Accenture shares surged more than 15% Thursday after the consulting and IT services company reported stronger-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results and issued a positive outlook for fiscal 2027.
The jump comes after a volatile year for Accenture, as investors have questioned how artificial intelligence could affect demand for traditional consulting and technology services. Despite the latest rally, the stock remained down about 20% for the year.
Accenture reported adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of $3.29 per share, above analysts’ estimate of $3.19 and more than 8% higher than the $3.03 reported a year earlier.
Revenue rose 6% year over year to $18.68 billion, topping expectations of $18.01 billion.
For fiscal 2026, revenue increased 6% to $74.2 billion, while adjusted earnings per share rose 8% to $13.97.
New bookings also provided a positive signal. Fourth-quarter bookings increased 4% to $22.17 billion, including $9.4 billion in consulting bookings and $12.77 billion in managed services. The company recorded a quarterly record of 141 client bookings valued at $100 million or more.
The results suggest that growing corporate adoption of AI could create additional demand for Accenture as businesses seek help implementing the technology across their operations.
For fiscal 2027, Accenture expects revenue to grow between 3% and 6% in local currency. The company forecast GAAP earnings per share of $14.39 to $14.81, representing 6% to 9% growth from the previous year.
Accenture also expects to generate between $11 billion and $11.8 billion in free cash flow and plans to return at least $9.5 billion to shareholders.
The guidance points to continued moderate revenue growth alongside substantial cash generation.
Following Thursday’s surge, Accenture shares traded above $200. Based on the midpoint of the company’s fiscal 2027 EPS guidance, the stock was valued at roughly 15 times expected earnings.
The company also increased its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.71 per share. At the post-rally share price, that represents a dividend yield of more than 3%.
Accenture’s latest results provide investors with fresh evidence of demand for its consulting and technology services, while its fiscal 2027 outlook offers a clearer picture of how the company expects to navigate the growing role of artificial intelligence in the industry.
