Accenture (ACN)
NYSEInformation TechnologyInformation Technology ServicesSnapshot 2026-09-04
$186.72-3.31%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEInformation TechnologyInformation Technology ServicesSnapshot 2026-09-04
Warn: Primary pillar under pressure — Maintain operating margin near 15.6%: TTM operating margin 14.5% vs 15.6% target; Q3 FY26 17.0%.
Accenture grows revenue about 3% to 5% a year as guided. Profit margins stay strong near 15.6%. Free cash flow is solid, targeting $10.8B to $11.5B in fiscal 2026. The company is buying back shares, supporting shareholder returns.
Recent guidance cuts and market selloff show growth risks. Client feedback and AI integration concerns may slow revenue. Share price dropped 28%, reflecting elevated risk and weaker near-term outlook.
The price is about 37% below our fair value near $231, reflecting cautious revenue growth of about 4% expected by analysts. Our fair value is 21% above the Street median, indicating some upside if growth stabilizes.
Breaks if: Buyback program is reduced or suspended in FY26
Sustain robust free cash flow generation in fiscal 2026, targeting $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.
This is not a price target or investment advice.
A long-form read on the 1–3 year hold thesis. It updates when the weekly evidence changes.
This investment represents a durable compounder with a focus on steady revenue and earnings growth. The current thesis state is intact, supported by strong recent financial performance and management's commitment to shareholder returns.
The market currently prices ACN as cheap compared to its peers, reflecting a low expectations gap. However, there is a fragility in earnings quality due to weak execution, which may not be fully accounted for in the current valuation.
Fundamentals are expected to remain stable, with management on track to achieve revenue growth of 3% to 5% and adjusted EPS growth of 6% to 8%. However, there is a low probability of missing guidance, which could impact sentiment.
The thesis hinges on management's ability to maintain guidance and deliver on growth targets. Additionally, external factors such as potential Fed rate cuts and performance from sector peers will be crucial in shaping future outcomes.
The most important moves since the prior daily snapshot.
Yes, our read has strengthened. The latest earnings beat supports a positive outlook. The company is also returning cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. There are no new threats identified at this time.
as of 2026-09-04
Review the evidence to watch, what would become a concern, and what would make it less concerning.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Free cash flow guidance increased from $9.0 billion to $9.7 billion in fiscal 2025 to $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion in fiscal 2026. Quarterly free cash flow was $3.7 billion in 2026-Q2 and $3.8 billion in 2026-Q3, showing consistent strong cash generation. The trajectory is delivering robust free cash flow aligned with management's stated target.
“Full-year free cash flow expectation in the range of $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.”
“Full-year free cash flow expectation in the range of $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $1.5 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $3.8 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $9.8 billion to $10.5 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $3.5 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $9.0 billion to $9.7 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $2.7 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $8.8 billion to $9.5 billion.”
Breaks if: Free cash flow falls below $10.8B in FY26
Sustain robust free cash flow generation in fiscal 2026, targeting $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Free cash flow guidance increased from $9.0 billion to $9.7 billion in fiscal 2025 to $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion in fiscal 2026. Quarterly free cash flow was $3.7 billion in 2026-Q2 and $3.8 billion in 2026-Q3, showing consistent strong cash generation. The trajectory is delivering robust free cash flow aligned with management's stated target.
“Full-year free cash flow expectation in the range of $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.”
“Full-year free cash flow expectation in the range of $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $1.5 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $10.8 billion to $11.5 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $3.8 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $9.8 billion to $10.5 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $3.5 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $9.0 billion to $9.7 billion.”
“Free cash flow of $2.7 billion in the quarter; full-year expectation $8.8 billion to $9.5 billion.”
Breaks if: Operating margin falls below 14% in FY26
Breaks if: YoY revenue growth falls below 3% in FY26
Maintain steady revenue growth in fiscal 2026, targeting 3% to 5% growth in local currency, excluding estimated impacts.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Revenue grew from $69.7 billion in fiscal 2025 to quarterly revenues of $18.7 billion in 2026-Q1 and $18.0 billion in 2026-Q2, consistent with the 3% to 5% full-year growth guidance in local currency. The trajectory is delivering steady growth aligned with management's stated target.
“Full-year revenue growth expected to be 3% to 5% in local currency.”
“Company now expects full-year revenue growth to be 3% to 5% in local currency.”
“Company continues to expect full-year revenue growth to be 2% to 5% in local currency.”
“Company expects full-year revenue growth of 2% to 5% in local currency.”
“Company now expects full-year revenue growth to be 6% to 7% in local currency.”
“Company narrows full-year revenue growth to 5% to 7% in local currency.”
Over the next 1 to 3 years, ACN's performance will depend on execution and external market conditions. Not investment advice.