Accenture YoY Q4 net revenues up 15 p.c.

BANGALORE: Accenture on Monday reported record annual revenues, operating income and earnings per share as it announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2005.

Accenture's net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2005 were pegged at $3.92 billion, compared to $3.42 billion for Q4 of 2004, an increase of 15 percent in US dollars and 14 percent in local currency and ahead of the company's expected range of $3.80 billion to $3.90 billion.

Over the year, net revenues tallied at $15.55 billion, compared to $13.67 billion for fiscal year 2004, an increase of 14 percent in US dollars and 10 percent in local currency and ahead of the company's expected growth of 13 percent in US dollars and 9 percent in local currency.

All five operating groups achieved double-digit revenue growth in US dollars and strong growth in local currency. Growth was particularly strong in products, with revenues increasing 23 percent in US dollars and 22 percent in local currency.

With more than 123,000 people in 48 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$15.55 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2005.

The company's board of directors also declared an annual cash dividend.

CEO William D. Green said, "We're truly pleased by our outstanding performance in the fourth quarter and full year. Our record revenues in fiscal 2005 included our highest annual revenue growth in consulting since we became a public company in 2001. We grew revenues well ahead of the industry average, hit our operating margin target of 13 percent, achieved double-digit EPS growth, and maintained our strong cash flow and balance sheet. We also accrued variable compensation for our employees...We're also pleased to be able to return cash to shareholders through a cash dividend in addition to ongoing share repurchases."