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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDEDFebruary 28, 20182019
OR
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM             TO   
Commission File Number: 001-34448
Accenture plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ireland98-0627530
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1 Grand Canal Square,
Grand Canal Harbour,
Dublin 2, Ireland
(Address of principal executive offices)
(353) (1) 646-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  þ
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
Smaller reporting company  ¨
Emerging growth company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrantregistrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, outstanding as of March 14, 20182019 was 672,353,051670,473,793 (which number includes 29,265,82332,641,215 issued shares held by the registrant). The number of shares of the registrant’s Class X ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, outstanding as of March 14, 20182019 was 664,761.650,821.


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ACCENTURE PLC
INDEX
  
 Page

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
February 28, 20182019 and August 31, 20172018
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
February 28,
2018
 August 31,
2017
February 28,
2019
 August 31,
2018
(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS:      
Cash and cash equivalents$3,595,079
 $4,126,860
$4,464,889
 $5,061,360
Short-term investments3,418
 3,011
3,111
 3,192
Receivables from clients, net5,030,698
 4,569,214
Unbilled services, net2,480,603
 2,316,043
Receivables and contract assets8,151,411
 7,496,368
Other current assets1,175,150
 1,082,161
1,213,889
 1,024,639
Total current assets12,284,948
 12,097,289
13,833,300
 13,585,559
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:      
Unbilled services, net35,786
 40,938
Contract assets20,691
 23,036
Investments218,509
 211,610
229,085
 215,532
Property and equipment, net1,196,195
 1,140,598
1,282,765
 1,264,020
Goodwill5,286,197
 5,002,352
5,782,856
 5,383,012
Deferred contract costs753,910
 755,871
702,404
 705,124
Deferred income taxes, net2,125,608
 2,214,901
4,258,979
 2,086,807
Other non-current assets1,231,826
 1,226,331
1,280,128
 1,185,993
Total non-current assets10,848,031
 10,592,601
13,556,908
 10,863,524
TOTAL ASSETS$23,132,979
 $22,689,890
$27,390,208
 $24,449,083
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
CURRENT LIABILITIES:      
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings$2,914
 $2,907
$4,365
 $5,337
Accounts payable1,367,464
 1,525,065
1,472,130
 1,348,802
Deferred revenues2,930,645
 2,669,520
3,335,751
 2,837,682
Accrued payroll and related benefits3,570,698
 4,060,364
4,016,627
 4,569,172
Accrued consumption taxes397,238
 383,391
Income taxes payable602,950
 708,485
554,745
 497,885
Other accrued liabilities496,003
 474,547
835,431
 892,873
Total current liabilities9,367,912
 9,824,279
10,219,049
 10,151,751
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:      
Long-term debt25,923
 22,163
19,753
 19,676
Deferred revenues656,638
 663,248
607,038
 618,124
Retirement obligation1,446,277
 1,408,759
1,412,558
 1,410,656
Deferred income taxes, net126,056
 137,098
139,792
 125,729
Income taxes payable682,162
 574,780
826,188
 956,836
Other non-current liabilities389,585
 349,363
437,285
 441,723
Total non-current liabilities3,326,641
 3,155,411
3,442,614
 3,572,744
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 

 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:      
Ordinary shares, par value 1.00 euros per share, 40,000 shares authorized and issued as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 201757
 57
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 20,000,000,000 shares authorized, 646,633,971 and 638,965,789 shares issued as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017, respectively14
 14
Class X ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 19,718,762 and 20,531,383 shares issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017, respectively
 
Ordinary shares, par value 1.00 euros per share, 40,000 shares authorized and issued as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 201857
 57
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 20,000,000,000 shares authorized, 670,312,741 and 663,327,677 shares issued as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively15
 15
Class X ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 650,821 and 655,521 shares issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively
 
Restricted share units884,982
 1,095,026
954,613
 1,234,623
Additional paid-in capital4,266,838
 3,516,399
5,783,062
 4,870,764
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017; Class A ordinary, 28,872,914 and 23,408,811 shares as of February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017, respectively(2,552,028) (1,649,090)
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018; Class A ordinary, 32,399,072 and 24,293,199 shares as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively(3,357,665) (2,116,948)
Retained earnings8,149,090
 7,081,855
11,421,964
 7,952,413
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,066,266) (1,094,784)(1,465,013) (1,576,171)
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity9,682,687
 8,949,477
13,337,033
 10,364,753
Noncontrolling interests755,739
 760,723
391,512
 359,835
Total shareholders’ equity10,438,426
 9,710,200
13,728,545
 10,724,588
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY$23,132,979
 $22,689,890
$27,390,208
 $24,449,083

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
For the Three and Six Months Ended February 28, 20182019 and 20172018
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018
REVENUES:              
Revenues before reimbursements (“Net revenues”)$9,585,442
 $8,317,671
 $19,108,664
 $16,833,188
Reimbursements482,390
 444,511
 1,013,661
 934,597
Revenues10,067,832
 8,762,182
 20,122,325
 17,767,785
$10,454,129
 $9,909,238
 $21,059,675
 $19,793,551
OPERATING EXPENSES:              
Cost of services:       
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses6,737,048
 5,813,515
 13,208,010
 11,599,000
Reimbursable expenses482,390
 444,511
 1,013,661
 934,597
Cost of services7,219,438
 6,258,026
 14,221,671
 12,533,597
7,399,780
 7,049,698
 14,707,901
 13,869,858
Sales and marketing999,389
 871,489
 2,001,178
 1,760,316
1,020,036
 998,823
 2,090,052
 2,000,019
General and administrative costs566,241
 494,014
 1,130,832
 1,003,260
647,687
 564,673
 1,246,084
 1,129,454
Total operating expenses8,785,068
 7,623,529
 17,353,681
 15,297,173
9,067,503
 8,613,194
 18,044,037
 16,999,331
OPERATING INCOME1,282,764
 1,138,653
 2,768,644
 2,470,612
1,386,626
 1,296,044
 3,015,638
 2,794,220
Interest income9,459
 8,728
 20,895
 17,025
19,081
 9,459
 38,712
 20,895
Interest expense(3,840) (3,976) (8,547) (7,024)(5,619) (3,840) (10,124) (8,547)
Other income (expense), net(43,586) (12,546) (42,071) (18,633)(23,834) (56,866) (57,488) (67,647)
Gain (loss) on sale of businesses
 (12,349) 
 (12,349)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES1,244,797
 1,118,510
 2,738,921
 2,449,631
1,376,254
 1,244,797
 2,986,738
 2,738,921
Provision for income taxes325,257
 231,302
 630,839
 502,674
235,534
 325,257
 554,694
 630,839
NET INCOME919,540
 887,208
 2,108,082
 1,946,957
1,140,720
 919,540
 2,432,044
 2,108,082
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.(37,401) (37,961) (86,534) (84,413)(1,649) (37,401) (3,537) (86,534)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other(18,436) (10,495) (34,185) (19,316)(14,622) (18,436) (29,338) (34,185)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC$863,703
 $838,752
 $1,987,363
 $1,843,228
$1,124,449
 $863,703
 $2,399,169
 $1,987,363
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares:              
Basic617,854,667
 621,999,948
 616,838,561
 621,787,252
638,639,729
 617,854,667
 638,750,881
 616,838,561
Diluted656,118,796
 661,079,375
 656,381,177
 662,446,680
649,170,699
 656,118,796
 650,732,700
 656,381,177
Earnings per Class A ordinary share:              
Basic$1.40
 $1.35
 $3.22
 $2.96
$1.76
 $1.40
 $3.76
 $3.22
Diluted$1.37
 $1.33
 $3.16
 $2.91
$1.73
 $1.37
 $3.69
 $3.16
Cash dividends per share$
 $
 $1.33
 $1.21
$
 $
 $1.46
 $1.33

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three and Six Months Ended February 28, 20182019 and 20172018
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018
NET INCOME$919,540
 $887,208
 $2,108,082
 $1,946,957
$1,140,720
 $919,540
 $2,432,044
 $2,108,082
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:              
Foreign currency translation121,623
 82,772
 94,291
 (107,919)41,645
 121,623
 33,028
 94,291
Defined benefit plans7,889
 (6,897) 14,119
 4,535
6,578
 7,889
 26,991
 14,119
Cash flow hedges(63,727) 39,992
 (80,994) 25,489
(36,690) (63,727) 51,654
 (80,994)
Marketable securities1,102
 
 1,102
 264
Investments
 1,102
 (515) 1,102
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC66,887
 115,867
 28,518
 (77,631)11,533
 66,887
 111,158
 28,518
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests9,100
 1,728
 6,266
 (10,581)1,625
 9,100
 (671) 6,266
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$995,527
 $1,004,803
 $2,142,866
 $1,858,745
$1,153,878
 $995,527
 $2,542,531
 $2,142,866



 

    

 

    
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC$930,590
 $954,619
 $2,015,881
 $1,765,597
$1,135,982
 $930,590
 $2,510,327
 $2,015,881
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests64,937
 50,184
 126,985
 93,148
17,896
 64,937
 32,204
 126,985
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$995,527
 $1,004,803
 $2,142,866
 $1,858,745
$1,153,878
 $995,527
 $2,542,531
 $2,142,866

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


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ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY STATEMENT
For the SixThree Months Ended February 28, 20182019
(In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Ordinary
Shares
 
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
 
Class X
Ordinary
Shares
 
Restricted
Share
Units
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Treasury Shares 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Accenture plc
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 $ 
No.
Shares
 $ 
No.
Shares
 $ 
No.
Shares
   $ 
No.
Shares
     
Balance as of August 31, 2017$57
 40
 $14
 638,966
 $
 20,531
 $1,095,026
 $3,516,399
 $(1,649,090) (23,449) $7,081,855
 $(1,094,784) $8,949,477
 $760,723
 $9,710,200
Net income                    1,987,363
   1,987,363
 120,719
 2,108,082
Other comprehensive income (loss)                      28,518
 28,518
 6,266
 34,784
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares              48,064
 (1,284,241) (8,650)     (1,236,177) (48,064) (1,284,241)
Share-based compensation expense            476,980
 28,946
         505,926
   505,926
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares          (812)   (78,006)         (78,006) (4,838) (82,844)
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares:                             
Employee share programs      7,316
     (713,863) 770,228
 381,303
 3,186
 (68,656)   369,012
 14,213
 383,225
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares      352
       3,741
         3,741
 (3,741) 
Dividends            26,839
       (844,080)   (817,241) (36,373) (853,614)
Other, net            

 (22,534)     (7,392)   (29,926) (53,166) (83,092)
Balance as of February 28, 2018$57
 40
 $14
 646,634
 $
 19,719
 $884,982
 $4,266,838
 $(2,552,028) (28,913) $8,149,090
 $(1,066,266) $9,682,687
 $755,739
 $10,438,426
 Ordinary
Shares
 Class A
Ordinary
Shares
 Class X
Ordinary
Shares
 Restricted
Share
Units
 Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Treasury Shares Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Accenture plc
Shareholders’
Equity
 Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 $ No.
Shares
 $ No.
Shares
 $ No.
Shares
   $ No.
Shares
     
Balance as of November 30, 2018$57
 40
 $15
 665,541
 $
 651
 $1,342,965
 $5,176,749
 $(2,748,448) (28,206) $10,384,064
 $(1,476,546) $12,678,856
 $376,712
 $13,055,568
Net income                    1,124,449
   1,124,449
 16,271
 1,140,720
Other comprehensive income (loss)                      11,533
 11,533
 1,625
 13,158
Purchases of Class A shares              1,247
 (995,056) (6,663)     (993,809) (1,247) (995,056)
Share-based compensation expense            346,762
 

         346,762
   346,762
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares          

   (12,751)         (12,751)   (12,751)
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs      4,772
     (733,906) 615,692
 385,839
 2,430
 (87,757)   179,868
 227
 180,095
Dividends            (1,208)       1,208
   
 

 
Other, net              2,125
     

   2,125
 (2,076) 49
Balance as of February 28, 2019$57
 40
 $15
 670,313
 $
 651
 $954,613
 $5,783,062
 $(3,357,665) (32,439) $11,421,964
 $(1,465,013) $13,337,033
 $391,512
 $13,728,545
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


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ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY STATEMENT
For the Three Months Ended February 28, 2018
(In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 Ordinary
Shares
 Class A
Ordinary
Shares
 Class X
Ordinary
Shares
 Restricted
Share
Units
 Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Treasury Shares Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Accenture plc
Shareholders’
Equity
 Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 $ No.
Shares
 $ No.
Shares
 $ No.
Shares
   $ No.
Shares
     
Balance as of November 30, 201757
 40
 14
 641,496
 
 19,915
 1,187,775
 3,755,060
 (2,046,811) (26,172) 7,339,188
 (1,133,153) 9,102,130
 791,307
 9,893,437
Net income                    863,703
   863,703
 55,837
 919,540
Other comprehensive income (loss)                      66,887
 66,887
 9,100
 75,987
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares              28,331
 (761,075) (4,903)     (732,744) (28,331) (761,075)
Share-based compensation expense            293,035
           293,035
   293,035
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares          (196)   (41,105)         (41,105) (1,767) (42,872)
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares:                             
Employee share programs      4,986
     (594,994) 524,192
 255,858
 2,162
 (46,902)   138,154
 5,341
 143,495
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares      152
       1,928
         1,928
 (1,928)  
Dividends            (834)       834
        
Other, net              (1,568)     (7,733)   (9,301) (73,820) (83,121)
Balance as of February 28, 2018$57
 40
 $14
 646,634
 $
 19,719
 $884,982
 $4,266,838
 $(2,552,028) (28,913) $8,149,090
 $(1,066,266) $9,682,687
 $755,739
 $10,438,426
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


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ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY STATEMENT
For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2019
(In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Ordinary
Shares
 
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
 
Class X
Ordinary
Shares
 
Restricted
Share
Units
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Treasury Shares 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Accenture plc
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 $ 
No.
Shares
 $ 
No.
Shares
 $ 
No.
Shares
   $ 
No.
Shares
     
Balance as of August 31, 2018$57
 40
 $15
 663,328
 $
 656
 $1,234,623
 $4,870,764
 $(2,116,948) (24,333) $7,952,413
 $(1,576,171) $10,364,753
 $359,835
 $10,724,588
Cumulative effect adjustment                    2,134,818
   2,134,818
 3,158
 2,137,976
Net income                    2,399,169
   2,399,169
 32,875
 2,432,044
Other comprehensive income (loss)                      111,158
 111,158
 (671) 110,487
Purchases of Class A shares              2,273
 (1,782,564) (11,524)     (1,780,291) (2,273) (1,782,564)
Share-based compensation expense            561,475
 31,803
         593,278
   593,278
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares          (5)   (13,570)         (13,570) 

 (13,570)
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs      6,985
     (867,871) 892,731
 541,847
 3,418
 (121,001)   445,706
 571
 446,277
Dividends            26,386
       (957,846)   (931,460) (1,378) (932,838)
Other, net            

 (939)     14,411
   13,472
 (605) 12,867
Balance as of February 28, 2019$57
 40
 $15
 670,313
 $
 651
 $954,613
 $5,783,062
 $(3,357,665) (32,439) $11,421,964
 $(1,465,013) $13,337,033
 $391,512
 $13,728,545
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



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CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY STATEMENT
For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2018
(In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 Ordinary
Shares
 Class A
Ordinary
Shares
 Class X
Ordinary
Shares
 Restricted
Share
Units
 Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Treasury Shares Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Accenture plc
Shareholders’
Equity
 Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 $ No.
Shares
 $ No.
Shares
 $ No.
Shares
   $ No.
Shares
     
Balance as of August 31, 2017$57
 40
 $14
 638,966
 $
 20,531
 $1,095,026
 $3,516,399
 $(1,649,090) (23,449) $7,081,855
 $(1,094,784) $8,949,477
 $760,723
 $9,710,200
Net income                    1,987,363
   1,987,363
 120,719
 2,108,082
Other comprehensive income (loss)                      28,518
 28,518
 6,266
 34,784
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares              48,064
 (1,284,241) (8,650)     (1,236,177) (48,064) (1,284,241)
Share-based compensation expense            476,980
 28,946
         505,926
   505,926
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares          (812)   (78,006)         (78,006) (4,838) (82,844)
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares:                             
Employee share programs      7,316
     (713,863) 770,228
 381,303
 3,186
 (68,656)   369,012
 14,213
 383,225
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares      352
       3,741
         3,741
 (3,741) 
Dividends            26,839
       (844,080)   (817,241) (36,373) (853,614)
Other, net              (22,534)     (7,392)   (29,926) (53,166) (83,092)
Balance as of February 28, 2018$57
 40
 $14
 646,634
 $
 19,719
 $884,982
 $4,266,838
 $(2,552,028) (28,913) $8,149,090
 $(1,066,266) $9,682,687
 $755,739
 $10,438,426
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


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ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS
For the Six Months Ended February 28, 20182019 and 20172018
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income$2,108,082
 $1,946,957
$2,432,044
 $2,108,082
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities —   
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities —   
Depreciation, amortization and asset impairments453,297
 375,240
431,283
 453,297
Share-based compensation expense505,926
 402,323
593,278
 505,926
(Gain) loss on sale of business
 12,349
Deferred income taxes, net58,562
 (60,273)(49,624) 58,562
Other, net61,615
 (124,788)(79,425) 61,615
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions —      
Receivables from clients, net(372,392) (362,416)
Unbilled services, current and non-current, net(95,070) 58,006
Receivables and contract assets, current and non-current(481,936) (467,462)
Other current and non-current assets(287,588) (263,458)(282,588) (287,588)
Accounts payable(179,438) (73,976)28,730
 (179,438)
Deferred revenues, current and non-current139,545
 110,105
438,293
 139,545
Accrued payroll and related benefits(543,604) (716,926)(555,875) (543,604)
Income taxes payable, current and non-current(27,485) (2,658)(77,969) (27,485)
Other current and non-current liabilities108,445
 (61,900)(9,053) 108,445
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities1,929,895
 1,238,585
2,387,158
 1,929,895
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Purchases of property and equipment(266,248) (188,962)(217,488) (266,248)
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired(344,104) (829,198)(515,082) (344,104)
Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments, net of cash transferred(398) (22,921)1,809
 (398)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment6,115
 7,293
Other investing, net6,218
 6,115
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(604,635) (1,033,788)(724,543) (604,635)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares383,225
 350,901
446,277
 383,225
Purchases of shares(1,367,085) (1,403,583)(1,796,134) (1,367,085)
Proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt, net
264
 361
(872) 264
Cash dividends paid(853,614) (785,127)(932,838) (853,614)
Other, net(45,014) (6,647)(10,524) (45,014)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(1,882,224) (1,844,095)(2,294,091) (1,882,224)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents25,183
 (27,449)35,005
 25,183
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(531,781) (1,666,747)(596,471) (531,781)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
4,126,860
 4,905,609
5,061,360
 4,126,860
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
$3,595,079
 $3,238,862
$4,464,889
 $3,595,079
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:      
Income taxes paid$666,387
 $610,544
Income taxes paid, net$645,379
 $666,387
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)



1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. We use the terms “Accenture,” “we” and “our” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to refer to Accenture plc and its subsidiaries. These Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20172018 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 26, 2017.24, 2018.
The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that we may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 20182019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018.2019.
On March 13, 2018, Accenture Holdings plc merged with and into Accenture plc, with Accenture plc as the surviving entity. As a result, all of the assets and liabilities of Accenture Holdings plc were acquired by Accenture plc, and Accenture Holdings plc ceased to exist. In connection with this internal merger, shareholders of Accenture Holdings plc (other than Accenture entities that held shares of Accenture Holdings plc), who primarily consisted of current and former members of Accenture Leadership and their permitted transferees, received one Class A ordinary share of Accenture plc for each share of Accenture Holdings plc that they owned, and Accenture plc redeemed all Class X ordinary shares of Accenture plc owned by such shareholders.
Allowances for Client Receivables and Unbilled Services
As of February 28, 20182019 and August 31, 2017,2018, total allowances recorded for client receivables were $53,616 and unbilled services were $52,236 and $74,450,$49,913, respectively.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation expense was $110,635 and $213,348 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019, respectively, and $107,445 and $213,596 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively,respectively. As of February 28, 2019 and $84,639August 31, 2018, total accumulated depreciation was $2,027,164 and $169,659$1,862,098, respectively. Deferred transition amortization expense was $68,209 and $137,088 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. As of February 28, 20182019, respectively, and August 31, 2017, total accumulated depreciation was $2,042,405 and $1,912,146, respectively. Deferred transition amortization expense was $71,288 and $153,142 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively,respectively. See Note 6 (Goodwill and $69,844Intangible Assets) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for intangible asset amortization balances.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 (“Topic 606”)
On September 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. Topic 606 has been applied to contracts that were not completed as of September 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after September 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and $139,129continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting. See Note 2 (Revenues) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
In connection with the adoption of Topic 606, we are now presenting total revenues and no longer reporting revenues before reimbursements. Prior period results have been revised to reflect this change in presentation. As a result of this change, for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. See Note 5 (Goodwill2018, both total revenues and Intangible Assets) for intangible asset amortization balances.

cost of services

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


decreased by $158,594 and $328,774, respectively, for hardware/software resale previously included in reimbursements. This change had no impact on operating income.
The impact of adopting the new standard was not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The primary impacts included additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from client contracts, including judgments and changes in estimates. Upon adoption, we recorded a decrease to retained earnings of $6,451, net of a tax impact of $3,071, as of September 1, 2018.
The impact of adopting the new standard for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 was an increase to revenues of approximately $6.9 million and $19.4 million, respectively. The impact on our balance sheet as of February 28, 2019 was not material with the exception of the classification of $2.2 billion of receivables and $571.8 million of contract assets, which were previously classified as Unbilled services, net.
FASB ASU No. 2016-16
On September 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Upon adoption, we recorded deferred tax assets and an increase in retained earnings of $2,144,427, and we will recognize incremental income tax expense as these deferred tax assets are utilized. Our fiscal 2019 annual effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 3.3% higher due to the adoption. The adoption had no impact on cash flows.
The impact of adoption as of September 1, 2018 of FASB ASU No. 2014-09 (Topic 606) and No. 2016-16 (Topic 740) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:
 Balance as of
August 31, 2018
 Adjustments Due to ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606) Adjustments Due to ASU 2016-16 (Topic 740) Balance as of September 1, 2018
Balance Sheet       
CURRENT ASSETS       
Receivables from clients, net$4,996,454
 $2,100,402
 $
 $7,096,856
Unbilled services, net2,499,914
 (2,499,914) 
 
Contract assets
 547,809
 
 547,809
Receivables and contract assets$7,496,368
 $148,297
 $
 $7,644,665
NON-CURRENT ASSETS       
Unbilled services, net$23,036
 $(23,036) $
 $
Contract assets
 23,036
 
 23,036
Deferred contract costs705,124
 (2,867) 
 702,257
Deferred income taxes, net2,086,807
 3,071
 2,144,427
 4,234,305
        
CURRENT LIABILITIES       
Deferred revenues2,837,682
 154,952
 
 2,992,634
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY       
Retained earnings7,952,413
 (6,451) 2,144,427
 10,090,389
FASB ASU No. 2017-07
On September 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The new guidance amends certain presentation and disclosure requirements for employers with defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical plans. The standard requires the service cost component of the net benefit cost to be in the same line item as other compensation in operating income and the other components of net benefit cost to be presented outside of operating income on a retrospective basis. Upon adoption, we reclassified $13 million and $26 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively and $58 million for fiscal 2018 of operating expenses to non-operating expense to conform with the fiscal 2019 treatment of these expenses.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


FASB ASU No. 2016-01
On September 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The standard requires investments previously accounted for under the cost method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values will be measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions. We adopted this standard using the prospective method. The adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
New Accounting PronouncementsPronouncement
The following standards,standard, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”),FASB, will or are expected to, result in a change in practice and/orand will have a financial impact toon our Consolidated Financial Statements:
Standard Description Accenture Adoption Date Impact on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
2016-16: Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
The guidance requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Under current guidance in U.S. GAAP, in the case of depreciable or amortizable assets, the income tax consequences are deferred at the time of the intra-entity transfer and recognized as the assets are depreciated or amortized. The guidance requires modified retrospective transition with a cumulative catch-up adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption.September 1, 2018The adoption of this Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) will require that we record deferred tax assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at the beginning of fiscal 2019. The deferred tax assets, which could be up to $2.1 billion, represent income tax consequences of prior intra-entity transfers of assets, which are currently recognized over the expected life of the assets. Beginning in fiscal 2019, we will recognize incremental income tax expense as these deferred tax assets are utilized. Initially, this could represent approximately a 3.5 percentage point increase in the annual effective tax rate. However, the actual impact of adoption will depend on numerous factors, including activity for fiscal 2018 and management’s expectations regarding recoverability of the related deferred taxes. Adoption will not have any impact on cash flows.
2016-02: Leasesand related updates (Topic 842)
 The guidance amends existing guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. The guidance requires either a modified retrospective transition method uponor a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption. September 1, 2019 While we are continuing to assess the potential impact of this ASU, we currently believe the most significant impact relates to our accounting for office space operating leases. We anticipate this ASU will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets but will not have a material impact on our other Consolidated Financial Statements or footnotes.
2014-09: (Accounting Standard Codification 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers
and related updates
The guidance replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The guidance allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption.September 1, 2018We performed an initial assessment of the impact of the ASU and developed a transition plan, including necessary changes to policies, processes, and internal controls as well as system enhancements to generate the information necessary for the new disclosures. The project is on schedule for adoption on September 1, 2018 and we will apply the modified retrospectivecumulative effect method. We expect revenue recognition across our portfolio of services to remain largely unchanged. However, we expect to recognize revenue earlier than we do under current guidance in a few areas, including accounting for variable fees and for certain consulting services, which will be recognized over time rather than at a point in time. While we have not finalized our assessment of the impact of the ASU, based on the analysis completed to date, we do not currently anticipate that the ASU will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
2. REVENUES
We account for revenue in accordance with Topic 606, which we adopted on September 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the client and is the unit of accounting in Topic 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price. The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which we forecast our expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then add an appropriate margin for that distinct good or service based on margins for similar services sold on a standalone basis. While determining relative standalone selling price and identifying separate performance obligations require judgment, generally relative standalone selling prices and the separate performance obligations are readily identifiable as we sell those performance obligations unaccompanied by other performance obligations. Contract modifications are routine in the performance of our contracts. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in the contract specifications, requirements or duration. If a contract modification results in the addition of performance obligations priced at a standalone selling price or if the post-modification services are distinct from the services provided prior to the modification, the modification is accounted for separately. If the modified services are not distinct, they are accounted for as part of the existing contract.
Our revenues are derived from contracts for outsourcing services, technology integration consulting services and non-technology consulting services. These contracts have different terms based on the scope, performance obligations and complexity of the engagement, which frequently require us to make judgments and estimates in recognizing revenues. We have many types of contracts, including time-and-materials contracts, fixed-price contracts, fee-per-transaction contracts and contracts with multiple fee types.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


The nature of our contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including incentive fees. Many contracts include incentives or penalties related to costs incurred, benefits produced or adherence to schedules that may increase the variability in revenues and margins earned on such contracts. These variable amounts generally are awarded or refunded upon achievement of or failure to achieve certain performance metrics, milestones or cost targets and can be based upon client discretion. We include these variable fees in the estimated transaction price when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of the fee and it is not probable a significant reversal of revenue will occur. These estimates reflect the expected value of the variable fee and are based on an assessment of our anticipated performance, historical experience and other information available at the time.
Our performance obligations are satisfied over time as work progresses or at a point in time. The majority of our revenues are recognized over time based on the extent of progress towards satisfying our performance obligations. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the contract and the nature of the services to be provided.
Outsourcing Contracts
Our outsourcing contracts typically span several years. Revenues are generally recognized on outsourcing contracts over time because our clients benefit from the services as they are performed. Outsourcing contracts require us to provide a series of distinct services each period over the contract term. Revenues from unit-priced contracts are recognized as transactions are processed. When contractual billings represent an amount that corresponds directly with the value provided to the client (e.g., time-and-materials contracts), revenues are recognized as amounts become billable in accordance with contract terms.
Technology Integration Consulting Services
Revenues from contracts for technology integration consulting services where we design/redesign, build and implement new or enhanced systems and related processes for our clients are recognized over time as control of the system is transferred continuously to the client. Contracts for technology integration consulting services generally span six months to two years. Generally, revenue is recognized using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying our performance obligations. Revenues, including estimated fees, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the client.
Non-Technology Integration Consulting Services
Our contracts for non-technology integration consulting services are typically less than a year in duration. Revenues are generally recognized over time as our clients benefit from the services as they are performed, or the contract includes termination provisions enabling payment for performance completed to date. When contractual billings represent an amount that corresponds directly with the value provided to the client (e.g. time-and-materials contracts), revenues are recognized as amounts become billable in accordance with contract terms. Revenues from fixed-price contracts are generally recognized using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying our performance obligations. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the client. For non-technology integration consulting contracts which do not qualify to recognize revenue over time, we recognize revenues at a point in time when we satisfy our performance obligations and the client obtains control of the promised good or service.
Remaining Performance Obligations
On February 28, 2019, we had approximately $19 billion of remaining performance obligations. Our remaining performance obligations represent the amount of transaction price for which work has not been performed and revenue has not been recognized. The majority of our contracts are terminable by the client on short notice with little or no termination penalties, and some without notice. Under Topic 606, only the non-cancelable portion of these contracts is included in our performance obligations. Additionally, our performance obligations only include variable consideration if we assess it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Based on the terms of our contracts, a significant portion of what we consider contract bookings is not included in our remaining performance obligations. We expect to recognize approximately 57% of our remaining performance obligations as revenue in fiscal 2019, an additional 24% in fiscal 2020, and the balance thereafter.
See Note 11 (Segment Reporting) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for our disaggregated revenues.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


Contract Estimates
Estimates of total contract revenues and costs are continuously monitored over the life of our contracts, and recorded revenues and cost estimates are subject to revision as the contract progresses. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on a technology integration consulting contract, we recognize the loss in the quarter it first becomes probable and reasonably estimable.
Adjustments in contract estimates related to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods increased our revenues by approximately $37 million and $38 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019, respectively. No adjustment on any one contract was material to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in Receivables, Contract assets, and Deferred revenues (Contract liabilities) on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly) or upon achievement of contractual milestones. Our receivables are rights to consideration that are conditional only upon the passage of time as compared to our contract assets, which are rights to consideration conditional upon additional factors. When we bill or receive payments from our clients before revenue is recognized, we record Contract liabilities. Contract assets and liabilities are reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheet on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
For some outsourcing contracts, we receive payments for transition or set-up activities, which are deferred and recognized as revenue as the services are provided. These advance payments are typically not a significant financing component because they are used to meet working capital demands in the early stages of a contract and to protect us from the other party failing to complete its obligations under the contract. Deferred transition revenues were $587,356 and $581,395 as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively, and are included in Non-current deferred revenues. Costs related to these activities are also deferred and are expensed as the services are provided. Generally, deferred amounts are protected in the event of early termination of the contract and are monitored regularly for impairment. Impairment losses are recorded when projected remaining undiscounted operating cash flows of the related contract are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of contract assets. Deferred transition costs were $702,404 and $690,868 as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively, and are included in Deferred contract costs.
The following table provides information about the balances of our Receivables, Contract assets and Contract liabilities (Deferred revenues):
 February 28, 2019 As of September 1, 2018 (as adjusted)
Receivables, net of allowance$7,579,589
 $7,096,856
Contract assets (current)571,822
 547,809
Receivables and contract assets (current)8,151,411
 7,644,665
Contract assets (non-current)20,691
 23,036
Deferred revenues (current)3,335,751
 2,992,634
Deferred revenues (non-current)607,038
 618,124
Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the six months ended February 28, 2019, were a result of normal business activity and not materially impacted by any other factors.
Revenues recognized during the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 that were included in Deferred revenues as of November 30, 2018 and September 1, 2018 were $1.5 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


2.3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018
Basic Earnings per share              
Net income attributable to Accenture plc$863,703
 $838,752
 $1,987,363
 $1,843,228
$1,124,449
 $863,703
 $2,399,169
 $1,987,363
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares617,854,667
 621,999,948
 616,838,561
 621,787,252
638,639,729
 617,854,667
 638,750,881
 616,838,561
Basic earnings per share$1.40
 $1.35
 $3.22
 $2.96
$1.76
 $1.40
 $3.76
 $3.22
Diluted Earnings per share              
Net income attributable to Accenture plc$863,703
 $838,752
 $1,987,363
 $1,843,228
$1,124,449
 $863,703
 $2,399,169
 $1,987,363
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1)37,401
 37,961
 86,534
 84,413
1,649
 37,401
 3,537
 86,534
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation$901,104
 $876,713
 $2,073,897
 $1,927,641
$1,126,098
 $901,104
 $2,402,706
 $2,073,897
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares617,854,667
 621,999,948
 616,838,561
 621,787,252
638,639,729
 617,854,667
 638,750,881
 616,838,561
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1)26,754,491
 28,180,804
 27,010,093
 28,451,331
936,572
 26,754,491
 940,978
 27,010,093
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares11,250,825
 10,732,934
 12,279,965
 11,966,080
9,405,244
 11,250,825
 10,756,722
 12,279,965
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares258,813
 165,689
 252,558
 242,017
189,154
 258,813
 284,119
 252,558
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares656,118,796
 661,079,375
 656,381,177
 662,446,680
649,170,699
 656,118,796
 650,732,700
 656,381,177
Diluted earnings per share$1.37
 $1.33
 $3.16
 $2.91
$1.73
 $1.37
 $3.69
 $3.16
_______________
(1)
Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis.basis and the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests prior to March 13, 2018, when these were redeemed for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. The income effect does not take into account “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests other,” since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. See Note 11 (Subsequent Event) for additional information on Accenture Holdings plc.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


3.4. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Accenture plc:
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018
Foreign currency translation              
Beginning balance$(797,375) $(1,110,654) $(770,043) $(919,963)$(1,083,885) $(797,375) $(1,075,268) $(770,043)
Foreign currency translation134,318
 84,249
 103,561
 (119,476)46,008
 134,318
 33,612
 103,561
Income tax benefit (expense)(1,257) (1,247) (183) (395)(2,685) (1,257) (1,361) (183)
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests(11,438) (230) (9,087) 11,952
(1,678) (11,438) 777
 (9,087)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax121,623
 82,772
 94,291
 (107,919)41,645
 121,623
 33,028
 94,291
Ending balance(675,752) (1,027,882) (675,752) (1,027,882)(1,042,240) (675,752) (1,042,240) (675,752)
              
Defined benefit plans              
Beginning balance(434,389) (798,072) (440,619) (809,504)(398,871) (434,389) (419,284) (440,619)
Pension settlement2,119
 
 2,119
 

 2,119
 
 2,119
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and
post-retirement expense (1)
9,036
 (6,794) 18,797
 11,030
8,435
 9,036
 31,329
 18,797
Income tax benefit (expense)(2,933) (427) (6,192) (6,290)(1,850) (2,933) (4,301) (6,192)
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests(333) 324
 (605) (205)(7) (333) (37) (605)
Defined benefit plans, net of tax7,889
 (6,897) 14,119
 4,535
6,578
 7,889
 26,991
 14,119
Ending balance(426,500) (804,969) (426,500) (804,969)(392,293) (426,500) (392,293) (426,500)
              
Cash flow hedges              
Beginning balance97,368
 53,508
 114,635
 68,011
4,334
 97,368
 (84,010) 114,635
Unrealized gain (loss)(53,710) 89,886
 (45,385) 83,780
(38,653) (53,710) 77,025
 (45,385)
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services(32,105) (25,319) (60,721) (47,468)(8,138) (32,105) (6,260) (60,721)
Income tax benefit (expense)19,370
 (22,753) 21,639
 (9,672)10,041
 19,370
 (19,041) 21,639
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests2,718
 (1,822) 3,473
 (1,151)60
 2,718
 (70) 3,473
Cash flow hedges, net of tax(63,727) 39,992
 (80,994) 25,489
(36,690) (63,727) 51,654
 (80,994)
Ending balance (2)33,641
 93,500
 33,641
 93,500
(32,356) 33,641
 (32,356) 33,641
              
Marketable securities       
Investments       
Beginning balance1,243
 
 1,243
 (264)1,876
 1,243
 2,391
 1,243
Unrealized gain (loss)1,454
 
 1,454
 462

 1,454
 (516) 1,454
Income tax benefit (expense)(305) 
 (305) (183)
 (305) 
 (305)
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests(47) 
 (47) (15)
 (47) 1
 (47)
Marketable securities, net of tax1,102
 
 1,102
 264
Investments, net of tax
 1,102
 (515) 1,102
Ending balance2,345
 
 2,345
 
1,876
 2,345
 1,876
 2,345
              
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(1,066,266) $(1,739,351) $(1,066,266) $(1,739,351)$(1,465,013) $(1,066,266) $(1,465,013) $(1,066,266)
_______________
(1)
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing, and General and administrative costs.costs and non-operating expenses.
(2)
As of February 28, 20182019, $67,48238 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12twelve months.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


4.5. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
During the six months ended February 28, 2018,2019, we completed individually immaterial acquisitions for total consideration of $313,814,$495,618, net of cash acquired. The pro forma effects of these acquisitions on our operations were not material.
5.6. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows:
August 31,
2017
 Additions/
Adjustments
 Foreign
Currency
Translation
 February 28,
2018
August 31,
2018
 Additions/
Adjustments
 Foreign
Currency
Translation
 February 28,
2019
Communications, Media & Technology$775,802
 $69,428
 $14,257
 $859,487
$865,509
 $49,770
 $(2,618) $912,661
Financial Services1,151,024
 12,723
 9,480
 1,173,227
1,162,066
 123,793
 1,648
 1,287,507
Health & Public Service934,374
 2,279
 2,987
 939,640
959,048
 37,729
 (34) 996,743
Products1,698,140
 142,141
 22,817
 1,863,098
1,948,401
 164,273
 (3,663) 2,109,011
Resources443,012
 3,527
 4,206
 450,745
447,988
 28,679
 267
 476,934
Total$5,002,352
 $230,098
 $53,747
 $5,286,197
$5,383,012
 $404,244
 $(4,400) $5,782,856
Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions.
Intangible Assets
Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class were as follows:
 February 28, 2018 August 31, 2017 August 31, 2018 February 28, 2019
Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Customer-related $856,784
 $(271,743) $585,041
 $809,683
 $(235,315) $574,368
 $862,418
 $(299,702) $562,716
 $912,857
 $(306,886) $605,971
Technology 110,587
 (54,541) 56,046
 108,929
 (65,453) 43,476
 94,844
 (55,690) 39,154
 85,271
 (47,051) 38,220
Patents 126,891
 (64,898) 61,993
 124,669
 (62,543) 62,126
 128,179
 (66,659) 61,520
 128,750
 (67,055) 61,695
Other 49,755
 (24,010) 25,745
 52,342
 (21,930) 30,412
 50,490
 (26,770) 23,720
 47,844
 (21,847) 25,997
Total $1,144,017
 $(415,192) $728,825
 $1,095,623
 $(385,241) $710,382
 $1,135,931
 $(448,821) $687,110
 $1,174,722
 $(442,839) $731,883
Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $40,754 and $80,847 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019, respectively. Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $41,931 and 86,559$86,559 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively. Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $33,324 and $66,452 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of February 28, 20182019 is as follows:
Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Estimated Amortization
Remainder of 2018 $82,332
2019 128,144
Remainder of 2019 $87,304
2020 112,325
 142,259
2021 103,207
 126,973
2022 87,273
 109,732
2023 93,201
Thereafter 215,544
 172,414
Total $728,825
 $731,883

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


6.7. MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Dividends
Our dividend activity during the six months ended February 28, 20182019 was as follows:
 Dividend Per
Share
 Accenture plc Class A
Ordinary Shares
 Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary
Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings
Inc. Exchangeable Shares
 Total Cash
Outlay
 Dividend Per
Share
 Accenture plc Class A
Ordinary Shares
 Accenture Canada Holdings
Inc. Exchangeable Shares
 Total Cash
Outlay
Dividend Payment Date Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay  Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay 
November 15, 2017 $1.33
 October 19, 2017 $817,241
 October 17, 2017 $36,373
 $853,614
November 15, 2018 $1.46
 October 18, 2018 $931,460
 October 16, 2018 $1,378
 $932,838
The payment of the cash dividends also resulted in the issuance of an immaterial number of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units.
Subsequent Event
On March 21, 2018,26, 2019, the Board of Directors of Accenture plc declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $1.33$1.46 per share on its Class A ordinary shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on April 12, 201811, 2019 payable on May 15, 2018.2019. The payment of the cash dividend will result in the issuance of an immaterial number of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units.
7. DERIVATIVE8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivatives
In the normal course of business, we use derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk. Our derivative financial instruments consist of deliverable and non-deliverable foreign currency forward contracts.
Cash Flow Hedges
For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in estimated fair value of a hedging instrument is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of Shareholders’ Equity and is reclassified into Cost of services in the Consolidated Income Statements during the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. For information related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that were reclassified into Cost of services during the three and six months ended February 28, 20182019 and 2017,2018, as well as those expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months, see Note 34 (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) to these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Derivatives
Realized gains or losses and changes in the estimated fair value of foreign currency forward contracts that have not been designated as hedges were net losses of $28,945 and $77,928 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019, respectively, and net gains of $56,316 and $46,783 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, and a net gain of $19,780 and a net loss of $118,313 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. Gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Income Statements and are offset by gains and losses on the related hedged items.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments were as follows:
February 28,
2018
 August 31,
2017
February 28,
2019
 August 31,
2018
Assets      
Cash Flow Hedges      
Other current assets$94,232
 $133,935
$28,802
 $29,380
Other non-current assets31,722
 82,770
13,474
 1,065
Other Derivatives      
Other current assets16,461
 11,470
14,319
 28,700
Total assets$142,415
 $228,175
$56,595
 $59,145
Liabilities      
Cash Flow Hedges      
Other accrued liabilities$26,750
 $21,632
$28,764
 $50,870
Other non-current liabilities27,182
 17,244
27,766
 64,365
Other Derivatives      
Other accrued liabilities20,855
 12,242
13,908
 25,455
Total liabilities$74,787
 $51,118
$70,438
 $140,690
Total fair value$67,628
 $177,057
$(13,843) $(81,545)
Total notional value$9,147,399
 $9,290,345
$8,830,792
 $8,783,014
We utilize standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction obligations and for the set-off of certain obligations in the event of an insolvency of one of the parties to the transaction. In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, we record derivative assets and liabilities at gross fair value. The potential effect of netting derivative assets against liabilities under the counterparty master agreements was as follows:
February 28,
2018
 August 31,
2017
February 28,
2019
 August 31,
2018
Net derivative assets$101,776
 $189,066
$32,656
 $23,599
Net derivative liabilities34,148
 12,009
46,499
 105,144
Total fair value$67,628
 $177,057
$(13,843) $(81,545)
Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values
We hold investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values. We record these investments at cost and remeasure them to fair value based on certain observable price changes or impairment events as they occur. The carrying amount of these investments was $117,728 as of February 28, 2019. Prior to the adoption of FASB ASU No. 2016-01, these investments were accounted for under the cost method. For additional information, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


9. INCOME TAXES
On December 22, 2017, the U.S.United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which significantly changed U.S. tax law. The Tax Act lowered the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, resulting in a blended U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 25.7% for our fiscal year ended August 31, 2018. The Tax Act could modestly impact our ongoing effective tax rate by imposing taxes on our intercompany transactions and limiting our ability to deduct certain expenses. 
Due toIn the timing of the enactment and the complexity involved in applying the provisions of the Tax Act, we have recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements as ofthree months ended February 28, 2018. We2018, we recognized a provisional tax expense of $136,724$136,742, primarily to remeasure our net deferred tax assets at the new, lower rates. AsIn the three months ended May 31, 2018, we collectrecorded additional tax expense of $40,927 resulting from our continued analysis of the Tax Act. Our analysis and analyze data, including our forecast of when we expect to realize certain deferred tax amounts, we may adjustaccounting for the provisional amounts. In addition, we have not yet made an accounting policy election to consider the taxes on our intercompany transactions in determining the amount of our valuation allowance. Those adjustments and the election may materially impact our provision for income taxes and effective tax rate in the period in which the adjustments are made.Tax Act is complete. 
We apply an estimated annual effective tax rate to our year-to-date operating results to determine the interim provision for income tax expense. In addition, we recognize taxes related to unusual or infrequent items or resulting

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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


from a change in judgment regarding a position taken in a prior year as discrete items in the interim period in which the event occurs.
Our effective tax rates for the three months ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018 were 17.1% and 2017 were 26.1% and 20.7%, respectively. Our effective tax rates for the six months ended February 28, 2019 and 2018 were 18.6% and 2017 were 23.0% and 20.5%, respectively. Excluding the provisional tax expense described above,associated with the enactment of the Tax Act, the effective tax rates would have been 15.1% and 18.0% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively. The effective tax ratesrate for the three months ended February 28, 2019 was higher primarily due to lower tax benefits from share-based payments and higher expense from the adoption of FASB ASU No. 2016-16, partially offset by a decrease in prior year tax liabilities. The effective tax rate for the six months ended February 28, 2018 benefited2019 was higher primarily due to lower tax benefits from lower expenses for adjustments to prior year tax liabilities in fiscal 2018,share-based payments and higher expense from the adoption of FASB ASU No. 2016-16, partially offset by lower benefits fromhigher final determinations of prior year U.S. taxes in fiscal 2018.taxes. For additional information, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to these Consolidated Financial Statements.
9.10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
We have either the right to purchase at fair value or, if certain events occur, may be required to purchase at fair value outstanding shares of our Avanade Inc. and SinnerSchrader AG subsidiaries.subsidiary. As of February 28, 20182019 and August 31, 2017,2018, we have reflected the fair value of $93,358approximately $43,000 and $52,996,$47,000, respectively, related to redeemable common stock and the intrinsic value of the options on redeemable common stock of these subsidiariessubsidiary in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Indemnifications and Guarantees
In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which itwe may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters.
As of February 28, 20182019 and August 31, 2017,2018, our aggregate potential liability to our clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $872,000$685,000 and $697,000,$782,000, respectively, of which all but approximately $154,000$141,000 and $149,000,$130,000, respectively, may be recovered from the other third parties if we are obligated to make payments to the indemnified parties as a consequence of a performance default by the other third parties. For arrangements with unspecified limitations, we cannot reasonably estimate the aggregate maximum potential liability, as it is inherently difficult to predict the maximum potential amount of such payments, due to the conditional nature and unique facts of each particular arrangement.
To date, we have not been required to make any significant payment under any of the arrangements described above. We have assessed the current status of performance/payment risk related to arrangements with limited guarantees, warranty obligations, unspecified limitations and/or indemnification provisions and believe that any potential payments would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as a whole.
Legal Contingencies
As of February 28, 2018,2019, we or our present personnel had been named as a defendant in various litigation matters. We and/or our personnel also from time to time are involved in investigations by various regulatory or legal authorities concerning matters arising in the course of our business around the world. Based on the present status of these matters, management believes the range of reasonably possible losses in addition to amounts accrued, net of insurance recoveries, will not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)


10.11. SEGMENT REPORTING
Our reportable operating segments are our five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Information regarding our reportable operating segments, geographic regions and type of work is as follows:
Three Months EndedRevenues
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
Net
Revenues
 Operating
Income
 Net
Revenues
 Operating
Income
February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1) February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1)
OPERATING GROUPS       
Communications, Media & Technology$1,934,823
 $315,603
 $1,620,728
 $214,738
$2,145,607
 $1,978,124
 $4,280,183
 $3,897,982
Financial Services2,024,927
 307,926
 1,769,611
 268,164
2,052,720
 2,102,491
 4,172,882
 4,245,066
Health & Public Service1,642,368
 155,420
 1,511,564
 189,115
1,709,099
 1,685,439
 3,463,589
 3,368,614
Products2,631,305
 374,114
 2,264,828
 363,762
2,906,851
 2,737,389
 5,835,361
 5,446,187
Resources1,337,320
 129,701
 1,144,725
 102,874
1,640,627
 1,401,892
 3,292,166
 2,805,868
Other14,699
 
 6,215
 
(775) 3,903
 15,494
 29,834
Total$9,585,442
 $1,282,764
 $8,317,671
 $1,138,653
TOTAL REVENUES$10,454,129
 $9,909,238
 $21,059,675
 $19,793,551
GEOGRAPHY       
North America$4,753,796
 $4,415,923
 $9,610,098
 $8,857,667
Europe3,632,765
 3,599,496
 7,341,580
 7,181,363
Growth Markets2,067,568
 1,893,819
 4,107,997
 3,754,521
TOTAL REVENUES$10,454,129
 $9,909,238
 $21,059,675
 $19,793,551
TYPE OF WORK       
Consulting$5,786,965
 $5,476,397
 $11,754,337
 $11,021,233
Outsourcing4,667,164
 4,432,841
 9,305,338
 8,772,318
TOTAL REVENUES$10,454,129
 $9,909,238
 $21,059,675
 $19,793,551
Six Months EndedOperating Income
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
Net
Revenues
 Operating
Income
 Net
Revenues
 Operating
Income
February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1) February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1)
OPERATING GROUPS       
Communications, Media & Technology$3,804,593
 $610,528
 $3,306,924
 $472,582
$368,338
 $316,853
 $755,359
 $614,538
Financial Services4,084,041
 677,179
 3,579,380
 587,653
269,214
 311,063
 630,062
 683,175
Health & Public Service3,276,479
 378,610
 3,012,338
 388,342
145,649
 157,675
 343,085
 383,230
Products5,215,361
 784,503
 4,584,997
 772,461
375,179
 378,490
 812,763
 791,442
Resources2,670,214
 317,824
 2,339,583
 249,574
228,246
 131,963
 474,369
 321,835
Other57,976
 
 9,966
 

 
 
 
Total$19,108,664
 $2,768,644
 $16,833,188
 $2,470,612
TOTAL OPERATING INCOME$1,386,626
 $1,296,044
 $3,015,638
 $2,794,220
_______________ 
(1)
Effective September 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and FASB ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform with the current period presentation. In addition, we updated operating group results for fiscal 2018 to include an acquisition previously categorized within Other.

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On March 13, 2018, Accenture Holdings plc merged with and into Accenture plc. Accenture Holdings plc dissolved and all assets and liabilities were transferred to Accenture plc. Each ordinary shareholder of Accenture Holdings plc (other than Accenture plc and Accenture Holdings plc) received one Class A ordinary share of Accenture plc for every ordinary share in Accenture Holdings plc that they owned, and Accenture plc redeemed all Class X ordinary shares of Accenture plc held by such shareholders. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the ownership interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. held by certain current and former members of Accenture Leadership as noncontrolling interests. Prior to the merger, a 4% non-controlling ownership interest percentage was held by Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. and subsequent to the merger, the non-controlling ownership percentage is less than 1% held by only Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017,2018, and with the information under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.2018.
We use the terms “Accenture,” “we,” “our” and “us” in this report to refer to Accenture plc and its subsidiaries. All references to years, unless otherwise noted, refer to our fiscal year, which ends on August 31. For example, a reference to “fiscal 2018”2019” means the 12-month period that will end on August 31, 2018.2019. All references to quarters, unless otherwise noted, refer to the quarters of our fiscal year.
We use the term “in local currency” so that certain financial results may be viewed without the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of business performance. Financial results “in local currency” are calculated by restating current period activity into U.S. dollars using the comparable prior year period’s foreign currency exchange rates. This approach is used for all results where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) relating to our operations, results of operations and other matters that are based on our current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in these forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause such differences, some of which could be material, include, but are not limited to:
Our results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic and political conditions and the effects of these conditions on our clients’ businesses and levels of business activity.
Our business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for our services and solutions, including through the adaptation and expansion of our services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the evolving technological environment could materially affect our results of operations.
If we are unable to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, our business, the utilization rate of our professionals and our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
We could have liability or our reputation could be damagedface legal, reputational and financial risks if we fail to protect client and/or Accenture data from security breaches or cyberattacks.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and we might not be able to compete effectively.
Our profitability could materially suffer if we are unable to obtain favorable pricing for our services and solutions, if we are unable to remain competitive, if our cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if we experience delivery inefficiencies.
Changes in our level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on our effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Our profitability could materially suffer if we are unable to obtain favorable pricing for our services and solutions, if we are unable to remain competitive, if our cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if we experience delivery inefficiencies.
Our results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Our business could be materially adversely affected if we incur legal liability.

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Our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment.
We might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses.
Our global delivery capability is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose us to operational risks.
As a result of our geographically diverse operations and our growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, we are more susceptible to certain risks.
Adverse changes
Our business could be materially adversely affected if we incur legal liability.
Our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment.
If we are unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with our size, we might be unable to achieve our business objectives.
If we do not successfully manage and develop our relationships with key alliance partners or if we fail to anticipate and establish new alliances in the business of our key alliance partners could adversely affectnew technologies, our results of operations.operations could be adversely affected.
Our ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on our reputation in the marketplace.
We might not be successful at acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses.
If we are unable to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights, or if our services or solutions infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or we lose our ability to utilize the intellectual property of others, our business could be adversely affected.
Our ability
Changes to attract and retain business and employees may depend on our reputationaccounting standards or in the marketplace.
If we are unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with our size, we might be unable to achieve our business objectives.
We make estimates and assumptions we make in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and any changes to those estimates and assumptions could adversely affect our financial results.
Many of our contracts include payments that link some of our fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require us to meet specific service levels. This could increase the variability of our revenues and impact our margins.
Our results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain effective internal controls.
We might be unable to access additional capital on favorable terms or at all. If we raise equity capital, it may dilute our shareholders’ ownership interest in us.
We are incorporated in Ireland and a significant portion of our assets is located outside the United States. As a result, it might not be possible for shareholders to enforce civil liability provisions of the federal or state securities laws of the United States. We may also be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to our incorporation in Ireland.
Irish law differs from the laws in effect in the United States and might afford less protection to shareholders.
For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.2018. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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Overview
Revenues are driven by the ability of our executives to secure new contracts and to deliver services and solutions that add value relevant to our clients’ current needs and challenges. The level of revenues we achieve is based on our ability to deliver market-leading services and solutions and to deploy skilled teams of professionals quickly and on a global basis.
Our results of operations are affected by economic conditions, including macroeconomic conditions and levels of business confidence. There continues to be significant volatility and economic and geopolitical uncertainty in many markets around the world, which may impact our business. We continue to monitor the impact of this volatility and uncertainty and seek to manage our costs in order to respond to changing conditions. There also continues to be volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The majority of our net revenues are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including the Euro, U.K. pound and the U.K. pound.Japanese yen. Unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have had and could have in the future a material effect on our financial results.
RevenuesAs previously announced, on January 10, 2019, Pierre Nanterme stepped down as our chairman and chief executive officer and as a director for health reasons. Effective January 10, 2019, the Board of Directors appointed David Rowland, who was serving as our chief financial officer, as the interim chief executive officer and a director of Accenture, and KC McClure, who was serving as our managing director—Finance Operations, as our chief financial officer, and named our lead independent director, Marge Magner, as the non-executive chair of the board. We subsequently announced the passing of Mr. Nanterme on January 31, 2019.
Effective September 1, 2018, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). In connection with the adoption, we present total revenues and no longer report revenues before reimbursements (“net revenues”)(net revenues). This change has no impact on operating income but does affect ratios calculated as a percentage of revenue, such as operating margin. Prior period results have been revised to reflect the fiscal 2019 presentation. For additional information, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
Summary of Results
Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 increased 15%5% in U.S. dollars and 10%9% in local currency compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Net revenues2018. Revenues for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased 14%6% in U.S. dollars and 10%9% in local currency compared to the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. Demand for our services and solutions continued to be strong, resulting in growth across all areas of our business. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, revenue growth in local currency was very strong in Resources, Communication, Media & Technology Resources and Products, and strongmodest in Financial Services and Health & Public Service.Service and Financial Services. We experienced very strong growth in Growth Markets and Europe and strong growth in North America.America and Europe. Revenue growth in local currency was very strong in consulting and strong in outsourcing during the second quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. While the business environment remained competitive, we experienced pricing was relatively stable.improvement in several areas of our business. We use the term “pricing” to mean the contract profitability or margin on the work that we sell.
In our consulting business, net revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 increased 17%6% in U.S. dollars and 11%9% in local currency compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Net consulting2018. Consulting revenues for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased 15%7% in U.S. dollars and 11%10% in local currency compared to the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. Consulting revenue growth in local currency in the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was led by very strong growth in Resources, strong growth in Products, Communications, Media & Technology Financial Services and Resources as well as strong growth in Products and solid growth in Health & Public Service.Service and slight growth in Financial Services. Our consulting revenue growth continues to be driven by strong demand for digital-, cloud- and security-related services and assisting clients with the adoption of new technologies. In addition, clients continue to be focused on initiatives designed to deliver cost savings and operational efficiency, as well as projects to integrate their global operations and grow and transform their businesses.
In our outsourcing business, net revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 increased 13%5% in U.S. dollars and 8%9% in local currency compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Net outsourcing2018. Outsourcing revenues for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased 12%6% in U.S. dollars and 9% in local currency compared to the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. Outsourcing revenue growth in local currency in the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was led by very strong growth in Communications, Media & Technology, Resources and Products, and Resources, as well as strongmodest growth in Financial Services, while Health & Public Service andhad a slight growth in Financial Services.decline. We continue to experience growing demand to assist clients with cloud enablement and the operation and maintenance of digital-related services.services and cloud enablement. In addition, clients continue to be focused on transforming their operations to improve effectiveness and cost efficiency.
As we are a global company, our revenues are denominated in multiple currencies and may be significantly affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations. If the U.S. dollar weakens against other currencies, resulting in

25



favorable currency translation, our revenues, revenue growth and results of operations in U.S. dollars may be higher. If the U.S. dollar strengthens against other currencies, resulting in unfavorable currency translation, our revenues, revenue growth and results of operations in U.S. dollars may be lower. The U.S. dollar weakenedstrengthened against various currencies during the three and six months ended February 28, 20182019 compared to the three and six months ended February 28, 2017,2018, resulting in favorableunfavorable currency translation and U.S. dollar revenue growth that was approximately 6%4% and 4% higher,3% lower, respectively, than our revenue growth in local currency. Assuming that exchange rates stay within recent ranges for the remainder of fiscal 2018,2019, we estimate that our full fiscal 20182019 revenue growth in U.S. dollars will be approximately 4.0% higher3% lower in U.S. dollars than our revenue growth in local currency.
The primary categories of operating expenses include Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. Cost of services is primarily driven by the cost of client-service personnel, which consists mainly of compensation, subcontractor and other personnel costs, and non-payroll costs on outsourcing contracts. Cost of services includes a variety of activities such as: contract delivery; recruiting and training; software development; and integration of acquisitions. Sales and marketing costs are driven primarily by: compensation costs for business development activities; marketing- and advertising-related activities; and certain acquisition-related costs. General

19



and administrative costs primarily include costs for non-client-facing personnel, information systems, office space and certain acquisition-related costs.
Utilization for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was 91%, flatconsistent withthe second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. We continue to hire to meet current and projected future demand. We proactively plan and manage the size and composition of our workforce and take actions as needed to address changes in the anticipated demand for our services and solutions, given that compensation costs are the most significant portion of our operating expenses. Based on current and projected future demand, we have increased our headcount, the majority of which serve our clients, to approximately 477,000 as of February 28, 2019, compared to approximately 442,000 as of February 28, 2018, compared to approximately 401,000 as of February 28, 2017.2018. The year-over-year increase in our headcount reflects an overall increase in demand for our services and solutions, as well as headcount added in connection with acquisitions. Attrition, excluding involuntary terminations, for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was 13%15%, up from 12%13% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. We evaluate voluntary attrition, adjust levels of new hiring and use involuntary terminations as means to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with changes in client demand. In addition, we adjust compensation in certain skill sets and geographies in order to attract and retain appropriate numbers of qualified employees. For the majority of our personnel, compensation increases become effective December 1st of each fiscal year. We strive to adjust pricing and/or the mix of resources to reduce the impact of compensation increases on our gross margin. Our ability to grow our revenues and maintain or increase our margin could be adversely affected if we are unable to: keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with changes in the types or amounts of services and solutions clients are demanding; recover increases in compensation; deploy our employees globally on a timely basis; manage attrition; and/or effectively assimilate and utilize new employees.
Effective September 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), which required us to reclassify certain components of pension costs from operating expenses to non-operating expenses. Prior period results have been revised to reflect the fiscal 2019 presentation. For additional information, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
Gross margin (Net revenues(Revenues less Cost of services before reimbursable expenses as a percentage of net revenues)Revenues) for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was 29.7%29.2%, compared with 30.1%28.9% for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. Gross margin for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 was 30.9%,30.2% compared with 31.1%29.9% for the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. The decreaseincrease in gross margin for three andthe second quarter of fiscal 2019 was primarily due to lower labor costs, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase in gross margin for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 was principallyprimarily due to lower consulting contract profitability as well as higher acquisition-relatednon-payroll costs, partially offset by cost efficiencies.compared to the same period in fiscal 2018.
Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues were 16.3%16.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 15.8% for the six months ended February 28, 2019, compared with 15.8% for both the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and 16.4% for the six months ended February 28, 2018, compared with 16.4% for both the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. We continuously monitor these costs and implement cost-management actions, as appropriate. For the three and six months ended February 28, 2018second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the same periodsperiod in fiscal 2017,2018, Sales and marketing costs as a percentage of net revenues decreased 1030 basis points, and were flat, respectively,primarily due to improved operational efficiency in our business development activities and General and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues were flat and decreased 10increased 50 basis points, respectively.primarily due to the recognition of share-based compensation upon the previously disclosed vesting and settlement of our former chairman and chief executive officer’s restricted share units in connection with his resignation for health reasons during the second quarter of fiscal 2019. For the six months ended February 28, 2019 compared to the same period in fiscal 2018, Sales and marketing costs as a percentage of revenues decreased 20 basis points, and General and administrative costs as a percentage of revenues increased 20 basis points.

26



Operating margin (Operating income as a percentage of Net revenues) for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was 13.4%13.3%, compared with 13.7%13.1% for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. Operating margin for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 was 14.5%14.3%, compared with 14.7%14.1% for the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018.
Effective September 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740). Upon adoption, we recorded deferred tax assets of $2.1 billion, and we will recognize incremental income tax expense going forward as these deferred tax assets are utilized. For additional information, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2019 were 17.1% and 18.6%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 were 26.1% and 23.0%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 were 20.7% and 20.5%, respectively. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded a $137 million tax charge associated with the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). Absent this charge, our effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 would have been 15.1% and 18.0%, respectively. For additional information see Note 89 (Income Taxes) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements”.
Diluted earnings per share were$1.73 for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, compared with $1.37 for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with $1.33 for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. Diluted earnings per share were$3.69 for the six months ended February 28, 2019, compared with $3.16 for the six months ended February 28, 2018, compared with $2.91 for the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. The $137 milliontax charge associated with the Tax Act decreased fiscal 2018 diluted earnings per share by $0.21 in both the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and six months ended February 28, 2018. Excluding the impact of this charge, diluted earnings per share would have been $1.58 for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and $3.37 for the six months ended February 28, 2018.
We have presented effective tax rate and diluted earnings per share excluding the impact of the tax charge in fiscal 2018, as we believe doing so facilitates understanding as to both the impact of the charge and our financial performance.
New Bookings
New bookings for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 were $10.25$11.8 billion, with consulting bookings of $5.65$6.7 billion and outsourcing bookings of $4.60$5.1 billion. New bookings for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 were $20.23$22.0 billion, with consulting bookings of $11.59$12.6 billion and outsourcing bookings of $8.65$9.3 billion.

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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended February 28, 20182019 Compared to the Three Months Ended February 28, 20172018
Our five reportable operating segments are our operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Net revenuesRevenues (by operating group, geographic region and type of work) and reimbursements were as follows:
Three Months Ended Percent
Increase
U.S. Dollars
 Percent
Increase
Local
Currency
 Percent of Total Net Revenues
for the Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended Percent
Increase (Decrease)
U.S.
Dollars
 Percent
Increase
Local
Currency
 Percent of Revenues
for the Three Months Ended
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1) February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1)
(in millions of U.S. dollars)        (in millions of U.S. dollars)        
OPERATING GROUPS                      
Communications, Media & Technology$1,935
 $1,621
 19% 15% 20% 20%$2,146
 $1,978
 8 % 12% 20% 20%
Financial Services2,025
 1,770
 14
 7
 21
 21
2,053
 2,102
 (2) 2
 20
 21
Health & Public Service1,642
 1,512
 9
 6
 17
 18
1,709
 1,685
 1
 3
 16
 17
Products2,631
 2,265
 16
 10
 28
 27
2,907
 2,737
 6
 10
 28
 28
Resources1,337
 1,145
 17
 11
 14
 14
1,641
 1,402
 17
 22
 16
 14
Other15
 6
 n/m
 n/m
 
 
(1) 4
 n/m
 n/m
 
 
TOTAL NET REVENUES9,585
 8,318
 15% 10% 100% 100%
Reimbursements482
 445
 9
      
TOTAL REVENUES$10,068
 $8,762
 15%      10,454
 9,909
 5 % 9% 100% 100%
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS (1)           
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS           
North America$4,277
 $3,956
 8% 8% 45% 48%$4,754
 $4,416
 8 % 8% 45% 45%
Europe3,485
 2,842
 23
 10
 36
 34
3,633
 3,599
 1
 7
 35
 36
Growth Markets1,823
 1,519
 20
 15
 19
 18
2,068
 1,894
 9
 16
 20
 19
TOTAL NET REVENUES$9,585
 $8,318
 15% 10% 100% 100%
TOTAL REVENUES$10,454
 $9,909
 5 % 9% 100% 100%
TYPE OF WORK                      
Consulting$5,159
 $4,406
 17% 11% 54% 53%$5,787
 $5,476
 6 % 9% 55% 55%
Outsourcing4,426
 3,912
 13
 8
 46
 47
4,667
 4,433
 5
 9
 45
 45
TOTAL NET REVENUES$9,585
 $8,318
 15% 10% 100% 100%
TOTAL REVENUES$10,454
 $9,909
 5 % 9% 100% 100%
_______________ 
n/m = not meaningful
Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.
(1)
Effective September 1, 2017,2018, we revised the reporting ofadopted FASB ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and eliminated our geographic regions as follows: North America (the United States and Canada), Europe and Growth Markets (Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey). Four countries, including Russia, were previously in Growth Markets, but are now included in Europe.net revenues presentation. Prior period amounts have been reclassifiedrevised to conform towith the current period presentation. In addition, we updated operating group results for fiscal 2018 to include an acquisition previously categorized within Other.
Net Revenues
The following net revenues commentary discusses local currency net revenue changes for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017:2018:
Operating Groups
Communications, Media & Technology net revenues increased 15%12% in local currency, driven by growth in Software & Platforms across all geographic regions, in Software & Platforms and Communications & Media, led by SoftwareNorth America.
Financial Services revenues increased 2% in local currency, driven by growth in Insurance across all geographic regions and Banking & PlatformsCapital Markets in North America. These increases wereGrowth Markets, partially offset by a decline in High TechBanking & Capital Markets in North America.Europe.
Financial Services netHealth & Public Service revenues increased 7%3% in local currency, driven by growth in Public Service in Europe and Growth Markets.
Products revenues increased 10% in local currency, driven by growth across all industry groups and geographic regions, led by BankingConsumer Goods, Retail & CapitalTravel Services in Europe and Growth Markets, and Industrial in Europe.
Health & Public Service netResources revenues increased 6% in local currency, driven by growth in both Public Service and Health industry groups across all geographic regions.
Products net revenues increased 10%22% in local currency, driven by growth across all industry groups and geographic regions in Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services and Industrial, partially offset by a decline in Life Sciences in North America.regions.

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Resources net revenues increased 11% in local currency, led by growth in Chemicals & Natural Resources across all geographic regions, as well as Energy in North America and Europe and Utilities in Europe.
Geographic Regions
North America net revenues increased 8% in local currency, driven by the United States.
Europe net revenues increased 10%7% in local currency, led by Italy, the United Kingdom, France and Ireland.
Growth Markets revenues increased 16% in local currency, driven by Germany, Italy, France and Spain.
Growth Markets net revenues increased 15% in local currency, led by Japan, as well as Australia, Brazil, China and Singapore.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 increased $1,162$454 million, or 15%5%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017,2018, and increaseddecreased as a percentage of revenues to 87.3%86.7% from 87.0% during this period. Operating expenses before reimbursable expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 increased $1,124 million, or 16%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 86.6% from 86.3%86.9% during this period.
Cost of Services
Cost of services for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 increased $961$350 million, or 15%5%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017,2018, and increaseddecreased as a percentage of revenues to 71.7%70.8% from 71.4% during this period. Cost of services before reimbursable expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 increased $924 million, or 16%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 70.3% from 69.9%71.1% during this period. Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased2019 increased to 29.7%29.2% from 30.1%28.9% during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease2018.The increase in gross margin was principallyprimarily due to lower consulting contract profitability as well as higher acquisition-relatedlabor costs partially offset by cost efficiencies.compared to the same period in fiscal 2018.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 increased $21 million, or 2%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2018, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 9.8% from 10.1% during this period. The decrease as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to improved operational efficiency in our business development activities compared to the same period in fiscal 2018.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative costs for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 increased $128$83 million, or 15%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017,2018, and decreasedincreased as a percentage of net revenues to 10.4%6.2% from 10.5%5.7% during this period.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative costs for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 increased $72 million, or 15%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017, and remained flat The increase as a percentage of net revenues at 5.9% during this period.was primarily due to higher share-based compensation as discussed in the Overview.
Operating Income and Operating Margin
Operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 increased $144$91 million, or 13%7%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018.
Operating income and operating margin for each of the operating groups were as follows:
Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017  February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1)  
Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Increase
(Decrease)
Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Increase (Decrease)
 (in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 (in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Communications, Media & Technology$316
 16% $215
 13% $101
$368
 17% $317
 16% $51
Financial Services308
 15
 268
 15
 40
269
 13
 311
 15
 (42)
Health & Public Service155
 9
 189
 13
 (34)146
 9
 158
 9
 (12)
Products374
 14
 364
 16
 10
375
 13
 378
 14
 (3)
Resources130
 10
 103
 9
 27
228
 14
 132
 9
 96
Total$1,283
 13.4% $1,139
 13.7% $144
TOTAL$1,387
 13.3% $1,296
 13.1% $91
_______________
Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.
(1)
Effective September 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. Certain components of pension service costs were reclassified from Operating expenses to Non-operating expenses. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform with the current period presentation.

29



We estimate that the aggregate percentage impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our operating income during the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was similar to that disclosed for net revenue. In addition, during the second quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, we experienced higher acquisition-related costs compared toshare-based compensation as discussed in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.Overview. The commentary below provides insight into other factors affecting operating group performance and operating margin for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017:2018:
Communications, Media & Technology operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth.

22



growth and higher contract profitability.
Financial Services operating income increased primarily due todecreased as higher consulting contract profitability and revenue growth partiallywere offset by lower consulting contract profitability.higher operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Health & Public Service operating income decreased primarily due to lower consultingas revenue growth and higher outsourcing contract profitability.profitability were offset by higher operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Products operating income increased primarily due towas relatively flat year-over-year as revenue growth partially offset by lowerand higher consulting contract profitability andwere offset by higher sales and marketing costsoperating expenses as a percentage of net revenues.
Resources operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth partially offset by lowerand higher contract profitability.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net primarily consists of foreign currency gains and losses, non-operating components of pension expense, as well as gains and losses associated with our investments in privately held companies. For the second quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, other expense increased $31decreased $33 million overfrom the second quarter of fiscal 2017,2018, primarily due to higherlower net foreign exchange losses.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 was 26.1%17.1%, compared with 20.7%26.1% for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded a $137 million tax charge associated with the enactment of the Tax Act. Absent this charge, our effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 would have been 15.1%. The higher effective tax rate for the three months ended February 28, 2018 benefited2019 was primarily due to lower tax benefits from lower expenses for adjustments toshare-based payments and higher expense from the adoption of FASB ASU No. 2016-16, partially offset by a decrease in prior year tax liabilities in fiscal 2018, partially offset by lower benefits from final determinations of prior year U.S. taxes in fiscal 2018.liabilities. For additional information, see Note 8 (Income Taxes)1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 decreased $40 million, or 71%, from the second quarter of fiscal 2018 due to the decrease in the non-controlling ownership percentage from 4% held by Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. to less than 1% held by only Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. driven by the Accenture Holdings plc merger with and into Accenture plc. For additional information on the merger, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements”.
In addition, as described in Note 1 (Basis of Presentation), beginning in fiscal 2019 we will recognize incremental income tax expense as a result of adoption of ASU 2016-16.Earnings Per Share
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsDiluted earnings per share were $1.73 for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 increased $7 million, or 15%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share were2019, compared with $1.37 for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with $1.33 for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. The $0.04$0.36 increase in our diluted earnings per share included the impact of the $137 million tax charge associated with the Tax Act, which decreased diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 by $0.21. Excluding the impact of this charge, diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 increased $0.25$0.15 compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017,2018, due to increasesan increase of $0.17$0.12 from higher revenues and operating results, $0.10$0.05 from a lower effective tax ratenon-operating expense and $0.01$0.02 from lower weighted average shares outstanding. These increases were partially offset by decreasesa decrease of $0.02$0.04 from a higher non-operating expense and $0.01 from higher net income attributable to other non-controlling interests.effective tax rate. For information regarding our earnings per share calculations, see Note 23 (Earnings Per Share) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

2330



Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended February 28, 20182019 Compared to the Six Months Ended February 28, 20172018
Our five reportable operating segments are our operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Net revenuesRevenues (by operating group, geographic region and type of work) and reimbursements were as follows:
Six Months Ended Percent
Increase
U.S. dollars
 Percent
Increase
Local
Currency
 Percent of Total Net Revenues
for the Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended Percent
Increase (Decrease)
U.S.
Dollars
 Percent
Increase
Local
Currency
 Percent of Revenues
for the Six Months Ended
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1) February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1)
(in millions of U.S. dollars)        (in millions of U.S. dollars)        
OPERATING GROUPS                      
Communications, Media & Technology$3,805
 $3,307
 15% 12% 20% 20%$4,280
 $3,898
 10 % 13% 20% 20%
Financial Services4,084
 3,579
 14
 9
 22
 21
4,173
 4,245
 (2) 1
 20
 21
Health & Public Service3,276
 3,012
 9
 7
 17
 18
3,464
 3,369
 3
 4
 16
 17
Products5,215
 4,585
 14
 10
 27
 27
5,835
 5,446
 7
 10
 28
 28
Resources2,670
 2,340
 14
 10
 14
 14
3,292
 2,806
 17
 22
 16
 14
Other58
 10
 n/m
 n/m
 
 
15
 30
 n/m
 n/m
 
 
TOTAL NET REVENUES19,109
 16,833
 14% 10% 100% 100%
Reimbursements1,014
 935
 8
      
TOTAL REVENUES$20,122
 $17,768
 13%      
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS (1)           
Total21,060
 19,794
 6 % 9% 100% 100%
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS           
North America$8,562
 $7,937
 8% 7% 45% 47%$9,610
 $8,858
 8 % 9% 46% 45%
Europe6,934
 5,800
 20
 10
 36
 35
7,342
 7,181
 2
 6
 35
 36
Growth Markets3,613
 3,096
 17
 16
 19
 18
4,108
 3,755
 9
 16
 19
 19
TOTAL NET REVENUES$19,109
 $16,833
 14% 10% 100% 100%
Total$21,060
 $19,794
 6 % 9% 100% 100%
TYPE OF WORK                      
Consulting$10,343
 $8,999
 15% 11% 54% 53%$11,754
 $11,021
 7 % 10% 56% 56%
Outsourcing8,765
 7,834
 12
 9
 46
 47
9,305
 8,772
 6
 9
 44
 44
TOTAL NET REVENUES$19,109
 $16,833
 14% 10% 100% 100%
Total$21,060
 $19,794
 6 % 9% 100% 100%
_______________ 
n/m = not meaningful
Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.
(1)
Effective September 1, 2017,2018, we revised the reporting ofadopted FASB ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and eliminated our geographic regions as follows: North America (the United States and Canada), Europe and Growth Markets (Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey). Four countries, including Russia, were previously in Growth Markets, but are now included in Europe.net revenues presentation. Prior period amounts have been reclassifiedrevised to conform towith the current period presentation. In addition, we updated operating group results for fiscal 2018 to include an acquisition previously categorized within Other.
Net Revenues
The following net revenues commentary discusses local currency net revenue changes for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 compared to the six months ended February 28, 2017:2018:
Operating Groups
Communications, Media & Technology net revenues increased 12%13% in local currency, driven by growth in Software & Platforms across all geographic regions, in Software & Platforms and Communications & Media, led by SoftwareNorth America.
Financial Services revenues increased 1% in local currency, driven by growth in Insurance across all geographic regions and Banking & PlatformsCapital Markets in North America. These increases wereGrowth Markets, partially offset by a decline in High TechBanking & Capital Markets in North America.Europe.
Financial Services net
Health & Public Service revenues increased 9%4% in local currency, driven by growth in Public Service in Europe and Growth Markets.
Products revenues increased 10% in local currency, driven by growth across all industry groups and geographic regions, led by BankingIndustrial, and Consumer Goods, Retail & Capital MarketsTravel Services in Europe.Europe and Growth Markets.
Health & Public Service net
Resources revenues increased 7%22% in local currency, driven by growth in both Public Service and Healthacross all industry groups across alland geographic regions.

2431



Products netGeographic Regions
North America revenues increased 10% in local currency, driven by growth across all geographic regions in Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services and Industrial, partially offset by a decline in Life Sciences in North America.
Resources net revenues increased 10% in local currency, led by growth in Chemicals & Natural Resources across all geographic regions, as well as Utilities in Europe and Energy in North America and Europe.
Geographic Regions
North America net revenues increased 7%9% in local currency, driven by the United States.
Europe net revenues increased 10%6% in local currency, drivenled by Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain.France.
Growth Markets net revenues increased 16% in local currency, leddriven by Japan, as well as Australia, SingaporeBrazil, China and Brazil.Singapore.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased $2,057$1,045 million, or 13%6%, over the six months ended February 28, 2017,2018, and increaseddecreased as a percentage of revenues to 86.2%85.7% from 86.1%85.9% during this period. Operating expenses before reimbursable expenses for the six months ended February 28, 2018 increased $1,977 million, or 14%, over the six months ended February 28, 2017, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 85.5% from 85.3% during this period.
Cost of Services
Cost of services for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased $1,688$838 million, or 13%6%, over the six months ended February 28, 2017,2018, and increaseddecreased as a percentage of revenues to 70.7%69.8% from 70.5% during this period. Cost of services before reimbursable expenses for the six months ended February 28, 2018 increased $1,609 million or 14% over the six months ended February 28, 2017, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 69.1% from 68.9%70.1% during this period. Gross margin for the six months ended February 28, 2018 decreased2019 increased to 30.9%30.2% from 31.1%29.9% during the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. The decreaseincrease in gross margin was principallyprimarily due to lower consulting contract profitability as well as higher acquisition-relatednon-payroll costs partially offset by cost efficiencies.compared to the same period in fiscal 2018.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased $241$90 million, or 14%5%, over the six months ended February 28, 2017,2018, and remained flatdecreased as a percentage of net revenues at 10.5%to 9.9% from 10.1% during this period.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative costs for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased $128$117 million, or 13%10%, over the six months ended February 28, 2017,2018, and decreasedincreased as a percentage of net revenues to 5.9% from 6.0%5.7% during this period.

25




Operating Income and Operating Margin
Operating income for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased $298$221 million, or 12%8%, over the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018.
Operating income and operating margin for each of the operating groups were as follows:
Six Months Ended  Six Months Ended  
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017  February 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 (1)  
Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Increase
(Decrease)
Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Operating
Income
 Operating
Margin
 Increase (Decrease)
 (in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)  
Communications, Media & Technology$611
 16% $473
 14% $138
$755
 18% $615
 16% $141
Financial Services677
 17
 588
 16
 90
630
 15
 683
 16
 (53)
Health & Public Service379
 12
 388
 13
 (10)343
 10
 383
 11
 (40)
Products785
 15
 772
 17
 12
813
 14
 791
 15
 21
Resources318
 12
 250
 11
 68
474
 14
 322
 11
 153
Total$2,769
 14.5% $2,471
 14.7% $298
TOTAL$3,016
 14.3% $2,794
 14.1% $221
_______________
_______________ 
Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.
(1)
Effective September 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. Certain components of pension service costs were reclassified from Operating expenses to Non-operating expenses. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform with the current period presentation.

32



We estimate that the aggregate percentage impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our operating income during the six months ended February 28, 20182019 was similar to that disclosed for net revenue. In addition, during the six months ended February 28, 2018,2019, we experienced higher acquisition-related costs compared toshare-based compensation as discussed in the six months ended February 28, 2017.Overview. The commentary below provides insight into other factors affecting operating group performance and operating margin for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 compared with the six months ended February 28, 2017:2018:
Communications, Media & Technology operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth.growth and higher contract profitability.
Financial Services operating income increased primarily due to consulting revenue growth, partially offset by lower consultingdecreased as higher contract profitability and revenue growth were offset by higher sales and marketing costsoperating expenses as a percentage of net revenues.
Health & Public Service operating income decreased primarily due to lower consultingas revenue growth and higher outsourcing contract profitability.profitability were offset by higher operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Products operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth and higher contract profitability, partially offset by lower consulting contract profitability and higher sales and marketing costsoperating expenses as a percentage of net revenues.
Resources operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth partially offset by lowerand higher consulting contract profitability.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net primarily consists of foreign currency gains and losses as well as gains and losses associated with our investments in privately held companies. For the six months ended February 28, 2018, other expense increased $23 million over the six months ended February 28, 2017, primarily due to higher net foreign exchange losses.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 was 23.0%18.6%, compared with 20.5%23.0% for the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded a $137 million tax charge associated with the enactment of the Tax Act. Absent this charge, our effective tax rate for the six months ended February 28, 2018 would have been 18.0%. The higher effective tax rate for the six months ended February 28, 2018 benefited2019 was primarily due to lower tax benefits from lower expenses for adjustments to prior year tax liabilities in fiscal 2018,share-based payments and higher expense from the adoption of FASB ASU No. 2016-16, partially offset by lowerhigher benefits from final determinations of prior year U.S. taxes in fiscal 2018.taxes. For additional information, see Note 8 (Income Taxes)1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements”.Statements.”
Our provision for income taxes is based on many factors and subject to volatility year to year. We expect the fiscal 20182019 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 24%22.5% to 26%. Excluding the charge associated with the Tax

26



Act, we expect the fiscal 2018 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 22% to 24%23.5%. The effective tax rate for interim periods can vary because of the timing of when certain events occur during the year.
In addition, as described in Note 1 (Basis of Presentation), beginning in fiscal 2019 we will recognize incremental income tax expense as a result of adoption of ASU 2016-16.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the six months ended February 28, 2018 increased $172019 decreased $88 million, or 16%73%, overfrom the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018 due to the decrease in the non-controlling ownership percentage from 4% held by Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. to less than 1% held by only Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. driven by the Accenture Holdings plc merger with and into Accenture plc. For additional information on the merger, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements”.
Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share were $3.69 for the six months ended February 28, 2019, compared with $3.16 for the six months ended February 28, 2018, compared with $2.91 for the six months ended February 28, 2017.2018. The $0.25$0.53 increase in our diluted earnings per share included the impact of the $137$137 million tax charge associated with the Tax Act, which decreased diluted earnings per share for the six months ended February 28, 2018 by $0.21.$0.21. Excluding the impact of this charge, diluted earnings per share for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 increased $0.46$0.32 compared with the six months ended February 28, 2017,2018, due to increasesan increase of $0.36$0.28 from higher revenues and operating results, $0.10$0.03 from a lower effective tax ratenon-operating expenses and $0.03 from lower weighted average shares outstanding. These increases were partially offset by decreasesa decrease of $0.02 from a higher net income attributable to other non-controlling interests and $0.01 from higher non-operating expenses. Foreffective tax rate.For information regarding our earnings per share calculations, see Note 23 (Earnings Per Share) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

33



Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of February 28, 2018,2019, Cash and cash equivalents was $3.6$4.5 billion, compared with $4.1$5.1 billion as of August 31, 2017.2018.
Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in our Consolidated Cash Flows Statements, are summarized in the following table:
Six Months Ended  Six Months Ended  
February 28, 2018 February 28, 2017 ChangeFebruary 28, 2019 February 28, 2018 Change
(in millions of U.S. dollars)(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Net cash provided by (used in):          
Operating activities$1,930
 $1,239
 $691
$2,387
 $1,930
 $457
Investing activities(605) (1,034) 429
(725) (605) (120)
Financing activities(1,882) (1,844) (38)(2,294) (1,882) (412)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents25
 (27) 53
35
 25
 10
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$(532) $(1,667) $1,135
$(596) $(532) $(65)
_______________ 
Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.
Operating activities: The $457 million year-over-year increase in operating cash flow was due to higher net income and changes in operating assets and liabilities, including lower spending on certain compensation payments and improved collections on client receivables.an increase in accounts payable.
Investing activities: CashThe $120 million increase in cash used in investing activities decreased $429 millionwas primarily due to lowerhigher spending on business acquisitions and investments, partially offset by higherlower spending on property and equipment. For additional information, see Note 45 (Business Combinations) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
Financing activities:The $38$412 million increase in cash used was primarily due to an increase in the net purchases of shares as well as an increase in cash dividends paid, and the purchase of the remaining interest in a consolidated subsidiary, partially offset by an increase in net proceeds from share issuances. For additional information, see Note 67 (Material Transactions Affecting Shareholders’ Equity) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
We believe that our current and longer-term working capital, investments and other general corporate funding requirements will be satisfied for the next twelve months and thereafter through cash flows from operations and, to the extent necessary, from our borrowing facilities and future financial market activities.

27

Table of Contents


Substantially all of our cash is held in jurisdictions where there are no regulatory restrictions or material tax effects on the free flow of funds. Domestic cash inflows for our Irish parent, principally dividend distributions from lower-tier subsidiaries, have been sufficient to meet our historic cash requirements, and we expect this to continue into the future.
Borrowing Facilities
As of February 28, 2018,2019, we had the following borrowing facilities, including the issuance of letters of credit, to support general working capital purposes:
Facility
Amount
 Borrowings
Under
Facilities
Facility
Amount
 Borrowings
Under
Facilities
(in millions of U.S. dollars)(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Syndicated loan facility$1,000
 $
$1,000
 $
Separate, uncommitted, unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facilities493
 
828
 
Local guaranteed and non-guaranteed lines of credit242
 
224
 
Total$1,735
 $
$2,052
 $
Under the borrowing facilities described above, we had an aggregate of $246$386 million of letters of credit outstanding as of February 28, 2018. In the fourth quarter2019.

34

Table of fiscal 2017, we entered into agreements that will allow us to establish a commercial paper program for short-term borrowings of up to $1 billion, backed by our syndicated loan facility. Contents


Share Purchases and Redemptions
The Board of Directors of Accenture plc has authorized funding for our publicly announced open-market share purchase program for acquiring Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares and for purchases and redemptions of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares held by current and former members of Accenture Leadership and their permitted transferees.
Our share purchase activity during the six months ended February 28, 20182019 was as follows:
Accenture plc Class A
Ordinary Shares
 Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary
Shares and Accenture Canada
Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares
Accenture plc Class A
Ordinary Shares
 Accenture Canada
Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares
Shares Amount Shares AmountShares Amount Shares Amount
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)
Open-market share purchases (1)6,030,422
 $889
 
 $
8,985,394
 $1,405
 
 $
Other share purchase programs
 
 557,894
 83

 
 84,700
 14
Other purchases (2)2,619,931
 395
 
 
2,538,862
 378
 
 
Total8,650,353
 $1,284
 557,894
 $83
11,524,256
 $1,783
 84,700
 $14
_______________
(1)
We conduct a publicly announced open-market share purchase program for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. These shares are held as treasury shares by Accenture plc and may be utilized to provide for select employee benefits, such as equity awards to our employees.
(2)
During the six months ended February 28, 20182019, as authorized under our various employee equity share plans, we acquired Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares primarily via share withholding for payroll tax obligations due from employees and former employees in connection with the delivery of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares under those plans. These purchases of shares in connection with employee share plans do not affect our aggregate available authorization for our publicly announced open-market share purchase and the other share purchase programs.
We intend to continue to use a significant portion of cash generated from operations for share repurchases during the remainder of fiscal 2018.2019. The number of shares ultimately repurchased under our open-market share purchase program may vary depending on numerous factors, including, without limitation, share price and other market conditions, our ongoing capital allocation planning, the levels of cash and debt balances, other demands for cash, such as acquisition activity, general economic and/or business conditions, and board and management discretion. Additionally, as these factors may change over the course of the year, the amount of share repurchase activity during any particular period cannot be predicted and may fluctuate from time to time. Share repurchases may be made from time to time through open-market purchases, in respect of purchases and redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares, through the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans and/or by other means. The repurchase program may be accelerated, suspended, delayed or discontinued at any time, without notice.

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Other Share Redemptions
During the six months ended February 28, 2018, we issued 351,804 Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares upon redemptions of an equivalent number of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares pursuant to our registration statement on Form S-3 (the “registration statement”). The registration statement allowed us, at our option, to issue freely tradable Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares in lieu of cash upon redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares held by current and former members of Accenture Leadership and their permitted transferees. In connection with the merger of Accenture Holdings plc with and into Accenture plc, we have terminated the registration statement. For additional information, see Note 11 (Subsequent Event) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements”.
For a complete description of all share purchase and redemption activity for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, see Part II, Item 2, “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business and in conjunction with some client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which we may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters.
To date, we have not been required to make any significant payment under any of the arrangements described above. For further discussion of these transactions, see Note 910 (Commitments and Contingencies) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
New Accounting Pronouncements and Significant Accounting Policies
See Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) and Note 2 (Revenues) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.” Note 2 includes updates to our revenue policy as result of the implementation of FASB ASU No. 2014-09.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
During the six months ended February 28, 2018,2019, there were no material changes to the information on market risk exposure disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.2018. For a discussion of our market risk associated with foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and equity price risk as of August 31, 2017,2018, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.2018.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of Accenture plc have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 20182019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information set forth under “Legal Contingencies” in Note 910 (Commitments and Contingencies) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements,” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.2018. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017.2018.

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases and Redemptions of Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares and Class X Ordinary Shares
The following table provides information relating to our purchases of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares and redemptions of Accenture plc Class X ordinary shares during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. In connection with the merger of Accenture Holdings plc with and into Accenture plc on March 13, 2018, the Accenture plc Class X ordinary shares held by Accenture Holdings plc shareholders were redeemed. For additional information, see Note 11 (Subsequent Event) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements”.2019.
Period Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)
 Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (2)
 Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)
  

     (in millions of U.S. dollars)
December 1, 2017 — December 31, 2017        
Class A ordinary shares 1,362,893
 $150.00
 938,252
 $2,483
Class X ordinary shares 24,980
 $0.0000225
 
 
January 1, 2018 — January 31, 2018        
Class A ordinary shares 2,388,427
 $156.56
 935,737
 $2,313
Class X ordinary shares 137,554
 $0.0000225
 
 
February 1, 2018 — February 28, 2018        
Class A ordinary shares 1,152,092
 $158.59
 953,826
 $2,147
Class X ordinary shares 33,746
 $0.0000225
 
 
Total        
Class A ordinary shares (4) 4,903,412
 $155.21
 2,827,815
  
Class X ordinary shares (5) 196,280
 $0.0000225
 
  
Period Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)
 Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (2)
 Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)
  

     (in millions of U.S. dollars)
December 1, 2018 — December 31, 2018 2,090,489
 $151.58
 1,810,579
 $4,972
January 1, 2019 — January 31, 2019 3,237,585
 $144.58
 1,724,385
 $4,718
February 1, 2019 — February 28, 2019 1,334,877
 $157.38
 1,099,706
 $4,532
Total (4) 6,662,951
 $149.34
 4,634,670
  
_______________
(1)
Average price paid per share reflects the total cash outlay for the period, divided by the number of shares acquired, including those acquired by purchase or redemption for cash and any acquired by means of employee forfeiture.
(2)
Since August 2001, the Board of Directors of Accenture plc has authorized and periodically confirmed a publicly announced open-market share purchase program for acquiring Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, we purchased 2,827,8154,634,670 Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares under this program for an aggregate price of $442$699 million. The open-market purchase program does not have an expiration date.
(3)
As of February 28, 2018,2019, our aggregate available authorization for share purchases and redemptions was $2,147$4,532 million, which management has the discretion to use for either our publicly announced open-market share purchase program or the other share purchase programs. Since August 2001 and as of February 28, 2018,2019, the Board of Directors of Accenture plc has authorized an aggregate of $30,100$35,100 million for share purchases and redemptions ofby Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares, Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares orand Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares.
(4)During the second quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, Accenture purchased 2,075,5972,028,281 Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares in transactions unrelated to publicly announced share plans or programs. These transactions consisted of acquisitions of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares primarily via share withholding for payroll tax obligations due from employees and former employees in connection with the delivery of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares under our various employee equity share plans. These purchases of shares in connection with employee share plans do not affect our aggregate available authorization for our publicly announced open-market share purchase and the other share purchase programs.
(5)Accenture plc Class X ordinary shares are redeemable at their par value of $0.0000225 per share.

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Purchases and Redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares
The following table provides additional information relating to our purchases and redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for cash during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. We believe that the following table and footnotes provide useful information regarding the share purchase and redemption activity of Accenture. Generally, purchases and redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for cash and employee forfeitures reduce shares outstanding for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. However, in connection with the merger of Accenture Holdings plc with and into Accenture plc on March 13, 2018, shareholders of Accenture Holdings plc (other than Accenture plc and Accenture Holdings plc) received one Class A ordinary share of Accenture plc for each share of Accenture Holdings plc that they owned. Accordingly, as of March 13, 2018, there were no longer any ordinary shares of Accenture Holdings plc outstanding. For additional information, see Note 11 (Subsequent Event) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements”.
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)

Average
Price Paid
per Share (2)

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)
Accenture Holdings plc







December 1, 2017 — December 31, 2017
44,464

$153.12




January 1, 2018 — January 31, 2018
125,338

$160.04




February 1, 2018 — February 28, 2018
95,528

$154.24




Total
265,330

$156.79




Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.







December 1, 2017 — December 31, 2017


$




January 1, 2018 — January 31, 2018
8,050

$158.02




February 1, 2018 — February 28, 2018


$




Total
8,050

$158.02




_______________
(1)During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we acquired a total of 265,330 Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares and 8,050 Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares from current and former members of Accenture Leadership and their permitted transferees by means of purchase or redemption for cash, or employee forfeiture, as applicable. In addition, during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we issued 152,126 Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares upon redemptions of an equivalent number of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares pursuant to a registration statement.
(2)Average price paid per share reflects the total cash outlay for the period, divided by the number of shares acquired, including those acquired by purchase or redemption for cash and any acquired by means of employee forfeiture.
(3)For a discussion of our aggregate available authorization for share purchases and redemptions through either our publicly announced open-market share purchase program or the other share purchase programs, see the “Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs” column of the “Purchases and Redemptions of Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares and Class X Ordinary Shares” table above and the applicable footnote.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
(a) None.
(b) None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Index:
Exhibit
Number
 Exhibit
3.1 
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Accenture plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on February 7, 2018)
   
10.110.1* 
MemorandumAmendment to Employment Agreement between Accenture SAS and ArticlesPierre Nanterme, dated as of Association and Deed Poll of Accenture Holdings plc (incorporated by reference to January 10, 2019 (Exhibit 3.1 to Accenture Holdings plc’s 8-K12G3 filed on August 26, 2015herewith)
   
10.2*
Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on February 7, 2018)
10.3* 
Form of Key Executive Performance-Based Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (filed herewith)herewith)
   
10.4*10.3* 
Form of Accenture Leadership Performance Equity Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
   
10.5*10.4* 
Form of Voluntary Equity Investment Program Matching Grant Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
   
10.6*10.5* 
Form of CEO Discretionary Grant Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
   
10.7*10.6* 
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
   
31.1 
Certification of the ChiefPrincipal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
   
31.2 
Certification of the ChiefPrincipal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
   
32.1 
Certification of the ChiefPrincipal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith)
   
32.2 
Certification of the ChiefPrincipal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith)
   
101 
The following financial information from Accenture plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2018,2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 20182019 (Unaudited) and August 31, 2017,2018, (ii) Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) for the three and six months ended February 28, 20182019 and 2017,2018, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the three and six months ended February 28, 20182019 and 2017,2018, (iv) Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity Statement (Unaudited) for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018,2019, (v) Consolidated Cash Flows Statements (Unaudited) for the six months ended February 28, 20182019 and 20172018 and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
   

(*) Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 22, 201828, 2019
 
 ACCENTURE PLC
   
 By:/s/ David P. RowlandKC McClure
 Name:  David P. RowlandKC McClure
 Title:Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory)


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