Accenture’s stock experienced a significant rally following the release of its fiscal fourth-quarter financial results. The consulting firm reported earnings per share of $3.29 and revenue of $18.68 billion, figures that exceeded LSEG consensus estimates of $3.18 per share and $18.03 billion in revenue respectively. The stock surged more than 22% at its intraday peak before closing up close to 16%.
Full-year fiscal 2026 results showed adjusted earnings of $13.97 per share, representing an 8% increase year over year, while total revenue reached $74.2 billion, marking a 6% increase. The company achieved a record in big-ticket client bookings valued at $100 million or more. Additionally, Accenture increased its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.71 per share, with payment scheduled for Nov. 13.
CEO Julie Sweet attributed the strong performance to artificial intelligence serving as a key growth driver, with the company accumulating partnerships in sectors such as data centers and capital infrastructure. The firm reported $85 billion in new business bookings heading into the following year. Sweet emphasized the company’s focus on major transformational deals and positioning itself as a leader in AI and data services.
For fiscal 2027, Accenture provided guidance for 3%-6% year-over-year growth in both revenue and adjusted earnings per share. Following the earnings announcement, Stifel reiterated a buy rating and raised the stock’s price target to $242 per share from $225. Despite Thursday’s substantial gain, shares remained down more than 18% year to date, reflecting ongoing concerns about potential AI-related disruption to key business segments. Sweet noted that the company is focused on serving as a bridge between AI technology and measurable business outcomes.
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