Accenture Slumps After Softer Revenue Outlook Sparks AI-Shift Concerns
Accenture plc (ACN) tumbled about 20% after signaling a softer near-term revenue outlook for Q3 (revenue guidance of $17.75–$18.4 billion vs. consensus around $18.47B). For the quarter ended May 31, bookings declined about 2% and revenue rose to $18.7B, just below analyst estimates, while adjusted EPS rose 9% to $3.80. CEO Julie Sweet attributed roughly $100 million in revenue reductions from the Middle East conflict and about $400 million in sales impact. The company maintained full-year local-currency revenue growth guidance of 3–4% and adjusted EPS of $13.78–$13.90. Accenture cited ongoing AI-driven reinvention demand but faces investor concern that AI could disrupt traditional consulting demand; the stock has fallen more than 50% this year amid similar pressure on peers. The firm also announced intended acquisitions (Dragos, runZero, NetRise) for about $4.2 billion in total.
