Accenture stock drops despite beating Q4 earnings estimate & strong revenue guidance

Acn stock today: Accenture shares slipped more than 2% on Thursday after the information technology services company released its fourth-quarter 2025 results, where it delivered stronger-than-expected earnings and revenue, as per a report.

Accenture Earnings Top Expectations

The consulting giant reported earnings of $3.03 per share, topping analyst estimates of $2.96, as per a Benzinga report. Sales came in at $17.60 billion, slightly ahead of the $17.36 billion consensus. Overall, sales were up 7% in US dollars and 4.5% in local currency.

Accenture Q4 Revenue Breakdown

Breaking down the results, Consulting revenues rose 6% to $8.77 billion, while Managed Services reached $8.82 billion, up 8%, as per the Benzinga report. Products revenues were $5.38 billion, showing a 9% increase, but Health & Public Service slipped 1% to $3.56 billion, according to the report. Financial Services led the way with $3.32 billion, jumping 15%. Resources revenue climbed 8% to $2.39 billion, and Communications, Media & Technology rose 7% to $2.95 billion, as per the Benzinga report.


ALSO READ: Barron Trump’s net worth quietly skyrockets, now richer than some of his famous family members

New bookings for the quarter totaled $21.31 billion, up 6%, with $8.87 billion from Consulting and $12.44 billion from Managed Services, as per the report. Generative AI bookings alone reached $1.8 billion, highlighting the growing demand for AI-driven solutions, according to Benzinga.

Accenture reported an operating margin of 11.6%, down 270 basis points, though its adjusted operating margin inched up to 15.1%, as per the report. The company ended the quarter with $11.5 billion in cash and equivalents, generating $3.81 billion in free cash flow, as per the Benzinga report.

ALSO READ: Starbucks to close hundreds of stores and lay off employees in $1 billion restructuring plan

Accenture Exceeds Fiscal 2025 Revenue and EPS Targets

For the full fiscal year, Accenture said it exceeded expectations on revenues, adjusted EPS, and free cash flow, crediting its early bets on AI, as per the report.

Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet pointed to 7% growth in fiscal 2025 as proof of the company’s ability to help clients “reinvent and lead with AI,” according to the Benzinga report.

Accenture Increases Dividend 10% to $1.63 Per Share

The board also approved a 10% hike to its quarterly dividend, raising it to $1.63 per share, payable November 14 this year, as per the report.

Accenture Revenue Outlook 2026

Accenture projected fiscal 2026 revenue of $71.07 billion to $73.16 billion, ahead of Wall Street’s $69.43 billion estimate, as per the Benzinga report. GAAP EPS is expected to land between $13.19 and $13.57, with adjusted EPS between $13.52 and $13.90, as per the report. For the first quarter, the company forecast sales of $18.10 billion to $18.75 billion, compared with analysts’ $18.45 billion estimate, as per the Benzinga report.

Accenture said it plans to return at least $9.3 billion in cash to shareholders in fiscal 2026, as per the report.

FAQs

Did Accenture’s stock fall after earnings?
yes. Despite beating earnings and revenue estimates, shares slipped nearly 2% after the report.

What is Accenture’s outlook for 2026?
The company expects $71.07–$73.16 billion in revenue and plans to return $9.3 billion to shareholders, as per the Benzinga report.