Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - shares | 9 Months Ended | |
May 31, 2016 | Jun. 09, 2016 | |
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Document Period End Date | May 31, 2016 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,016 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
Trading Symbol | ACN | |
Entity Registrant Name | Accenture plc | |
Entity Central Index Key | 1,467,373 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --08-31 | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Class A ordinary shares | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 814,958,383 | |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 22,186,453 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2015 |
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 3,497,878 | $ 4,360,766 |
Short-term investments | 2,869 | 2,448 |
Receivables from clients, net | 4,303,642 | 3,840,920 |
Unbilled services, net | 2,136,836 | 1,884,504 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 891,390 | 879,320 |
Other current assets | 743,396 | 611,436 |
Total current assets | 11,576,011 | 11,579,394 |
NON-CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Unbilled services, net | 51,179 | 15,501 |
Investments | 132,427 | 45,027 |
Property and equipment, net | 883,609 | 801,884 |
Goodwill | 3,538,147 | 2,929,833 |
Deferred contract costs | 725,466 | 655,482 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 1,229,695 | 1,274,019 |
Other non-current assets | 1,054,513 | 964,918 |
Total non-current assets | 7,615,036 | 6,686,664 |
TOTAL ASSETS | 19,191,047 | 18,266,058 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings | 2,072 | 1,848 |
Accounts payable | 1,133,430 | 1,151,464 |
Deferred revenues | 2,349,050 | 2,251,617 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | 3,410,777 | 3,687,468 |
Accrued consumption taxes | 364,324 | 319,350 |
Income taxes payable | 378,584 | 516,827 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 50,825 | 41,193 |
Other accrued liabilities | 472,071 | 562,432 |
Total current liabilities | 8,161,133 | 8,532,199 |
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Long-term debt | 26,801 | 25,587 |
Deferred revenues | 771,973 | 524,455 |
Retirement obligation | 1,139,634 | 1,108,623 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 152,882 | 113,590 |
Income taxes payable | 927,952 | 996,077 |
Other non-current liabilities | 304,114 | 317,956 |
Total non-current liabilities | $ 3,323,356 | $ 3,086,288 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Restricted share units | $ 1,109,891 | $ 1,031,203 |
Additional paid-in capital | 5,537,224 | 4,516,810 |
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015; Class A ordinary, 192,250,956 and 178,056,462 shares as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, respectively | (13,218,075) | (11,472,400) |
Retained earnings | 15,090,815 | 13,470,008 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,392,606) | (1,411,972) |
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity | 7,127,325 | 6,133,725 |
Noncontrolling interests | 579,233 | 513,846 |
Total shareholders’ equity | 7,706,558 | 6,647,571 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 19,191,047 | 18,266,058 |
Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 57 | 57 |
Class A ordinary shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 18 | 18 |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | $ 1 | $ 1 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) | May 31, 2016$ / sharesshares | May 31, 2016€ / sharesshares | Aug. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares | Aug. 31, 2015€ / sharesshares |
Ordinary Shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value | € / shares | € 1 | € 1 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Treasury shares, ordinary shares | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Class A ordinary shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value | $ / shares | $ 0.0000225 | $ 0.0000225 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 814,796,987 | 814,796,987 | 804,757,785 | 804,757,785 |
Treasury shares, ordinary shares | 192,250,956 | 192,250,956 | 178,056,462 | 178,056,462 |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value | $ / shares | $ 0.0000225 | $ 0.0000225 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 22,186,453 | 22,186,453 | 23,335,142 | 23,335,142 |
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding | 22,186,453 | 22,186,453 | 23,335,142 | 23,335,142 |
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | |
REVENUES: | ||||
Revenues before reimbursements (“Net revenues”) | $ 8,434,757 | $ 7,770,382 | $ 24,393,485 | $ 23,159,426 |
Reimbursements | 534,287 | 504,684 | 1,438,596 | 1,390,487 |
Revenues | 8,969,044 | 8,275,066 | 25,832,081 | 24,549,913 |
Cost of services: | ||||
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses | 5,745,205 | 5,245,477 | 16,771,598 | 15,854,592 |
Reimbursable expenses | 534,287 | 504,684 | 1,438,596 | 1,390,487 |
Cost of services | 6,279,492 | 5,750,161 | 18,210,194 | 17,245,079 |
Sales and marketing | 933,770 | 874,713 | 2,639,895 | 2,580,931 |
General and administrative costs | 449,839 | 452,291 | 1,366,745 | 1,317,260 |
Pension settlement charge | 0 | 64,382 | 0 | 64,382 |
Total operating expenses | 7,663,101 | 7,141,547 | 22,216,834 | 21,207,652 |
OPERATING INCOME | 1,305,943 | 1,133,519 | 3,615,247 | 3,342,261 |
Interest income | 7,679 | 6,441 | 21,532 | 25,880 |
Interest expense | (3,711) | (4,030) | (12,306) | (10,746) |
Other expense, net | (16,207) | (3,839) | (33,391) | (28,326) |
Gain on sale of business | 0 | 0 | 553,577 | 0 |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 1,293,704 | 1,132,091 | 4,144,659 | 3,329,069 |
Provision for income taxes | 343,421 | 281,861 | 925,837 | 843,405 |
NET INCOME | 950,283 | 850,230 | 3,218,822 | 2,485,664 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. | (42,574) | (46,283) | (145,529) | (137,972) |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other | (10,462) | (10,250) | (30,627) | (31,739) |
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | $ 897,247 | $ 793,697 | $ 3,042,666 | $ 2,315,953 |
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares: | ||||
Basic | 623,725,913 | 625,969,418 | 625,563,431 | 627,523,298 |
Diluted | 666,403,323 | 677,825,768 | 668,525,906 | 679,719,183 |
Earnings per Class A ordinary share: | ||||
Basic | $ 1.44 | $ 1.27 | $ 4.86 | $ 3.69 |
Diluted | 1.41 | 1.24 | 4.77 | 3.61 |
Cash dividends per share | $ 1.10 | $ 1.02 | $ 2.20 | $ 2.04 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||||
NET INCOME | $ 950,283 | $ 850,230 | $ 3,218,822 | $ 2,485,664 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX: | ||||
Foreign currency translation | 86,022 | (90,613) | (52,989) | (433,613) |
Defined benefit plans | 5,557 | 3,156 | 13,203 | 11,285 |
Cash flow hedges | 36,710 | (31,921) | 58,512 | 42,008 |
Marketable securities | 738 | 0 | 640 | 0 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | 129,027 | (119,378) | 19,366 | (380,320) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,846 | 998 | 2,079 | 10,377 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | 1,082,156 | 731,850 | 3,240,267 | 2,115,721 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | 1,026,274 | 674,319 | 3,062,032 | 1,935,633 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 55,882 | 57,531 | 178,235 | 180,088 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | $ 1,082,156 | $ 731,850 | $ 3,240,267 | $ 2,115,721 |
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUI
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY STATEMENT - 9 months ended May 31, 2016 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | Total | Ordinary Shares | Class A ordinary shares | Class X Ordinary Shares | Restricted Share Units | Additional Paid-in Capital | Treasury Shares | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Accenture plc Shareholders' Equity | Noncontrolling Interests |
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2015 | $ 6,647,571 | $ 57 | $ 18 | $ 1 | $ 1,031,203 | $ 4,516,810 | $ (11,472,400) | $ 13,470,008 | $ (1,411,972) | $ 6,133,725 | $ 513,846 |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2015 | 40 | 804,758 | 23,335 | ||||||||
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2015 | (178,096) | ||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||
Net income | 3,218,822 | 3,042,666 | 3,042,666 | 176,156 | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss | 21,445 | 19,366 | 19,366 | 2,079 | |||||||
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation plans | 104,053 | 104,053 | 104,053 | ||||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares | (1,916,255) | 78,973 | $ (1,916,254) | (1,837,281) | (78,974) | ||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | (18,467) | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 584,644 | 543,264 | 41,380 | 584,644 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares | (48,795) | (45,979) | (45,979) | (2,816) | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares (in shares) | (1,149) | ||||||||||
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares | |||||||||||
Employee share programs | 525,992 | (521,396) | 855,513 | $ 170,579 | 504,696 | 21,296 | |||||
Employee share programs (in shares) | 9,369 | 4,272 | |||||||||
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares (shares) | 669 | ||||||||||
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares | 0 | 3,180 | 3,180 | (3,180) | |||||||
Dividends | (1,438,138) | 51,814 | (1,423,993) | (1,372,179) | (65,959) | ||||||
Other, net | 7,219 | 5,006 | (16,706) | 2,134 | (9,566) | 16,785 | |||||
Ending Balance (in shares) at May. 31, 2016 | 40 | 814,796 | 22,186 | ||||||||
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares) at May. 31, 2016 | (192,291) | ||||||||||
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2016 | $ 7,706,558 | $ 57 | $ 18 | $ 1 | $ 1,109,891 | $ 5,537,224 | $ (13,218,075) | $ 15,090,815 | $ (1,392,606) | $ 7,127,325 | $ 579,233 |
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEME
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Net income | $ 3,218,822 | $ 2,485,664 |
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities — | ||
Depreciation, amortization and asset impairments | 535,637 | 472,160 |
Share-based compensation expense | 584,644 | 531,691 |
Gain on sale of business | (553,577) | 0 |
Deferred income taxes, net | (35,620) | (124,961) |
Other, net | (45,985) | (244,399) |
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions — | ||
Receivables from clients, net | (429,085) | (68,144) |
Unbilled services, current and non-current, net | (166,228) | (245,320) |
Other current and non-current assets | (449,271) | (281,731) |
Accounts payable | (61,342) | 14,927 |
Deferred revenues, current and non-current | 273,399 | 93,404 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | (254,433) | 181,678 |
Income taxes payable, current and non-current | (162,970) | (184,803) |
Other current and non-current liabilities | 65,685 | (42,615) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,519,676 | 2,587,551 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 2,860 | 2,734 |
Purchases of property and equipment | (336,500) | (246,980) |
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired | (832,548) | (442,202) |
Proceeds from the sale of businesses and investments, net of cash transferred | 618,310 | 10,553 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (547,878) | (675,895) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | 525,992 | 496,339 |
Purchases of shares | (1,965,050) | (1,788,974) |
Proceeds from long-term debt, net | 586 | 484 |
Cash dividends paid | (1,438,138) | (1,353,471) |
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements | 81,765 | 69,185 |
Other, net | (13,950) | (17,500) |
Net cash used in financing activities | (2,808,795) | (2,593,937) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (25,891) | (212,835) |
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (862,888) | (895,116) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | 4,360,766 | 4,921,305 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | $ 3,497,878 | $ 4,026,189 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 30, 2015 . The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016 . Allowances for Client Receivables and Unbilled Services As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 , total allowances recorded for client receivables and unbilled services were $70,508 and $70,165 , respectively. Accumulated Depreciation As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 , total accumulated depreciation was $1,784,921 and $1,648,968 , respectively. Income Taxes The Company applies an estimated annual effective tax rate to its year-to-date operating results to determine the interim provision for income tax expense. In addition, the Company recognizes taxes related to unusual or infrequent items or resulting from a change in judgment regarding a position taken in a prior year as discrete items in the interim period in which the event occurs. The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 were 26.5% and 24.9% , respectively . The Company’s effective tax rates for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 were 22.3% and 25.3% , respectively. Absent the $553,577 gain on the Navitaire divestiture and related $58,278 in taxes recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 , the effective tax rate would have been 24.2% for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 . Absent the $64,382 pension settlement charge and related $25,238 in taxes recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 , the effective tax rates would have been 25.7% and 25.6% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively. During the nine months ended May 31, 2016 , the Company recorded benefits related to final determination of U.S. Federal taxes for fiscal 2012 of $99,212 . During the nine months ended May 31, 2015 , the Company concluded that certain undistributed earnings of its U.S. subsidiaries would no longer be considered permanently reinvested and recorded expenses of $239,528 associated with an increase in deferred tax liabilities, partially offset by benefits related to final determination of U.S. Federal taxes for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 of $169,829 . New Accounting Pronouncements On March 31, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the cash flow statements. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018. The Company is in the process of determining whether to early adopt the standard, which is permitted, and assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply equity method accounting when an entity increases ownership or influence in a previously held investment. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which amends existing guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2019, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2020, and allows for a modified retrospective method upon adoption. The Company is assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2019. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On November 20, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which amends existing guidance on income taxes to require the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the balance sheet. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018, and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of transition upon adoption. The Company is in the process of determining whether to early adopt the standard, which is permitted, and assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 (Accounting Standard Codification 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2019, and allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption. The Company will adopt the guidance on September 1, 2018 and apply the modified retrospective method. The Company is assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. |
EARNINGS PER SHARE
EARNINGS PER SHARE | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
EARNINGS PER SHARE | EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Basic Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 897,247 $ 793,697 $ 3,042,666 $ 2,315,953 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 623,725,913 625,969,418 625,563,431 627,523,298 Basic earnings per share $ 1.44 $ 1.27 $ 4.86 $ 3.69 Diluted Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 897,247 $ 793,697 $ 3,042,666 $ 2,315,953 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 42,574 46,283 145,529 137,972 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 939,821 $ 839,980 $ 3,188,195 $ 2,453,925 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 623,725,913 625,969,418 625,563,431 627,523,298 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) 29,561,512 36,484,854 29,908,025 37,362,504 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 13,053,727 15,309,466 12,970,542 14,746,871 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 62,171 62,030 83,908 86,510 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 666,403,323 677,825,768 668,525,906 679,719,183 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.41 $ 1.24 $ 4.77 $ 3.61 _______________ (1) Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. The income effect does not take into account “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — other,” since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Notes) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Accenture plc: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (992,515 ) $ (667,596 ) $ (853,504 ) $ (324,596 ) Foreign currency translation 92,038 (87,630 ) (50,635 ) (429,264 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (5,170 ) (229 ) (3,677 ) 2,962 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (846 ) (2,754 ) 1,323 (7,311 ) Foreign currency translation, net of tax 86,022 (90,613 ) (52,989 ) (433,613 ) Ending balance (906,493 ) (758,209 ) (906,493 ) (758,209 ) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (515,973 ) (523,014 ) (523,619 ) (531,143 ) Actuarial losses — (67,090 ) — (67,090 ) Pension settlement — 64,382 — 64,382 Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 6,633 7,863 19,838 21,172 Income tax expense (820 ) (1,828 ) (6,014 ) (6,530 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (256 ) (171 ) (621 ) (649 ) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 5,557 3,156 13,203 11,285 Ending balance (510,416 ) (519,858 ) (510,416 ) (519,858 ) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance (11,486 ) 57,720 (33,288 ) (16,209 ) Unrealized gains (losses) 74,580 (42,442 ) 99,328 75,374 Reclassification adjustments into Cost of (9,607 ) (8,736 ) (5,628 ) (13,458 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (26,554 ) 17,330 (32,437 ) (17,491 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,709 ) 1,927 (2,751 ) (2,417 ) Cash flow hedges, net of tax 36,710 (31,921 ) 58,512 42,008 Ending balance (2) 25,224 25,799 25,224 25,799 Marketable securities Beginning balance (1,659 ) — (1,561 ) — Unrealized gains 1,264 — 1,094 — Income tax expense (491 ) — (424 ) — Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (35 ) — (30 ) — Marketable securities, net of tax 738 — 640 — Ending balance (921 ) — (921 ) — Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,392,606 ) $ (1,252,268 ) $ (1,392,606 ) $ (1,252,268 ) _______________ (1) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. (2) As of May 31, 2016 , $32,458 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVES
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURES | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Business Combination, Goodwill [Abstract] | |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURE | BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURE Business Combinations On October 20, 2015 , the Company acquired Cloud Sherpas (through its holding company, Declarative Holdings, Inc.), a leader in cloud advisory and technology services, for approximately $409,424 , net of cash acquired. This acquisition enhances the Company’s ability to provide clients with cloud strategy and technology consulting, as well as cloud application implementation, integration and management services, and resulted in approximately 1,100 employees joining the Company. In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $387,934 , which was allocated to all five reportable operating segments, and intangible assets of $66,522 , primarily related to customer-related intangibles. The goodwill is substantially non-deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The intangible assets are being amortized over one to seven years. The pro forma effects of this acquisition on the Company’s operations were not material. During the nine months ended May 31, 2016 , the Company completed other individually immaterial acquisitions for total consideration of $323,359 , net of cash acquired. The pro forma effects of these acquisitions on the Company’s operations were not material. Divestiture On January 26, 2016 , the Company completed the sale of Navitaire LLC (“Navitaire”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company that provides technology and business solutions to the airline industry, to Amadeus IT Group, S.A. (“Amadeus”). Concurrent with the sale, the Company also entered into several arrangements to provide services to Amadeus, principally infrastructure outsourcing over the next five years. The Company received a total of $832,810 , net of transaction costs and cash divested, of which $214,500 was recorded as deferred revenue attributable to arrangements to provide services to Amadeus. In connection with the sale of Navitaire, the Company recorded a gain of $553,577 (reported in “Gain on sale of business” in the Consolidated Income Statements) and recorded related income taxes of $58,278 . Adjustments related to the completion of certain post-closing matters, including a true-up of divested working capital, may be recorded in subsequent periods. Approximately 600 Navitaire employees transferred to Amadeus as a part of this sale. Joint Venture On April 18, 2016 , the Company announced an agreement with Apax Partners (“Apax”), a global private equity firm, to form a joint venture to accelerate the innovation of claims, billing and policy administration software for the insurance industry. As part of the joint venture, funds advised by Apax will acquire a 60% stake in the Company’s Duck Creek Technologies, with the Company retaining a 40% stake. The joint venture will operate as a new and independent company. The closing of the transaction is subject to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals. |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure | GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows: August 31, Additions/ Foreign May 31, Communications, Media & Technology $ 364,824 $ 150,527 $ (4,807 ) $ 510,544 Financial Services 713,430 159,044 (4,313 ) 868,161 Health & Public Service 588,893 130,583 (1,715 ) 717,761 Products 1,001,768 75,014 (9,750 ) 1,067,032 Resources 260,918 116,148 (2,417 ) 374,649 Total $ 2,929,833 $ 631,316 $ (23,002 ) $ 3,538,147 Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions. Intangible Assets The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class were as follows: May 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 523,286 $ (155,462 ) $ 367,824 $ 449,219 $ (120,841 ) $ 328,378 Technology 121,184 (60,871 ) 60,313 104,824 (44,988 ) 59,836 Patents 118,895 (58,104 ) 60,791 114,979 (54,064 ) 60,915 Other 32,700 (16,224 ) 16,476 31,480 (15,702 ) 15,778 Total $ 796,065 $ (290,661 ) $ 505,404 $ 700,502 $ (235,595 ) $ 464,907 Total amortization related to the Company’s intangible assets was $30,335 and $87,699 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 , respectively. Total amortization related to the Company’s intangible assets was $23,164 and $70,742 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively. Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of May 31, 2016 is as follows: Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2016 $ 28,747 2017 102,493 2018 88,808 2019 68,709 2020 60,140 Thereafter 156,507 Total $ 505,404 |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Dividends The Company’s dividend activity during the nine months ended May 31, 2016 was as follows: Dividend Per Accenture plc Class A Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Total Cash Dividend Payment Date Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay November 13, 2015 $ 1.10 October 16, 2015 $ 687,285 October 13, 2015 $ 33,391 $ 720,676 May 13, 2016 1.10 April 15, 2016 684,894 April 12, 2016 32,568 717,462 Total Dividends $ 1,372,179 $ 65,959 $ 1,438,138 The payment of the cash dividends also resulted in the issuance of an immaterial number of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units. |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS In the normal course of business, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of deliverable and non-deliverable foreign currency forward contracts. Cash Flow Hedges For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in estimated fair value of a hedging instrument is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of Shareholders’ Equity and is reclassified into Cost of services in the Consolidated Income Statements during the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. For information related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that were reclassified into Cost of services during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 , as well as those expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months, see Note 3 (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) to these Consolidated Financial Statements. Other Derivatives Realized gains or losses and changes in the estimated fair value of foreign currency forward contracts that have not been designated as hedges were a net gain of $16,242 and a net loss of $41,156 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 , respectively, and a net loss of $67,040 and $239,630 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 , respectively. Gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in Other expense, net in the Consolidated Income Statements and are offset by gains and losses on the related hedged items. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments were as follows: May 31, August 31, Assets Cash Flow Hedges Other current assets $ 47,354 $ 28,282 Other non-current assets 18,976 13,503 Other Derivatives Other current assets 16,941 18,233 Total assets $ 83,271 $ 60,018 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 14,896 $ 48,683 Other non-current liabilities 13,811 48,746 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 30,132 31,862 Total liabilities $ 58,839 $ 129,291 Total fair value $ 24,432 $ (69,273 ) Total notional value $ 7,161,572 $ 6,363,110 The Company utilizes standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction obligations and for the set-off of certain obligations in the event of an insolvency of one of the parties to the transaction. In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Company records derivative assets and liabilities at gross fair value. The potential effect of netting derivative assets against liabilities under the counterparty master agreements was as follows: May 31, August 31, Net derivative assets $ 52,930 $ 36,661 Net derivative liabilities 28,498 105,934 Total fair value $ 24,432 $ (69,273 ) |
RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING P
RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS (Notes) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] | 8. RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS On March 18, 2016, Accenture plc’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to terminate the Company’s U.S. pension plan, effective May 30, 2016 , for all active and former employees who are no longer accruing benefits in the pension plan (approximately 16,200 people). The amendment also provides for the creation of a separate defined benefit plan with substantially the same terms for approximately 600 active employees who are currently eligible to accrue benefits. The U.S. pension plan is expected to be settled in 12 to 18 months from the termination effective date, subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals. The Company’s ultimate settlement obligation will depend upon both the nature and timing of participant settlements and prevailing market conditions. Upon settlement, the Company expects to recognize additional expense, consisting of unrecognized actuarial losses included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss that totaled approximately $337,000 as of August 31, 2015 , adjusted for the difference between the ultimate settlement obligation and the Company’s accrued pension obligation. The Company does not expect the settlement of the U.S. pension plan obligations to have a material impact on its cash position. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments The Company has the right to purchase or may also be required to purchase substantially all of the remaining outstanding shares of its Avanade Inc. subsidiary (“Avanade”) not owned by the Company at fair value if certain events occur. As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 , the Company has reflected the fair value of $68,351 and $79,023 , respectively, related to Avanade’s redeemable common stock and the intrinsic value of the options on redeemable common stock in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Indemnifications and Guarantees In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, the Company has entered into contractual arrangements through which it may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 , the Company’s aggregate potential liability to its clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $717,000 and $655,000 , respectively, of which all but approximately $112,000 and $43,000 , respectively , may be recovered from the other third parties if the Company is obligated to make payments to the indemnified parties as a consequence of a performance default by the other third parties. For arrangements with unspecified limitations, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the aggregate maximum potential liability, as it is inherently difficult to predict the maximum potential amount of such payments, due to the conditional nature and unique facts of each particular arrangement. To date, the Company has not been required to make any significant payment under any of the arrangements described above. The Company has assessed the current status of performance/payment risk related to arrangements with limited guarantees, warranty obligations, unspecified limitations and/or indemnification provisions and believes that any potential payments would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as a whole. Legal Contingencies As of May 31, 2016 , the Company or its present personnel had been named as a defendant in various litigation matters. The Company and/or its personnel also from time to time are involved in investigations by various regulatory or legal authorities concerning matters arising in the course of its business around the world. Based on the present status of these matters, management believes the range of reasonably possible losses in addition to amounts accrued, net of insurance recoveries, will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. |
SEGMENT REPORTING
SEGMENT REPORTING | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
SEGMENT REPORTING | SEGMENT REPORTING The Company’s reportable operating segments are the five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Information regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Net Operating Net Operating Communications, Media & Technology $ 1,707,707 $ 259,344 $ 1,613,478 $ 237,902 Financial Services 1,804,876 294,367 1,638,313 265,863 Health & Public Service 1,539,496 243,137 1,383,639 202,644 Products 2,158,070 346,165 1,883,200 255,162 Resources 1,220,809 162,930 1,247,851 171,948 Other 3,799 — 3,901 — Total $ 8,434,757 $ 1,305,943 $ 7,770,382 $ 1,133,519 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Net Operating Net Operating Communications, Media & Technology $ 4,919,046 $ 749,729 $ 4,711,300 $ 628,320 Financial Services 5,234,821 847,686 4,944,075 791,606 Health & Public Service 4,445,627 625,510 4,071,998 568,277 Products 6,142,723 923,724 5,664,484 816,720 Resources 3,639,890 468,598 3,755,158 537,338 Other 11,378 — 12,411 — Total $ 24,393,485 $ 3,615,247 $ 23,159,426 $ 3,342,261 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 30, 2015 . The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016 . |
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes The Company applies an estimated annual effective tax rate to its year-to-date operating results to determine the interim provision for income tax expense. In addition, the Company recognizes taxes related to unusual or infrequent items or resulting from a change in judgment regarding a position taken in a prior year as discrete items in the interim period in which the event occurs. |
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy | New Accounting Pronouncements On March 31, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the cash flow statements. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018. The Company is in the process of determining whether to early adopt the standard, which is permitted, and assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply equity method accounting when an entity increases ownership or influence in a previously held investment. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which amends existing guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2019, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2020, and allows for a modified retrospective method upon adoption. The Company is assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2019. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On November 20, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which amends existing guidance on income taxes to require the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the balance sheet. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018, and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of transition upon adoption. The Company is in the process of determining whether to early adopt the standard, which is permitted, and assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 (Accounting Standard Codification 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2019, and allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption. The Company will adopt the guidance on September 1, 2018 and apply the modified retrospective method. The Company is assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Indemnifications and Guarantees In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, the Company has entered into contractual arrangements through which it may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 , the Company’s aggregate potential liability to its clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $717,000 and $655,000 , respectively, of which all but approximately $112,000 and $43,000 , respectively , may be recovered from the other third parties if the Company is obligated to make payments to the indemnified parties as a consequence of a performance default by the other third parties. For arrangements with unspecified limitations, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the aggregate maximum potential liability, as it is inherently difficult to predict the maximum potential amount of such payments, due to the conditional nature and unique facts of each particular arrangement. |
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share | Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Basic Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 897,247 $ 793,697 $ 3,042,666 $ 2,315,953 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 623,725,913 625,969,418 625,563,431 627,523,298 Basic earnings per share $ 1.44 $ 1.27 $ 4.86 $ 3.69 Diluted Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 897,247 $ 793,697 $ 3,042,666 $ 2,315,953 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 42,574 46,283 145,529 137,972 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 939,821 $ 839,980 $ 3,188,195 $ 2,453,925 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 623,725,913 625,969,418 625,563,431 627,523,298 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) 29,561,512 36,484,854 29,908,025 37,362,504 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 13,053,727 15,309,466 12,970,542 14,746,871 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 62,171 62,030 83,908 86,510 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 666,403,323 677,825,768 668,525,906 679,719,183 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.41 $ 1.24 $ 4.77 $ 3.61 _______________ (1) Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. The income effect does not take into account “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — other,” since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI21
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Accenture plc: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (992,515 ) $ (667,596 ) $ (853,504 ) $ (324,596 ) Foreign currency translation 92,038 (87,630 ) (50,635 ) (429,264 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (5,170 ) (229 ) (3,677 ) 2,962 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (846 ) (2,754 ) 1,323 (7,311 ) Foreign currency translation, net of tax 86,022 (90,613 ) (52,989 ) (433,613 ) Ending balance (906,493 ) (758,209 ) (906,493 ) (758,209 ) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (515,973 ) (523,014 ) (523,619 ) (531,143 ) Actuarial losses — (67,090 ) — (67,090 ) Pension settlement — 64,382 — 64,382 Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 6,633 7,863 19,838 21,172 Income tax expense (820 ) (1,828 ) (6,014 ) (6,530 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (256 ) (171 ) (621 ) (649 ) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 5,557 3,156 13,203 11,285 Ending balance (510,416 ) (519,858 ) (510,416 ) (519,858 ) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance (11,486 ) 57,720 (33,288 ) (16,209 ) Unrealized gains (losses) 74,580 (42,442 ) 99,328 75,374 Reclassification adjustments into Cost of (9,607 ) (8,736 ) (5,628 ) (13,458 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (26,554 ) 17,330 (32,437 ) (17,491 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,709 ) 1,927 (2,751 ) (2,417 ) Cash flow hedges, net of tax 36,710 (31,921 ) 58,512 42,008 Ending balance (2) 25,224 25,799 25,224 25,799 Marketable securities Beginning balance (1,659 ) — (1,561 ) — Unrealized gains 1,264 — 1,094 — Income tax expense (491 ) — (424 ) — Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (35 ) — (30 ) — Marketable securities, net of tax 738 — 640 — Ending balance (921 ) — (921 ) — Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,392,606 ) $ (1,252,268 ) $ (1,392,606 ) $ (1,252,268 ) _______________ (1) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. (2) As of May 31, 2016 , $32,458 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] | The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows: August 31, Additions/ Foreign May 31, Communications, Media & Technology $ 364,824 $ 150,527 $ (4,807 ) $ 510,544 Financial Services 713,430 159,044 (4,313 ) 868,161 Health & Public Service 588,893 130,583 (1,715 ) 717,761 Products 1,001,768 75,014 (9,750 ) 1,067,032 Resources 260,918 116,148 (2,417 ) 374,649 Total $ 2,929,833 $ 631,316 $ (23,002 ) $ 3,538,147 |
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] | The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class were as follows: May 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 523,286 $ (155,462 ) $ 367,824 $ 449,219 $ (120,841 ) $ 328,378 Technology 121,184 (60,871 ) 60,313 104,824 (44,988 ) 59,836 Patents 118,895 (58,104 ) 60,791 114,979 (54,064 ) 60,915 Other 32,700 (16,224 ) 16,476 31,480 (15,702 ) 15,778 Total $ 796,065 $ (290,661 ) $ 505,404 $ 700,502 $ (235,595 ) $ 464,907 |
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] | Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of May 31, 2016 is as follows: Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2016 $ 28,747 2017 102,493 2018 88,808 2019 68,709 2020 60,140 Thereafter 156,507 Total $ 505,404 |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTI23
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Dividend Activity | The Company’s dividend activity during the nine months ended May 31, 2016 was as follows: Dividend Per Accenture plc Class A Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Total Cash Dividend Payment Date Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay November 13, 2015 $ 1.10 October 16, 2015 $ 687,285 October 13, 2015 $ 33,391 $ 720,676 May 13, 2016 1.10 April 15, 2016 684,894 April 12, 2016 32,568 717,462 Total Dividends $ 1,372,179 $ 65,959 $ 1,438,138 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME24
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments | The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments were as follows: May 31, August 31, Assets Cash Flow Hedges Other current assets $ 47,354 $ 28,282 Other non-current assets 18,976 13,503 Other Derivatives Other current assets 16,941 18,233 Total assets $ 83,271 $ 60,018 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 14,896 $ 48,683 Other non-current liabilities 13,811 48,746 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 30,132 31,862 Total liabilities $ 58,839 $ 129,291 Total fair value $ 24,432 $ (69,273 ) Total notional value $ 7,161,572 $ 6,363,110 |
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities Table | The Company utilizes standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction obligations and for the set-off of certain obligations in the event of an insolvency of one of the parties to the transaction. In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Company records derivative assets and liabilities at gross fair value. The potential effect of netting derivative assets against liabilities under the counterparty master agreements was as follows: May 31, August 31, Net derivative assets $ 52,930 $ 36,661 Net derivative liabilities 28,498 105,934 Total fair value $ 24,432 $ (69,273 ) |
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Reportable Operating Segments | The Company’s reportable operating segments are the five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Information regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Net Operating Net Operating Communications, Media & Technology $ 1,707,707 $ 259,344 $ 1,613,478 $ 237,902 Financial Services 1,804,876 294,367 1,638,313 265,863 Health & Public Service 1,539,496 243,137 1,383,639 202,644 Products 2,158,070 346,165 1,883,200 255,162 Resources 1,220,809 162,930 1,247,851 171,948 Other 3,799 — 3,901 — Total $ 8,434,757 $ 1,305,943 $ 7,770,382 $ 1,133,519 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016 May 31, 2015 Net Operating Net Operating Communications, Media & Technology $ 4,919,046 $ 749,729 $ 4,711,300 $ 628,320 Financial Services 5,234,821 847,686 4,944,075 791,606 Health & Public Service 4,445,627 625,510 4,071,998 568,277 Products 6,142,723 923,724 5,664,484 816,720 Resources 3,639,890 468,598 3,755,158 537,338 Other 11,378 — 12,411 — Total $ 24,393,485 $ 3,615,247 $ 23,159,426 $ 3,342,261 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additio
BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2015 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and unbilled services | $ 70,508 | $ 70,508 | $ 70,165 | ||
Accumulated depreciation | $ 1,784,921 | $ 1,784,921 | $ 1,648,968 | ||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent | 26.50% | 24.90% | 22.30% | 25.30% | |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 553,577 | $ 0 | |
Gain On Disposition Of Business, Tax | $ 58,278 | ||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Excluding Effect of Gain on Sale of Business | 24.20% | ||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements | 0 | (64,382) | $ 0 | $ (64,382) | |
Pension Settlement Charge, tax | $ 25,238 | ||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Excluding Effect Of Pension Settlement Charge | 25.70% | 25.60% | |||
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings | $ 239,528 | $ 239,528 | |||
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority | $ (99,212) | $ (169,829) | $ (99,212) | $ (169,829) |
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | ||
Basic Earnings per share | |||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 897,247 | $ 793,697 | $ 3,042,666 | $ 2,315,953 | |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 623,725,913 | 625,969,418 | 625,563,431 | 627,523,298 | |
Basic earnings per share | $ 1.44 | $ 1.27 | $ 4.86 | $ 3.69 | |
Diluted Earnings per share | |||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 897,247 | $ 793,697 | $ 3,042,666 | $ 2,315,953 | |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) | [1] | 42,574 | 46,283 | 145,529 | 137,972 |
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $ 939,821 | $ 839,980 | $ 3,188,195 | $ 2,453,925 | |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 623,725,913 | 625,969,418 | 625,563,431 | 627,523,298 | |
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) | [1] | 29,561,512 | 36,484,854 | 29,908,025 | 37,362,504 |
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares | 13,053,727 | 15,309,466 | 12,970,542 | 14,746,871 | |
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares | 62,171 | 62,030 | 83,908 | 86,510 | |
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 666,403,323 | 677,825,768 | 668,525,906 | 679,719,183 | |
Diluted earnings per share | $ 1.41 | $ 1.24 | $ 4.77 | $ 3.61 | |
[1] | Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. The income effect does not take into account “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — other,” since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI28
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2015 | ||
Foreign currency translation | ||||||
Beginning balance | $ (992,515) | $ (667,596) | $ (853,504) | $ (324,596) | ||
Foreign currency translation | 92,038 | (87,630) | (50,635) | (429,264) | ||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (5,170) | (229) | (3,677) | 2,962 | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (846) | (2,754) | 1,323 | (7,311) | ||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | 86,022 | (90,613) | (52,989) | (433,613) | ||
Ending balance | (906,493) | (758,209) | (906,493) | (758,209) | ||
Defined benefit plans | ||||||
Beginning balance | (515,973) | (523,014) | (523,619) | (531,143) | ||
Actuarial losses | 0 | (67,090) | 0 | (67,090) | ||
Pension settlement | 0 | 64,382 | 0 | 64,382 | ||
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense (1) | [1] | 6,633 | 7,863 | 19,838 | 21,172 | |
Income tax expense | (820) | (1,828) | (6,014) | (6,530) | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (256) | (171) | (621) | (649) | ||
Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 5,557 | 3,156 | 13,203 | 11,285 | ||
Ending balance | (510,416) | (519,858) | (510,416) | (519,858) | ||
Cash flow hedges | ||||||
Beginning balance | (11,486) | 57,720 | (33,288) | (16,209) | ||
Unrealized gains (losses) | 74,580 | (42,442) | 99,328 | 75,374 | ||
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services | (9,607) | (8,736) | (5,628) | (13,458) | ||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (26,554) | 17,330 | (32,437) | (17,491) | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (1,709) | 1,927 | (2,751) | (2,417) | ||
Cash flow hedges, net of tax | 36,710 | (31,921) | 58,512 | 42,008 | ||
Ending balance (2) | [2] | 25,224 | 25,799 | 25,224 | 25,799 | |
Marketable securities | ||||||
Beginning balance | (1,659) | 0 | (1,561) | 0 | ||
Unrealized gains | 1,264 | 0 | 1,094 | 0 | ||
Income tax expense | (491) | 0 | (424) | 0 | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (35) | 0 | (30) | 0 | ||
Marketable securities, net of tax | 738 | 0 | 640 | 0 | ||
Ending balance | (921) | 0 | (921) | 0 | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ (1,392,606) | $ (1,252,268) | $ (1,392,606) | $ (1,252,268) | $ (1,411,972) | |
[1] | Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. | |||||
[2] | As of May 31, 2016, $32,458 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI29
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016USD ($) | |
Cost Of Services [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months | $ 32,458 |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIV30
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURE- Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2016USD ($) | May 31, 2015USD ($) | May 31, 2016USD ($) | May 31, 2015USD ($) | Aug. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture [Line Items] | |||||
Goodwill | $ 3,538,147 | $ 3,538,147 | $ 2,929,833 | ||
Gain on sale of business | $ 0 | $ 0 | 553,577 | $ 0 | |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business, Tax | $ 58,278 | ||||
Navitaire [Member] | |||||
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture [Line Items] | |||||
Entity Number of Employees | 600 | 600 | |||
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested and Transaction Costs | $ 832,810 | ||||
Divestiture Proceed Allocation to Service Arrangement | 214,500 | ||||
Gain on sale of business | 553,577 | ||||
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business, Tax | 58,278 | ||||
Cloud Sherpas [Member] | |||||
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture [Line Items] | |||||
Cash Consideration | $ 409,424 | ||||
Entity Number of Employees | 1,100 | 1,100 | |||
Goodwill | $ 387,934 | $ 387,934 | |||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles | $ 66,522 | $ 66,522 | |||
Cloud Sherpas [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |||||
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture [Line Items] | |||||
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life | 1 year | ||||
Cloud Sherpas [Member] | Maximum [Member] | |||||
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture [Line Items] | |||||
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life | 7 years | ||||
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | |||||
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture [Line Items] | |||||
Cash Consideration | $ 323,359 | ||||
Duck Creek Technologies Joint Venture [Member] | |||||
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture [Line Items] | |||||
Apax Joint Venture Percentage Ownership | 60.00% | ||||
The Company Joint Venture Percentage Ownership | 40.00% |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET31
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016USD ($) | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | $ 2,929,833 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 631,316 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (23,002) |
Goodwill | 3,538,147 |
Communications, Media & Technology | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 364,824 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 150,527 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (4,807) |
Goodwill | 510,544 |
Financial Services | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 713,430 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 159,044 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (4,313) |
Goodwill | 868,161 |
Health & Public Service | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 588,893 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 130,583 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (1,715) |
Goodwill | 717,761 |
Products | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 1,001,768 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 75,014 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (9,750) |
Goodwill | 1,067,032 |
Resources | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 260,918 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 116,148 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (2,417) |
Goodwill | $ 374,649 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET32
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible Table by Major Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2015 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | $ 796,065 | $ 700,502 |
Accumulated Amortization | (290,661) | (235,595) |
Net Carrying Amount | 505,404 | 464,907 |
Customer-related | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 523,286 | 449,219 |
Accumulated Amortization | (155,462) | (120,841) |
Net Carrying Amount | 367,824 | 328,378 |
Technology | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 121,184 | 104,824 |
Accumulated Amortization | (60,871) | (44,988) |
Net Carrying Amount | 60,313 | 59,836 |
Patents | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 118,895 | 114,979 |
Accumulated Amortization | (58,104) | (54,064) |
Net Carrying Amount | 60,791 | 60,915 |
Other | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 32,700 | 31,480 |
Accumulated Amortization | (16,224) | (15,702) |
Net Carrying Amount | $ 16,476 | $ 15,778 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET33
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2015 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||
Amortization of Intangible Assets | $ 30,335 | $ 23,164 | $ 87,699 | $ 70,742 | |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] | |||||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year | 28,747 | 28,747 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two | 102,493 | 102,493 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three | 88,808 | 88,808 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four | 68,709 | 68,709 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five | 60,140 | 60,140 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five | 156,507 | 156,507 | |||
Net Carrying Amount | $ 505,404 | $ 505,404 | $ 464,907 |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTI34
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Dividend Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | |
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Dividend Per Share | $ 1.10 | $ 1.02 | $ 2.20 | $ 2.04 |
Cash Outlay | $ 1,438,138 | |||
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Cash Outlay | 65,959 | |||
Class A ordinary shares | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Cash Outlay | $ 1,372,179 | |||
Dividend Payment November 2015 [Member] | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Dividend Payment Date | Nov. 13, 2015 | |||
Dividend Per Share | $ 1.10 | |||
Cash Outlay | $ 720,676 | |||
Dividend Payment November 2015 [Member] | Accenture Holdings plc ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Record Date | Oct. 13, 2015 | |||
Cash Outlay | $ 33,391 | |||
Dividend Payment November 2015 [Member] | Class A ordinary shares | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Record Date | Oct. 16, 2015 | |||
Cash Outlay | $ 687,285 | |||
Dividend Payment May 2016 [Member] | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Dividend Payment Date | May 13, 2016 | |||
Dividend Per Share | $ 1.10 | |||
Cash Outlay | $ 717,462 | |||
Dividend Payment May 2016 [Member] | Accenture Holdings plc ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Record Date | Apr. 12, 2016 | |||
Cash Outlay | $ 32,568 | |||
Dividend Payment May 2016 [Member] | Class A ordinary shares | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Record Date | Apr. 15, 2016 | |||
Cash Outlay | $ 684,894 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME35
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2015 |
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | $ 83,271 | $ 60,018 |
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 58,839 | 129,291 |
Total fair value | 24,432 | (69,273) |
Total notional value | 7,161,572 | 6,363,110 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 47,354 | 28,282 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other non-current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 18,976 | 13,503 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 14,896 | 48,683 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other non-current liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 13,811 | 48,746 |
Other Derivatives | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 16,941 | 18,233 |
Other Derivatives | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | $ 30,132 | $ 31,862 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME36
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Realized gains or (losses) and changes in the estimated fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges | $ 16,242 | $ (67,040) | $ (41,156) | $ (239,630) |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME37
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2015 |
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] | ||
Net derivative assets | $ 52,930 | $ 36,661 |
Net derivative liabilities | 28,498 | 105,934 |
Total fair value | $ 24,432 | $ (69,273) |
RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING38
RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS (Details) $ in Thousands | Mar. 18, 2016employee | Aug. 31, 2015USD ($) |
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Company’s U.S. pension plan active and terminated employees who are no longer accruing benefits in the pension plan. | 16,200 | |
Active employees in the U.S. pension plan who are currently eligible to accrue benefits under the creation of a separate defined benefit plan | 600 | |
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax | $ | $ (337,000) | |
Minimum [Member] | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan Investments Estimated Liquidation Period | 12 months | |
Maximum [Member] | ||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan Investments Estimated Liquidation Period | 18 months |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2015 |
Commitments [Abstract] | ||
Fair value of Avanade redeemable common stock and options | $ 68,351 | $ 79,023 |
Indemnifications and Guarantees [Abstract] | ||
Expressly limited performance guarantee | 717,000 | 655,000 |
Portion of guarantee not recoverable | $ 112,000 | $ 43,000 |
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | May 31, 2016 | May 31, 2015 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | $ 8,434,757 | $ 7,770,382 | $ 24,393,485 | $ 23,159,426 |
Operating Income | 1,305,943 | 1,133,519 | 3,615,247 | 3,342,261 |
Communications, Media & Technology | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,707,707 | 1,613,478 | 4,919,046 | 4,711,300 |
Operating Income | 259,344 | 237,902 | 749,729 | 628,320 |
Financial Services | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,804,876 | 1,638,313 | 5,234,821 | 4,944,075 |
Operating Income | 294,367 | 265,863 | 847,686 | 791,606 |
Health & Public Service | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,539,496 | 1,383,639 | 4,445,627 | 4,071,998 |
Operating Income | 243,137 | 202,644 | 625,510 | 568,277 |
Products | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 2,158,070 | 1,883,200 | 6,142,723 | 5,664,484 |
Operating Income | 346,165 | 255,162 | 923,724 | 816,720 |
Resources | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,220,809 | 1,247,851 | 3,639,890 | 3,755,158 |
Operating Income | 162,930 | 171,948 | 468,598 | 537,338 |
Other | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 3,799 | 3,901 | 11,378 | 12,411 |
Operating Income | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
SEGMENT REPORTING - Additional
SEGMENT REPORTING - Additional Information (Detail) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2016segment | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Number of operating segments | 5 |