Cover Page
Cover Page - shares | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Dec. 04, 2023 | |
Document Information [Line Items] | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Document Quarterly Report | true | |
Document Period End Date | Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Document Transition Report | false | |
Entity File Number | 001-34448 | |
Entity Registrant Name | Accenture plc | |
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | L2 | |
Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0627530 | |
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 | |
Title of 12(b) Security | Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share | |
Trading Symbol | ACN | |
Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | |
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Entity Small Business | false | |
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
Entity Shell Company | false | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2024 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 | |
Entity Central Index Key | 0001467373 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --08-31 | |
Class A Ordinary Shares | ||
Document Information [Line Items] | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 666,511,551 | |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
Document Information [Line Items] | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 318,441 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 |
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 7,140,841 | $ 9,045,032 |
Short-term investments | 4,597 | 4,575 |
Receivables and contract assets | 13,241,359 | 12,227,186 |
Other current assets | 2,668,779 | 2,105,138 |
Total current assets | 23,055,576 | 23,381,931 |
NON-CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Contract assets | 121,563 | 106,994 |
Investments | 198,074 | 197,443 |
Property and equipment, net | 1,467,896 | 1,530,007 |
Lease assets | 2,576,198 | 2,637,479 |
Goodwill | 16,236,442 | 15,573,003 |
Deferred contract costs | 827,608 | 851,972 |
Deferred tax assets | 4,165,605 | 4,154,878 |
Other non-current assets | 2,882,392 | 2,811,598 |
Total non-current assets | 28,475,778 | 27,863,374 |
TOTAL ASSETS | 51,531,354 | 51,245,305 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings | 104,819 | 104,810 |
Accounts payable | 2,574,700 | 2,491,173 |
Deferred revenues | 4,459,593 | 4,907,152 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | 7,260,479 | 7,506,030 |
Income taxes payable | 755,929 | 720,778 |
Lease liabilities | 683,628 | 690,417 |
Other accrued liabilities | 1,441,090 | 1,588,678 |
Total current liabilities | 17,280,238 | 18,009,038 |
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Long-term debt | 42,309 | 43,093 |
Deferred revenues | 634,981 | 653,954 |
Retirement obligation | 1,586,945 | 1,595,638 |
Deferred tax liabilities | 415,386 | 395,280 |
Income taxes payable | 1,374,062 | 1,313,971 |
Lease liabilities | 2,249,466 | 2,310,714 |
Other non-current liabilities | 462,530 | 465,024 |
Total non-current liabilities | 6,765,679 | 6,777,674 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Restricted share units | 2,553,022 | 2,403,374 |
Additional paid-in capital | 13,353,477 | 12,778,782 |
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023; Class A ordinary, 39,519,697 and 36,351,137 shares as of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, respectively | (8,032,018) | (7,062,512) |
Retained earnings | 20,429,413 | 19,316,224 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,627,215) | (1,743,101) |
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity | 26,676,751 | 25,692,839 |
Noncontrolling interests | 808,686 | 765,754 |
Total shareholders’ equity | 27,485,437 | 26,458,593 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 51,531,354 | 51,245,305 |
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 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) | Nov. 30, 2023 € / shares shares | Nov. 30, 2023 $ / shares shares | Aug. 31, 2023 € / shares shares | Aug. 31, 2023 $ / shares shares |
Ordinary Shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value (USD per share) | € / shares | € 1 | € 1 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized (in shares) | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued (in shares) | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Treasury shares, ordinary shares (in shares) | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Class A Ordinary Shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value (USD per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.0000225 | $ 0.0000225 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized (in shares) | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued (in shares) | 666,511,551 | 666,511,551 | 664,616,285 | 664,616,285 |
Treasury shares, ordinary shares (in shares) | 39,519,697 | 39,519,697 | 36,351,137 | 36,351,137 |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value (USD per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.0000225 | $ 0.0000225 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized (in shares) | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued (in shares) | 318,441 | 318,441 | 325,438 | 325,438 |
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding (in shares) | 318,441 | 318,441 | 325,438 | 325,438 |
Consolidated Income Statements
Consolidated Income Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
REVENUES: | ||
Revenues | $ 16,224,303 | $ 15,747,802 |
OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||
Cost of services | 10,776,362 | 10,561,660 |
Sales and marketing | 1,709,891 | 1,550,019 |
General and administrative costs | 1,033,499 | 1,043,023 |
Business optimization costs | 139,664 | 0 |
Total operating expenses | 13,659,416 | 13,154,702 |
OPERATING INCOME | 2,564,887 | 2,593,100 |
Interest income | 101,980 | 44,705 |
Interest expense | (14,495) | (7,280) |
Other income (expense), net | (35,719) | (28,907) |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 2,616,653 | 2,601,618 |
Income tax expense | 606,672 | 605,318 |
NET INCOME | 2,009,981 | 1,996,300 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. | (2,016) | (2,085) |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other | (34,521) | (29,265) |
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | $ 1,973,444 | $ 1,964,950 |
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares: | ||
Basic (in shares) | 627,996,111 | 630,137,262 |
Diluted (in shares) | 637,398,361 | 638,766,821 |
Earnings per Class A ordinary share: | ||
Basic (in USD per share) | $ 3.14 | $ 3.12 |
Diluted (in USD per share) | 3.10 | 3.08 |
Cash dividends per share (in USD per share) | $ 1.29 | $ 1.12 |
Consolidated Statements of Comp
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||
NET INCOME | $ 2,009,981 | $ 1,996,300 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX: | ||
Foreign currency translation | 68,192 | 84,168 |
Defined benefit plans | 36,392 | 91,680 |
Cash flow hedges | 11,302 | (41,178) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | 115,886 | 134,670 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1,885 | 2,869 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | 2,127,752 | 2,133,839 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | 2,089,330 | 2,099,620 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 38,422 | 34,219 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ 117,771 | $ 137,539 |
Consolidated Shareholders' Equi
Consolidated Shareholders' Equity Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Total | Class X Ordinary Shares | Common Stock Ordinary Shares | Common Stock Class A Ordinary Shares | Common Stock Class X Ordinary Shares | Common Stock 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, 2022 | $ 22,747,088 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | $ 2,091,382 | $ 10,679,180 | $ (6,678,037) | $ 18,203,842 | $ (2,190,342) | $ 22,106,097 | $ 640,991 | |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2022 | 40,000 | 664,561,000 | 501,000 | 33,434,000 | ||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||
Net income | 1,996,300 | 1,964,950 | 1,964,950 | 31,350 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 137,539 | 134,670 | 134,670 | 2,869 | ||||||||
Purchases of Class A shares | (1,417,148) | 1,304 | $ (1,417,148) | (1,415,844) | (1,304) | |||||||
Purchases of Class A shares (in shares) | (5,210,000) | |||||||||||
Cancellation of treasury shares (in shares) | (8,828,000) | (8,828,000) | ||||||||||
Cancellation of treasury shares | (175,701) | $ 2,595,281 | (2,419,580) | |||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 425,469 | 369,494 | 55,975 | 425,469 | ||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (2,000) | |||||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares | (1,554) | (1,554) | (1,554) | |||||||||
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs (in shares) | 2,522,000 | 966,000 | ||||||||||
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs | 465,707 | (319,202) | 491,630 | $ 329,937 | (37,079) | 465,286 | 421 | |||||
Dividends | (705,567) | 25,763 | (730,701) | (704,938) | (629) | |||||||
Other, net | 18,116 | 475 | 475 | 17,641 | ||||||||
Ending Balance at Nov. 30, 2022 | 23,665,950 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 2,167,437 | 11,051,309 | $ (5,169,967) | 16,981,432 | (2,055,672) | 22,974,611 | 691,339 | |
Ending Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2022 | 40,000 | 658,255,000 | 499,000 | 28,850,000 | ||||||||
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2023 | 26,458,593 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | 2,403,374 | 12,778,782 | $ (7,062,512) | 19,316,224 | (1,743,101) | 25,692,839 | 765,754 | |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2023 | 325,438 | 40,000 | 664,616,000 | 325,000 | 36,391,000 | |||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||
Net income | 2,009,981 | 1,973,444 | 1,973,444 | 36,537 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 117,771 | 115,886 | 115,886 | 1,885 | ||||||||
Purchases of Class A shares | (1,188,289) | 1,050 | $ (1,188,289) | (1,187,239) | (1,050) | |||||||
Purchases of Class A shares (in shares) | (3,810,000) | |||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 423,000 | 365,711 | 57,289 | 423,000 | ||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (in shares) | (7,000) | |||||||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares | (2,839) | (2,839) | (2,839) | |||||||||
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs (in shares) | 1,896,000 | 641,000 | ||||||||||
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs | 477,434 | (245,342) | 525,335 | $ 218,783 | (21,751) | 477,025 | 409 | |||||
Dividends | (810,056) | 29,279 | (838,504) | (809,225) | (831) | |||||||
Other, net | (158) | (6,140) | (6,140) | 5,982 | ||||||||
Ending Balance at Nov. 30, 2023 | $ 27,485,437 | $ 57 | $ 15 | $ 0 | $ 2,553,022 | $ 13,353,477 | $ (8,032,018) | $ 20,429,413 | $ (1,627,215) | $ 26,676,751 | $ 808,686 | |
Ending Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2023 | 318,441 | 40,000 | 666,512,000 | 318,000 | 39,560,000 |
Consolidated Cash Flows Stateme
Consolidated Cash Flows Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Net income | $ 2,009,981 | $ 1,996,300 |
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities — | ||
Depreciation, amortization and other | 521,400 | 506,229 |
Share-based compensation expense | 423,000 | 425,469 |
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | (24,371) | (54,537) |
Other, net | 6,795 | (45,940) |
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions — | ||
Receivables and contract assets, current and non-current | (836,231) | (609,433) |
Other current and non-current assets | (658,647) | (307,960) |
Accounts payable | 48,728 | (202,182) |
Deferred revenues, current and non-current | (510,391) | (270,988) |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | (273,763) | (771,743) |
Income taxes payable, current and non-current | 85,142 | 115,187 |
Other current and non-current liabilities | (293,092) | (285,004) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 498,551 | 495,398 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Purchases of property and equipment | (68,933) | (98,830) |
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired | (788,025) | (686,460) |
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates | 0 | 596 |
Other investing, net | 1,528 | 2,620 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (855,430) | (782,074) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from issuance of shares | 477,434 | 465,707 |
Purchases of shares | (1,191,128) | (1,418,702) |
Proceeds from (repayments of) debt, net | (8,481) | (1,611) |
Cash dividends paid | (810,056) | (705,567) |
Other financing, net | (19,682) | (16,687) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,551,913) | (1,676,860) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 4,601 | (26,594) |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (1,904,191) | (1,990,130) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | 9,045,032 | 7,889,833 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | 7,140,841 | 5,899,703 |
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||
Income taxes paid, net | $ 563,359 | $ 563,526 |
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies 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, 2023 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 12, 2023. 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 months ended November 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024. Allowance for Credit Losses—Client Receivables and Contract Assets As of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, the total allowance for credit losses recorded for client receivables and contract assets was $24,210 and $26,343, respectively. The change in the allowance is primarily due to immaterial write-offs and changes in gross client receivables and contract assets. Investments All available-for-sale securities and liquid investments with an original maturity greater than three months but less than one year are considered to be Short-term investments. Non-current investments consist of equity securities in publicly-traded and privately-held companies and are accounted for using either the equity or fair value measurement alternative method of accounting (for investments without readily determinable fair values). Our non-current investments are as follows: November 30, 2023 August 31, 2023 Equity method investments $ 23,778 $ 23,985 Investments without readily determinable fair values 174,296 173,458 Total non-current investments $ 198,074 $ 197,443 For investments in which we can exercise significant influence but do not control, we use the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and our proportionate share of gains and losses of the investee are included as a component of Other income (expense), net. Depreciation and Amortization As of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, total accumulated depreciation was $2,660,216 and $2,574,685, respectively. See table below for a summary of depreciation on fixed assets, deferred transition amortization, intangible assets amortization and operating lease cost for the three months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Depreciation $ 133,245 $ 144,049 Amortization - Deferred transition 98,491 70,440 Amortization - Intangible assets 111,631 109,069 Operating lease cost 175,014 180,502 Other 3,019 2,169 Total depreciation, amortization and other $ 521,400 $ 506,229 Business Optimization During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we initiated actions to streamline our operations, transform our non-billable corporate functions and consolidate our office space to reduce costs. We recorded $1.1 billion in fiscal 2023 related to these actions and expect to record approximately $450 million in fiscal 2024 for a total of $1.5 billion, primarily related to employee severance. The actual amount and timing of severance and other personnel costs are dependent in part upon local country consultation processes and regulations and may differ from our current expectations and estimates. Total b usiness optimization costs by reportable operating segment for the three months ended November 30, 2023 were as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 North America $ 45,929 EMEA (1) 70,804 Growth Markets (1) 22,931 Total business optimization costs $ 139,664 (1) Effective September 1, 2023, we revised the reporting of our geographic markets for the movement of our Middle East and Africa market units from Growth Markets to Europe, and the Europe market is now referred to as our EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) geographic market. New Accounting Pronouncement |
Revenues
Revenues | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Revenues [Abstract] | |
Revenues | Revenues Disaggregation of Revenue See Note 11 (Segment Reporting) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for our disaggregated revenues. Remaining Performance Obligations We had remaining performance obligations of approximately $26 billion as of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, 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 60% of our remaining performance obligations as of November 30, 2023 as revenue in fiscal 2024, an additional 20% in fiscal 2025, 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 months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Contract Balances Deferred transition revenues were $634,981 and $653,954 as of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, 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. Deferred transition costs were $827,608 and $851,972 as of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, respectively, and are included in Deferred contract costs. 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. The following table provides information about the balances of our Receivables and Contract assets, net of allowance, and Contract liabilities (Deferred revenues): As of November 30, 2023 As of August 31, 2023 Receivables $ 11,467,109 $ 10,690,713 Contract assets (current) 1,774,250 1,536,473 Receivables and contract assets, net of allowance (current) 13,241,359 12,227,186 Contract assets (non-current) 121,563 106,994 Deferred revenues (current) 4,459,593 4,907,152 Deferred revenues (non-current) 634,981 653,954 Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the three months ended November 30, 2023 were a result of normal business activity and not materially impacted by any other factors. Revenues recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2023 that were included in Deferred revenues as of August 31, 2023 were $2.8 billion. Revenues recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2022 that were included in Deferred revenues as of August 31, 2022 were $2.5 billion. |
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,973,444 $ 1,964,950 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 627,996,111 630,137,262 Basic earnings per share $ 3.14 $ 3.12 Diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,973,444 $ 1,964,950 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) 2,016 2,085 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 1,975,460 $ 1,967,035 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 627,996,111 630,137,262 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) 641,659 668,715 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 8,492,332 7,847,787 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 268,259 113,057 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 637,398,361 638,766,821 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.10 $ 3.08 (1) |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Accenture plc: Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (1,510,632) $ (1,852,320) Foreign currency translation 67,789 86,984 Income tax benefit (expense) 2,240 — Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,837) (2,816) Foreign currency translation, net of tax 68,192 84,168 Ending balance (1,442,440) (1,768,152) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (226,503) (348,771) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 44,294 126,171 Income tax benefit (expense) (7,865) (34,394) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (37) (97) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 36,392 91,680 Ending balance (190,111) (257,091) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance (5,966) 10,749 Unrealized gain (loss) 23,614 (59,879) Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services (10,600) 2,606 Income tax benefit (expense) (1,701) 16,051 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (11) 44 Cash flow hedges, net of tax 11,302 (41,178) Ending balance (1) 5,336 (30,429) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,627,215) $ (2,055,672) (1) |
Business Combinations
Business Combinations | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract] | |
Business Combinations | Business Combinations During the three months ended November 30, 2023, we completed individually immaterial acquisitions for total consideration of $781,525, 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 | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets | Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment are as follows: August 31, Additions/ Foreign November 30, 2023 North America $ 8,876,050 $ 445,211 $ 1,699 $ 9,322,960 EMEA (1) 5,152,149 152,424 22,123 5,326,696 Growth Markets (1) 1,544,804 31,702 10,280 1,586,786 Total $ 15,573,003 $ 629,337 $ 34,102 $ 16,236,442 (1) Effective September 1, 2023, we revised the reporting of our geographic markets for the movement of our Middle East and Africa market units from Growth Markets to Europe, and the Europe market is now referred to as our EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) geographic market. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions. Intangible Assets Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: August 31, 2023 November 30, 2023 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 2,842,257 $ (999,604) $ 1,842,653 $ 2,979,421 $ (1,062,036) $ 1,917,385 Technology 289,989 (141,022) 148,967 283,008 (147,420) 135,588 Patents 123,579 (70,472) 53,107 123,058 (70,256) 52,802 Other 65,138 (36,908) 28,230 75,524 (36,995) 38,529 Total $ 3,320,963 $ (1,248,006) $ 2,072,957 $ 3,461,011 $ (1,316,707) $ 2,144,304 Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $111,631 and $109,069 for the three months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of November 30, 2023 is as follows: Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2024 $ 340,888 2025 422,296 2026 372,627 2027 302,269 2028 270,412 Thereafter 435,812 Total $ 2,144,304 |
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' Equity | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Shareholders' Equity | Shareholders’ Equity Dividends Our dividend activity during the three months ended November 30, 2023 is 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, 2023 $ 1.29 October 12, 2023 $ 809,225 October 10, 2023 $ 831 $ 810,056 The payment of cash dividends includes the net effect of $29,279 of additional restricted stock units being issued as a part of our share plans, which resulted in 89,674 restricted share units being issued. Subsequent Event On December 18, 2023, the Board of Directors of Accenture plc declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.29 per share on our Class A ordinary shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on January 18, 2024 payable on February 15, 2024. |
Financial Instruments
Financial Instruments | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Financial Instruments | 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 months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, as well as those expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next twelve 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 losses of $20,280 and $29,691 for the three months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, 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 are as follows: November 30, 2023 August 31, 2023 Assets Cash Flow Hedges Other current assets $ 51,060 $ 52,995 Other non-current assets 40,640 44,739 Other Derivatives Other current assets 57,358 6,686 Total assets $ 149,058 $ 104,420 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 37,319 $ 50,020 Other non-current liabilities 18,952 26,076 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 12,252 38,645 Total liabilities $ 68,523 $ 114,741 Total fair value $ 80,535 $ (10,321) Total notional value $ 12,439,169 $ 13,390,031 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 is as follows: November 30, 2023 August 31, 2023 Net derivative assets $ 101,420 $ 50,528 Net derivative liabilities 20,885 60,849 Total fair value $ 80,535 $ (10,321) |
Income Taxes
Income Taxes | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | 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 November 30, 2023 and 2022 were 23.2% and 23.3%, respectively. |
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies | 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 November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, our aggregate potential liability to our clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $1,929,000 and $1,793,000, respectively, of which all but approximately $52,000 and $51,000, 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. As of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023, we have issued or provided guarantees in the form of letters of credit and surety bonds of $1,348,671 and $1,294,653, respectively, the majority of which support certain contracts that require us to provide them as a guarantee of our performance. These guarantees are typically renewed annually and remain in place until the contractual obligations are satisfied. In general, we would only be liable for these guarantees in the event we defaulted in performing our obligations under each contract, the probability of which we believe is remote. 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, indemnification provisions, letters of credit and surety bonds, and believe that any potential payments would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as a whole. Legal Contingencies As of November 30, 2023, 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, except as otherwise noted 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. On May 3, 2022, the court issued an order granting in part the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification, which we appealed. On August 17, 2023, the appeals court vacated the class certification and remanded the case to the district court for consideration of, among other things, the class action waiver signed by Starwood customer plaintiffs. On November 29, 2023, the district court reinstated the classes previously certified by the court in May 2022. We have filed a petition to appeal. We continue to believe the lawsuit is without merit and we will vigorously defend it. At present, we do not believe any losses from this matter will have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition. After Accenture Federal Services (“AFS”) made a voluntary disclosure to the U.S. government, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) initiated a civil and criminal investigation concerning whether one or more employees provided inaccurate submissions to an assessor who was evaluating on behalf of the U.S. government an AFS service offering and whether the service offering fully implemented required federal security controls. AFS is responding to an administrative subpoena and cooperating with DOJ’s investigation. This matter could subject us to adverse consequences as described under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2023 – “Our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment”. We cannot at this time determine when or how this matter will be resolved or estimate the cost or range of costs that are reasonably likely to be incurred in connection with this matter. |
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Segment Reporting | Segment Reporting Effective September 1, 2023, we revised the reporting of our geographic markets for the movement of our Middle East and Africa market units from Growth Markets to Europe, and the Europe market is now referred to as our EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) geographic market. Prior period amounts below have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. Our reportable segments are our three geographic markets, which are North America, EMEA and Growth Markets. Information regarding reportable segments, industry groups and type of work is as follows: Revenues Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Geographic Markets North America $ 7,562,902 $ 7,622,820 EMEA 5,803,642 5,312,899 Growth Markets 2,857,759 2,812,083 Total Revenues $ 16,224,303 $ 15,747,802 Industry Groups Communications, Media & Technology $ 2,669,448 $ 2,980,203 Financial Services 3,033,578 2,963,396 Health & Public Service 3,377,466 3,000,019 Products 4,859,987 4,665,788 Resources 2,283,824 2,138,396 Total Revenues $ 16,224,303 $ 15,747,802 Type of Work Consulting $ 8,456,506 $ 8,444,367 Managed Services 7,767,797 7,303,435 Total Revenues $ 16,224,303 $ 15,747,802 Operating Income Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Geographic Markets North America $ 1,256,708 $ 1,309,883 EMEA 823,601 726,883 Growth Markets 484,578 556,334 Total Operating Income $ 2,564,887 $ 2,593,100 |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure | ||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 1,973,444 | $ 1,964,950 |
Insider Trading Arrangements
Insider Trading Arrangements | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 shares | |
Trading Arrangements, by Individual | |
Material Terms of Trading Arrangement | The table below summarizes the terms of trading arrangements adopted or terminated by our executive officers or directors during the first quarter of fiscal 2024. All of the trading arrangements listed below are intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c). Name Title Date of Adoption or Termination Duration of Plan (1) Aggregate number of Class A ordinary shares to be sold pursuant to the trading agreement Melissa Burgum Chief accounting officer Adopted on October 27, 2023 January 25, 2024 - October 25, 2024 Up to 3,600 (2) KC McClure Chief financial officer Adopted on October 30, 2023 January 28, 2024 - October 25, 2024 Up to 18,100 (2) Jean-Marc Ollagnier Chief executive officer—EMEA Adopted on October 18, 2023 January 16, 2024 - October 25, 2024 Up to 25,000 Ellyn Shook Chief leadership and human resources officer Adopted on October 23, 2023 January 21, 2024 - October 25, 2024 Up to 20,000 John Walsh Chief operating officer Adopted on October 30, 2023 January 28, 2024 - October 25, 2024 Up to 13,000 (1) Each plan will expire on the earlier of the expiration date or the completion of all transactions under the trading arrangement. |
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | false |
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated | false |
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated | false |
Melissa Burgum [Member] | |
Trading Arrangements, by Individual | |
Name | Melissa Burgum |
Title | Chief accounting officer |
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | true |
Adoption Date | October 27, 2023 |
Arrangement Duration | 274 days |
Aggregate Available | 3,600 |
KC McClure [Member] | |
Trading Arrangements, by Individual | |
Name | KC McClure |
Title | Chief financial officer |
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | true |
Adoption Date | October 30, 2023 |
Arrangement Duration | 271 days |
Aggregate Available | 18,100 |
Jean-Marc Ollagnier [Member] | |
Trading Arrangements, by Individual | |
Name | Jean-Marc Ollagnier |
Title | Chief executive officer—EMEA |
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | true |
Adoption Date | October 18, 2023 |
Arrangement Duration | 283 days |
Aggregate Available | 25,000 |
Ellyn Shook [Member] | |
Trading Arrangements, by Individual | |
Name | Ellyn Shook |
Title | Chief leadership and human resources officer |
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | true |
Adoption Date | October 23, 2023 |
Arrangement Duration | 278 days |
Aggregate Available | 20,000 |
John Walsh [Member] | |
Trading Arrangements, by Individual | |
Name | John Walsh |
Title | Chief operating officer |
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | true |
Adoption Date | October 30, 2023 |
Arrangement Duration | 271 days |
Aggregate Available | 13,000 |
Basis of Presentation (Policies
Basis of Presentation (Policies) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
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, 2023 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 12, 2023. 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 months ended November 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024. |
Allowance for Credit Losses - Client Receivables and Contract Assets | Allowance for Credit Losses—Client Receivables and Contract Assets |
Investments | Investments All available-for-sale securities and liquid investments with an original maturity greater than three months but less than one year are considered to be Short-term investments. Non-current investments consist of equity securities in publicly-traded and privately-held companies and are accounted for using either the equity or fair value measurement alternative method of accounting (for investments without readily determinable fair values). Our non-current investments are as follows: November 30, 2023 August 31, 2023 Equity method investments $ 23,778 $ 23,985 Investments without readily determinable fair values 174,296 173,458 Total non-current investments $ 198,074 $ 197,443 For investments in which we can exercise significant influence but do not control, we use the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and our proportionate share of gains and losses of the investee are included as a component of Other income (expense), net. |
New Accounting Pronouncement | New Accounting Pronouncement |
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 | 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. |
Basis of Presentation (Tables)
Basis of Presentation (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Non-current Investments | Our non-current investments are as follows: November 30, 2023 August 31, 2023 Equity method investments $ 23,778 $ 23,985 Investments without readily determinable fair values 174,296 173,458 Total non-current investments $ 198,074 $ 197,443 |
Schedule of Depreciation, Amortization and Other | See table below for a summary of depreciation on fixed assets, deferred transition amortization, intangible assets amortization and operating lease cost for the three months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Depreciation $ 133,245 $ 144,049 Amortization - Deferred transition 98,491 70,440 Amortization - Intangible assets 111,631 109,069 Operating lease cost 175,014 180,502 Other 3,019 2,169 Total depreciation, amortization and other $ 521,400 $ 506,229 |
Schedule of Business Optimization Costs | Total b usiness optimization costs by reportable operating segment for the three months ended November 30, 2023 were as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 North America $ 45,929 EMEA (1) 70,804 Growth Markets (1) 22,931 Total business optimization costs $ 139,664 (1) Effective September 1, 2023, we revised the reporting of our geographic markets for the movement of our Middle East and Africa market units from Growth Markets to Europe, and the Europe market is now referred to as our EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) geographic market. |
Revenues (Tables)
Revenues (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Revenues [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Receivables, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Deferred Revenues) | The following table provides information about the balances of our Receivables and Contract assets, net of allowance, and Contract liabilities (Deferred revenues): As of November 30, 2023 As of August 31, 2023 Receivables $ 11,467,109 $ 10,690,713 Contract assets (current) 1,774,250 1,536,473 Receivables and contract assets, net of allowance (current) 13,241,359 12,227,186 Contract assets (non-current) 121,563 106,994 Deferred revenues (current) 4,459,593 4,907,152 Deferred revenues (non-current) 634,981 653,954 |
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
Earnings Per Share (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share | Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,973,444 $ 1,964,950 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 627,996,111 630,137,262 Basic earnings per share $ 3.14 $ 3.12 Diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,973,444 $ 1,964,950 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) 2,016 2,085 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 1,975,460 $ 1,967,035 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 627,996,111 630,137,262 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) 641,659 668,715 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 8,492,332 7,847,787 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 268,259 113,057 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 637,398,361 638,766,821 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.10 $ 3.08 (1) |
Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [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 November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (1,510,632) $ (1,852,320) Foreign currency translation 67,789 86,984 Income tax benefit (expense) 2,240 — Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,837) (2,816) Foreign currency translation, net of tax 68,192 84,168 Ending balance (1,442,440) (1,768,152) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (226,503) (348,771) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 44,294 126,171 Income tax benefit (expense) (7,865) (34,394) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (37) (97) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 36,392 91,680 Ending balance (190,111) (257,091) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance (5,966) 10,749 Unrealized gain (loss) 23,614 (59,879) Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services (10,600) 2,606 Income tax benefit (expense) (1,701) 16,051 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (11) 44 Cash flow hedges, net of tax 11,302 (41,178) Ending balance (1) 5,336 (30,429) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,627,215) $ (2,055,672) (1) |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Goodwill | The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment are as follows: August 31, Additions/ Foreign November 30, 2023 North America $ 8,876,050 $ 445,211 $ 1,699 $ 9,322,960 EMEA (1) 5,152,149 152,424 22,123 5,326,696 Growth Markets (1) 1,544,804 31,702 10,280 1,586,786 Total $ 15,573,003 $ 629,337 $ 34,102 $ 16,236,442 (1) Effective September 1, 2023, we revised the reporting of our geographic markets for the movement of our Middle East and Africa market units from Growth Markets to Europe, and the Europe market is now referred to as our EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) geographic market. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. |
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets | Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: August 31, 2023 November 30, 2023 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 2,842,257 $ (999,604) $ 1,842,653 $ 2,979,421 $ (1,062,036) $ 1,917,385 Technology 289,989 (141,022) 148,967 283,008 (147,420) 135,588 Patents 123,579 (70,472) 53,107 123,058 (70,256) 52,802 Other 65,138 (36,908) 28,230 75,524 (36,995) 38,529 Total $ 3,320,963 $ (1,248,006) $ 2,072,957 $ 3,461,011 $ (1,316,707) $ 2,144,304 |
Schedule of Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets | Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of November 30, 2023 is as follows: Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2024 $ 340,888 2025 422,296 2026 372,627 2027 302,269 2028 270,412 Thereafter 435,812 Total $ 2,144,304 |
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)
Shareholders' Equity (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Dividend Activity | Our dividend activity during the three months ended November 30, 2023 is 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, 2023 $ 1.29 October 12, 2023 $ 809,225 October 10, 2023 $ 831 $ 810,056 |
Financial Instruments (Tables)
Financial Instruments (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Notional and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments | The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments are as follows: November 30, 2023 August 31, 2023 Assets Cash Flow Hedges Other current assets $ 51,060 $ 52,995 Other non-current assets 40,640 44,739 Other Derivatives Other current assets 57,358 6,686 Total assets $ 149,058 $ 104,420 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 37,319 $ 50,020 Other non-current liabilities 18,952 26,076 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 12,252 38,645 Total liabilities $ 68,523 $ 114,741 Total fair value $ 80,535 $ (10,321) Total notional value $ 12,439,169 $ 13,390,031 |
Schedule of Netting Derivative Assets against Liabilities under Counterparty Master Agreements | The potential effect of netting derivative assets against liabilities under the counterparty master agreements is as follows: November 30, 2023 August 31, 2023 Net derivative assets $ 101,420 $ 50,528 Net derivative liabilities 20,885 60,849 Total fair value $ 80,535 $ (10,321) |
Segment Reporting (Tables)
Segment Reporting (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Reportable Segments | Information regarding reportable segments, industry groups and type of work is as follows: Revenues Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Geographic Markets North America $ 7,562,902 $ 7,622,820 EMEA 5,803,642 5,312,899 Growth Markets 2,857,759 2,812,083 Total Revenues $ 16,224,303 $ 15,747,802 Industry Groups Communications, Media & Technology $ 2,669,448 $ 2,980,203 Financial Services 3,033,578 2,963,396 Health & Public Service 3,377,466 3,000,019 Products 4,859,987 4,665,788 Resources 2,283,824 2,138,396 Total Revenues $ 16,224,303 $ 15,747,802 Type of Work Consulting $ 8,456,506 $ 8,444,367 Managed Services 7,767,797 7,303,435 Total Revenues $ 16,224,303 $ 15,747,802 Operating Income Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 November 30, 2022 Geographic Markets North America $ 1,256,708 $ 1,309,883 EMEA 823,601 726,883 Growth Markets 484,578 556,334 Total Operating Income $ 2,564,887 $ 2,593,100 |
Basis of Presentation - Additio
Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | Aug. 31, 2024 | Aug. 31, 2023 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||||
Allowance for credit losses for client receivables and contract assets | $ 24,210 | $ 26,343 | ||
Accumulated depreciation | 2,660,216 | 2,574,685 | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||||
Business optimization costs | 139,664 | $ 0 | $ 1,100,000 | |
Expected total business optimization costs | $ 1,500,000 | |||
Forecast | ||||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||||
Business optimization costs | $ 450,000 |
Basis of Presentation - Investm
Basis of Presentation - Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Equity method investments | $ 23,778 | $ 23,985 |
Investments without readily determinable fair values | 174,296 | 173,458 |
Total non-current investments | $ 198,074 | $ 197,443 |
Basis of Presentation - Depreci
Basis of Presentation - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
Depreciation | $ 133,245 | $ 144,049 |
Amortization - Deferred transition | 98,491 | 70,440 |
Amortization - Intangible assets | 111,631 | 109,069 |
Operating lease cost | 175,014 | 180,502 |
Other | 3,019 | 2,169 |
Total depreciation, amortization and other | $ 521,400 | $ 506,229 |
Basis of Presentation - Busines
Basis of Presentation - Business Optimization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | Aug. 31, 2023 | |
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |||
Total business optimization costs | $ 139,664 | $ 0 | $ 1,100,000 |
North America | |||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |||
Total business optimization costs | 45,929 | ||
Growth Markets | |||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |||
Total business optimization costs | 22,931 | ||
EMEA | |||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | |||
Total business optimization costs | $ 70,804 |
Revenues - Additional Informati
Revenues - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | Aug. 31, 2023 | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |||
Remaining performance obligation | $ 26,000,000 | $ 26,000,000 | |
Deferred transition revenues | 634,981 | 653,954 | |
Deferred transition costs | 827,608 | $ 851,972 | |
Revenues recognized that were included in deferred revenues | $ 2,800,000 | $ 2,500,000 | |
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-12-01 | |||
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |||
Percentage of remaining performance obligation expected to be recognized | 60% | ||
Timing of satisfaction of remaining performance obligation | 9 months | ||
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-09-01 | |||
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] | |||
Percentage of remaining performance obligation expected to be recognized | 20% | ||
Timing of satisfaction of remaining performance obligation | 1 year |
Revenues - Schedule of Revenue
Revenues - Schedule of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 |
Revenues [Abstract] | ||
Receivables | $ 11,467,109 | $ 10,690,713 |
Contract assets (current) | 1,774,250 | 1,536,473 |
Receivables and contract assets, net of allowance (current) | 13,241,359 | 12,227,186 |
Contract assets (non-current) | 121,563 | 106,994 |
Deferred revenues (current) | 4,459,593 | 4,907,152 |
Deferred revenues (non-current) | $ 634,981 | $ 653,954 |
Earnings Per Share (Details)
Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Basic earnings per share | ||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 1,973,444 | $ 1,964,950 |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | 627,996,111 | 630,137,262 |
Basic earnings per share (in USD per share) | $ 3.14 | $ 3.12 |
Diluted earnings per share | ||
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | $ 1,973,444 | $ 1,964,950 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. | 2,016 | 2,085 |
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $ 1,975,460 | $ 1,967,035 |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | 627,996,111 | 630,137,262 |
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (in shares) | 641,659 | 668,715 |
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | 8,492,332 | 7,847,787 |
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | 268,259 | 113,057 |
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | 637,398,361 | 638,766,821 |
Diluted earnings per share (in USD per share) | $ 3.10 | $ 3.08 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | Aug. 31, 2023 | |
Foreign currency translation | |||
Beginning balance | $ (1,510,632) | $ (1,852,320) | |
Foreign currency translation | 67,789 | 86,984 | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 2,240 | 0 | |
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (1,837) | (2,816) | |
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | 68,192 | 84,168 | |
Ending balance | (1,442,440) | (1,768,152) | |
Defined benefit plans | |||
Beginning balance | (226,503) | (348,771) | |
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense | 44,294 | 126,171 | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | (7,865) | (34,394) | |
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (37) | (97) | |
Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 36,392 | 91,680 | |
Ending balance | (190,111) | (257,091) | |
Cash flow hedges | |||
Beginning balance | (5,966) | 10,749 | |
Unrealized gain (loss) | 23,614 | (59,879) | |
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services | (10,600) | 2,606 | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | (1,701) | 16,051 | |
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (11) | 44 | |
Cash flow hedges, net of tax | 11,302 | (41,178) | |
Ending Balance | 5,336 | (30,429) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,627,215) | $ (2,055,672) | $ (1,743,101) |
Net unrealized gains expected to be reclassified in the next twelve months | $ 13,741 |
Business Combinations (Details)
Business Combinations (Details) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 USD ($) | |
Individually Immaterial Acquisitions | |
Business Acquisitions [Line Items] | |
Total considerations, net of cash acquired | $ 781,525 |
Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 USD ($) | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill, beginning balance | $ 15,573,003 |
Additions/ Adjustments | 629,337 |
Foreign Currency Translation | 34,102 |
Goodwill, ending balance | 16,236,442 |
North America | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill, beginning balance | 8,876,050 |
Additions/ Adjustments | 445,211 |
Foreign Currency Translation | 1,699 |
Goodwill, ending balance | 9,322,960 |
Growth Markets | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill, beginning balance | 1,544,804 |
Additions/ Adjustments | 31,702 |
Foreign Currency Translation | 10,280 |
Goodwill, ending balance | 1,586,786 |
EMEA | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill, beginning balance | 5,152,149 |
Additions/ Adjustments | 152,424 |
Foreign Currency Translation | 22,123 |
Goodwill, ending balance | $ 5,326,696 |
Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Table by Major Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | $ 3,461,011 | $ 3,320,963 |
Accumulated Amortization | (1,316,707) | (1,248,006) |
Net Carrying Amount | 2,144,304 | 2,072,957 |
Customer-related | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 2,979,421 | 2,842,257 |
Accumulated Amortization | (1,062,036) | (999,604) |
Net Carrying Amount | 1,917,385 | 1,842,653 |
Technology | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 283,008 | 289,989 |
Accumulated Amortization | (147,420) | (141,022) |
Net Carrying Amount | 135,588 | 148,967 |
Patents | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 123,058 | 123,579 |
Accumulated Amortization | (70,256) | (70,472) |
Net Carrying Amount | 52,802 | 53,107 |
Other | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 75,524 | 65,138 |
Accumulated Amortization | (36,995) | (36,908) |
Net Carrying Amount | $ 38,529 | $ 28,230 |
Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | Aug. 31, 2023 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Amortization related to intangible assets | $ 111,631 | $ 109,069 | |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] | |||
Remainder of 2024 | 340,888 | ||
2025 | 422,296 | ||
2026 | 372,627 | ||
2027 | 302,269 | ||
2028 | 270,412 | ||
Thereafter | 435,812 | ||
Net Carrying Amount | $ 2,144,304 | $ 2,072,957 |
Shareholders' Equity - Dividend
Shareholders' Equity - Dividend Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 15, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
Dividend Per Share (in USD per share) | $ 1.29 | $ 1.29 | $ 1.12 |
Accenture Canada Holdings Inc., Cash Outlay | $ 831 | ||
Total Cash Outlay | 810,056 | $ 810,056 | $ 705,567 |
Class A Ordinary Shares | |||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
Accenture plc, Cash Outlay | $ 809,225 |
Shareholders' Equity - Addition
Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 18, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
Dividends, Common Stock | $ (810,056) | $ (705,567) | |
Class A Ordinary Shares | Subsequent Event | |||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in USD per share) | $ 1.29 | ||
Restricted Share Units | |||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
Shares issued (in shares) | 89,674 | ||
Common Stock | Restricted Share Units | |||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
Dividends, Common Stock | $ 29,279 | $ 25,763 |
Financial Instruments - Additio
Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Losses recognized in income on derivatives | $ 20,280 | $ 29,691 |
Financial Instruments - Notiona
Financial Instruments - Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 |
Assets | ||
Total assets | $ 149,058 | $ 104,420 |
Liabilities | ||
Total liabilities | 68,523 | 114,741 |
Total fair value | 80,535 | (10,321) |
Total notional value | 12,439,169 | 13,390,031 |
Cash Flow Hedges | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Total assets | 51,060 | 52,995 |
Cash Flow Hedges | Other non-current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Total assets | 40,640 | 44,739 |
Cash Flow Hedges | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Total liabilities | 37,319 | 50,020 |
Cash Flow Hedges | Other non-current liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Total liabilities | 18,952 | 26,076 |
Other Derivatives | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Total assets | 57,358 | 6,686 |
Other Derivatives | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Total liabilities | $ 12,252 | $ 38,645 |
Financial Instruments - Offsett
Financial Instruments - Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Net derivative assets | $ 101,420 | $ 50,528 |
Net derivative liabilities | 20,885 | 60,849 |
Total fair value | $ 80,535 | $ (10,321) |
Income Taxes (Details)
Income Taxes (Details) | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Effective tax rates | 23.20% | 23.30% |
Commitments and Contingencies (
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2023 | Aug. 31, 2023 |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Expressly limited performance guarantee | $ 1,929,000 | $ 1,793,000 |
Portion of guarantee not recoverable | 52,000 | 51,000 |
Letter of credit and surety bonds outstanding | $ 1,348,671 | $ 1,294,653 |
Segment Reporting - Additional
Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Details) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023 reportableSegment | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Number of reportable segments | 3 |
Segment Reporting - Reportable
Segment Reporting - Reportable Operating Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Nov. 30, 2022 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | $ 16,224,303 | $ 15,747,802 |
Total Operating Income | 2,564,887 | 2,593,100 |
Consulting | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 8,456,506 | 8,444,367 |
Managed Services | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 7,767,797 | 7,303,435 |
Communications, Media & Technology | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 2,669,448 | 2,980,203 |
Financial Services | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 3,033,578 | 2,963,396 |
Health & Public Service | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 3,377,466 | 3,000,019 |
Products | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 4,859,987 | 4,665,788 |
Resources | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 2,283,824 | 2,138,396 |
North America | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 7,562,902 | 7,622,820 |
Total Operating Income | 1,256,708 | 1,309,883 |
Growth Markets | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 2,857,759 | 2,812,083 |
Total Operating Income | 484,578 | 556,334 |
EMEA | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Total Revenues | 5,803,642 | 5,312,899 |
Total Operating Income | $ 823,601 | $ 726,883 |