Accenture expects more growth as firms adapt to new regulation
ACCENTURE reported market-beating quarterly results last night, and the technology outsourcing and consulting company forecast a strong 2012, allaying fears of an industry-wide slowdown triggered by a slowing US economy and the debt crisis in Europe.
The firm said while the global economy has become more volatile, increased regulations and the need to adapt to globalisation will drive spending for its services.
“Our clients continue to take steps to adjust to this new environment and this continues to drive demand for our services,” chief executive Pierre Nanterme said on a conference call with analysts.
Ireland-based Accenture said its new bookings — a key indicator of future sales — of $8.4bn (£5.37bn) in the fourth quarter was the company’s highest quarterly bookings ever.
Quarterly earnings rose 37 per cent on last year to $611.9m.
“The visibility that we have right now (on budgets) is very good based on the first few months …,” chief financial officer Pamela Craig said.
It forecast full-year revenue growth of between seven and 10 per cent, which implies a range of $27.3bn-$28.05bn.