Accenture Surges on Q4 Earnings Beat and Record Bookings Moving Into Fiscal 2027

Shares of Accenture jumped more than 22% during Thursday trading after reporting fiscal fourth-quarter results that surpassed analyst projections, according to reporting by CNBC Business (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/01/accenture-rallies-more-than-20percent-after-earnings-beat-heads-for-best-day-ever.html). The move puts the professional services company on track for its largest single-day percentage gain on record, based on FactSet data.

For the fiscal fourth quarter, Accenture posted earnings per share of $3.29 on revenue of $18.68 billion. The performance topped consensus expectations compiled by LSEG, which anticipated earnings of $3.18 per share and $18.03 billion in revenue.

For the full 2026 fiscal year, adjusted earnings reached $13.97 per share, an increase of 8% year over year, while annual revenue rose 6% to $74.2 billion. The company reported record bookings for contracts valued at $100 million or higher and raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.71 per share, scheduled for payment on Nov. 13.

Despite Thursday's rally, Accenture shares remain down over 18% year to date amid broader market concerns regarding potential artificial intelligence disruption to standard IT services and consulting workflows.

In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street," Accenture Chief Executive Officer Julie Sweet attributed growth to enterprise AI deployments, noting partnerships in core areas such as data centers and capital infrastructure. Sweet stated that Accenture closed the fiscal year with $85 billion in new business entering fiscal 2027 as clients seek measurable business outcomes, operational efficiencies, and enterprise-wide scaling.

In a company press release, Sweet cited client trust and internal execution for the broad-based growth and record cash returns to shareholders. Looking ahead, Accenture guided for fiscal year 2027 revenue and adjusted earnings per share growth between 3% and 6% year over year.

Following the earnings report, Stifel analyst David M. Grossman reiterated a buy rating and raised the firm's price target on the stock from $225 to $242 per share. Grossman cited resilience in Accenture's operating model driven by smaller discretionary engagements, public sector activity with the U.S. federal government, and demand from AI partner networks.