Accenture (ACN) outperformed expectations in its fourth quarter, reporting a non-GAAP earnings per share of $3.03, surpassing forecasts by $0.04. The company achieved a revenue of $17.6 billion, marking a 7.3% year-over-year growth and exceeding projections by $240 million. The firm secured $21.3 billion in new bookings for the quarter, contributing to a total of $80.6 billion for the year. Accenture’s focus on generative AI resulted in $1.8 billion in new bookings this quarter. For fiscal year 2026, Accenture anticipates revenue growth between 2% and 5%.
Accenture PLC is a leading IT services firm that provides consulting, system integration, and business process outsourcing to enterprises around the world. Customers of Accenture come from a variety of sectors, including communications, media and technology, financial services, health and public services, consumer products, and resources. Accenture is the world’s largest professional services company by headcount with around 800,000 employees in over 120 countries.
With a market capitalization of approximately $148.9 billion, Accenture operates within the technology sector, specifically in the software industry. The company’s robust positioning is underscored by its extensive global reach and diversified client base.
Financial Health Analysis
Accenture’s financial performance is marked by consistent revenue growth, with a three-year revenue growth rate of 9.3%. The company’s profitability is reflected in its net margin of 11.61% and an operating margin of 15.38%, both of which are indicative of efficient operations.
Accenture’s balance sheet demonstrates strength, with a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, suggesting a solid liquidity position and manageable debt levels. The company’s Altman Z-Score of 5.2 further underscores its financial stability, indicating a low risk of bankruptcy.
However, there are some warning signs, such as insider selling activity, with three insider selling transactions in the past three months. Additionally, the company’s asset growth outpacing revenue growth may suggest potential inefficiencies.
Valuation & Market Sentiment
Accenture’s valuation metrics, including a P/E ratio of 19.04, a P/S ratio of 2.21, and a P/B ratio of 4.87, are close to their historical lows, suggesting potential undervaluation. Analyst targets indicate a target price of $302.66, reflecting a positive outlook.
Technical indicators such as the RSI of 38.25 suggest that the stock may be approaching oversold territory. Institutional ownership stands at 78.78%, indicating strong interest from large investors.
Risk Assessment
Accenture’s financial health is robust, as evidenced by its strong balance sheet ranking and high GF Score of 90. However, sector-specific risks, such as rapid technological changes and competitive pressures, remain pertinent.
The company’s beta of 1.13 indicates moderate volatility, aligning with its classification as an aggressive growth stock. Investors should be mindful of upcoming catalysts, including future earnings reports, which could impact stock performance.
Disclaimer: The story “Accenture (ACN) Surpasses Earnings and Revenue Expectations with Strong Q4” first appeared on GuruFocus.com and is syndicated via Digpu & NewsTex.