What are the key financial results reported by Accenture in this 8-K?

This 8-K filing does not directly list the specific financial results. Instead, it refers investors to the attached news release dated September 24, 2020, for the detailed financial outcomes of Accenture's fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended August 31, 2020. Investors should consult this news release for figures such as revenue, earnings per share, and other performance indicators.

What non-GAAP financial measures does Accenture use, and why?

Accenture utilizes several non-GAAP measures, including free cash flow, percentage changes in revenues and bookings on a local currency basis, and adjusted earnings per share, effective tax rate, income before income taxes, income tax expense, and net income excluding investment gains. The company's management believes these measures offer a more meaningful view of operational performance, liquidity, and business trends by excluding foreign currency fluctuations and one-time investment gains, facilitating better comparisons.

Are the non-GAAP measures presented in this filing considered a substitute for GAAP measures?

No, Accenture's management explicitly states that while their non-GAAP financial information is useful, it should be considered supplemental and not a substitute for the financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures are provided in the news release.

Where can I find the detailed financial results and non-GAAP reconciliations?

The detailed financial results and the reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP are located within the news release attached as Exhibit 99 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. This news release was issued by Accenture on September 24, 2020.

ACN 8-K: Earnings & Results

Summary

Accenture plc filed an 8-K on September 24, 2020, to announce its financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended August 31, 2020. The filing primarily includes a news release containing these results and details on their non-GAAP financial measures. Investors should review the attached news release for specific financial performance figures and management's commentary. The company highlighted its use of non-GAAP financial measures, including free cash flow, revenue and bookings changes in local currency, and adjusted earnings per share excluding investment gains. Accenture's management believes these metrics offer a clearer view of operational performance and liquidity by removing the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and one-time events, thereby facilitating better year-over-year comparisons and an understanding of core business trends.

Key Highlights

1Accenture plc announced its Q4 and full fiscal year 2020 financial results via an 8-K filing on September 24, 2020.
2The report's primary content is a news release detailing the financial performance for the periods ending August 31, 2020.
3Key non-GAAP financial measures disclosed include free cash flow, revenue/bookings in local currency, and adjusted EPS excluding investment gains.
4Accenture management uses free cash flow to provide additional insights into the company's liquidity.
5Local currency reporting for revenue and bookings is provided to eliminate foreign exchange rate impacts for more comparable analysis.
6Adjustments to EPS, effective tax rate, and net income exclude gains from an investment to better reflect ongoing operational performance.
7Reconciliations between GAAP and non-GAAP measures are available within the attached news release.

Accenture plc 8-K Report, Financial Results (Sep 24, 2020)

Summary

Key Highlights

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