10-KPeriod: FY2016

Accenture plc Annual Report, Year Ended Aug 31, 2016

Filed October 28, 2016For Securities:ACN

Summary

Accenture plc reported robust growth in its fiscal year 2016, with net revenues reaching $32.9 billion, an increase of 6% in U.S. dollars and 10% in local currency compared to fiscal year 2015. This growth was broad-based across its operating segments, particularly strong in Products, Health & Public Service, and Financial Services. The company experienced solid demand for its consulting services, which grew 10% in U.S. dollars and 15% in local currency, driven by digital transformation and new technology adoption. While outsourcing also saw growth, it was more modest at 1% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency, with increased demand for cloud enablement and digital-related services. Accenture continued to emphasize its global delivery model, expanding its workforce to approximately 384,000 employees. The company also executed strategic divestitures of its Navitaire and Duck Creek businesses, resulting in significant gains. Despite increased labor costs and acquisition-related expenses impacting gross margin slightly, operating margin improved to 14.6% from 14.3% (or 14.5% excluding a pension settlement charge in the prior year). Diluted earnings per share increased significantly to $6.45 from $4.76, largely due to the gains from divestitures and a lower effective tax rate. The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $4.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents and substantial capacity under its borrowing facilities.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$34.80B
Cost of Revenue$24.52B
Gross Profit$10.28B
R&D Expenses$643.41M
Operating Expenses$29.99B
Operating Income$4.81B
Interest Expense$16.26M
Net Income$4.11B
EPS (Basic)$6.58
EPS (Diluted)$6.45
Shares Outstanding (Basic)624.80M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)667.77M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues for fiscal year 2016 reached $32.9 billion, representing a 6% increase in USD and 10% in local currency year-over-year.
  • 2Strong growth observed across key operating groups, with Products (+15% local currency), Health & Public Service (+12% local currency), and Financial Services (+11% local currency) showing particularly robust performance.
  • 3Consulting net revenues saw significant growth of 10% in USD and 15% in local currency, driven by demand for digital transformation and new technologies.
  • 4The company's workforce grew to approximately 384,000 employees globally, underscoring its reliance on its Global Delivery Model.
  • 5Accenture successfully divested its Navitaire and Duck Creek businesses, recognizing substantial gains and refining its strategic focus.
  • 6Diluted earnings per share rose significantly to $6.45, a 35.5% increase from $4.76 in the prior year, boosted by divestiture gains and tax rate improvements.
  • 7Operating margin improved to 14.6%, reflecting strong revenue growth and efficient cost management, despite increased labor costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accenture demonstrated strong financial performance in fiscal year 2016, reporting net revenues of $32.9 billion, a 6% increase in U.S. dollars and a 10% increase in local currency compared to fiscal year 2015. The company achieved growth across most operating segments, with notable strength in the Products, Health & Public Service, and Financial Services groups. Diluted earnings per share also saw a substantial increase to $6.45 from $4.76 in the prior year, aided by strategic divestitures and improved operational efficiency.

Consulting services were a key driver of growth, increasing by 10% in U.S. dollars and 15% in local currency, fueled by strong client demand for digital transformation and new technology adoption. Among industries, Products, Health & Public Service, and Financial Services showed the most significant revenue growth in local currency. The company also highlighted continued demand for cloud enablement and digital services within its outsourcing business.

Accenture strategically divested its Navitaire and Duck Creek businesses, which contributed significantly to its financial results through substantial gains. The company also continued to invest in its global delivery model and expand its workforce, reaching approximately 384,000 employees worldwide, reinforcing its ability to serve clients globally.

Accenture's operating margin improved to 14.6% from 14.3% (or 14.5% excluding a pension settlement charge in the prior year). While gross margins were slightly impacted by higher labor and acquisition costs, the company managed its sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses effectively as a percentage of net revenues. The effective tax rate also decreased, contributing positively to net income.