Key Points:
- Q4 beats estimates; stock dips 0.42%.
- AI revenue triples to $2.7B.
- FY26 growth 2–5%, risks: AI, economy, regulations.
Accenture plc reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2025 Accenture financial results on Sept. 25, with earnings per share (EPS) of $3.03 compared with the forecast of $2.97. Revenue also topped estimates, reaching $17.6 billion against projections of $17.35 billion. Despite the strong results, the company’s stock dipped 0.42% in premarket trading to $238.07.
The consulting and technology services firm recorded a 4.5% increase in revenue in local currency for the quarter and a 10 basis point expansion in adjusted operating margin to 15.6%. Free cash flow rose 26% year-over-year to $10.9 billion.
Full-year performance and AI growth
For fiscal year 2025, Accenture reported total revenue of $69.7 billion, a 7% increase in local currency. Growth was driven in part by investments in artificial intelligence, where generative AI revenue tripled to $2.7 billion.
“We do not see AI as deflationary. We do see it as expansionary,” Chief Executive Officer Julie Sweet said during the earnings call. She added that the pace of AI adoption among CEOs is the fastest the company has witnessed in two decades.
Accenture also maintained its track record of shareholder returns, marking 21 consecutive years of dividend payments, reflecting consistent Accenture financial results.
Market reaction and stock performance
Accenture shares slipped 0.42% to $238.07 in premarket trading, following a previous close of $239.08. The stock is trading near its 52-week low of $234.10 and well below its 52-week high of $398.35.
Analysts noted that the decline reflected broader market caution rather than company-specific issues. InvestingPro analysis indicated Accenture remains financially strong with consistent cash flow and relatively low price volatility.
Guidance for fiscal 2026
The company projected revenue growth of 2% to 5% in local currency for fiscal year 2026. Adjusted EPS is expected to range between $13.52 and $13.90. Accenture plans to return at least $9.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
The company also expects to expand its workforce across multiple markets, underscoring ongoing demand for digital transformation and technology consulting services, , which will influence future Accenture financial results.
Risks and challenges
Accenture cited several risks that could affect performance, including challenges in integrating AI across large enterprises, global economic uncertainties, and competitive pressures in the consulting and technology sector. Expanding headcount may also test the company’s talent management capabilities.
Regulatory changes in areas such as federal procurement and visa policies were noted as potential headwinds.
Accenture closed the quarter with a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.04 and a dividend yield of 2.48%, underscoring what analysts described as solid fundamentals despite near-term market pressures, further supporting the strength of the Accenture financial results.
Visit Business Viewpoint Magazine to read more.
