Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) shares added just over 3.5% in Thursday’s pre-market deals after the consultancy group revealed better than expected financials for the first quarter.
The company reported US$1.17bn of first quarter net income (which is US$1.79 per share) up from US$1.05bn (US$1.58 per share) in the comparative period of last year and it was ahead of market expectations for US$1.67 per share.
First quarter total revenue amounted to US$10.05bn, up from US$9.01bn, and ahead of market expectations for US$9.63bn.
Pierre Nanterme, Accenture chief executive, described the financial results as “excellent”.
“I am particularly pleased with our broad-based revenue growth of 10 percent in local currency – including double-digit growth in four of our five operating groups and two of our three geographic regions – as well as very strong new bookings,” Nanterme said.
“We also delivered 13 percent growth in earnings per share and returned $1.4 billion in cash to our shareholders.”
He added: “Our outstanding results reflect the significant investments we have made to differentiate Accenture – especially in digital, cloud and security services, which account for more than half of our total revenues.
“Our growth strategy is clearly resonating with our clients, and we are very well-positioned to continue gaining market share, driving profitable growth and delivering value for our clients and shareholders.”