Accenture’s stock experienced significant gains following the release of its fiscal fourth-quarter financial results. The consulting company reported earnings per share of $3.29 and revenue of $18.68 billion, surpassing LSEG consensus expectations of $3.18 EPS and $18.03 billion in revenue. Shares surged more than 22% at their peak before closing with an approximately 16% gain for the day.
For the full fiscal year 2026, Accenture posted adjusted earnings of $13.97 per share, representing an 8% year-over-year increase, while total revenue reached $74.2 billion, marking a 6% increase. The company achieved record levels in large client bookings valued at $100 million or more. Additionally, Accenture announced a 5% increase to its quarterly dividend, raising it to $1.71 per share, with the payment scheduled for November 13.
Company leadership attributed strong performance to artificial intelligence serving as a key growth driver. CEO Julie Sweet highlighted in a CNBC interview that the company has secured $85 billion in new business commitments heading into the next fiscal year, driven by focus on transformational deals and positioning in AI and data sectors. Sweet emphasized the company’s role in helping clients achieve business outcomes through AI implementation rather than pursuing AI adoption for its own sake.
Looking ahead, Accenture provided guidance for fiscal 2027 that projects 3%-6% year-over-year growth in both revenue and adjusted earnings per share. Following the earnings beat, Stifel reiterated a buy rating on the stock and increased its price target to $242 per share from the previous $225, citing broad-based outperformance and the company’s demonstrated ability to adapt to changing technology cycles. Despite Thursday’s substantial gains, the stock remained down more than 18% year to date due to earlier concerns about potential AI-related disruption to business segments.
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