Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - shares | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020 | Jun. 11, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 | |
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | L2 | ||
Document Transition Report | false | ||
Document Quarterly Report | true | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | ||
Entity File Number | 001-34448 | ||
Amendment Flag | false | ||
Document Period End Date | May 31, 2020 | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | ||
Title of 12(b) Security | Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share | ||
Trading Symbol | ACN | ||
Security Exchange Name | NYSE | ||
Entity Registrant Name | Accenture plc | ||
Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 Grand Canal Square | ||
Entity Address, Address Line Two | Grand Canal Harbour | ||
Entity Address, City or Town | Dublin | ||
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 2 | ||
Entity Address, Country | IE | ||
Country Region | 353 | ||
City Area Code | 1 | ||
Local Phone Number | 646-2000 | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 0001467373 | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --08-31 | ||
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
Entity Small Business | false | ||
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | ||
Entity Shell Company | false | ||
Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0627530 | ||
Class A ordinary shares | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 663,704,786 | ||
Treasury Stock, Shares | 27,565,988 | 18,964,863 | |
Class X Ordinary Shares | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 585,059 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 |
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 6,442,261 | $ 6,126,853 |
Short-term investments | 3,676 | 3,313 |
Receivables and contract assets | 8,345,601 | 8,095,071 |
Other current assets | 1,354,698 | 1,225,364 |
Total current assets | 16,146,236 | 15,450,601 |
NON-CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Contract assets | 52,701 | 71,002 |
Investments | 270,984 | 240,313 |
Property and equipment, net | 1,445,183 | 1,391,166 |
Lease assets | 3,222,787 | 0 |
Goodwill | 7,334,594 | 6,205,550 |
Deferred contract costs | 704,282 | 681,492 |
Deferred tax assets | 4,242,528 | 4,349,464 |
Other non-current assets | 1,638,024 | 1,400,292 |
Total non-current assets | 18,911,083 | 14,339,279 |
TOTAL ASSETS | 35,057,319 | 29,789,880 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings | 8,697 | 6,411 |
Accounts payable | 1,405,977 | 1,646,641 |
Deferred revenues | 3,536,521 | 3,188,835 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | 4,426,829 | 4,890,542 |
Income taxes payable | 443,881 | 378,017 |
Lease liabilities | 738,642 | 0 |
Accrued consumption taxes | 663,697 | 446,699 |
Other accrued liabilities | 604,037 | 504,751 |
Total current liabilities | 11,828,281 | 11,061,896 |
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Long-term debt | 60,342 | 16,247 |
Deferred revenues | 638,821 | 565,224 |
Retirement obligation | 1,820,410 | 1,765,914 |
Deferred tax liabilities | 208,146 | 133,232 |
Income taxes payable | 907,590 | 892,688 |
Lease liabilities | 2,704,540 | 0 |
Other non-current liabilities | 405,544 | 526,988 |
Total non-current liabilities | 6,745,393 | 3,900,293 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Restricted share units | 1,337,761 | 1,411,903 |
Additional paid-in capital | 7,190,179 | 5,804,448 |
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019; Class A ordinary, 27,565,988 and 18,964,863 shares as of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively | (3,085,444) | (1,388,376) |
Retained earnings | 12,565,857 | 10,421,538 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,993,819) | (1,840,577) |
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity | 16,014,606 | 14,409,008 |
Noncontrolling interests | 469,039 | 418,683 |
Total shareholders’ equity | 16,483,645 | 14,827,691 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 35,057,319 | 29,789,880 |
Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 57 | 57 |
Class A ordinary shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 15 | 15 |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 0 | 0 |
Retained Earnings [Member] | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Total shareholders’ equity | $ 12,565,857 | $ 10,421,538 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) | May 31, 2020€ / sharesshares | May 31, 2020$ / sharesshares | Aug. 31, 2019€ / sharesshares | Aug. 31, 2019$ / 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 | 663,533,025 | 663,533,025 | 654,739,267 | 654,739,267 |
Treasury shares, ordinary shares | 27,565,988 | 27,565,988 | 18,964,863 | 18,964,863 |
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 | 585,059 | 585,059 | 609,404 | 609,404 |
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding | 585,059 | 585,059 | 609,404 | 609,404 |
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
REVENUES: | ||||
Revenues | $ 10,991,305 | $ 11,099,688 | $ 33,491,768 | $ 32,159,363 |
OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||||
Cost of services | 7,462,617 | 7,571,390 | 22,956,150 | 22,279,291 |
Sales and marketing | 1,118,204 | 1,184,164 | 3,471,980 | 3,274,216 |
General and administrative costs | 697,751 | 626,191 | 2,094,697 | 1,872,275 |
Total operating expenses | 9,278,572 | 9,381,745 | 28,522,827 | 27,425,782 |
OPERATING INCOME | 1,712,733 | 1,717,943 | 4,968,941 | 4,733,581 |
Interest income | 12,671 | 21,402 | 61,476 | 60,114 |
Interest expense | (4,961) | (5,348) | (19,002) | (15,472) |
Other income (expense), net | (39,670) | (29,690) | (20,439) | (87,178) |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 1,680,773 | 1,704,307 | 4,990,976 | 4,691,045 |
Income tax expense | 428,134 | 435,658 | 1,111,087 | 990,352 |
NET INCOME | 1,252,639 | 1,268,649 | 3,879,889 | 3,700,693 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. | (1,518) | (1,676) | (4,791) | (5,213) |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other | (22,919) | (17,457) | (55,188) | (46,795) |
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | $ 1,228,202 | $ 1,249,516 | $ 3,819,910 | $ 3,648,685 |
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares: | ||||
Basic | 636,146,240 | 637,831,341 | 636,445,172 | 638,439,707 |
Diluted | 645,607,914 | 649,297,717 | 648,025,669 | 650,144,931 |
Earnings per Class A ordinary share: | ||||
Basic | $ 1.93 | $ 1.96 | $ 6 | $ 5.72 |
Diluted | 1.90 | 1.93 | 5.90 | 5.62 |
Cash dividends per share | $ 0.80 | $ 1.46 | $ 2.40 | $ 2.92 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||||
NET INCOME | $ 1,252,639 | $ 1,268,649 | $ 3,879,889 | $ 3,700,693 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX: | ||||
Foreign currency translation | (100,750) | (102,620) | (110,468) | (69,592) |
Defined benefit plans | 10,704 | 5,890 | 29,261 | 32,881 |
Cash flow hedges | (101,516) | 96,382 | (72,035) | 148,036 |
Investments | 0 | (1,148) | 0 | (1,663) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | (191,562) | (1,496) | (153,242) | 109,662 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (2,285) | (4,188) | (2,262) | (4,859) |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | 1,058,792 | 1,262,965 | 3,724,385 | 3,805,496 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | 1,036,640 | 1,248,020 | 3,666,668 | 3,758,347 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 22,152 | 14,945 | 57,717 | 47,149 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | $ 1,058,792 | $ 1,262,965 | $ 3,724,385 | $ 3,805,496 |
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUI
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY STATEMENT - 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, 2018 | $ 10,724,588 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | $ 1,234,623 | $ 4,870,764 | $ (2,116,948) | $ 7,952,413 | $ (1,576,171) | $ 10,364,753 | $ 359,835 |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2018 | 40 | 663,328 | 656 | ||||||||
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2018 | (24,333) | ||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||
Net income | 3,700,693 | 3,648,685 | 3,648,685 | 52,008 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 104,803 | 109,662 | 109,662 | (4,859) | |||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares | (2,268,189) | 2,841 | $ (2,268,189) | (2,265,348) | (2,841) | ||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | (14,316) | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 856,952 | 787,633 | 69,319 | 856,952 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (19) | ||||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (16,399) | (16,399) | (16,399) | ||||||||
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares | |||||||||||
Employee share programs | 754,454 | (884,308) | 1,134,959 | $ 624,127 | (121,250) | 753,528 | 926 | ||||
Employee share programs (in shares) | 8,508 | 3,969 | |||||||||
Dividends | (1,864,353) | 58,035 | (1,919,760) | (1,861,725) | (2,628) | ||||||
Other, net | 12,433 | (2,013) | 14,411 | 12,398 | 35 | ||||||
Ending Balance (in shares) at May. 31, 2019 | 40 | 671,836 | 637 | ||||||||
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares) at May. 31, 2019 | (34,680) | ||||||||||
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2019 | 14,142,958 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 1,195,983 | 6,059,471 | $ (3,761,010) | 11,709,317 | (1,466,509) | 13,737,324 | 405,634 |
Beginning Balance at Feb. 28, 2019 | 13,728,545 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 954,613 | 5,783,062 | $ (3,357,665) | 11,421,964 | (1,465,013) | 13,337,033 | 391,512 |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2019 | 40 | 670,313 | 651 | ||||||||
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2019 | (32,439) | ||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||
Net income | 1,268,649 | 1,249,516 | 1,249,516 | 19,133 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (5,684) | (1,496) | (1,496) | (4,188) | |||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares | (485,625) | 568 | $ (485,625) | (485,057) | (568) | ||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | (2,792) | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 263,674 | 226,158 | 37,516 | 263,674 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | 14 | ||||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (2,829) | (2,829) | (2,829) | ||||||||
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares | |||||||||||
Employee share programs | 308,177 | (16,437) | 242,228 | $ 82,280 | (249) | 307,822 | 355 | ||||
Employee share programs (in shares) | 1,523 | 551 | |||||||||
Dividends | (931,515) | 31,649 | (961,914) | (930,265) | 1,250 | ||||||
Other, net | (434) | (1,074) | (1,074) | 640 | |||||||
Ending Balance (in shares) at May. 31, 2019 | 40 | 671,836 | 637 | ||||||||
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares) at May. 31, 2019 | (34,680) | ||||||||||
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2019 | 14,142,958 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 1,195,983 | 6,059,471 | $ (3,761,010) | 11,709,317 | (1,466,509) | 13,737,324 | 405,634 |
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2019 | 14,827,691 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 1,411,903 | 5,804,448 | $ (1,388,376) | 10,421,538 | (1,840,577) | 14,409,008 | 418,683 |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2019 | 40 | 654,739 | 609 | ||||||||
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2019 | (19,005) | ||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||
Net income | 3,879,889 | 3,819,910 | 3,819,910 | 59,979 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (155,504) | (153,242) | (153,242) | (2,262) | |||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares | (2,318,768) | 2,527 | $ (2,318,768) | (2,316,241) | (2,527) | ||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | (12,176) | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 938,100 | 858,578 | 79,522 | 938,100 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (24) | ||||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (7,187) | (7,187) | (7,187) | ||||||||
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares | |||||||||||
Employee share programs | 849,565 | (989,782) | 1,308,659 | $ 621,700 | (91,917) | 848,660 | 905 | ||||
Employee share programs (in shares) | 8,794 | 3,575 | |||||||||
Dividends | (1,528,532) | 57,062 | (1,583,674) | (1,526,612) | (1,920) | ||||||
Other, net | (1,609) | 2,210 | 2,210 | (3,819) | |||||||
Ending Balance (in shares) at May. 31, 2020 | 40 | 663,533 | 585 | ||||||||
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares) at May. 31, 2020 | (27,606) | ||||||||||
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2020 | 16,483,645 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 1,337,761 | 7,190,179 | $ (3,085,444) | 12,565,857 | (1,993,819) | 16,014,606 | 469,039 |
Beginning Balance at Feb. 29, 2020 | 15,920,806 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 1,095,560 | 6,884,963 | $ (2,571,256) | 11,867,507 | (1,802,257) | 15,474,589 | 446,217 |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Feb. 29, 2020 | 40 | 661,742 | 588 | ||||||||
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares) at Feb. 29, 2020 | (24,551) | ||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||
Net income | 1,252,639 | 1,228,202 | 1,228,202 | 24,437 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (193,847) | (191,562) | (191,562) | (2,285) | |||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares | (626,116) | 661 | $ (626,116) | (625,455) | (661) | ||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | (3,672) | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 290,866 | 248,055 | 42,811 | 290,866 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (3) | ||||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (572) | (572) | (572) | ||||||||
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares | |||||||||||
Employee share programs | 349,165 | (24,614) | 264,298 | $ 111,928 | (2,809) | 348,803 | 362 | ||||
Employee share programs (in shares) | 1,791 | 617 | |||||||||
Dividends | (508,913) | 18,760 | (527,043) | (508,283) | (630) | ||||||
Other, net | (383) | (1,982) | (1,982) | 1,599 | |||||||
Ending Balance (in shares) at May. 31, 2020 | 40 | 663,533 | 585 | ||||||||
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares) at May. 31, 2020 | (27,606) | ||||||||||
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2020 | $ 16,483,645 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | $ 1,337,761 | $ 7,190,179 | $ (3,085,444) | $ 12,565,857 | $ (1,993,819) | $ 16,014,606 | $ 469,039 |
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEME
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Net income | $ 3,879,889 | $ 3,700,693 |
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities — | ||
Depreciation, amortization and other | 728,830 | 652,592 |
Depreciation, amortization and other | 1,286,234 | |
Share-based compensation expense | 938,100 | 856,952 |
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | 128,245 | (47,130) |
Other, net | (142,943) | (85,725) |
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions — | ||
Receivables and contract assets, current and non-current | (96,365) | (493,733) |
Other current and non-current assets | (483,825) | (373,142) |
Accounts payable | (245,718) | 94,144 |
Deferred revenues, current and non-current | 263,274 | 342,633 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | (475,183) | (67,970) |
Income taxes payable, current and non-current | 74,338 | (52,518) |
Other current and non-current liabilities | (67,028) | (16,096) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 5,059,018 | 4,510,700 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Purchases of property and equipment | (410,414) | (357,749) |
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired | (1,326,366) | (1,055,915) |
Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments | 84,886 | 27,915 |
Other investing, net | 3,717 | 6,041 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (1,648,177) | (1,379,708) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from issuance of shares | 849,565 | 754,453 |
Purchases of shares | (2,325,955) | (2,284,587) |
Proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt, net | (207) | (983) |
Cash dividends paid | (1,528,532) | (1,864,353) |
Other, net | (30,421) | (20,683) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (3,035,550) | (3,416,153) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (59,883) | (7,041) |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 315,408 | (292,202) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | 6,126,853 | 5,061,360 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | 6,442,261 | 4,769,158 |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | ||
Income taxes paid, net | $ 993,848 | $ 1,052,517 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies 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. We use the terms “Accenture,” “we” and “our” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to refer to Accenture plc and its subsidiaries. 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, 2019 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019 . 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 we 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, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2020 . Effective March 1, 2020, we began managing our business under a new growth model through our three geographic markets, North America, Europe and Growth Markets, which became our reportable segments in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. Prior to this change, our reportable segments were our five operating groups, Communications, Media & Technology, Financial Services, Health & Public Service, Products and Resources. See Note 6 (Goodwill and Intangible Assets) and Note 12 (Segment Reporting) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding the change in our reportable segments. Allowance for Client Receivables As of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , total allowance recorded for client receivables was $37,468 and $45,538 , respectively. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation expense was $119,148 and $338,830 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020 , respectively, and $109,398 and $322,746 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019 , respectively. As of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , total accumulated depreciation was $2,238,805 and $1,956,029 , respectively. Deferred transition amortization expense was $71,278 and $217,946 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020 , respectively, and $67,225 and $204,313 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019 , respectively. See Note 6 (Goodwill and Intangible Assets) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for intangible asset amortization balances. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02 and related updates (“Topic 842”) On September 1, 2019 , we adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, and related updates (“Topic 842”) using the effective date method. Prior period amounts were not adjusted. The primary impact of adoption is the requirement for lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by both operating and finance leases. Enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements are also required. We elected the package of practical expedients which does not require reassessment of prior conclusions related to identifying leases, lease classification or initial direct costs. We also elected the practical expedient to combine lease and nonlease components, accounting for the combined components as a single lease component, for our office real estate and automobile leases. The standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Income Statement. The impact of adopting Topic 842 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: Balance Sheet Balance as of August 31, 2019 Adjustments due to ASU 2016-02 (Topic 842) Balance as of September 1, 2019 CURRENT ASSETS Other current assets $ 1,225,364 $ (38,666 ) $ 1,186,698 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Lease assets — 3,169,608 3,169,608 Other non-current assets 1,400,292 (10,333 ) 1,389,959 CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease liabilities — 699,399 699,399 Other accrued liabilities 951,450 (703 ) 950,747 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease liabilities — 2,666,344 2,666,344 Other non-current liabilities 526,988 (244,431 ) 282,557 See Note 7 (Leases) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. FASB ASU No. 2018-15 ( “Subtopic 350-40”) On September 1, 2019 , we prospectively adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. ASU 2018-15 clarifies and aligns the accounting and capitalization of implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements that are service arrangements with the accounting for implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software under ASC No. 350-40. Implementation costs that are currently capitalized in software licensing arrangements (e.g. costs to configure the software) will be capitalized in cloud computing arrangements, and costs expensed in software license arrangements (e.g. data conversion, training, and business process re-engineering) will be expensed in cloud computing arrangements. The adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
REVENUES
REVENUES | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Revenues [Abstract] | |
Revenues | 2. REVENUES Disaggregation of Revenue See Note 12 (Segment Reporting) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for our disaggregated revenues. Remaining Performance Obligations We had remaining performance obligations of approximately $19 billion and $20 billion as of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , respectively. Our remaining performance obligations represent the amount of transaction price for which work has not been performed and revenue has not been recognized. The majority of our contracts are terminable by the client on short notice with little or no termination penalties, and some without notice. Under Topic 606, only the non-cancelable portion of these contracts is included in our performance obligations. Additionally, our performance obligations only include variable consideration if we assess it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Based on the terms of our contracts, a significant portion of what we consider contract bookings is not included in our remaining performance obligations. We expect to recognize approximately 36% of our remaining performance obligations as of May 31, 2020 as revenue in fiscal 2020 , an additional 36% in fiscal 2021 , and the balance thereafter. Contract Estimates Adjustments in contract estimates related to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods were immaterial for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020 and May 31, 2019 , respectively. Contract Balances Deferred transition revenues were $638,821 and $563,245 as of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , respectively, and are included in Non-current deferred revenues. Costs related to these activities are also deferred and are expensed as the services are provided. Generally, deferred amounts are protected in the event of early termination of the contract and are monitored regularly for impairment. Impairment losses are recorded when projected remaining undiscounted operating cash flows of the related contract are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of contract assets. Deferred transition costs were $704,282 and $681,492 as of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , respectively, and are included in Deferred contract costs. The following table provides information about the balances of our Receivables, Contract assets and Contract liabilities (Deferred revenues): As of May 31, 2020 As of August 31, 2019 Receivables, net of allowance $ 7,677,366 $ 7,467,338 Contract assets (current) 668,235 627,733 Receivables and contract assets (current) 8,345,601 8,095,071 Contract assets (non-current) 52,701 71,002 Deferred revenues (current) 3,536,521 3,188,835 Deferred revenues (non-current) 638,821 565,224 Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the nine months ended May 31, 2020 , were a result of normal business activity and not materially impacted by any other factors. Revenues recognized during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020 that were included in Deferred revenues as of February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019 were $1.9 billion and $2.6 billion , respectively . Revenues recognized during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019 that were included in Deferred revenues as of February 28, 2019 and September 1, 2018 were $1.7 billion and $2.7 billion , respectively. |
EARNINGS PER SHARE
EARNINGS PER SHARE | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
EARNINGS PER SHARE | 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 Basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,228,202 $ 1,249,516 $ 3,819,910 $ 3,648,685 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 636,146,240 637,831,341 636,445,172 638,439,707 Basic earnings per share $ 1.93 $ 1.96 $ 6.00 $ 5.72 Diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,228,202 $ 1,249,516 $ 3,819,910 $ 3,648,685 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) 1,518 1,676 4,791 5,213 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 1,229,720 $ 1,251,192 $ 3,824,701 $ 3,653,898 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 636,146,240 637,831,341 636,445,172 638,439,707 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interest (1) 785,993 855,508 797,551 912,175 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 8,651,386 10,531,355 10,647,446 10,680,792 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 24,295 79,513 135,500 112,257 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 645,607,914 649,297,717 648,025,669 650,144,931 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.90 $ 1.93 $ 5.90 $ 5.62 _______________ (1) Diluted earnings per share assumes 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 | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | 4. 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, 2020 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (1,217,693 ) $ (1,042,240 ) $ (1,207,975 ) $ (1,075,268 ) Foreign currency translation (106,621 ) (108,056 ) (115,154 ) (74,444 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 3,698 1,115 2,477 (246 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,173 4,321 2,209 5,098 Foreign currency translation, net of tax (100,750 ) (102,620 ) (110,468 ) (69,592 ) Ending balance (1,318,443 ) (1,144,860 ) (1,318,443 ) (1,144,860 ) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (653,766 ) (392,293 ) (672,323 ) (419,284 ) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 13,718 8,389 40,330 39,718 Income tax benefit (expense) (3,001 ) (2,492 ) (11,033 ) (6,793 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (13 ) (7 ) (36 ) (44 ) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 10,704 5,890 29,261 32,881 Ending balance (643,062 ) (386,403 ) (643,062 ) (386,403 ) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance 68,474 (32,356 ) 38,993 (84,010 ) Unrealized gain (loss) (109,481 ) 142,416 (32,918 ) 219,441 Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services (4,547 ) (19,512 ) (43,362 ) (25,772 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 12,387 (26,395 ) 4,156 (45,436 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 125 (127 ) 89 (197 ) Cash flow hedges, net of tax (101,516 ) 96,382 (72,035 ) 148,036 Ending balance (2) (33,042 ) 64,026 (33,042 ) 64,026 Investments Beginning balance 728 1,876 728 2,391 Unrealized gain (loss) — (1,454 ) — (1,970 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — 305 — 305 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1 — 2 Investments, net of tax — (1,148 ) — (1,663 ) Ending balance 728 728 728 728 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,993,819 ) $ (1,466,509 ) $ (1,993,819 ) $ (1,466,509 ) _______________ (1) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing, General and administrative costs and non-operating expenses. (2) As of May 31, 2020 , $4,372 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next twelve months. |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Business Combination, Goodwill [Abstract] | |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS | 5. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS During the nine months ended May 31, 2020 , we completed individually immaterial acquisitions for total consideration of $1,303,380 , net of cash acquired. The pro forma effects of these acquisitions on our operations were not material. |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure | 6. 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, GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS (1) North America 3,973,356 529,405 (1,492 ) 4,501,269 Europe 1,569,223 371,680 2,720 1,943,623 Growth Markets 662,971 250,801 (24,070 ) 889,702 Total $ 6,205,550 $ 1,151,886 $ (22,842 ) $ 7,334,594 _______________ (1) Effective March 1, 2020, we began managing our business under a new growth model through our three geographic markets, which became our reportable segments in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions. Intangible Assets Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class were as follows: August 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 1,013,976 $ (358,130 ) $ 655,846 $ 1,268,841 $ (444,315 ) $ 824,526 Technology 119,686 (45,851 ) 73,835 146,815 (50,697 ) 96,118 Patents 127,796 (66,167 ) 61,629 128,070 (66,048 ) 62,022 Other 78,344 (28,875 ) 49,469 82,736 (33,396 ) 49,340 Total $ 1,339,802 $ (499,023 ) $ 840,779 $ 1,626,462 $ (594,456 ) $ 1,032,006 Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $62,883 and $172,054 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020 , respectively. Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $44,686 and $125,533 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019 , respectively. Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of May 31, 2020 is as follows: Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2020 $ 62,762 2021 220,067 2022 177,937 2023 159,124 2024 132,463 Thereafter 279,653 Total $ 1,032,006 |
LEASES
LEASES | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] | 7. LEASES We account for leases in accordance with Topic 842. See Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our adoption. As a lessee, substantially all of our lease obligation is for office real estate. Our significant judgments used in determining our lease obligation include whether a contract is or contains a lease and the determination of the discount rate used to calculate the lease liability. Our leases may include the option to extend or terminate before the end of the contractual term and are often non-cancelable or cancelable only by the payment of penalties. Our lease assets and liabilities include these options in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that they will be exercised. In certain cases, we sublease excess office real estate to third-party tenants. Lease assets and liabilities recognized at the lease commencement date are determined predominantly as the present value of the payments due over the lease term. Since we cannot determine the implicit rate in our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate on that date to calculate the present value. Our incremental borrowing rate approximates the rate at which we could borrow, on a secured basis for a similar term, an amount equal to our lease payments in a similar economic environment. Effective September 1, 2019 , when we are the lessee, all leases are recognized as lease liabilities and associated lease assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Lease liabilities represent our obligation to make payments arising from the lease. Lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and may also include advance payments, initial direct costs or lease incentives. Fixed and variable payments that depend upon an index or rate, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), are included in the recognition of lease assets and liabilities at the commencement-date rate. Other variable payments, such as common area maintenance, property and other taxes, utilities and insurance that are based on the lessor’s cost, are recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement in the period incurred. As of May 31, 2020 , we had no material finance leases. Operating lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease costs were as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, 2020 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 Operating lease cost $ 191,351 $ 557,404 Variable lease cost 42,537 137,940 Sublease income (6,831 ) (19,391 ) $ 227,057 $ 675,953 Supplemental information related to operating lease transactions was as follows: Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 Lease liability payments $ 535,549 Lease assets obtained in exchange for liabilities $ 486,739 As of May 31, 2020 , our operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 7.5 years and a weighted average discount rate of 4.3% . The following maturity analysis presents future undiscounted cash outflows for operating leases as of May 31, 2020 : Lease Payments Sublease Receipts 2020 (Remainder) $ 179,590 $ (5,479 ) 2021 744,328 (16,026 ) 2022 626,354 (8,061 ) 2023 523,343 (7,618 ) 2024 439,048 (7,181 ) Thereafter 1,474,890 (31,050 ) Total lease payments (receipts) 3,987,553 $ (75,415 ) Less interest (544,371 ) Total lease liabilities $ 3,443,182 As of May 31, 2020 , we have entered into leases that have not yet commenced with future lease payments of $474 million that are not reflected in the table above. These leases are primarily related to office real estate and will commence in or before fiscal year 2022 with lease terms of up to 16 years. Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases as of August 31, 2019 , which were accounted for in accordance with Topic 840, were as follows: Lease Payments Sublease Receipts 2020 $ 688,020 $ (24,884 ) 2021 597,307 (17,908 ) 2022 516,544 (8,535 ) 2023 428,481 (7,541 ) 2024 363,107 (7,184 ) Thereafter 1,246,097 (30,708 ) $ 3,839,556 $ (96,760 ) |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 8. MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Dividends Our dividend activity during the nine months ended May 31, 2020 was as follows: Dividend Per Accenture plc Class A Accenture Canada Holdings Total Cash Dividend Payment Date Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay November 15, 2019 $ 0.80 October 17, 2019 $ 507,725 October 15, 2019 $ 656 $ 508,381 February 14, 2020 $ 0.80 January 16, 2020 $ 510,604 January 14, 2020 $ 634 $ 511,238 May 15, 2020 $ 0.80 April 16, 2020 $ 508,283 April 14, 2020 $ 630 $ 508,913 Total Dividends $ 1,526,612 $ 1,920 $ 1,528,532 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. Subsequent Event On June 24, 2020 , the Board of Directors of Accenture plc declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.80 per share on its Class A ordinary shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on July 16, 2020 payable on August 14, 2020 . The payment of the cash dividend will result in the issuance of an immaterial number of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units. |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivatives In the normal course of business, we use derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk. Our 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, 2020 and May 31, 2019 , as well as those expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months, see Note 4 (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 net gains of $17,132 and net losses of $38,026 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020 , respectively, and net losses of $10,319 and $88,247 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019 , respectively. Gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in Other income (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 $ 42,750 $ 53,033 Other non-current assets 26,010 49,525 Other Derivatives Other current assets 26,750 8,059 Total assets $ 95,510 $ 110,617 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 38,378 $ 18,826 Other non-current liabilities 30,568 8,770 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 9,093 32,195 Total liabilities $ 78,039 $ 59,791 Total fair value $ 17,471 $ 50,826 Total notional value $ 8,766,370 $ 8,709,917 We utilize 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, we record 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 $ 59,781 $ 88,811 Net derivative liabilities 42,310 37,985 Total fair value $ 17,471 $ 50,826 Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values We hold investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values. We record these investments at cost and remeasure them to fair value based on certain observable price changes or impairment events as they occur. The carrying amount of these investments was $133,222 and $131,675 as of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , respectively . |
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
INCOME TAXES | 10. INCOME TAXES We apply an estimated annual effective tax rate to our year-to-date operating results to determine the interim provision for income tax expense. In addition, we recognize 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. Our effective tax rates for the three months ended May 31, 2020 and 2019 were 25.5% and 25.6% , respectively. The slightly lower effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2020 included benefits from tax law changes offset by the phased-in effects of U.S. tax reform. Our effective tax rates for the nine months ended May 31, 2020 and 2019 were 22.3% and 21.1% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2020 was higher primarily due to lower benefits from final determinations of prior year taxes and the phased-in effects of U.S. tax reform, partially offset by higher tax benefits from share-based payments. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Indemnifications and Guarantees In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which we may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. As of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , our aggregate potential liability to our clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $737,000 and $794,000 , respectively, of which all but approximately $98,000 and $128,000 , respectively, may be recovered from the other third parties if we are 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, we 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, we have not been required to make any significant payment under any of the arrangements described above. We have assessed the current status of performance/payment risk related to arrangements with limited guarantees, warranty obligations, unspecified limitations and/or indemnification provisions and believe that any potential payments would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as a whole. Legal Contingencies As of May 31, 2020 , we or our present personnel had been named as a defendant in various litigation matters. We and/or our personnel also from time to time are involved in investigations by various regulatory or legal authorities concerning matters arising in the course of our business around the world. Based on the present status of these matters, including the putative class action lawsuit discussed below, management believes the range of reasonably possible losses in addition to amounts accrued, net of insurance recoveries, will not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition. On July 24, 2019, Accenture was named in a putative class action lawsuit filed by consumers of Marriott International, Inc. (“Marriott”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The complaint alleges negligence by us, and seeks monetary damages, costs and attorneys’ fees and other related relief, relating to a data security incident involving unauthorized access to the reservations database of Starwood Worldwide Resorts, Inc. (“Starwood”), which was acquired by Marriott on September 23, 2016. Since 2009, we have provided certain IT infrastructure outsourcing services to Starwood. We believe the lawsuit is without merit and we will vigorously defend it. We cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any, at this time. |
SEGMENT REPORTING
SEGMENT REPORTING | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
SEGMENT REPORTING | 12. SEGMENT REPORTING Operating segments are components of an enterprise where separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision makers are our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Our operating segments are managed separately because each operating segment represents a strategic business unit providing consulting and outsourcing services to clients across different industries. Effective March 1, 2020, we began managing our business under a new growth model through our three geographic markets, North America, Europe and Growth Markets, which became our reportable segments in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The change is designed to help us better serve our clients and continue to scale our business. Prior to this change, our reportable segments were our five operating groups, Communications, Media & Technology, Financial Services, Health & Public Service, Products and Resources, which we now refer to as our industry groups. Amounts are attributed to geographic markets based on where clients are located. Information regarding our geographic markets is as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, 2020 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues $ 5,239,275 $ 3,574,995 $ 2,177,035 $ 10,991,305 Depreciation and amortization (2) 91,066 87,895 74,347 253,308 Operating income 720,997 535,463 456,273 1,712,733 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 3,141,914 1,236,004 549,324 4,927,242 Three Months Ended May 31, 2019 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues (1) $ 5,147,948 $ 3,773,835 $ 2,177,905 $ 11,099,688 Depreciation and amortization (2) 74,759 73,994 72,556 221,309 Operating income 881,557 551,665 284,721 1,717,943 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 2,907,951 1,332,909 771,078 5,011,938 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues $ 15,784,518 $ 10,993,277 $ 6,713,973 $ 33,491,768 Depreciation and amortization (2) 253,018 248,448 227,364 728,830 Operating income 2,281,648 1,477,338 1,209,955 4,968,941 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 3,141,914 1,236,004 549,324 4,927,242 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2019 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues (1) $ 14,758,046 $ 11,125,999 $ 6,275,318 $ 32,159,363 Depreciation and amortization (2) 221,896 213,789 216,907 652,592 Operating income 2,266,963 1,596,776 869,842 4,733,581 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 2,907,951 1,332,909 771,078 5,011,938 _______________ (1) Effective September 1, 2019 we revised the reporting of our geographic markets for the movement of one country from Growth Markets to Europe. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. (2) Amounts include depreciation on property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets controlled by each reportable segment, as well as an allocation for amounts they do not directly control. (3) We do not allocate total assets by reportable segment. Reportable segment assets directly attributable to a reportable segment and provided to the chief operating decision makers include receivables and current and non-current contract assets, deferred contract costs and current and non-current deferred revenues. Revenues by industry group and type of work is as follows: Revenues Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 INDUSTRY GROUPS Communications, Media & Technology $ 2,197,152 $ 2,253,136 $ 6,681,968 $ 6,533,319 Financial Services 2,137,850 2,196,595 6,414,211 6,369,477 Health & Public Service 2,015,874 1,819,775 5,932,693 5,283,364 Products 2,998,903 3,077,227 9,376,984 8,912,588 Resources 1,636,606 1,747,977 5,071,450 5,040,143 Other 4,920 4,978 14,462 20,472 Total $ 10,991,305 $ 11,099,688 $ 33,491,768 $ 32,159,363 TYPE OF WORK Consulting $ 5,997,894 $ 6,236,630 $ 18,546,448 $ 17,990,967 Outsourcing 4,993,411 4,863,058 14,945,320 14,168,396 Total $ 10,991,305 $ 11,099,688 $ 33,491,768 $ 32,159,363 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
SUBSEQUENT EVENT | 3 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Subsequent event [Abstract] | |
Subsequent Events [Text Block] | 13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT On June 17, 2020 , we entered into a $1 billion 364-day syndicated loan facility, which expires in June 2021. This facility is in addition to our existing $1 billion syndicated loan facility, which expires in December 2024. No balances were outstanding under either credit facility at any time during fiscal 2020 . In the event of a loan drawn against the new facility, the lenders have the option to require us to repay the loan by issuing public debt within 45 days of their request. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
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 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. We use the terms “Accenture,” “we” and “our” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to refer to Accenture plc and its subsidiaries. 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, 2019 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 29, 2019 . 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 we 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, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2020 . |
INCOME TAXES (Policies)
INCOME TAXES (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | We apply an estimated annual effective tax rate to our year-to-date operating results to determine the interim provision for income tax expense. In addition, we recognize 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. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] | In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which we may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. As of May 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , our aggregate potential liability to our clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $737,000 and $794,000 , respectively, of which all but approximately $98,000 and $128,000 , respectively, may be recovered from the other third parties if we are 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, we 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. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION Impact of
BASIS OF PRESENTATION Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] | |
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted [Text Block] | The impact of adopting Topic 842 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: Balance Sheet Balance as of August 31, 2019 Adjustments due to ASU 2016-02 (Topic 842) Balance as of September 1, 2019 CURRENT ASSETS Other current assets $ 1,225,364 $ (38,666 ) $ 1,186,698 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Lease assets — 3,169,608 3,169,608 Other non-current assets 1,400,292 (10,333 ) 1,389,959 CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease liabilities — 699,399 699,399 Other accrued liabilities 951,450 (703 ) 950,747 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease liabilities — 2,666,344 2,666,344 Other non-current liabilities 526,988 (244,431 ) 282,557 |
REVENUES Contract Balances (Tab
REVENUES Contract Balances (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Contract Balances [Abstract] | |
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] | The following table provides information about the balances of our Receivables, Contract assets and Contract liabilities (Deferred revenues): As of May 31, 2020 As of August 31, 2019 Receivables, net of allowance $ 7,677,366 $ 7,467,338 Contract assets (current) 668,235 627,733 Receivables and contract assets (current) 8,345,601 8,095,071 Contract assets (non-current) 52,701 71,002 Deferred revenues (current) 3,536,521 3,188,835 Deferred revenues (non-current) 638,821 565,224 |
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
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, 2020 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 Basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,228,202 $ 1,249,516 $ 3,819,910 $ 3,648,685 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 636,146,240 637,831,341 636,445,172 638,439,707 Basic earnings per share $ 1.93 $ 1.96 $ 6.00 $ 5.72 Diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,228,202 $ 1,249,516 $ 3,819,910 $ 3,648,685 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) 1,518 1,676 4,791 5,213 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 1,229,720 $ 1,251,192 $ 3,824,701 $ 3,653,898 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 636,146,240 637,831,341 636,445,172 638,439,707 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interest (1) 785,993 855,508 797,551 912,175 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 8,651,386 10,531,355 10,647,446 10,680,792 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 24,295 79,513 135,500 112,257 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 645,607,914 649,297,717 648,025,669 650,144,931 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.90 $ 1.93 $ 5.90 $ 5.62 _______________ (1) Diluted earnings per share assumes 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 COMPREHENSI_2
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
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, 2020 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (1,217,693 ) $ (1,042,240 ) $ (1,207,975 ) $ (1,075,268 ) Foreign currency translation (106,621 ) (108,056 ) (115,154 ) (74,444 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 3,698 1,115 2,477 (246 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,173 4,321 2,209 5,098 Foreign currency translation, net of tax (100,750 ) (102,620 ) (110,468 ) (69,592 ) Ending balance (1,318,443 ) (1,144,860 ) (1,318,443 ) (1,144,860 ) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (653,766 ) (392,293 ) (672,323 ) (419,284 ) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 13,718 8,389 40,330 39,718 Income tax benefit (expense) (3,001 ) (2,492 ) (11,033 ) (6,793 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (13 ) (7 ) (36 ) (44 ) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 10,704 5,890 29,261 32,881 Ending balance (643,062 ) (386,403 ) (643,062 ) (386,403 ) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance 68,474 (32,356 ) 38,993 (84,010 ) Unrealized gain (loss) (109,481 ) 142,416 (32,918 ) 219,441 Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services (4,547 ) (19,512 ) (43,362 ) (25,772 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 12,387 (26,395 ) 4,156 (45,436 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 125 (127 ) 89 (197 ) Cash flow hedges, net of tax (101,516 ) 96,382 (72,035 ) 148,036 Ending balance (2) (33,042 ) 64,026 (33,042 ) 64,026 Investments Beginning balance 728 1,876 728 2,391 Unrealized gain (loss) — (1,454 ) — (1,970 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — 305 — 305 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1 — 2 Investments, net of tax — (1,148 ) — (1,663 ) Ending balance 728 728 728 728 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,993,819 ) $ (1,466,509 ) $ (1,993,819 ) $ (1,466,509 ) _______________ (1) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing, General and administrative costs and non-operating expenses. (2) As of May 31, 2020 , $4,372 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next twelve months. |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
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, GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS (1) North America 3,973,356 529,405 (1,492 ) 4,501,269 Europe 1,569,223 371,680 2,720 1,943,623 Growth Markets 662,971 250,801 (24,070 ) 889,702 Total $ 6,205,550 $ 1,151,886 $ (22,842 ) $ 7,334,594 _______________ (1) Effective March 1, 2020, we began managing our business under a new growth model through our three geographic markets, which became our reportable segments in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. |
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] | Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class were as follows: August 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 1,013,976 $ (358,130 ) $ 655,846 $ 1,268,841 $ (444,315 ) $ 824,526 Technology 119,686 (45,851 ) 73,835 146,815 (50,697 ) 96,118 Patents 127,796 (66,167 ) 61,629 128,070 (66,048 ) 62,022 Other 78,344 (28,875 ) 49,469 82,736 (33,396 ) 49,340 Total $ 1,339,802 $ (499,023 ) $ 840,779 $ 1,626,462 $ (594,456 ) $ 1,032,006 |
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] | Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2020 $ 62,762 2021 220,067 2022 177,937 2023 159,124 2024 132,463 Thereafter 279,653 Total $ 1,032,006 |
LEASES (Tables)
LEASES (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Leases [Abstract] | |
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] | As of May 31, 2020 , we had no material finance leases. Operating lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease costs were as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, 2020 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 Operating lease cost $ 191,351 $ 557,404 Variable lease cost 42,537 137,940 Sublease income (6,831 ) (19,391 ) $ 227,057 $ 675,953 |
Supplemental information related to operating lease transactions [Table Text Block] | Supplemental information related to operating lease transactions was as follows: Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 Lease liability payments $ 535,549 Lease assets obtained in exchange for liabilities $ 486,739 |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] | The following maturity analysis presents future undiscounted cash outflows for operating leases as of May 31, 2020 : Lease Payments Sublease Receipts 2020 (Remainder) $ 179,590 $ (5,479 ) 2021 744,328 (16,026 ) 2022 626,354 (8,061 ) 2023 523,343 (7,618 ) 2024 439,048 (7,181 ) Thereafter 1,474,890 (31,050 ) Total lease payments (receipts) 3,987,553 $ (75,415 ) Less interest (544,371 ) Total lease liabilities $ 3,443,182 |
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] | Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases as of August 31, 2019 , which were accounted for in accordance with Topic 840, were as follows: Lease Payments Sublease Receipts 2020 $ 688,020 $ (24,884 ) 2021 597,307 (17,908 ) 2022 516,544 (8,535 ) 2023 428,481 (7,541 ) 2024 363,107 (7,184 ) Thereafter 1,246,097 (30,708 ) $ 3,839,556 $ (96,760 ) |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTI_2
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Dividend Activity | Our dividend activity during the nine months ended May 31, 2020 was as follows: Dividend Per Accenture plc Class A Accenture Canada Holdings Total Cash Dividend Payment Date Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay November 15, 2019 $ 0.80 October 17, 2019 $ 507,725 October 15, 2019 $ 656 $ 508,381 February 14, 2020 $ 0.80 January 16, 2020 $ 510,604 January 14, 2020 $ 634 $ 511,238 May 15, 2020 $ 0.80 April 16, 2020 $ 508,283 April 14, 2020 $ 630 $ 508,913 Total Dividends $ 1,526,612 $ 1,920 $ 1,528,532 |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
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 $ 42,750 $ 53,033 Other non-current assets 26,010 49,525 Other Derivatives Other current assets 26,750 8,059 Total assets $ 95,510 $ 110,617 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 38,378 $ 18,826 Other non-current liabilities 30,568 8,770 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 9,093 32,195 Total liabilities $ 78,039 $ 59,791 Total fair value $ 17,471 $ 50,826 Total notional value $ 8,766,370 $ 8,709,917 |
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities Table | We utilize 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, we record 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 $ 59,781 $ 88,811 Net derivative liabilities 42,310 37,985 Total fair value $ 17,471 $ 50,826 |
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Reportable Operating Segments | Amounts are attributed to geographic markets based on where clients are located. Information regarding our geographic markets is as follows: Three Months Ended May 31, 2020 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues $ 5,239,275 $ 3,574,995 $ 2,177,035 $ 10,991,305 Depreciation and amortization (2) 91,066 87,895 74,347 253,308 Operating income 720,997 535,463 456,273 1,712,733 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 3,141,914 1,236,004 549,324 4,927,242 Three Months Ended May 31, 2019 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues (1) $ 5,147,948 $ 3,773,835 $ 2,177,905 $ 11,099,688 Depreciation and amortization (2) 74,759 73,994 72,556 221,309 Operating income 881,557 551,665 284,721 1,717,943 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 2,907,951 1,332,909 771,078 5,011,938 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues $ 15,784,518 $ 10,993,277 $ 6,713,973 $ 33,491,768 Depreciation and amortization (2) 253,018 248,448 227,364 728,830 Operating income 2,281,648 1,477,338 1,209,955 4,968,941 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 3,141,914 1,236,004 549,324 4,927,242 Nine Months Ended May 31, 2019 North America Europe Growth Markets Total Revenues (1) $ 14,758,046 $ 11,125,999 $ 6,275,318 $ 32,159,363 Depreciation and amortization (2) 221,896 213,789 216,907 652,592 Operating income 2,266,963 1,596,776 869,842 4,733,581 Net assets as of May 31 (3) 2,907,951 1,332,909 771,078 5,011,938 _______________ (1) Effective September 1, 2019 we revised the reporting of our geographic markets for the movement of one country from Growth Markets to Europe. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. (2) Amounts include depreciation on property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets controlled by each reportable segment, as well as an allocation for amounts they do not directly control. (3) We do not allocate total assets by reportable segment. Reportable segment assets directly attributable to a reportable segment and provided to the chief operating decision makers include receivables and current and non-current contract assets, deferred contract costs and current and non-current deferred revenues. Revenues by industry group and type of work is as follows: Revenues Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 INDUSTRY GROUPS Communications, Media & Technology $ 2,197,152 $ 2,253,136 $ 6,681,968 $ 6,533,319 Financial Services 2,137,850 2,196,595 6,414,211 6,369,477 Health & Public Service 2,015,874 1,819,775 5,932,693 5,283,364 Products 2,998,903 3,077,227 9,376,984 8,912,588 Resources 1,636,606 1,747,977 5,071,450 5,040,143 Other 4,920 4,978 14,462 20,472 Total $ 10,991,305 $ 11,099,688 $ 33,491,768 $ 32,159,363 TYPE OF WORK Consulting $ 5,997,894 $ 6,236,630 $ 18,546,448 $ 17,990,967 Outsourcing 4,993,411 4,863,058 14,945,320 14,168,396 Total $ 10,991,305 $ 11,099,688 $ 33,491,768 $ 32,159,363 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additio
BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2019 | |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current | $ 37,468 | $ 37,468 | $ 45,538 | ||
Depreciation | 119,148 | $ 109,398 | 338,830 | $ 322,746 | |
Accumulated depreciation | 2,238,805 | 2,238,805 | 1,956,029 | ||
DeferredTransitionAmortizationExpense | 71,278 | $ 67,225 | 217,946 | $ 204,313 | |
Retained earnings | 12,565,857 | 12,565,857 | 10,421,538 | ||
Contract assets, (current) | $ 668,235 | $ 668,235 | $ 627,733 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION ASU Adopt
BASIS OF PRESENTATION ASU Adoption - Balance Sheet Impacts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2020 | Sep. 01, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2019 |
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Other current assets | $ 1,354,698 | $ 1,186,698 | $ 1,225,364 |
Contract assets (non-current) | 52,701 | 71,002 | |
Deferred contract costs | 704,282 | 681,492 | |
Deferred revenues | 3,536,521 | 3,188,835 | |
Retained earnings | 12,565,857 | 10,421,538 | |
Lease assets | 3,222,787 | 3,169,608 | 0 |
Other non-current assets | 1,638,024 | 1,389,959 | 1,400,292 |
Lease liabilities | 738,642 | 699,399 | 0 |
Other accrued liabilities | 950,747 | 951,450 | |
Lease liabilities | 2,704,540 | 2,666,344 | 0 |
Other non-current liabilities | $ 405,544 | 282,557 | $ 526,988 |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | |||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Other current assets | (38,666) | ||
Lease assets | 3,169,608 | ||
Other non-current assets | (10,333) | ||
Lease liabilities | 699,399 | ||
Other accrued liabilities | (703) | ||
Lease liabilities | 2,666,344 | ||
Other non-current liabilities | $ (244,431) |
REVENUES Performance Obligation
REVENUES Performance Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2021 | Aug. 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | ||||
Document Period End Date | May 31, 2020 | |||
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount | $ 19 | $ 20 | ||
Forecast [Member] | ||||
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | ||||
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage | 36.00% | 36.00% |
REVENUES Contract Balances (Det
REVENUES Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2019 | |
Contract Balances [Abstract] | |||||
Deferred transition revenues | $ 638,821,000 | $ 638,821,000 | $ 563,245,000 | ||
Deferred Transition Costs | 704,282,000 | 704,282,000 | 681,492,000 | ||
Receivables, net of allowance | 7,677,366,000 | 7,677,366,000 | 7,467,338,000 | ||
Contract assets, (current) | 668,235,000 | 668,235,000 | 627,733,000 | ||
Receivables and contract assets | 8,345,601,000 | 8,345,601,000 | 8,095,071,000 | ||
Contract assets (non-current) | 52,701,000 | 52,701,000 | 71,002,000 | ||
Deferred revenues (current) | 3,536,521,000 | 3,536,521,000 | 3,188,835,000 | ||
Deferred revenues (non-current) | 638,821,000 | 638,821,000 | $ 565,224,000 | ||
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized | $ 1,900,000,000 | $ 1,700,000,000 | $ 2,600,000,000 | $ 2,700,000,000 |
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
Basic earnings per share | ||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 1,228,202 | $ 1,249,516 | $ 3,819,910 | $ 3,648,685 |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 636,146,240 | 637,831,341 | 636,445,172 | 638,439,707 |
Basic earnings per share | $ 1.93 | $ 1.96 | $ 6 | $ 5.72 |
Diluted earnings per share | ||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 1,228,202 | $ 1,249,516 | $ 3,819,910 | $ 3,648,685 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) | 1,518 | 1,676 | 4,791 | 5,213 |
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $ 1,229,720 | $ 1,251,192 | $ 3,824,701 | $ 3,653,898 |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 636,146,240 | 637,831,341 | 636,445,172 | 638,439,707 |
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interest (1) | 785,993 | 855,508 | 797,551 | 912,175 |
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares | 8,651,386 | 10,531,355 | 10,647,446 | 10,680,792 |
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares | 24,295 | 79,513 | 135,500 | 112,257 |
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 645,607,914 | 649,297,717 | 648,025,669 | 650,144,931 |
Diluted earnings per share | $ 1.90 | $ 1.93 | $ 5.90 | $ 5.62 |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2019 | ||
Foreign currency translation | ||||||
Beginning balance | $ (1,217,693) | $ (1,042,240) | $ (1,207,975) | $ (1,075,268) | ||
Foreign currency translation | (106,621) | (108,056) | (115,154) | (74,444) | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 3,698 | 1,115 | 2,477 | (246) | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,173 | 4,321 | 2,209 | 5,098 | ||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | (100,750) | (102,620) | (110,468) | (69,592) | ||
Ending balance | (1,318,443) | (1,144,860) | (1,318,443) | (1,144,860) | ||
Defined benefit plans | ||||||
Beginning balance | (653,766) | (392,293) | (672,323) | (419,284) | ||
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense (1) | [1] | 13,718 | 8,389 | 40,330 | 39,718 | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | (3,001) | (2,492) | (11,033) | (6,793) | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (13) | (7) | (36) | (44) | ||
Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 10,704 | 5,890 | 29,261 | 32,881 | ||
Ending balance | (643,062) | (386,403) | (643,062) | (386,403) | ||
Cash flow hedges | ||||||
Beginning balance | 68,474 | (32,356) | 38,993 | (84,010) | ||
Unrealized gain (loss) | (109,481) | 142,416 | (32,918) | 219,441 | ||
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services | (4,547) | (19,512) | (43,362) | (25,772) | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 12,387 | (26,395) | 4,156 | (45,436) | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | 125 | (127) | 89 | (197) | ||
Cash flow hedges, net of tax | (101,516) | 96,382 | (72,035) | 148,036 | ||
Ending balance (2) | [2] | (33,042) | 64,026 | (33,042) | 64,026 | |
Investments | ||||||
Beginning balance | 728 | 1,876 | 728 | 2,391 | ||
Unrealized gain (loss) | 0 | (1,454) | 0 | (1,970) | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 0 | 305 | 0 | 305 | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | ||
Investments, net of tax | 0 | (1,148) | 0 | (1,663) | ||
Ending balance | 728 | 728 | 728 | 728 | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ (1,993,819) | $ (1,466,509) | $ (1,993,819) | $ (1,466,509) | $ (1,840,577) | |
[1] | Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing, General and administrative costs and non-operating expenses. | |||||
[2] | As of May 31, 2020 , $4,372 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next twelve months. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020USD ($) | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months | $ 4,372 |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS- Addition
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS- Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020USD ($) | |
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | |
Business Acquisitions [Line Items] | |
Cash Consideration | $ 1,303,380 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_2
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020USD ($) | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | $ 6,205,550 |
Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 1,151,886 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (22,842) |
Goodwill | 7,334,594 |
North America [Member] | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 3,973,356 |
Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 529,405 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (1,492) |
Goodwill | 4,501,269 |
Europe [Member] | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 1,569,223 |
Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 371,680 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 2,720 |
Goodwill | 1,943,623 |
Growth Markets [Member] | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 662,971 |
Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 250,801 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (24,070) |
Goodwill | $ 889,702 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_3
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible Table by Major Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | $ 1,626,462 | $ 1,339,802 |
Accumulated Amortization | (594,456) | (499,023) |
Net Carrying Amount | 1,032,006 | 840,779 |
Customer-related | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 1,268,841 | 1,013,976 |
Accumulated Amortization | (444,315) | (358,130) |
Net Carrying Amount | 824,526 | 655,846 |
Technology | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 146,815 | 119,686 |
Accumulated Amortization | (50,697) | (45,851) |
Net Carrying Amount | 96,118 | 73,835 |
Patents | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 128,070 | 127,796 |
Accumulated Amortization | (66,048) | (66,167) |
Net Carrying Amount | 62,022 | 61,629 |
Other | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 82,736 | 78,344 |
Accumulated Amortization | (33,396) | (28,875) |
Net Carrying Amount | $ 49,340 | $ 49,469 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2019 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||
Amortization of Intangible Assets | $ 62,883 | $ 44,686 | $ 172,054 | $ 125,533 | |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] | |||||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year | 62,762 | 62,762 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two | 220,067 | 220,067 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three | 177,937 | 177,937 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four | 159,124 | 159,124 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five | 132,463 | 132,463 | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five | 279,653 | 279,653 | |||
Net Carrying Amount | $ 1,032,006 | $ 1,032,006 | $ 840,779 |
LEASES (Detail)
LEASES (Detail) $ in Millions | May 31, 2020USD ($) |
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] | |
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term | 7 years 6 months |
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent | 4.30% |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Amount | $ 474 |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract | 16 years |
LEASES Lease Cost (Details)
LEASES Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2020 | |
Lease, Cost [Abstract] | ||
Operating Lease, Cost | $ 191,351 | $ 557,404 |
Variable Lease, Cost | 42,537 | 137,940 |
Sublease Income | (6,831) | (19,391) |
Lease, Cost | $ 227,057 | $ 675,953 |
LEASES Supplemental information
LEASES Supplemental information related to operating lease transactions (Details) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended |
May 31, 2020USD ($) | |
Supplementary information related to operating lease transactions [Abstract] | |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due | $ 535,549 |
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability | $ 486,739 |
LEASES Lessee, Operating Lease,
LEASES Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2020USD ($) |
Supplementary information related to operating lease transactions [Abstract] | |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year | $ 179,590 |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year | (5,479) |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two | 744,328 |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years | (16,026) |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three | 626,354 |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years | (8,061) |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four | 523,343 |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years | (7,618) |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five | 439,048 |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years | (7,181) |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five | 1,474,890 |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter | (31,050) |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due | 3,987,553 |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received | (75,415) |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount | (544,371) |
Operating Lease, Liability | $ 3,443,182 |
LEASES Future Minimum Lease Pay
LEASES Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands | Aug. 31, 2019USD ($) |
Supplementary information related to operating lease transactions [Abstract] | |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year | $ 688,020 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current | (24,884) |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years | 597,307 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years | (17,908) |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years | 516,544 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years | (8,535) |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years | 428,481 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years | (7,541) |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years | 363,107 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years | (7,184) |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter | 1,246,097 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter | (30,708) |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due | 3,839,556 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable | $ (96,760) |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTI_3
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Dividend Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | Apr. 16, 2020 | Apr. 14, 2020 | May 31, 2020 | Feb. 29, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 |
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Dividend Per Share | $ 0.80 | $ 1.46 | $ 2.40 | $ 2.92 | |||
Cash Outlay | $ 1,528,532 | ||||||
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Cash Outlay | 1,920 | ||||||
Class A ordinary shares | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Cash Outlay | 1,526,612 | ||||||
Dividend Payment November 2019 [Domain] | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Dividend Payment Date | Nov. 15, 2019 | ||||||
Dividend Per Share | $ 0.80 | ||||||
Cash Outlay | $ 508,381 | ||||||
Dividend Payment November 2019 [Domain] | Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Record Date | Oct. 15, 2019 | ||||||
Cash Outlay | $ 656 | 634 | |||||
Dividend Payment November 2019 [Domain] | Class A ordinary shares | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Record Date | Oct. 17, 2019 | ||||||
Cash Outlay | $ 507,725 | $ 510,604 | |||||
Dividend Payment February 2020 [Domain] [Domain] | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Dividend Payment Date | Feb. 14, 2020 | ||||||
Dividend Per Share | $ 0.80 | ||||||
Cash Outlay | $ 511,238 | ||||||
Dividend Payment February 2020 [Domain] [Domain] | Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Record Date | Jan. 14, 2020 | ||||||
Dividend Payment February 2020 [Domain] [Domain] | Class A ordinary shares | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Record Date | Jan. 16, 2020 | ||||||
Dividend Payment May 2020 [Domain] | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Dividend Payment Date | May 15, 2020 | ||||||
Dividend Per Share | $ 0.80 | ||||||
Cash Outlay | $ 508,913 | ||||||
Dividend Payment May 2020 [Domain] | Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Record Date | Apr. 14, 2020 | ||||||
Cash Outlay | $ 630 | ||||||
Dividend Payment May 2020 [Domain] | Class A ordinary shares | |||||||
Dividends [Line Items] | |||||||
Record Date | Apr. 16, 2020 | ||||||
Cash Outlay | $ 508,283 |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTI_4
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares | Aug. 14, 2020 | Jul. 16, 2020 | Jun. 24, 2020 | May 31, 2020 |
Dividends Payable [Line Items] | ||||
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share | $ 0.80 | |||
Dividend Declared [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares | Subsequent Event [Member] | ||||
Dividends Payable [Line Items] | ||||
Cash dividend declared date | Jun. 24, 2020 | |||
Cash dividend record date | Jul. 16, 2020 | |||
Cash dividend payment date | Aug. 14, 2020 |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Notiona
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 |
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | $ 95,510 | $ 110,617 |
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 78,039 | 59,791 |
Total fair value | 17,471 | 50,826 |
Derivative, Notional Amount | 8,766,370 | 8,709,917 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 42,750 | 53,033 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 38,378 | 18,826 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other non-current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 26,010 | 49,525 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other non-current liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 30,568 | 8,770 |
Other Derivatives | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 26,750 | 8,059 |
Other Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | $ 9,093 | $ 32,195 |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Additio
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Realized gains or (losses) and changes in the estimated fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges | $ 17,132 | $ (10,319) | $ (38,026) | $ (88,247) |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Offsettin
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 |
Offsetting [Abstract] | ||
Net derivative assets | $ 59,781 | $ 88,811 |
Net derivative liabilities | 42,310 | 37,985 |
Total fair value | $ 17,471 | $ 50,826 |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Equity Se
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) | May 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] | ||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | ||
Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values | $ 133,222 | $ 131,675 |
INCOME TAXES (Details)
INCOME TAXES (Details) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent | 25.50% | 25.60% | 22.30% | 21.10% |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | May 31, 2020 | Aug. 31, 2019 |
Indemnifications and Guarantees [Abstract] | ||
Expressly limited performance guarantee | $ 737,000 | $ 794,000 |
Portion of guarantee not recoverable | $ 98,000 | $ 128,000 |
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | May 31, 2020 | May 31, 2019 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | $ 10,991,305 | $ 11,099,688 | $ 33,491,768 | $ 32,159,363 |
Consulting Revenue [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 5,997,894 | 6,236,630 | 18,546,448 | 17,990,967 |
Outsourcing Revenue [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 4,993,411 | 4,863,058 | 14,945,320 | 14,168,396 |
North America [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 5,239,275 | 5,147,948 | 15,784,518 | 14,758,046 |
Europe [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 3,574,995 | 3,773,835 | 10,993,277 | 11,125,999 |
Growth Markets [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,177,035 | 2,177,905 | 6,713,973 | 6,275,318 |
Communications, Media & Technology | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,197,152 | 2,253,136 | 6,681,968 | 6,533,319 |
Financial Services | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,137,850 | 2,196,595 | 6,414,211 | 6,369,477 |
Health & Public Service | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,015,874 | 1,819,775 | 5,932,693 | 5,283,364 |
Products | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,998,903 | 3,077,227 | 9,376,984 | 8,912,588 |
Resources | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 1,636,606 | 1,747,977 | 5,071,450 | 5,040,143 |
Revenues (1) | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | $ 4,920 | $ 4,978 | $ 14,462 | $ 20,472 |
SEGMENT REPORTING - Additional
SEGMENT REPORTING - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
May 31, 2020USD ($) | May 31, 2019USD ($) | May 31, 2020USD ($)segment | May 31, 2019USD ($) | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | $ 10,991,305 | $ 11,099,688 | $ 33,491,768 | $ 32,159,363 |
Depreciation and amortization | 253,308 | 221,309 | 728,830 | 652,592 |
Operating income | 1,712,733 | 1,717,943 | 4,968,941 | 4,733,581 |
Net assets as of May 31 | 4,927,242 | 5,011,938 | $ 4,927,242 | 5,011,938 |
Number of operating segments | segment | 3 | |||
Products | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,998,903 | 3,077,227 | $ 9,376,984 | 8,912,588 |
Resources Segment [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 1,636,606 | 1,747,977 | 5,071,450 | 5,040,143 |
Revenues (1) | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 4,920 | 4,978 | 14,462 | 20,472 |
Communications, Media & Technology | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,197,152 | 2,253,136 | 6,681,968 | 6,533,319 |
Financial Services | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,137,850 | 2,196,595 | 6,414,211 | 6,369,477 |
Health & Public Service | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,015,874 | 1,819,775 | 5,932,693 | 5,283,364 |
Europe [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 3,574,995 | 3,773,835 | 10,993,277 | 11,125,999 |
Depreciation and amortization | 87,895 | 73,994 | 248,448 | 213,789 |
Operating income | 535,463 | 551,665 | 1,477,338 | 1,596,776 |
Net assets as of May 31 | 1,236,004 | 1,332,909 | 1,236,004 | 1,332,909 |
Growth Markets [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 2,177,035 | 2,177,905 | 6,713,973 | 6,275,318 |
Depreciation and amortization | 74,347 | 72,556 | 227,364 | 216,907 |
Operating income | 456,273 | 284,721 | 1,209,955 | 869,842 |
Net assets as of May 31 | 549,324 | 771,078 | 549,324 | 771,078 |
North America [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 5,239,275 | 5,147,948 | 15,784,518 | 14,758,046 |
Depreciation and amortization | 91,066 | 74,759 | 253,018 | 221,896 |
Operating income | 720,997 | 881,557 | 2,281,648 | 2,266,963 |
Net assets as of May 31 | 3,141,914 | 2,907,951 | 3,141,914 | 2,907,951 |
Outsourcing Revenue [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | 4,993,411 | 4,863,058 | 14,945,320 | 14,168,396 |
Consulting Revenue [Member] | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Revenues | $ 5,997,894 | $ 6,236,630 | $ 18,546,448 | $ 17,990,967 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)
SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) | Jun. 17, 2020USD ($) |
Subsequent event [Abstract] | |
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | $ 1,000,000,000 |
Line of Credit Facility, Description | Jun. 17, 2020 |
Uncategorized Items - acn531202
Label | Element | Value |
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption | $ 2,137,976,000 |
Parent [Member] | ||
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption | 2,134,818,000 |
Retained Earnings [Member] | ||
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption | 2,134,818,000 |
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | ||
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption | $ 3,158,000 |