Accenture Beats Profit And Sales Expectations, Lifts Earnings Outlook

Accenture PLC reported fiscal second-quarter earnings that rose to $1.39 billion, or $2.08 a share, from $731.8 million, or $1.08 a share, in the same period a year ago. Excluding a one-time gain from the sale of Navitaire, adjusted earnings per share came to $1.34, above the FactSet consensus of $1.18. Total revenue increased to $8.4 billion from $7.93 billion, above the FactSet consensus of $8.1 billion. Looking ahead, the business consulting company expects fiscal third-quarter revenue of $8.1 billion to $8.35 billion, surrounding the FactSet consensus of $8.17 billion. The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $5.21 to $5.32 from $5.09 to $5.24, compared with the FactSet consensus of $5.21. The stock, which was still inactive in premarket trade, has gained 3% year to date while the S&P 500 has lost 0.4%.