Accenture jumps on outlook and AI plans

Accenture (ACN) reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of about $18.68 billion, surpassing both its own guidance range and analysts’ estimates. The performance underscored continued demand for the firm’s consulting and technology services at a time when investors have been closely watching large IT service providers for signs of spending trends.

The revenue beat came in the final quarter of the fiscal year, giving the company momentum as it moves into its next planning period. The stronger-than-expected finish helped support a more detailed look at Accenture’s (ACN) long-term growth and profitability targets.

Accenture (ACN) issued guidance for fiscal 2027 that targets full-year local-currency revenue growth of 3% to 6%. The company also projected GAAP diluted earnings per share in a range of $14.39 to $14.81 for that year. These figures frame management’s expectations for mid-term expansion in both the top and bottom lines.

In addition to organic growth, Accenture plans to use acquisitions as a lever to support its strategy. The company said it expects to deploy approximately $5 billion on acquisitions in fiscal 2027, signaling an intention to continue adding capabilities and scale in selected areas of its portfolio.

The combination of a quarterly revenue beat and a clearer multi-year growth outlook prompted a strong reaction in the equity market. Shares of Accenture surged more than 20% after the company reported the quarter and issued its fiscal 2027 guidance.

The rally indicated that investors viewed the earnings performance and long-range targets as supportive of further expansion in Accenture’s business. The move also came against a backdrop of heightened attention to how technology and consulting firms will navigate evolving client priorities.

Accenture has been emphasizing artificial intelligence as a key element of its future growth strategy. A central component of this effort is a newly announced multi-year partnership with Anthropic, an AI company focused on advanced models.

Under the agreement, an Accenture evaluation team will be embedded to work on AI safety and model testing. Each party has committed at least $1 billion over five years to the collaboration, highlighting the scale of investment Accenture is directing toward AI-related capabilities and offerings.

The Anthropic partnership is intended to deepen Accenture’s role in building, assessing, and deploying AI systems for clients. Coupled with the company’s acquisition plans and revenue targets, it underscores how AI is being integrated into its broader growth agenda through fiscal 2027.