(Source: Business Wire)Accenture (NYSE: ACN) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full 2009 fiscal year, ended Aug. 31, including fourth-quarter net revenues in line with the company's previously guided range. As previously announced on Aug. 20, the company recorded a restructuring charge in the fourth quarter, of $253million, which reduced earnings per share, operating income and operating margin for both the quarter and full year. The restructuring charge was related to the realignment of the company's workforce, primarily at the senior-executive level, and to global real-estate consolidation.

For the fourth quarter, revenues before reimbursements ("net revenues") were $5.15billion, a decrease of 14percent in U.S. dollars and 7percent in local currency. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.39, compared with $0.67 in the same period last year, and reflect a negative $0.24 impact from the restructuring charge. New bookings for the quarter were $5.54billion. Operating income for the quarter was $420million, and operating margin was 8.2percent. Absent the restructuring charge, operating income for the quarter was $672million and operating margin was 13.1percent.

For the full fiscal year, net revenues were $21.58billion, a decrease of 8percent in U.S. dollars and flat in local currency, in line with the company's previously guided range. Diluted earnings per share for the full year were $2.44, compared with $2.65 in fiscal 2008, and reflect a negative $0.24 impact from the restructuring charge. New bookings for the full year were $23.90billion. Operating income for the full year was $2.64billion, and operating margin was 12.3percent. Absent the restructuring charge, annual operating income was $2.90billion and annual operating margin was 13.4percent.

Accenture also announced several actions as part of its long-term commitment to return cash to shareholders. Its Board of Directors has declared an annual cash dividend of $0.75 per share, an increase of $0.25 per share, or 50percent, over its previous annual dividend, and has approved moving from an annual to a semi-annual schedule for the payment of dividends starting in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The Board has also approved $4.0billion in additional share repurchase authority.

William D. Green, Accenture's chairman & CEO, said, "Our fourth-quarter and full-year results clearly show that we continued managing our business well in challenging economic conditions. We delivered on revenue, we generated exceptional cash flow, we are pleased with our operating-margin expansion for the year, and our balance sheet remains rock-solid. We continue to return cash to shareholders through a 50percent increase in our annual cash dividend, declared today, and through the repurchase of $1.9billion of our shares during the year.

"We remain focused on operational discipline and superior execution to ensure that we continue to deliver value to our clients and shareholders. Importantly, this has allowed us to take proactive steps ” including refreshing our core business and investing in new high-growth areas ” that have positioned us very well for the upturn."

Financial Review ” Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2009

Net revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 were $5.15billion, compared with $6.00billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 14percent in U.S. dollars and 7percent in local currency. Net revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 reflect a foreign-exchange impact of negative 7percent compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Consulting net revenues were $2.91billion, a decrease of 19percent in U.S. dollars and 12percent in local currency from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Outsourcing net revenues were $2.23billion, a decrease of 7percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 1percent in local currency compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Diluted EPS for the fourth quarter were $0.39, compared with $0.67 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of $0.28. The restructuring charge had a negative $0.24 impact on EPS for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Absent the restructuring charge, EPS for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 were $0.63, a decrease of $0.04 from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, broken down as:

a $0.02 increase from a lower share count; and

a $0.02 increase from a lower effective income tax rate compared with the rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008;

offset by:

a $0.01 decrease from lower revenue and operating income in local currency;

a $0.02 decrease from lower interest income; and

a $0.05 decrease from unfavorable foreign-exchange rates compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Operating income for the fourth quarter was $420million, or 8.2percent of net revenues, compared with $785million, or 13.1percent of net revenues, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Excluding the restructuring charge, operating income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was $672million, or 13.1percent of net revenues.

Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net revenues) was 32.3percent, compared with 31.7percent for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, an expansion of 60 basis points. The increase was driven primarily by improved outsourcing contract margins.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the fourth quarter were $985million, or 19.1percent of net revenues, compared with $1.12billion, or 18.6percent of net revenues, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of net revenues was primarily due to higher selling costs as a percentage of net revenues.

The company's effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 27.6percent, compared with 31.8percent for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The lower rate compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 was primarily a result of final determinations of prior-year tax liabilities recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Income before minority interest for the fourth quarter was $306million, compared with $550million for the same period of fiscal 2008, and reflects the $253million impact of the restructuring charge.

Operating cash flow for the fourth quarter was $1.05billion, and property and equipment additions were $75million. Free cash flow, defined as operating cash flow net of property and equipment additions, was $971million, an increase of $27million over the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. For the same period of fiscal 2008, operating cash flow was $1.03billion, property and equipment additions were $87million, and free cash flow was $944million.

Days services outstanding, or DSOs, were 28 at Aug. 31, 2009, compared with 37 at Aug. 31, 2008.

Accenture's total cash balance at Aug. 31, 2009 was $4.54billion, compared with $3.60billion at Aug. 31, 2008 and $4.00billion at May 31, 2009.

Utilization for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was 86percent, compared with 84percent in the fourth quarter the prior year. Attrition was 10percent, compared with 15percent in the same period of fiscal 2008.

New Bookings

New bookings for the fourth quarter were $5.54billion. This reflects a negative 6percent foreign-currency impact compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Consulting new bookings were $2.87billion, or 52percent of fourth-quarter bookings.

Outsourcing new bookings were $2.68billion, or 48percent of fourth-quarter bookings.

Net Revenues by Operating Group

Accenture's business continues to be affected by global economic conditions. All of the company's operating groups with the exception of Public Service experienced a decline in consulting revenues in local currency compared with the fourth quarter last year. The company's Products, Public Service and Resources operating groups grew outsourcing revenues in local currency compared with the fourth quarter last year.

Net revenues by operating group for the fourth quarter were as follows:

Communications & High Tech: $1,118million, compared with $1,411million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 21percent in U.S. dollars and 15percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 26percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues declined 2percent in local currency.

Financial Services: $1,017million, compared with $1,249million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 19percent in U.S. dollars and 10percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 12percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues declined 8percent in local currency.

Products: $1,286million, compared with $1,546million for the year-ago period, a decrease of 17percent in U.S. dollars and 10percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 22percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 9percent in local currency.

Public Service: $776million, compared with $731million for the year-ago period, an increase of 6percent in U.S. dollars and 12percent in local currency. Consulting revenues increased 19percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 2percent in local currency.

Resources: $943million, compared with $1,051million for the same period of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 10percent in U.S. dollars and 2percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 5percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 5percent in local currency.

Net Revenues by Geographic Region

Net revenues by geographic region in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 were as follows:

Americas: $2,264million, compared with $2,556million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 11percent in U.S. dollars and 9percent in local currency.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): $2,274million, compared with $2,840million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 20percent in U.S. dollars and 8percent in local currency.

Asia Pacific: $608million, compared with $603million for the year-ago period, an increase of 1percent in U.S. dollars and 4percent in local currency.

Financial Review ” Full Year Fiscal 2009

Net revenues for fiscal 2009 were $21.58billion, compared with $23.39billion for fiscal 2008, a decrease of 8percent in U.S. dollars and flat in local currency. Net revenues for fiscal 2009 reflect a foreign-exchange impact of negative 8percent compared with fiscal 2008.

Consulting net revenues were $12.56billion, a decrease of 11percent in U.S. dollars and 4percent in local currency from fiscal 2008.

Outsourcing net revenues were $9.02billion, a decrease of 3percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 6percent in local currency compared with fiscal 2008.

Diluted EPS for the full fiscal year were $2.44, compared with $2.65 for fiscal 2008, a decrease of $0.21. The restructuring charge in the fourth quarter had a negative $0.24 impact on EPS for fiscal 2009. Absent the restructuring charge, EPS for fiscal 2009 were $2.68, an increase of $0.03 over fiscal 2008, broken down as:

an $0.11 increase from higher operating income in local currency;

an $0.11 increase from a lower share count; and

a $0.06 increase from a lower effective income tax rate compared with the rate in fiscal 2008;

offset by:

a $0.05 decrease from lower interest income; and

a $0.20 decrease from unfavorable foreign-exchange rates compared with fiscal 2008.

Operating income for the full fiscal year was $2.64billion, or 12.3percent of net revenues, compared with $3.01billion, or 12.9percent of net revenues, for fiscal 2008. Excluding the restructuring charge, operating income for fiscal 2009 was $2.90billion, or 13.4percent of net revenues, representing operating-margin expansion of 50 basis points over fiscal 2008.

Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net revenues) for the full fiscal year was 31.7percent, compared with 30.7percent for fiscal 2008, an expansion of 100basis points, due primarily to improved outsourcing contract margins.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the full fiscal year were $3.95billion, or 18.3percent of net revenues, compared with $4.15billion, or 17.7percent of net revenues, for fiscal 2008. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of net revenues was due to the provision for bad debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 as a reserve for collection risks and to higher selling costs as a percentage of net revenues.

Accenture's annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year was 27.6percent, compared with 29.3percent for fiscal 2008, and in line with the company's previously guided range of 27percent to 29percent.

Income before minority interest for the full fiscal year was $1.94billion, compared with $2.20billion for fiscal 2008, and reflects the $253million impact of the restructuring charge.

For the year ended Aug. 31, 2009, operating cash flow was $3.16billion and property and equipment additions were $243million. Free cash flow, defined as operating cash flow net of property and equipment additions, was $2.92billion, exceeding the company's previously guided range of $2.4billion to $2.6billion. For the prior fiscal year, ended Aug. 31, 2008, operating cash flow was $2.80billion, property and equipment additions were $320million, and free cash flow was $2.48billion.

Utilization for the full fiscal year 2009 was 84percent, consistent with fiscal 2008. Attrition for the full year was 10percent, compared with 16percent for fiscal 2008.

New Bookings

New bookings for the full fiscal year were $23.90billion, a decrease of 11percent in U.S. dollars and 3percent in local currency from fiscal 2008. New bookings for fiscal 2009 reflect a negative 8percent foreign-currency impact compared with fiscal 2008.

Consulting new bookings were $12.78billion, a decrease of 14percent in U.S. dollars and 6percent in local currency from fiscal 2008. Consulting represented 53percent of new bookings in fiscal 2009.

Outsourcing new bookings were $11.12billion, a decrease of 7percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 1percent in local currency compared with fiscal 2008. Outsourcing represented 47percent of new bookings in fiscal 2009.

Net Revenues by Operating Group

Accenture's business continues to be affected by global economic conditions. The company's Public Service and Resources operating groups grew consulting revenues in local currency in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, while the other three operating groups experienced a decline in consulting revenues. All of the company's operating groups grew outsourcing revenues in local currency in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008.

Net revenues by operating group for the full fiscal year were as follows:

Communications & High Tech: $4,831million, compared with $5,450million for fiscal 2008, a decrease of 11percent in U.S. dollars and 4percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 11percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 4percent in local currency.

Financial Services: $4,323million, compared with $5,005million for fiscal 2008, a decrease of 14percent in U.S. dollars and 6percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 11percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 2percent in local currency.

Products: $5,530million, compared with $6,069million for fiscal 2008, a decrease of 9percent in U.S. dollars and 1percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 8percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 10percent in local currency.

Public Service: $2,984million, compared with $2,871million for fiscal 2008, an increase of 4percent in U.S. dollars and 11percent in local currency. Consulting revenues increased 16percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 3percent in local currency.

Resources: $3,880million, compared with $3,963million for fiscal 2008, a decrease of 2percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 8percent in local currency. Consulting revenues increased 7percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 8percent in local currency.

Net Revenues by Geographic Region

Net revenues by geographic region for the full fiscal year were as follows:

Americas: $9,403million, compared with $9,726million for fiscal 2008, a decrease of 3percent in U.S. dollars and flat in local currency.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): $9,904million, compared with $11,546million for fiscal 2008, a decrease of 14percent in U.S. dollars and 2percent in local currency.

Asia Pacific: $2,270million, compared with $2,115million for fiscal 2008, an increase of 7percent in U.S. dollars and 12percent in local currency.

Dividend

Accenture plc* has declared a cash dividend of $0.75 per share on Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on Oct.16, 2009, and Accenture SCA will declare a cash dividend of $0.75 per share on Accenture SCA Class I common shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on Oct.13, 2009. These dividends, both payable on Nov.16, 2009, represent an increase of $0.25, or 50percent, over the $0.50 per share dividend the company paid on both classes of shares last year.

Additionally, while the company has historically declared and paid dividends on an annual basis, the Board of Directors has approved a move to declare and pay cash dividends on a semi-annual basis beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

* On Sept. 1, 2009, Accenture plc replaced Accenture Ltd as Accenture's parent company.

Share Repurchase Activity

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, Accenture repurchased or redeemed 15.3million shares for a total of $525million, including $27million for 0.8million shares repurchased on the open market. During the full fiscal year 2009, Accenture repurchased or redeemed 58.0million shares for a total of $1.9billion, including $571million for 18.9million shares repurchased in the open market.

The company's Board of Directors has approved $4.0billion in additional share repurchase authority, bringing Accenture's total outstanding authority to approximately $4.9billion.

At Aug. 31, 2009, Accenture had approximately 731million total shares outstanding, including 623million Accenture Ltd Class A common shares and minority holdings of 108million shares (Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holding, Inc. exchangeable shares).

Business Outlook

First Quarter Fiscal 2010

Accenture expects net revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 to be in the range of $5.3billion to $5.5billion, which assumes a foreign-exchange impact of 0percent compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Fiscal Year 2010

For the full fiscal year 2010, Accenture expects net revenue growth to be in the range of negative3percent to positive1percent in local currency. The company expects diluted EPS for the full fiscal year to be in the range of $2.64 to $2.72. Accenture expects operating margin for the full fiscal year to be 13.4percent.

The company expects operating cash flow to be $2.39billion to $2.59billion; property and equipment additions to be $290million; and free cash flow to be in the range of $2.1billion to $2.3billion. The annual effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 30percent to 32percent.

Accenture is targeting new bookings for fiscal 2010 in the range of $23billion to $26billion.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

Accenture will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT today to discuss its fourth-quarter and full-year 2009 financial results. To participate, please dial +1 (800) 230-1092 [+1 (612) 234-9959 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the call. The conference call will also be accessible live on the Investor Relations section of the Accenture Web site at www.accenture.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available online at www.accenture.com beginning at 7:00p.m. EDT today, Thursday, Oct. 1, and continuing until Thursday, Dec.17. A podcast of the conference call will be available online at www.accenture.com beginning approximately 24 hours after the call. The replay will also be available via telephone by dialing +1 (800) 475-6701 [+1 (320) 365-3844 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] and entering access code 115041 from 7:00 p.m. EDT Thursday, Oct. 1 through 11:59 p.m. EDT Thursday, Dec. 17.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company.