly scrutinized globally, and discretionary IT spending continues to face secular headwinds across key verticals.

TD Cowen, therefore, views ACN shares as overvalued currently, with the risk-reward profile now skewed to the downside.

The technical setup supports his cautious stance as well.

Following today’s surge, Accenture Plc’s relative strength index (RSI) sits in the mid-70s, indicating overbought conditions that often trigger a near-term pullback.  

Bryan Bergin favors moving on the sidelines in Accenture shares also because management’s full-year guidance wasn’t particularly exciting.

The company sees its FY27 local-currency revenue growth coming in between 3% and 6%, which reflects continuation of mid-single-digit pacing rather than rapid expansion investors often expect from a software firm.

TD Cowen remains watchful over contract execution dynamics as well. Noting that large-scale AI transformation deals often carry extended implementation timelines.

Converting record quarterly bookings into recognized sales remains susceptible to delays if macro conditions soften.

Importantly, ACN's earnings growth was partially buoyed by capital allocation – including roughly $17.6 million worth of buybacks in Q4 alone – rather than pure operational leverage.

Beyond headline consulting demand, balance sheet mechanics reinforce a disciplined outlook.

Following a $5 billion debt issuance completed in July 2026, Accenture Plc expects an incremental $250 million in annual interest expenses for the current financial year.

Compounding this, projected interest income is set to decline by $100 million due to lower average cash reserves after aggressive M&A spending ($4.9 billion spent on acquisitions in FY26) and shareholder returns.

These non-operating cash headwinds create a tightening margin cushion for the NYSE-listed firm.

With capital deployment increasingly leaning on leverage to fund strategic expansion and share buybacks, TD Cowen’s fixed $173 price target highlights why near-term upside may ultimately hit a fundamental ceiling.

That said, the consensus rating on ACN stock nonetheless remains at Overweight as of writing.

1.10.2026 14:25, ACN

Poradenská společnost Accenture oznámila své výsledky hospodaření za čtvrtý kvartál fiskálního roku 2026, který skončil 31. srpna 2026. Výnosy společnosti vzrostly meziročně o 6,3 % na 18,68 mld. USD a umístily se nad predikcí Wall Street i nad horní hranicí výhledu společnosti. Nové objednávky dosáhly 22,2 mld. USD a překonaly odhady analytiků ve výši 20,04 mld. USD. Analytici pozitivně hodnotí poskytnutý výhled pro celý fiskální rok 2027.

Výsledky společnosti Accenture (ACN) za 4Q FY 2026   4Q FY 2026 Konsensus 4Q 2026 4Q FY 2025 Výnosy (mld. USD) 18,68 18,04 17,60 Čistý zisk (mld. USD) 1,99 -- 1,41 Zisk na akcii (EPS, USD/akcie) 3,29 -- 2.25 Výsledky za 4Q Na úrovni výnosů společnost vykázala meziroční růst o 6,3 % na 18,68 mld. USD, čímž předčila tržní konsenzus 18,04 mld. USD. V konstantních měnách výnosy meziročně vzrostly o 7 %.

Nové objednávky meziročně vzrostly o 4,2 % na 22,2 mld. USD, čímž překonaly analytické odhady ve výši 20,04 mld. USD. Poměr nových objednávek k výnosům činil 1,2. Nové konzultační objednávky vzrostly meziročně o 6 % na 9,40 mld. USD při očekávání 9,18 mld. USD. Nové objednávky v oblasti řízených služeb zaznamenaly meziroční růst o 2,7 % na 12,77 mld. USD při očekávání 10,86 mld. USD.

Výnosy Accenture ve 4Q dle divize
(mld. USD) Divize Výnosy Konsensus Meziroční změna Komunikace, média, technologie 3,26 3,13 +10 % Finanční služby 3,47 3,38 +5 % Zdravotnické a veřejné služby 3,86 3,68 +8 % Produkty 5,56 5,48 +3 % Zdroje 2,52 2,34  +6 % Hrubá marže společnosti meziročně vzrostla o 0,1 p. b. na 32,0 %, zatímco trh očekával 31,8 %.

Provozní marže se meziročně zvýšila o 370 bazických bodů na 15,3 %. Oproti očištěné provozní marži ve 4Q FY 2025 ve výši 15,1 % jde o zlepšení o 20 bazických bodů.

Provozní hotovostní toky meziročně poklesly o 21 % na 3,10 mld. USD, trh však očekával pouze 2,6 mld. USD. Volné hotovostní toky činily 2,85 mld. USD, což představuje meziroční pokles o 25 %.

Výhled V prvním kvartále fiskálního roku 2027 společnost očekává:

Výnosy v rozmezí 18,95 až 19,60 mld. USD, což implikuje meziroční růst o 2 až 6 % v konstantních měnách. Dopad měnových kurzů na výsledky by měl být přibližně -1 %. V celém fiskálním roce 2027 Accenture projektuje:

Růst výnosů v rozmezí 3 až 6 % v konstantních měnách. Zisk na akcii v rozmezí 14,39 až 14,81 USD. Provozní marže by se měla pohybovat mezi 15,9 a 16,1 %. Provozní hotovostní toky v rozmezí 11,9 až 12,7 mld. USD. Volné hotovostní toky mezi 11,0 a 11,8 mld. USD. Akcionářům chce společnost ve fiskálním roce 2027 vrátit nejméně 9,5 mld. USD. Návrat kapitálu akcionářům Akcionářům společnost za fiskální rok vrátila 11,5 mld. USD, z toho 7,5 mld. USD formou zpětných odkupů akcií a 4,0 mld. USD na dividendách. Společnost zároveň deklarovala kvartální dividendu ve výši 1,71 USD na akcii, což představuje zvýšení o 5 %.

Komentář CEO „Překonali jsme náš výhled výnosů pro čtvrtý kvartál a završili další rok širokého růstu napříč celým naším byznysem. Zvýšili jsme očištěný zisk na akcii o 8 %, vrátili akcionářům rekordních 11,5 mld. USD a dosáhli nového maxima 141 klientů, u nichž čtvrtletní objem objednávek přesáhl 100 mil. USD. Tyto výsledky odrážejí trvalou důvěru, kterou v nás klienti vkládají při transformaci podnikání a vytváření hodnoty, vysokou míru inovací, kterou každý den přinášíme, a mimořádné nasazení našich lidí pro úspěch našich klientů,“ uvedla CEO společnosti Julie Sweet.

Pohled analytiků Analytici z RBC Capital Markets uvedli, že Accenture vykázala široké překonání očekávání, přičemž růst byl pozitivní napříč regiony i odvětvovými segmenty. Zpráva podle nich ukazuje solidní dynamiku nových objednávek a zejména nové maximum 141 klientů s kvartálními objednávkami nad 100 mil. USD ve 4Q, což signalizuje stabilní až zlepšující se poptávku.

Podle analytiků Vital Knowledge jde o působivou zprávu i výhled od Accenture, v ostrém kontrastu se zklamáním z posledních výsledků. Společnost překonala očekávání ve všech hlavních ukazatelích, což podtrhuje, že její byznys (alespoň zatím) v éře AI obstojí velmi dobře.

Analytici z Bloomberg Intelligence uvedli, že nový výhled Accenture na fiskální rok 2027, počítající s růstem výnosů o 3 až 6 % při konstantních měnových kurzech, podporuje jejich investiční tezi, že společnost dokáže překonat konsenzus i bez plošného oživení diskrečních výdajů na IT.

Akcie Accenture Akcie Accenture (ACN) v předburzovní fázi obchodování posilují o 17,24 % na 214,99 USD.

Akcie Accenture (ACN) před výsledky na 183,37 USD Ukazatel   Ukazatel   Kapitalizace (mld. USD) 112,2 P/E 13,1 Vývoj za letošní rok (%) -31,7 Očekávané P/E 12,5 52týdenní minimum (USD) 118,2 Prům. cílová cena (USD) 188,0 52týdenní maximum (USD) 291,1 Dividendový výnos (%) 3,6 Zdroj: Accenture, Bloomberg

Michal Bárta, Fio banka, a.s.

Key Takeaways Accenture's Q4 revenues are estimated at $18B, up 5.6% y/y, while EPS is projected to rise 5.3% to $3.19.Managed Services revenues are pegged at $9.2B, up 4.7%, aided by demand for AI and consulting capabilities.Accenture's Americas and EMEA revenues are each expected to rise 7.5%, while the Asia Pacific may fall 26.4%. Accenture plc (ACN - Free Report) is scheduled to release fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Oct. 1, before market open.

ACN has a decent earnings surprise history. Its earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the trailing four quarters, the average being 3.1%.

Accenture’s Q4 ExpectationsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for the top line is pinned at $18 billion, hinting at a 5.6% increase from that reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.

The consensus estimate for Consulting revenues is pegged at $8.8 billion, suggesting marginal year-over-year growth. Consulting revenues are likely to have benefited from booking growth across four consecutive quarters, recovery in Accenture Federal Services and surging consulting content within large transformation and managed-services engagements.

For the Managed Services segment, the consensus mark for revenues is pinned at $9.2 billion, indicating a 4.7% rise from the year-ago quarter’s reported number. Clients increasingly seeking AI and consulting capabilities within managed services engagements is expected to have supported this segment’s performance.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the Products segment’s revenues is $5.5 billion, indicating a 2.5% uptick from the year-ago quarter’s actual. Escalating demand for digital manufacturing, AI, cloud, cybersecurity and efficiency-related transformation initiatives is anticipated to have benefited this segment.

The consensus mark for the Health & Public Services segment’s revenues is at $3.7 billion, suggesting a 2.5% rise from the year-ago quarter’s actual. This segment is expected to have benefited from the normalization of Accenture’s U.S. federal business.

For Financial Services, the consensus estimate for revenues is $3.4 billion, implying a 2.5% hike from the year-ago quarter’s actual. This segment’s growth is likely to have been reinforced by continued investment in data, AI implementation and technology modernization.

The consensus mark for the Resources segment revenues is kept at $2.4 billion, indicating 2.5% year-over-year growth. This rally is likely to have been attributed to the rising demand for cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, AI and operational technology.

Geographically, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues from the Americas is at $9.4 billion, suggesting 7.5% growth from the year-ago quarter’s actual. The region is anticipated to have benefited from Accenture’s U.S. federal business recovery, coupled with continued demand across technology-centric industries.

The consensus estimate for revenues from the EMEA region is set at $6.7 billion, indicating a 7.5% increase from that reported in the same quarter last year. AI-backed transformation programs, including BT engagement and the Alfahealth buyout, are anticipated to have supported this region. The consensus mark for revenues from the Asia Pacific is pinned at $1.9 billion, implying a 26.4% year-over-year fall.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the bottom line is set at $3.19 per share, suggesting a 5.3% increase from the year-ago quarter’s reported number. Top-line growth and operating margin expansion are expected to have translated into solid bottom-line improvement.

What Our Model Says About ACN StockOur model predicts an earnings beat for Accenture this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

ACN has an Earnings ESP of +0.31% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Earnings SnapshotPaychex (PAYX - Free Report) reported an impressive first-quarter fiscal 2027.

PAYX registered adjusted earnings of $1.34 per share, rising 9.8% year over year and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.33 by a slight margin. Total revenues rose 5.9% to $1.63 billion, topping the consensus mark of $1.62 billion by a small margin.

ABM Industries Incorporated (ABM - Free Report) reported better-than-expected third-quarter fiscal 2026 results.

ABM posted adjusted earnings of $1.04 per share, which increased 27% year over year and surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 by 3%. Revenues rose 4.2% to $2.32 billion and beat the consensus mark of $2.30 billion by 0.7%.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Google Cloud today announced that Volvo Cars has become the lead industry partner for Horizon, an open-source software development platform that helps car makers and automotive suppliers build, test, and deploy software for Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) more efficiently.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260921777209/en/

Volvo Cars is migrating its global software development for Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) to Accenture’s and Google Cloud’s “Horizon” platform. © Volvo Cars and Google Cloud. All rights reserved.

Horizon brings together cloud-native development tools, virtual testing environments, and AI-assisted workflows into a unified platform. This helps car makers and automotive suppliers develop and deliver high-quality software at speed and make engineering more productive.

As Horizon's lead industry partner, Volvo Cars is migrating its global AAOS software development environment to the Horizon platform. The platform will give its engineers access to faster development workflows, virtual testing environments and AI-assisted software development tools, freeing engineering teams to spend more time building in-car experiences.

“We’re building some of the most complex products in the world, which requires a development environment built to match,” said Gregor Zetsche, Head of Connected Experience at Volvo Cars. “As Horizon’s lead industry partner, we can directly solve our toughest engineering challenges and empower our teams to deliver new experiences faster than ever."

Volvo Cars is the lead car maker working with Accenture and Google Cloud to bring the Horizon platform to the industry. Insights from this collaboration will help refine the platform and expand its generative AI capabilities for automotive companies and other industrial manufacturers.

Accelerating connected software development
Modern vehicles increasingly offer digital experiences, such as navigation, media, voice assistants, connected services and over-the-air software updates. As consumers expect these experiences to become richer and more sophisticated throughout a vehicle's lifetime, manufacturers need faster and more efficient ways to build, test, and validate the software that enables improvements at scale.

For car makers and the wider automotive industry, the Horizon platform addresses these challenges by offering:

An up to 9x faster software testing using virtual Cuttlefish-based Android Automotive environments, that enable large-scale testing with agentic AI.A reduction of infotainment feature development costs by up to 40%.Intelligent caching and optimized build pipelines significantly reduce software build times: Instead of waiting up to two hours, engineers can get feedback within minutes.Remote access to virtual and physical device farms allows developers worldwide to build and validate software from anywhere, while reducing infrastructure requirements. This improves hardware utilization and reduces the amount of costly physical test equipment required.Virtual workbenches are speeding up the onboarding of new developers. Instead of waiting weeks for physical specialized hardware and investing additional hours for the setup, engineers can instantiate their environments in seconds."Horizon enables a faster, more flexible and efficient way to deliver software-defined vehicle features. Its standardized, repeatable and scalable processes help deliver reliable, high-quality software products, while significantly reducingtime to market,” said Juergen Reers, Global Automotive & Mobility Lead, Accenture. “Horizon will allow Volvo Cars’ engineers to focus on what matters most: creating differentiated vehicle experiences and continuously delivering new value to drivers through software at high speed.”

“Software now defines the automotive brand,” said Henry Bzeih, Global Director, Automotive Industry, Google Cloud. “Horizon on Google Cloud gives Volvo Cars the ability to move faster while releasing high-quality software and features on a cadence that matches the expectations of modern mobility. This is how next generation digital experiences reach drivers at agile speed.”

Accenture and Google Cloud, with Volvo Cars as leading industry partner, are already working with other automotive and industrial organizations to extend the reach of Horizon into further companies and markets.

About Accenture
Accenture helps the world’s leading enterprises reinvent by building their digital core and unleashing the power of AI to create value at speed for organizations across industries. Our strategy is to be the reinvention partner of choice for our clients and lead in the safe, widespread adoption of AI, and to be the most client-focused, AI-enabled, great place to work in the world. We bring together the talent of our approximately 799,000 people with proprietary assets and platforms, deep process and industry expertise, and leading ecosystem relationships to deliver end-to-end solutions and measurable outcomes at scale. Through our Reinvention Services, we offer broad expertise across Cybersecurity, Digital Core, Finance, Industry and Enterprise, Song, Supply Chain and Engineering, and Talent, with advanced capabilities in AI and Data, Industry and Process, and Technology. We serve approximately 9,000 clients and generated approximately $70 billion in FY25 revenue. Visit us at accenture.com.

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a powerful, optimized AI stack—including AI infrastructure, leading models like Gemini, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platform, as well as agents and applications—that enables organizations to transform their business for the Agentic Era. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260921777209/en/

IT consulting firm Accenture (ACN.N) will pay $25 million to settle U.S. government allegations over diversity practices, which President Donald Trump's administration ​has targeted in his second term in office.

"Accenture shall pay to ‌the United States $25,000,000, inclusive of civil penalties and interest on the Settlement Amount at a rate of 4% per annum from September 9, 2026," the settlement ​agreement made public on Monday said. It was signed by ​the U.S. Department of Justice and Accenture.

The Trump administration has ⁠penalized public and private organizations, from government agencies to universities, over ​DEI practices that civil rights advocates say help address historic inequities for ​marginalized groups such as women, the LGBT community and ethnic minorities.

The White House casts DEI as anti-merit and discriminatory against white people and men. Trump has signed ​executive orders asking federal contractors and subcontractors to eliminate DEI. Civil ​rights groups say such steps roll back social progress.

Many U.S. companies scaled back or ‌modified ⁠diversity policies after Trump's orders.

Deloitte agreed to pay $21.5 million to settle a DOJ probe over diversity practices, according to an agreement made public in August. IBM agreed to pay $17 million to settle a similar U.S. government ​probe, an agreement ​revealed in April.

The ⁠Justice Department had alleged Accenture took race and sex into consideration when it made hiring and promotion ​decisions to achieve demographic goals.

Accenture said it complied with ​applicable laws ⁠and that the resolution agreement did not constitute an admission of liability.

"We have cooperated with the government's review, and we are pleased to put ⁠this ​matter behind us to avoid the costs ​and resource demands of prolonged litigation," an Accenture spokesperson said.

The settlement agreement said Accenture denied ​engaging in discrimination.

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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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%.

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

Press & Media Contact

Danielle Ostrovsky
Hi-TouchPR
[email protected] 

SOURCE NetRise

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.  

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.