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Accenture forecasts annual sales above estimates on robust consulting demand - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Finance

Accenture forecasts annual sales above estimates on robust consulting demand

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 1, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: October 1, 2026

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Accenture Projects Higher Full-Year Sales on Strong Consulting Demand

Accenture's Financial Performance and Market Outlook

Strong Consulting Demand Drives Revenue Growth

Oct 1 (Reuters) - Accenture forecast full-year revenue growth above estimates on Thursday, helped by strong client demand for its consulting services, sending its shares more than 17% higher in premarket trading.

The forecast suggests Accenture's consulting business has held up despite macroeconomic uncertainty and the threat of disruption by AI that has battered its stock.

The Dublin, Ireland-based company's shares had fallen 31% this year, as of last close.

Consulting Revenue and Bookings

Consulting revenue totaled $9.28 billion in the fourth quarter, above analysts' expectations of $8.86 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Fourth-quarter bookings increased 4% year-over-year to $22.17 billion, pointing to resilient spending by clients on IT projects.

Annual Revenue Growth Forecast

Accenture expects annual revenue growth between 3% and 6%, compared with analysts' average estimate of 3.9 %.

Industry Comparisons and Additional Insights

Competitor Performance

In July, rival Cognizant lifted its annual profit forecast after recording strong growth in its financial services business.

Quarterly Revenue Results

Accenture reported fourth-quarter revenue of $18.68 billion, beating analysts' average estimate of $18.03 billion.

(Reporting by Prathik Jayaprakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)

Key Takeaways

  • Full‑year revenue growth forecast raised to 3–6% vs analyst estimate of 3.9% (marketscreener.com)
  • Q4 consulting revenue of $9.28 billion surpassed expectations (vs $8.86 billion) and bookings rose 4% to $22.17 billion (marketscreener.com)
  • Stock surged, reflecting investor confidence amid AI‑enabled demand and resilient client spending despite macro uncertainty (za.investing.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Accenture's consulting revenue perform in the fourth quarter?
Accenture's consulting revenue totaled $9.28 billion in the fourth quarter, exceeding analysts' expectations of $8.86 billion.
What were Accenture's total fourth-quarter bookings?
Fourth-quarter bookings increased 4% year-over-year to $22.17 billion.
How did Accenture's fourth-quarter total revenue compare to estimates?
Accenture reported fourth-quarter revenue of $18.68 billion, beating analysts' average estimate of $18.03 billion.

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