UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


☑			QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021


☐			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)


Ireland			98-0627530
(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)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share	ACN	New York Stock Exchange

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 ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☑ 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

☑

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant 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 ☑

The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, outstanding as of ~~June 10,~~December 7, 2021 was ~~666,431,662~~658,332,779 (which number includes ~~32,295,028~~26,332,043 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 ~~June 10,~~December 7, 2021 was ~~515,704.~~508,155.

Table of Contents



		Page
Part I.	Financial Information	3
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of ~~May 31~~November 3 0 , 2021 (Unaudited) and August 31, ~~2020~~20 21	3
	Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) for the three ~~and~~ ~~nine~~ months ended ~~May 31~~November 3 0 , 2021 and 2020	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the three ~~and~~ ~~nine~~months ended ~~May 31~~November 3 0 , 2021 and 2020	5
	Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity Statement (Unaudited) for the three ~~and~~ ~~nine~~ months ended ~~May 31~~November 3 0 , 2021 and 2020	6
	Consolidated Cash Flows Statements (Unaudited) for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31~~November 3 0 , 2021 and 2020	108
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	119
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	2119
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	3428
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	3428
Part II.	Other Information	3529
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	3529
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	3529
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	3529
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	3529
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	3630
Item 5.	Other Information	3630
Item 6.	Exhibits	3630
Signatures		3731


Table of Contents	Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		3

Part I — Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and August 31, ~~2020~~2021


		May 31, 2021		August 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		August 31, 2021
ASSETS	ASSETS	(Unaudited)				ASSETS	(Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS:	CURRENT ASSETS:					CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,009,380	$	8,415,330	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,637,117	$	8,168,174
Short-term investments	Short-term investments	4,433		94,309		Short-term investments	6,968		4,294
Receivables and contract assets	Receivables and contract assets	9,473,441		7,846,892		Receivables and contract assets	11,120,401		9,728,212
Other current assets	Other current assets	1,657,604		1,393,225		Other current assets	1,857,166		1,765,831
Total current assets	Total current assets	21,144,858		17,749,756		Total current assets	18,621,652		19,666,511
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:	NON-CURRENT ASSETS:					NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
Contract assets	Contract assets	40,455		43,257		Contract assets	41,612		38,334
Investments	Investments	327,497		324,514		Investments	325,714		329,526
Property and equipment, net	Property and equipment, net	1,538,778		1,545,568		Property and equipment, net	1,654,065		1,639,105
Lease assets	Lease assets	3,129,128		3,183,346		Lease assets	3,157,065		3,182,519
Goodwill	Goodwill	9,144,313		7,709,820		Goodwill	12,395,904		11,125,861
Deferred contract costs	Deferred contract costs	730,919		723,168		Deferred contract costs	751,939		731,445
Deferred tax assets	Deferred tax assets	4,225,383		4,153,146		Deferred tax assets	4,036,565		4,007,130
Other non-current assets	Other non-current assets	1,843,553		1,646,018		Other non-current assets	2,690,227		2,455,412
Total non-current assets	Total non-current assets	20,980,026		19,328,837		Total non-current assets	25,053,091		23,509,332
TOTAL ASSETS	TOTAL ASSETS	$	42,124,884	$	37,078,593	TOTAL ASSETS	$	43,674,743	$	43,175,843
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY					LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	CURRENT LIABILITIES:					CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings	Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings	$	9,157	$	7,820	Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings	$	9,089	$	12,080
Accounts payable	Accounts payable	1,926,910		1,349,874		Accounts payable	2,210,163		2,274,057
Deferred revenues	Deferred revenues	4,230,907		3,636,741		Deferred revenues	4,006,078		4,229,177
Accrued payroll and related benefits	Accrued payroll and related benefits	6,195,545		5,083,950		Accrued payroll and related benefits	6,445,109		6,747,853
Income taxes payable	Income taxes payable	489,096		453,542		Income taxes payable	547,883		423,400
Lease liabilities	Lease liabilities	733,571		756,057		Lease liabilities	738,285		744,164
Accrued consumption taxes	Accrued consumption taxes	614,874		662,409		Accrued consumption taxes	612,154		609,553
Other accrued liabilities	Other accrued liabilities	729,499		712,197		Other accrued liabilities	663,246		668,583
Total current liabilities	Total current liabilities	14,929,559		12,662,590		Total current liabilities	15,232,007		15,708,867
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:	NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:					NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt	Long-term debt	61,629		54,052		Long-term debt	55,884		53,473
Deferred revenues	Deferred revenues	698,740		690,931		Deferred revenues	701,629		700,080
Retirement obligation	Retirement obligation	1,944,392		1,859,444		Retirement obligation	2,045,443		2,016,021
Deferred tax liabilities	Deferred tax liabilities	278,306		179,703		Deferred tax liabilities	320,163		243,636
Income taxes payable	Income taxes payable	1,128,791		930,695		Income taxes payable	1,144,011		1,105,896
Lease liabilities	Lease liabilities	2,643,509		2,667,584		Lease liabilities	2,674,020		2,696,917
Other non-current liabilities	Other non-current liabilities	545,994		534,421		Other non-current liabilities	562,928		553,839
Total non-current liabilities	Total non-current liabilities	7,301,361		6,916,830		Total non-current liabilities	7,504,078		7,369,862
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	0		0		COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	0		0
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:					SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Ordinary shares, par value 1.00 euros per share, 40,000 shares authorized and issued as of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020		57		57
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 20,000,000,000 shares authorized, 666,394,391 and 658,548,895 shares issued as of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020, respectively		15		15
Class X ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 515,704 and 527,509 shares issued and outstanding as of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020, respectively		0		0
Ordinary shares, par value 1.00 euros per share, 40,000 shares authorized and issued as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021						Ordinary shares, par value 1.00 euros per share, 40,000 shares authorized and issued as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021	57		57
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 20,000,000,000 shares authorized, 658,332,779 and 656,590,625 shares issued as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021, respectively						Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 20,000,000,000 shares authorized, 658,332,779 and 656,590,625 shares issued as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021, respectively	15		15
Class X ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 508,155 and 512,655 shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021, respectively						Class X ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 508,155 and 512,655 shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021, respectively	—		—
Restricted share units	Restricted share units	1,482,357		1,585,302		Restricted share units	1,931,366		1,750,784
Additional paid-in capital	Additional paid-in capital	8,756,315		7,167,227		Additional paid-in capital	9,097,934		8,617,838
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020; Class A ordinary, 31,959,433 and 24,383,369 shares as of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020, respectively		(4,639,423)		(2,565,761)
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021; Class A ordinary, 26,247,335 and 24,504,666 shares as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021, respectively						Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021; Class A ordinary, 26,247,335 and 24,504,666 shares as of November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021, respectively	(4,079,625)		(3,408,491)
Retained earnings	Retained earnings	15,004,281		12,375,533		Retained earnings	15,110,688		13,988,748
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,260,757)		(1,561,837)		Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,707,236)		(1,419,497)
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity	Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity	19,342,845		17,000,536		Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity	20,353,199		19,529,454
Noncontrolling interests	Noncontrolling interests	551,119		498,637		Noncontrolling interests	585,459		567,660
Total shareholders’ equity	Total shareholders’ equity	19,893,964		17,499,173		Total shareholders’ equity	20,938,658		20,097,114
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	42,124,884	$	37,078,593	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	43,674,743	$	43,175,843

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


Table of Contents	Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		4

Consolidated Income Statements

For the Three ~~and Nine~~ Months Ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and 2020

(Unaudited)


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			2021		2020
REVENUES:	REVENUES:									REVENUES:
Revenues	Revenues	$	13,263,795	$	10,991,305	$	37,114,105	$	33,491,768	Revenues	$	14,965,153	$	11,762,185
OPERATING EXPENSES:	OPERATING EXPENSES:									OPERATING EXPENSES:
Cost of services	Cost of services	8,859,411		7,462,617		25,216,193		22,956,150		Cost of services	10,048,364		7,863,889
Sales and marketing	Sales and marketing	1,406,606		1,118,204		3,773,268		3,471,980		Sales and marketing	1,454,425		1,227,176
General and administrative costs	General and administrative costs	879,122		697,751		2,461,804		2,094,697		General and administrative costs	1,028,070		780,451
Total operating expenses	Total operating expenses	11,145,139		9,278,572		31,451,265		28,522,827		Total operating expenses	12,530,859		9,871,516
OPERATING INCOME	OPERATING INCOME	2,118,656		1,712,733		5,662,840		4,968,941		OPERATING INCOME	2,434,294		1,890,669
Interest income	Interest income	4,551		12,671		23,643		61,476		Interest income	6,050		10,685
Interest expense	Interest expense	(28,739)		(4,961)		(46,515)		(19,002)		Interest expense	(11,183)		(8,854)
Other income (expense), net	Other income (expense), net	(467)		(39,670)		203,343		(20,439)		Other income (expense), net	(23,029)		94,367

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,094,001		1,680,773		5,843,311		4,990,976		INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,406,132		1,986,867
Income tax expense	Income tax expense	524,429		428,134		1,290,189		1,111,087		Income tax expense	586,402		464,810
NET INCOME	NET INCOME	1,569,572		1,252,639		4,553,122		3,879,889		NET INCOME	1,819,730		1,522,057
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.		(1,699)		(1,518)		(5,001)		(4,791)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.										Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.	(1,934)		(1,700)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other	(18,447)		(22,919)		(57,560)		(55,188)		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other	(26,772)		(20,081)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	$	1,549,426	$	1,228,202	$	4,490,561	$	3,819,910	NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	$	1,791,024	$	1,500,276
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares:	Weighted average Class A ordinary shares:									Weighted average Class A ordinary shares:
Basic	Basic	635,203,753		636,146,240		635,151,632		636,445,172		Basic	632,280,932		634,271,482
Diluted	Diluted	645,454,021		645,607,914		646,244,001		648,025,669		Diluted	644,922,661		646,879,735
Earnings per Class A ordinary share:	Earnings per Class A ordinary share:									Earnings per Class A ordinary share:
Basic	Basic	$	2.44	$	1.93	$	7.07	$	6.00	Basic	$	2.83	$	2.37
Diluted	Diluted	$	2.40	$	1.90	$	6.96	$	5.90	Diluted	$	2.78	$	2.32
Cash dividends per share	Cash dividends per share	$	0.88	$	0.80	$	2.64	$	2.40	Cash dividends per share	$	0.97	$	0.88

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


Table of Contents	Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		5

Consolidated Statements Ofof Comprehensive Income

For the Three ~~and Nine~~ Months Ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and 2020

(Unaudited)


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			2021		2020
NET INCOME	NET INCOME	$	1,569,572	$	1,252,639	$	4,553,122	$	3,879,889	NET INCOME	$	1,819,730	$	1,522,057
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:									OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation	68,079		(100,750)		234,390		(110,468)		Foreign currency translation	(220,763)		67,312
Defined benefit plans	Defined benefit plans	11,048		10,704		32,184		29,261		Defined benefit plans	(12,961)		10,881
Cash flow hedges	Cash flow hedges	70,554		(101,516)		34,457		(72,035)		Cash flow hedges	(54,015)		4,393
Investments	Investments	0		0		49		0		Investments	—		49
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	149,681		(191,562)		301,080		(153,242)		OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	(287,739)		82,635
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,993		(2,285)		5,965		(2,262)		Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,672)		1,461
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	1,723,246	$	1,058,792	$	4,860,167	$	3,724,385	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	1,526,319	$	1,606,153

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	$	1,699,107	$	1,036,640	$	4,791,641	$	3,666,668	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC	$	1,503,285	$	1,582,911
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	24,139		22,152		68,526		57,717		Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	23,034		23,242
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	1,723,246	$	1,058,792	$	4,860,167	$	3,724,385	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	1,526,319	$	1,606,153

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


Table of Contents	Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		6

Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity Statement

For the Three Months Ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021

(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				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													$							No. Shares								$			No. Shares			$			No. Shares					$				No. Shares
Balance as of February 28, 2021		$	57	40	$	15	665,115	$	0	521			$	1,207,161			$	8,389,344			$	(3,913,917)		(29,508)								$	14,035,805					$	(1,410,438)				$	18,308,027				$	534,400		$	18,842,427
Balance as of August 31, 2021																											Balance as of August 31, 2021	$	57				40				$	15				656,591					$	—		513			$	1,750,784		$	8,617,838		$	(3,408,491)	(24,545)			$		13,988,748			$	(1,419,497)		$	19,529,454		$	567,660		$	20,097,114
Net income	Net income																								1,549,426										1,549,426				20,146					1,569,572		Net income																																1,791,024					1,791,024		28,706		1,819,730
Other comprehensive income (loss)	Other comprehensive income (loss)																											149,681					149,681				3,993					153,674			Other comprehensive income (loss)																																			(287,739)		(287,739)		(5,672)		(293,411)
Purchases of Class A shares	Purchases of Class A shares														811				(832,456)				(3,006)												(831,645)				(811)					(832,456)		Purchases of Class A shares																							824			(842,842)			(2,435)								(842,018)		(824)		(842,842)
Share-based compensation expense	Share-based compensation expense										282,861				48,177																				331,038									331,038		Share-based compensation expense																			317,552				48,139														365,691				365,691
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares	Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares									(5)					(2,539)																				(2,539)									(2,539)		Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares																(5)							(2,524)														(2,524)				(2,524)
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs	Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs						1,279				(30,160)				315,312				106,950				515												392,102				376					392,478		Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs											1,742								(163,251)				430,539			171,708			693			(30,260)					408,736		394		409,130
Dividends	Dividends										22,495														(580,950)										(558,455)				(615)					(559,070)		Dividends																			26,281													(638,824)					(612,543)		(665)		(613,208)
Other, net	Other, net														5,210																				5,210				(6,370)					(1,160)		Other, net																							3,118														3,118		(4,140)		(1,022)
Balance as of May 31, 2021		$	57	40	$	15	666,394	$	0	516	$	1,482,357			$	8,756,315			$	(4,639,423)			(31,999)		$	15,004,281				$	(1,260,757)				$	19,342,845			$	551,119				$	19,893,964
Balance as of November 30, 2021																											Balance as of November 30, 2021	$	57				40				$	15				658,333					$	—		508			$	1,931,366		$	9,097,934		$	(4,079,625)	(26,287)			$	15,110,688			$	(1,707,236)		$	20,353,199		$	585,459		$	20,938,658

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


Table of Contents	Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		7

Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity Statement — (continued)

For the Three Months Ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2020

(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				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													$							No. Shares								$			No. Shares			$			No. Shares					$				No. Shares
Balance as of February 29, 2020		$	57	40	$	15	661,742	$	0	588			$	1,095,560			$	6,884,963			$	(2,571,256)		(24,551)								$	11,867,507					$	(1,802,257)				$	15,474,589				$	446,217		$	15,920,806
Balance as of August 31, 2020																											Balance as of August 31, 2020	$	57				40				$	15				658,549					$	—		528			$	1,585,302		$	7,167,227		$	(2,565,761)	(24,423)			$		12,375,533			$	(1,561,837)		$	17,000,536		$	498,637		$	17,499,173
Net income	Net income																								1,228,202										1,228,202				24,437					1,252,639		Net income																																1,500,276					1,500,276		21,781		1,522,057
Other comprehensive income (loss)	Other comprehensive income (loss)																											(191,562)					(191,562)				(2,285)					(193,847)			Other comprehensive income (loss)																																			82,635		82,635		1,461		84,096
Purchases of Class A shares	Purchases of Class A shares														661				(626,116)				(3,672)												(625,455)				(661)					(626,116)		Purchases of Class A shares																							765			(768,395)			(3,341)								(767,630)		(765)		(768,395)
Share-based compensation expense	Share-based compensation expense										248,055				42,811																				290,866									290,866		Share-based compensation expense																			270,226				41,095														311,321				311,321
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares	Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares									(3)					(572)																				(572)									(572)		Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares																(1)							(500)														(500)				(500)
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs	Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs						1,791				(24,614)				264,298				111,928				617		(2,809)										348,803				362					349,165		Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs											1,970								(153,073)				343,783			170,315			825			(22,462)					338,563		328		338,891
Dividends	Dividends										18,760														(527,043)										(508,283)				(630)					(508,913)		Dividends																			19,226													(576,645)					(557,419)		(633)		(558,052)
Other, net	Other, net														(1,982)																				(1,982)				1,599					(383)		Other, net																							(1,281)														(1,281)		(1,094)		(2,375)
Balance as of May 31, 2020		$	57	40	$	15	663,533	$	0	585	$	1,337,761			$	7,190,179			$	(3,085,444)			(27,606)		$	12,565,857				$	(1,993,819)				$	16,014,606			$	469,039				$	16,483,645
Balance as of November 30, 2020																											Balance as of November 30, 2020	$	57				40				$	15				660,519					$	—		527			$	1,721,681		$	7,551,089		$	(3,163,841)	(26,939)			$	13,276,702			$	(1,479,202)		$	17,906,501		$	519,715		$	18,426,216

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


~~Table of Contents~~	~~Consolidated Financial Statements~~ ~~(In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~		8

~~Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity Statement — (continued)~~

~~For the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2021~~

~~(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, 2020 $ 57 40 $ 15 658,549 $ 0 528 $ 1,585,302 $ 7,167,227 $ (2,565,761) (24,423) $ 12,375,533 $ (1,561,837) $ 17,000,536 $ 498,637 $ 17,499,173
Net income 4,490,561 4,490,561 62,561 4,553,122
Other comprehensive income (loss) 301,080 301,080 5,965 307,045
Purchases of Class A shares 2,732 (2,780,928) (10,970) (2,778,196) (2,732) (2,780,928)
Share-based compensation expense 977,979 89,272 1,067,251 1,067,251
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (12) (7,548) (7,548) (7,548)
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs 7,845 (1,145,096) 1,497,827 707,266 3,394 (121,342) 938,655 909 939,564
Dividends 64,172 (1,740,471) (1,676,299) (1,865) (1,678,164)
Other, net 6,805 6,805 (12,356) (5,551)
Balance as of May 31, 2021 $ 57 40 $ 15 666,394 $ 0 516 $ 1,482,357 $ 8,756,315 $ (4,639,423) (31,999) $ 15,004,281 $ (1,260,757) $ 19,342,845 $ 551,119 $ 19,893,964

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


~~Table of Contents~~	~~Consolidated Financial Statements~~ ~~(In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~		9

~~Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity Statement — (continued)~~

~~For the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020~~

~~(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, 2019 $ 57 40 $ 15 654,739 $ 0 609 $ 1,411,903 $ 5,804,448 $ (1,388,376) (19,005) $ 10,421,538 $ (1,840,577) $ 14,409,008 $ 418,683 $ 14,827,691
Net income 3,819,910 3,819,910 59,979 3,879,889
Other comprehensive income (loss) (153,242) (153,242) (2,262) (155,504)
Purchases of Class A shares 2,527 (2,318,768) (12,176) (2,316,241) (2,527) (2,318,768)
Share-based compensation expense 858,578 79,522 938,100 938,100
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares (24) (7,187) (7,187) (7,187)
Issuances of Class A shares for employee share programs 8,794 (989,782) 1,308,659 621,700 3,575 (91,917) 848,660 905 849,565
Dividends 57,062 (1,583,674) (1,526,612) (1,920) (1,528,532)
Other, net 2,210 2,210 (3,819) (1,609)
Balance as of May 31, 2020 $ 57 40 $ 15 663,533 $ 0 585 $ 1,337,761 $ 7,190,179 $ (3,085,444) (27,606) $ 12,565,857 $ (1,993,819) $ 16,014,606 $ 469,039 $ 16,483,645

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


Table of Contents	Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		108

Consolidated Cash Flows Statements

For the ~~Nine~~Three Months Ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~ 2020

(Unaudited)


		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			2021		2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:					CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	Net income	$	4,553,122	$	3,879,889	Net income	$	1,819,730	$	1,522,057
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities —	Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities —					Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities —
Depreciation, amortization and other	Depreciation, amortization and other	1,404,961		1,286,234		Depreciation, amortization and other	500,865		468,200
Share-based compensation expense	Share-based compensation expense	1,067,251		938,100		Share-based compensation expense	365,691		311,321

Deferred tax expense (benefit)	Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(59,713)		128,245		Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(30,191)		(19,096)
Other, net	Other, net	(291,096)		(142,943)		Other, net	(70,482)		(103,806)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions —	Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions —					Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions —
Receivables and contract assets, current and non-current	Receivables and contract assets, current and non-current	(1,311,984)		(96,365)		Receivables and contract assets, current and non-current	(1,354,195)		(594,475)
Other current and non-current assets	Other current and non-current assets	(369,888)		(483,825)		Other current and non-current assets	(220,522)		(18,129)
Accounts payable	Accounts payable	522,087		(245,718)		Accounts payable	(58,561)		148,495
Deferred revenues, current and non-current	Deferred revenues, current and non-current	477,116		263,274		Deferred revenues, current and non-current	(150,685)		(151,356)
Accrued payroll and related benefits	Accrued payroll and related benefits	915,407		(475,183)		Accrued payroll and related benefits	(276,965)		48,385
Income taxes payable, current and non-current	Income taxes payable, current and non-current	192,362		74,338		Income taxes payable, current and non-current	188,972		34,755
Other current and non-current liabilities	Other current and non-current liabilities	(560,909)		(67,028)		Other current and non-current liabilities	(182,786)		(43,506)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	6,538,716		5,059,018		Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	530,871		1,602,845
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:					CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchases of property and equipment	Purchases of property and equipment	(343,837)		(410,414)		Purchases of property and equipment	(181,671)		(93,115)
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired	Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired	(1,544,412)		(1,326,366)		Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired	(1,735,028)		(503,843)
Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments	Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments	409,828		84,886		Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments	87		149,002

Other investing, net	Other investing, net	19,971		3,717		Other investing, net	4,031		1,549
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,458,450)		(1,648,177)		Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,912,581)		(446,407)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:					CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of shares	Proceeds from issuance of shares	939,564		849,565		Proceeds from issuance of shares	409,130		338,891
Purchases of shares	Purchases of shares	(2,788,476)		(2,325,955)		Purchases of shares	(845,366)		(768,895)
Proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt, net	Proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt, net	(1,286)		(207)		Proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt, net	(3,448)		(82)
Cash dividends paid	Cash dividends paid	(1,678,164)		(1,528,532)		Cash dividends paid	(613,208)		(558,052)
Other, net	Other, net	(30,190)		(30,421)		Other, net	(16,568)		(11,313)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(3,558,552)		(3,035,550)		Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(1,069,460)		(999,451)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	72,336		(59,883)		Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(79,887)		21,686
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	1,594,050		315,408		NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(2,531,057)		178,673
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	8,415,330		6,126,853		CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	8,168,174		8,415,330
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	10,009,380	$	6,442,261	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	5,637,117	$	8,594,003
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:					SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Income taxes paid, net	Income taxes paid, net	$	1,090,696	$	993,848	Income taxes paid, net	$	387,161	$	344,628

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


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		119

1. Basis Ofof 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, ~~2020~~2021 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October ~~22, 2020.~~15, 2021.

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 nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, ~~2021.~~2022.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Client Receivables and Contract Assets

We record client receivables and contract assets at their face amounts less an allowance for credit losses. The allowance represents our estimate of expected credit losses based on historical experience, current economic conditions and certain forward-looking information. As of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and August 31, ~~2020,~~2021, the total allowance for credit losses recorded for client receivables and contract assets was ~~$36,031~~$32,521 and ~~$40,277,~~$32,206, respectively. The change in the allowance is primarily due to immaterial write-offs and changes in gross client receivables and contract assets.

~~Concentrations of Credit Risk~~

Our financial instruments, consisting primarily of cash and cash equivalents, foreign currency exchange rate instruments and client receivables, are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. We place our cash and cash equivalents and foreign exchange instruments with highly-rated financial institutions, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and conduct ongoing evaluations of the credit worthiness of the financial institutions with which we do business. Client receivables are dispersed across many different industries and countries; therefore, concentrations of credit risk are limited.

Investments

All available-for-sale securities and liquid investments with an original maturity greater than three months but less than one year are considered to be Short-term investments. Non-current investments consist of equity securities in publicly-traded and privately-held companies and are accounted for using either the equity or fair value measurement alternative method of accounting (for investments without readily determinable fair values).

Our non-current investments are as follows:


		May 31, 2021		August 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		August 31, 2021
Equity method investments	Equity method investments	$	186,710	$	240,446	Equity method investments	$	177,119	$	184,157
Investments without readily determinable fair values	Investments without readily determinable fair values	140,787		84,068		Investments without readily determinable fair values	148,595		145,369
Total non-current investments	Total non-current investments	$	327,497	$	324,514	Total non-current investments	$	325,714	$	329,526

For investments in which we can exercise significant influence but do not control, we use the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and our proportionate share of gains and losses of the investee are included as a component of ~~other~~Other income (expense), net. Our equity method investments consist primarily of an investment in Duck Creek Technologies. As of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, ~~and August 31, 2020,~~ the carrying amount of our investment was ~~$167,538 and $230,219,~~$156,574, and the estimated fair value of our approximately 16% ~~and 22%~~ ownership was ~~$704,066 and $956,308, respectively.~~$524,113. We account for the investment under the equity method because we have the ability to influence operations through the combination of our voting power and through other factors, such as representation on the board and our business relationship.


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1210

the investment under the equity method because we have the ability to influence operations through the combination of our voting power and through other factors, such as representation on the board and our business relationship.

Depreciation and Amortization

As of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and August 31, ~~2020,~~2021, total accumulated depreciation was ~~$2,552,204~~$2,466,716 and ~~$2,313,731,~~$2,412,449, respectively. See table below for summary of depreciation on fixed assets, deferred transition amortization, intangible assets amortization and operating lease cost for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~ 2020, respectively.


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020 (1)
Depreciation	Depreciation	$	124,502	$	119,148	$	377,910	$	338,830	Depreciation	$	138,793	$	133,918
Amortization - Deferred transition	Amortization - Deferred transition	65,417		71,278		228,390		217,946		Amortization - Deferred transition	67,206		81,356
Amortization - Intangible assets	Amortization - Intangible assets	93,980		62,883		234,933		172,054		Amortization - Intangible assets	102,542		67,207
Other - Operating lease cost		195,087		191,351		563,728		557,404
Operating lease cost										Operating lease cost	190,242		184,372
Other										Other	2,082		1,347
Total depreciation, amortization and other	Total depreciation, amortization and other	$	478,986	$	444,660	$	1,404,961	$	1,286,234	Total depreciation, amortization and other	$	500,865	$	468,200

(1)Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Accounting Standards Board ~~(“FASB”~~("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ~~(“ASU”~~("ASU") No. ~~2016-13 (“~~2021-08 ("Topic ~~326”~~805")

On September 1, ~~2020,~~2021, we early adopted FASB ASU No. ~~2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses~~2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic ~~326)~~805): ~~Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,~~Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which ~~amends guidance on recognition~~requires an acquirer to recognize and ~~measurement of credit losses~~measure contract assets and ~~related disclosures. The amendments replace~~liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) rather than adjust them to fair value at the existing incurred loss impairment model with a methodology to measure and recognize lifetime expected credit losses for all in-scope financial assets, including accounts receivable and contract assets.acquisition date. The adoption did not have ana material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1311

2. Revenues

Disaggregation of Revenue

See Note 11 (Segment Reporting) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for our disaggregated revenues.

Remaining Performance Obligations

We had remaining performance obligations of approximately ~~$22 billion and $20~~$23 billion as of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and August 31, ~~2020, respectively.~~2021. 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 ~~39%~~65% of our remaining performance obligations as of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 as revenue in fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, an additional ~~37%~~19% in fiscal ~~2022,~~2023, and the balance thereafter.

Contract Estimates

Adjustments in contract estimates related to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods were immaterial for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~ 2020, respectively.

Contract Balances

Deferred transition revenues were ~~$698,740~~$701,629 and ~~$690,931~~$700,080 as of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and August 31, ~~2020,~~2021, 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. Deferred transition costs were ~~$730,919~~$751,939 and ~~$723,168~~$731,445 as of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and August 31, ~~2020,~~2021, respectively, and are included in Deferred contract costs. 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.

The following table provides information about the balances of our Receivables and Contract assets, net of allowance, and Contract liabilities (Deferred revenues):


		As of May 31, 2021		As of August 31, 2020			As of November 30, 2021		As of August 31, 2021
Receivables	Receivables	$	8,637,841	$	7,192,110	Receivables	$	10,032,721	$	8,796,992
Contract assets (current)	Contract assets (current)	835,600		654,782		Contract assets (current)	1,087,680		931,220
Receivables and contract assets, net of allowance (current)	Receivables and contract assets, net of allowance (current)	9,473,441		7,846,892		Receivables and contract assets, net of allowance (current)	11,120,401		9,728,212
Contract assets (non-current)	Contract assets (non-current)	40,455		43,257		Contract assets (non-current)	41,612		38,334
Deferred revenues (current)	Deferred revenues (current)	4,230,907		3,636,741		Deferred revenues (current)	4,006,078		4,229,177
Deferred revenues (non-current)	Deferred revenues (non-current)	698,740		690,931		Deferred revenues (non-current)	701,629		700,080

Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, were a result of normal business activity and not materially impacted by any other factors.

Revenues recognized during the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 that were included in Deferred revenues as of ~~February 28, 2021 and~~ August 31, ~~2020~~2021 were ~~$2.2 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively.~~$2.5 billion. Revenues recognized during the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2020 that were included in Deferred revenues as of ~~February 28, 2020 and~~ August 31, ~~2019~~2020 were ~~$1.9 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.~~$2.0 billion.


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1412

3. Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020
Basic earnings per share	Basic earnings per share									Basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Accenture plc	Net income attributable to Accenture plc	$	1,549,426	$	1,228,202	$	4,490,561	$	3,819,910	Net income attributable to Accenture plc	$	1,791,024	$	1,500,276
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares	Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares	635,203,753		636,146,240		635,151,632		636,445,172		Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares	632,280,932		634,271,482
Basic earnings per share	Basic earnings per share	$	2.44	$	1.93	$	7.07	$	6.00	Basic earnings per share	$	2.83	$	2.37
Diluted earnings per share	Diluted earnings per share									Diluted earnings per share
Net income attributable to Accenture plc	Net income attributable to Accenture plc	$	1,549,426	$	1,228,202	$	4,490,561	$	3,819,910	Net income attributable to Accenture plc	$	1,791,024	$	1,500,276
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1)		1,699		1,518		5,001		4,791
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1)										Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1)	1,934		1,700
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation	Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation	$	1,551,125	$	1,229,720	$	4,495,562	$	3,824,701	Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation	$	1,792,958	$	1,501,976
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares	Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares	635,203,753		636,146,240		635,151,632		636,445,172		Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares	632,280,932		634,271,482
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interest (1)		696,473		785,993		707,408		797,551
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1)										Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1)	682,916		718,767
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares	Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares	9,485,736		8,651,386		10,245,649		10,647,446		Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares	11,727,163		11,633,343
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares	Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares	68,059		24,295		139,312		135,500		Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares	231,650		256,143
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares	Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares	645,454,021		645,607,914		646,244,001		648,025,669		Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares	644,922,661		646,879,735
Diluted earnings per share	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.40	$	1.90	$	6.96	$	5.90	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.78	$	2.32

(1)Diluted earnings per share assumes the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. 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.


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1513

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				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation									Foreign currency translation
Beginning balance	Beginning balance	$	(843,968)	$	(1,217,693)	$	(1,010,279)	$	(1,207,975)	Beginning balance	$	(975,064)	$	(1,010,279)
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation	72,565		(106,621)		242,016		(115,154)		Foreign currency translation	(227,093)		67,443
Income tax benefit (expense)	Income tax benefit (expense)	(583)		3,698		(1,734)		2,477		Income tax benefit (expense)	730		1,313
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,903)		2,173		(5,892)		2,209		Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,600		(1,444)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	Foreign currency translation, net of tax	68,079		(100,750)		234,390		(110,468)		Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(220,763)		67,312
Ending balance	Ending balance	(775,889)		(1,318,443)		(775,889)		(1,318,443)		Ending balance	(1,195,827)		(942,967)

Defined benefit plans	Defined benefit plans									Defined benefit plans
Beginning balance	Beginning balance	(594,087)		(653,766)		(615,223)		(672,323)		Beginning balance	(559,958)		(615,223)

Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense ~~(1)~~	Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense ~~(1)~~	13,698		13,718		41,035		40,330		Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense ~~(1)~~	(17,548)		13,595
Income tax benefit (expense)	Income tax benefit (expense)	(2,638)		(3,001)		(8,816)		(11,033)		Income tax benefit (expense)	4,573		(2,702)
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12)		(13)		(35)		(36)		Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	14		(12)
Defined benefit plans, net of tax	Defined benefit plans, net of tax	11,048		10,704		32,184		29,261		Defined benefit plans, net of tax	(12,961)		10,881
Ending balance	Ending balance	(583,039)		(643,062)		(583,039)		(643,062)		Ending balance	(572,919)		(604,342)

Cash flow hedges	Cash flow hedges									Cash flow hedges
Beginning balance	Beginning balance	27,617		68,474		63,714		38,993		Beginning balance	115,525		63,714
Unrealized gain (loss)	Unrealized gain (loss)	118,720		(109,481)		109,058		(32,918)		Unrealized gain (loss)	(33,108)		25,364
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services	Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services	(33,043)		(4,547)		(68,329)		(43,362)		Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services	(27,734)		(20,895)
Income tax benefit (expense)	Income tax benefit (expense)	(15,045)		12,387		(6,234)		4,156		Income tax benefit (expense)	6,769		(71)
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	(78)		125		(38)		89		Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	58		(5)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	Cash flow hedges, net of tax	70,554		(101,516)		34,457		(72,035)		Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(54,015)		4,393
Ending balance ~~(2)~~(1)	Ending balance ~~(2)~~(1)	98,171		(33,042)		98,171		(33,042)		Ending balance ~~(2)~~(1)	61,510		68,107

Investments	Investments									Investments
Beginning balance	Beginning balance	0		728		(49)		728		Beginning balance	—		(49)
Unrealized gain (loss)	Unrealized gain (loss)	0		0		49		0		Unrealized gain (loss)	—		49

Investments, net of tax	Investments, net of tax	0		0		49		0		Investments, net of tax	—		49
Ending balance	Ending balance	0		728		0		728		Ending balance	—		—

Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,260,757)	$	(1,993,819)	$	(1,260,757)	$	(1,993,819)	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,707,236)	$	(1,479,202)

(1)~~Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing, General and administrative costs and non-operating expenses.~~

~~(2)~~As of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, ~~$99,577~~$68,742 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next twelve months.


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1614

5. Business Combinations

During the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, we completed individually immaterial acquisitions for total consideration of ~~$1,483,713,~~$1,751,636, net of cash acquired. The pro forma effects of these acquisitions on our operations were not material.

6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment are as follows:


		August 31, 2020		Additions/ Adjustments		Foreign Currency Translation		May 31, 2021			August 31, 2021		Additions/ Adjustments		Foreign Currency Translation		November 30, 2021
North America	North America	$	4,604,441	$	453,185	$	7,548	$	5,065,174	North America	$	6,618,198	$	352,336	$	(2,148)	$	6,968,386
Europe	Europe	2,138,088		666,534		100,758		2,905,380		Europe	3,329,746		938,313		(147,409)		4,120,650
Growth Markets	Growth Markets	967,291		175,305		31,163		1,173,759		Growth Markets	1,177,917		153,567		(24,616)		1,306,868
Total	Total	$	7,709,820	$	1,295,024	$	139,469	$	9,144,313	Total	$	11,125,861	$	1,444,216	$	(174,173)	$	12,395,904

Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions.

Intangible Assets

Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class are as follows:


		August 31, 2020						May 31, 2021							August 31, 2021						November 30, 2021
Intangible Asset Class	Intangible Asset Class	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Intangible Asset Class	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Customer-related	Customer-related	$	1,319,332	$	(495,367)	$	823,965	$	1,613,642	$	(608,293)	$	1,005,349	Customer-related	$	2,068,156	$	(654,460)	$	1,413,696	$	2,312,672	$	(671,490)	$	1,641,182
Technology	Technology	150,765		(55,543)		95,222		184,398		(66,613)		117,785		Technology	250,481		(54,391)		196,090		265,686		(64,069)		201,617
Patents	Patents	129,295		(66,954)		62,341		127,814		(68,154)		59,660		Patents	126,202		(66,650)		59,552		125,629		(65,825)		59,804
Other	Other	82,676		(34,986)		47,690		66,795		(32,780)		34,015		Other	70,407		(28,807)		41,600		75,851		(33,006)		42,845
Total	Total	$	1,682,068	$	(652,850)	$	1,029,218	$	1,992,649	$	(775,840)	$	1,216,809	Total	$	2,515,246	$	(804,308)	$	1,710,938	$	2,779,838	$	(834,390)	$	1,945,448

Total amortization related to our intangible assets was ~~$93,980~~$102,542 and ~~$234,933~~$67,207 for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 ~~respectively. Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $62,883~~ and ~~$172,054 for the three and nine months ended May 31,~~ 2020, respectively. Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 is as follows:


Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization		Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization
Remainder of 2021		$	67,014
2022		244,317
Remainder of 2022				Remainder of 2022	$	327,351
2023	2023	217,293		2023	331,705
2024	2024	192,936		2024	300,775
2025	2025	170,802		2025	277,514
2026				2026	231,903
Thereafter	Thereafter	324,447		Thereafter	476,200
Total	Total	$	1,216,809	Total	$	1,945,448


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1715

7. Shareholders’ Equity

Dividends

Our dividend activity during the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 is as follows:

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
November 13, 2020 $ 0.88 October 13, 2020 $ 557,419 October 9, 2020 $ 633 $ 558,052
February 12, 2021 $ 0.88 January 14, 2021 $ 560,425 January 12, 2021 $ 617 $ 561,042
May 14, 2021 $ 0.88 April 15, 2021 $ 558,455 April 13, 2021 $ 615 $ 559,070
Total Dividends $ 1,676,299 $ 1,865 $ 1,678,164


	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
November 15, 2021	$	0.97	October 14, 2021	$	612,543	October 12, 2021	$	665	$	613,208

The payment of ~~the~~ cash dividends ~~also resulted in~~includes the ~~issuance~~net effect of ~~an immaterial number~~$26,281 of additional restricted stock units being issued as a part of our share plans, which resulted in 66,486 restricted share units ~~to holders of restricted share units.~~being issued.

Subsequent Event

On ~~June 23,~~December 15, 2021, the Board of Directors of Accenture plc declared a quarterly cash dividend of ~~$0.88~~$0.97 per share on ~~its~~our Class A ordinary shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on ~~July 15, 2021~~January 13, 2022 payable on ~~August 13, 2021. 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.~~

February 15, 2022.


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1816

8. 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 nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~ 2020, as well as those expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months, see Note 4 (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 ~~$13,165 and net gains $11,370 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021, respectively,~~$23,479 and net gains of ~~$17,132 and net losses of $38,026~~$28,324 for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and 2020, 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.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments are as follows:


		May 31, 2021		August 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		August 31, 2021
Assets	Assets					Assets
Cash Flow Hedges	Cash Flow Hedges					Cash Flow Hedges
Other current assets	Other current assets	$	111,655	$	75,871	Other current assets	$	76,213	$	109,416
Other non-current assets	Other non-current assets	53,723		50,914		Other non-current assets	44,558		70,250
Other Derivatives	Other Derivatives					Other Derivatives
Other current assets	Other current assets	9,899		27,964		Other current assets	20,587		32,322
Total assets	Total assets	$	175,277	$	154,749	Total assets	$	141,358	$	211,988
Liabilities	Liabilities					Liabilities
Cash Flow Hedges	Cash Flow Hedges					Cash Flow Hedges
Other accrued liabilities	Other accrued liabilities	$	12,078	$	13,614	Other accrued liabilities	$	7,471	$	5,867
Other non-current liabilities	Other non-current liabilities	13,124		13,576		Other non-current liabilities	10,160		8,585
Other Derivatives	Other Derivatives					Other Derivatives
Other accrued liabilities	Other accrued liabilities	12,602		11,828		Other accrued liabilities	18,763		3,614
Total liabilities	Total liabilities	$	37,804	$	39,018	Total liabilities	$	36,394	$	18,066
Total fair value	Total fair value	$	137,473	$	115,731	Total fair value	$	104,964	$	193,922
Total notional value	Total notional value	$	9,257,149	$	9,600,691	Total notional value	$	9,618,821	$	10,045,903

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 is as follows:


		May 31, 2021		August 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		August 31, 2021
Net derivative assets	Net derivative assets	$	157,701	$	129,520	Net derivative assets	$	109,900	$	193,936
Net derivative liabilities	Net derivative liabilities	20,228		13,789		Net derivative liabilities	4,936		14
Total fair value	Total fair value	$	137,473	$	115,731	Total fair value	$	104,964	$	193,922


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		1917

9. Income Taxes

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 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 ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~ 2020 were ~~25.0%~~24.4% and 25.5%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2021 was primarily due to changes in the geographic distribution of earnings, partially offset by lower benefits from tax law changes. Our effective tax rates for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020 were 22.1% and 22.3%23.4%, respectively. Absent the ~~$271,009 and $113,192 gains~~$119,700 gain on our investment in Duck Creek Technologies and related ~~$41,440 and $18,732~~$22,906 in tax expense, our effective tax ~~rates~~rate for ~~both~~ the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31, 2021 and May 31,~~November 30, 2020 would have been ~~22.4%~~23.7%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2021 was higher primarily due to tax expense from adjustments to prior year tax liabilities, partially offset by changes in the geographic distribution of earnings and higher tax benefits from share-based payments.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Indemnifications and Guarantees

In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which we may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters.

As of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and August 31, ~~2020,~~2021, our aggregate potential liability to our clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately ~~$983,000~~$867,000 and ~~$832,000,~~$885,000, respectively, of which all but approximately ~~$80,000~~$76,000 and ~~$87,000,~~$78,000, 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 ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, 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.

On July 24, 2019, Accenture was named in a putative class action lawsuit filed by consumers of Marriott International, Inc. (“Marriott”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The complaint alleges negligence by us, and seeks monetary damages, costs and attorneys’ fees and other related relief, relating to a data security incident involving unauthorized access to the reservations database of Starwood Worldwide Resorts, Inc. (“Starwood”), which was acquired by Marriott on September 23, 2016. Since 2009, we have provided certain IT infrastructure outsourcing services to Starwood. On October 27, 2020, the court issued an order largely denying Accenture’s motion to dismiss the claims against us. We continue to believe the lawsuit is without merit and we will vigorously defend it. At present, we do not believe any losses from this matter will have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.


Table of Contents	Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q		2018

11. Segment Reporting

Our reportable segments are our ~~three~~3 geographic markets, which are North America, Europe and Growth Markets. Information regarding reportable segments, industry groups and type of work is as follows:


		Revenues									Revenues
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020
GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS	GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS									GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS
North America	North America	$	6,199,583	$	5,239,275	$	17,312,514	$	15,784,518	North America	$	6,907,215	$	5,480,963
Europe	Europe	4,452,360		3,574,995		12,449,811		10,993,277		Europe	5,100,068		3,967,408
Growth Markets	Growth Markets	2,611,852		2,177,035		7,351,780		6,713,973		Growth Markets	2,957,870		2,313,814
Total Revenues	Total Revenues	$	13,263,795	$	10,991,305	$	37,114,105	$	33,491,768	Total Revenues	$	14,965,153	$	11,762,185
INDUSTRY GROUPS ~~(1)~~	INDUSTRY GROUPS ~~(1)~~									INDUSTRY GROUPS ~~(1)~~
Communications, Media & Technology	Communications, Media & Technology	$	2,704,260	$	2,197,174	$	7,518,074	$	6,682,035	Communications, Media & Technology	$	3,083,605	$	2,333,645
Financial Services	Financial Services	2,597,532		2,138,043		7,321,378		6,414,792		Financial Services	2,917,720		2,346,291
Health & Public Service	Health & Public Service	2,519,591		2,016,052		6,993,381		5,933,645		Health & Public Service	2,730,034		2,211,889
Products	Products	3,673,963		3,002,793		10,220,982		9,387,762		Products	4,281,587		3,206,125
Resources	Resources	1,768,449		1,637,243		5,060,290		5,073,534		Resources	1,952,207		1,664,235
Total Revenues	Total Revenues	$	13,263,795	$	10,991,305	$	37,114,105	$	33,491,768	Total Revenues	$	14,965,153	$	11,762,185
TYPE OF WORK	TYPE OF WORK									TYPE OF WORK
Consulting	Consulting	$	7,260,428	$	5,997,894	$	20,032,392	$	18,546,448	Consulting	$	8,392,409	$	6,332,572
Outsourcing	Outsourcing	6,003,367		4,993,411		17,081,713		14,945,320		Outsourcing	6,572,744		5,429,613
Total Revenues	Total Revenues	$	13,263,795	$	10,991,305	$	37,114,105	$	33,491,768	Total Revenues	$	14,965,153	$	11,762,185

~~(1)~~Effective September 1, 2020, we revised the reporting of our industry groups to include amounts previously reported in Other. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.


		Operating Income									Operating Income
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020			November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020
GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS	GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS									GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS
North America	North America	$	1,128,352	$	720,997	$	2,789,305	$	2,281,648	North America	$	1,244,417	$	888,809
Europe	Europe	607,858		535,463		1,740,221		1,477,338		Europe	744,856		629,430
Growth Markets	Growth Markets	382,446		456,273		1,133,314		1,209,955		Growth Markets	445,021		372,430
Total Operating Income	Total Operating Income	$	2,118,656	$	1,712,733	$	5,662,840	$	4,968,941	Total Operating Income	$	2,434,294	$	1,890,669


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	2119

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, ~~2020,~~2021, 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, ~~2020.~~2021.

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 ~~2021”~~2022” means the 12-month period that will end on August 31, ~~2021.~~2022. 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 those identified below. For a discussion of risks and actions taken in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, see the “Overview” below and “Our results of operations have been significantly adversely affected and could in the future be materially adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.~~” under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020. Many of the following risks, uncertainties and other factors identified below are, and will be, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.to:

Business Risks

•~~Our~~The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our business and operations, and the extent to which it will continue to do so and its impact on our future financial results ~~of operations have been significantly adversely affected and could in the future be materially adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.~~are uncertain.

•Our results of operations have been, and may in the future 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~~match people and 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~~ face legal, reputational and financial risks ~~if we fail~~from any failure to protect client and/or Accenture data from security incidents or cyberattacks.

•The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and we might not be able to compete effectively.

•Our ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on our reputation in the marketplace.

•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 new technologies, our results of operations could be adversely affected.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	2220

Financial Risks

•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 or fail to satisfy certain agreed-upon targets or specific service levels.

•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 ~~ability~~results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

•Changes to ~~attract and retain business and employees may depend on our reputation~~accounting standards or in the ~~marketplace.~~estimates and assumptions we make in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements could adversely affect our financial results.

•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.

Operational Risks

•As a result of our geographically diverse operations and our growth strategy to continue to expand in our key markets around the world, we are more susceptible to certain risks.

•~~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.~~

•~~Our results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.~~

•If we are unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with our size, we might be unable to achieve our business objectives.

•We might not be successful at acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

•Our business could be materially adversely affected if we incur legal liability.

•Our global operations expose us to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements, and violation of these regulations could harm our business.

•Our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment.

•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 results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain effective internal controls.

•~~Changes to accounting standards or in the estimates and assumptions we make in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements could adversely affect our financial results.~~

•~~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 Irish law differs from the laws in effect in the United States and might afford less protection to our shareholders. We may also be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to our incorporation in Ireland.

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, ~~2020.~~2021. 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.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	2321

Overview

~~The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted~~Accenture plc is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations. We serve clients in three geographic markets: North America, Europe and Growth Markets (Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the ~~health~~Middle East). We help our clients build their digital core, transform their operations, and ~~well-being of people, disrupted businesses~~accelerate revenue growth—creating tangible value across their enterprises at speed and ~~restricted travel worldwide, causing significant economic disruption and uncertainty. While~~scale.

We saw very strong demand across our business in the ~~rate and pace of recovery has differed by geography and industry, during the third~~first quarter of 2021 we saw strong momentum across all dimensions of our business, including the industries most affected by the pandemic. This momentum is driven by growing demand for digital transformation and is increasing the need for people to serve our clients.

fiscal 2022

~~We are gradually returning to our and our clients’ offices where permissible and traveling~~ as ~~needed, while prioritizing the well-being of our people. During the quarter, there was a considerable increase in new COVID-19 cases in India. Our ability to deliver services to~~ our clients ~~was not materially impacted as we initiated business continuity procedures and took actions to support our people and~~continue their ~~families.~~

digital transformations.

~~The COVID-19 pandemic may continue to impact our business and financial operating results, and there is uncertainty in~~Highlights from the ~~nature and degree~~first quarter of ~~its continued effects over time. For a discussion of risks related~~fiscal 2022 compared to the ~~pandemic, see “Our results~~first quarter of ~~operations have been significantly adversely affected~~fiscal 2021 included:

•Revenues of $15.0 billion, representing 27% growth in both U.S. dollars and ~~could~~local currency;

•New bookings of $16.8 billion, an increase of 30% in ~~the future be materially adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020.~~both U.S. dollars and local currency;

~~Summary~~•Operating margin of ~~Results~~16.3%, a 20 basis point expansion; and

•Cash returned to shareholders of $1.5 billion, including share purchases of $845 million and dividends of $613 million.

Revenues for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 increased ~~21%~~27% in both U.S. dollars and ~~16% in~~ local currency compared to the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal 2020. Revenues for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased 11% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currency compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020. This included the impact of a decline in reimbursable travel costs during the first half of fiscal 2021, which reduced revenues approximately 1% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021. During the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, revenue growth in local currency was very strong ~~in North America, Growth Markets~~across all geographic markets, industry groups and Europe. We experienced local currency revenue growth that was very strong in Health & Public Service, Communications, Media & Technology, Products and Financial Services and modest in Resources. Revenue growth in local currency was very strong in outsourcing and consulting during the third quartertypes of ~~fiscal 2021.~~work. The business environment remained competitive. In many areas, our pricing, which we define as the contract profitability or margin on the work that we sell, ~~was lower.~~improved.

In our consulting business, revenues for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 increased ~~21%~~33% in U.S. dollars and ~~16%~~32% in local currency compared to the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal 2020. Consulting revenues for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased 8% in U.S. dollars and 5% in local currency compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020. This included the impact of a decline in reimbursable travel costs during the first half of fiscal 2021, which reduced consulting revenues approximately 2% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021. Consulting revenue in local currency for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was driven by very strong growth in Growth Markets, Europe and North ~~America and Growth Markets.~~America. Our consulting revenue continues to be driven by helping our clients accelerate their digital transformation, including moving to the cloud, embedding security across the enterprise and adopting new technologies. In addition, clients continue to be focused on initiatives designed to deliver cost savings and operational efficiency, as well as projects to accelerate growth and improve customer experiences.

In our outsourcing business, revenues for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 increased ~~20%~~21% in both U.S. dollars and ~~16% in~~ local currency compared to the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2020. Outsourcing revenues for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased 14% in U.S. dollars and 11% in local currency compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020.~~2021. Outsourcing revenue in local currency for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was driven by very strong growth in North America, Growth Markets and Europe. We continue to experience growing demand to assist clients with application modernization and maintenance, cloud enablement and managed security services. In addition, clients continue to be focused on transforming their operations through data and analytics, automation and artificial intelligence to drive productivity and operational cost savings.

As we are a global company, our revenues are denominated in multiple currencies and may be significantly affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations. The majority of our revenues are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including the Euro, Japanese yen and U.K. pound. There continues to be volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. Unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have had and could ~~have~~ in the future have a material effect on our financial results. If the U.S. dollar weakens against other currencies, resulting in 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 weakened against various currencies during the ~~three and nine months ended May 31, 2021~~first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the ~~three and nine months ended May 31, 2020,~~first quarter of fiscal 2021, resulting in ~~favorable~~minimal currency translation ~~and U.S. dollar revenue growth that was approximately 5% and 3% higher respectively, than our revenue growth in local currency.~~impact. Assuming that exchange rates stay within recent ranges for the remainder of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, we estimate that our full fiscal ~~2021~~2022 revenue growth in U.S. dollars will be approximately ~~3.5% higher~~3% lower 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 and administrative costs primarily include costs for non-client-facing personnel, information systems, office space and certain acquisition-related costs.

Utilization for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was 92%, down from 93% in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. We 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. Our workforce, the majority of which serves our clients, increased to approximately 674,000 as of November 30, 2021, compared to approximately 514,000 as of November 30, 2020. The year-over-year increase in our workforce reflects an overall increase in demand for our services and solutions, as well as people added in connection with acquisitions. Annualized attrition, excluding involuntary terminations, for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was 17%, compared to 9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. We evaluate voluntary attrition, adjust levels of new hiring and use involuntary


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22

terminations as a means to match people and skills with client demand. In addition, we adjust compensation 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 people to reduce the impact of compensation increases on our margin. During fiscal 2021, we adjusted compensation in line with the increasing market relevant pay around the world. In addition, due to strong demand for our services in the first quarter, we are hiring significantly more people at a time when compensation is increasing, as compared to prior years. We are increasing our pricing and changing the mix of people to reduce the impact of these compensation increases on our margin; however, the impact of the pricing improvements is lagging the impact of these compensation increases. Our ability to grow our revenues and maintain or increase our margin could be adversely affected if we are unable to: match people and skills with 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.

Gross margin (Revenues less Cost of services as a percentage of Revenues) for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was 32.9%, compared with 33.1% for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The decrease in gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was due to higher labor, including increased usage of subcontractors, and higher acquisition-related costs, partially offset by a decrease in non-payroll costs compared to the same period in fiscal 2021.

Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs as a percentage of revenues was 16.6% for the first quarter of fiscal 2022, compared with 17.1% for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. For the first quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, Sales and marketing costs decreased 70 basis points due to lower business development costs as a percentage of revenues and General and administrative costs increased 30 basis points due to higher non-payroll costs as a percentage of revenues.

Operating margin (Operating income as a percentage of revenues) for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was 16.3%, compared with 16.1% for the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded gains of $120 million and tax expense of $23 million related to our investment in Duck Creek Technologies. 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 first quarter of fiscal 2022 and 2021 were 24.4% and 23.4%, respectively. Absent the investment gains and related tax expense, our effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 would have been 23.7%.

Diluted earnings per share were $2.78 for the first quarter of fiscal 2022, compared with $2.32 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The $97 million investment gains, net of taxes, increased diluted earnings per share by $0.15 during the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of these gains, diluted earnings per share would have been $2.17 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

We have presented our effective tax rate and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, excluding the impact of the investment gains, as we believe doing so facilitates understanding as to the impact of these items and our performance in comparison to the prior period.

New Bookings

New bookings for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 were $16.8 billion, with consulting bookings of $9.4 billion and outsourcing bookings of $7.4 billion. New bookings for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were $12.9 billion, with consulting bookings of $6.6 billion and outsourcing bookings of $6.3 billion.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2021 Compared to the Three Months Ended November 30, 2020

Revenues by geographic market, industry group and type of work are as follows:


	Three Months Ended				Percent Increase (Decrease) U.S. Dollars		Percent Increase (Decrease) Local Currency		Percent of Revenues for the Three Months Ended
(in millions of U.S. dollars)	November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020						November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020
GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS
North America	$	6,907	$	5,481	26	%	26	%	46	%	47	%
Europe	5,100		3,967		29		28		34		34
Growth Markets	2,958		2,314		28		30		20		20
Total	$	14,965	$	11,762	27	%	27	%	100	%	100	%
INDUSTRY GROUPS
Communications, Media & Technology	$	3,084	$	2,334	32	%	32	%	21	%	20	%
Financial Services	2,918		2,346		24		24		19		20
Health & Public Service	2,730		2,212		23		23		18		19
Products	4,282		3,206		34		34		29		27
Resources	1,952		1,664		17		17		13		14
Total	$	14,965	$	11,762	27	%	27	%	100	%	100	%
TYPE OF WORK
Consulting	$	8,392	$	6,333	33	%	32	%	56	%	54	%
Outsourcing	6,573		5,430		21		21		44		46
Total	$	14,965	$	11,762	27	%	27	%	100	%	100	%

Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.

Revenues

The following revenues commentary discusses local currency revenue changes for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2021:

Geographic Markets

•North America revenues increased 26% in local currency, led by growth in Public Service, Software & Platforms and Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services. Revenue growth was driven by the United States.

•Europe revenues increased 28% in local currency, led by growth in Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services, Industrial and Banking & Capital Markets. Revenue growth was driven by Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.

•Growth Markets revenues increased 30% in local currency, led by growth in Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services, Banking & Capital Markets and Public Service. Revenue growth was driven by Japan and Australia.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 increased $2,659 million, or 27%, over the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 83.7% from 83.9% during this period.

Operating expenses by category are as follows:


	Three Months Ended
(in millions of U.S. dollars)	November 30, 2021				November 30, 2020				Increase (Decrease)
Operating Expenses	$	12,531	83.7	%	$	9,872	83.9	%	$	2,659
Cost of services	10,048		67.1		7,864		66.9		2,184
Sales and marketing	1,454		9.7		1,227		10.4		227
General and administrative costs	1,028		6.9		780		6.6		248

Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	24

marketing costs are driven primarily by: compensation costs for business development activities; marketing- and advertising-related activities; and certain acquisition-related costs. General and administrative costs primarily include costs for non-client-facing personnel, information systems, office space and certain acquisition-related costs.Cost of Services

~~Utilization~~Cost of services for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal 2022 increased $2,184 million, or 28%, over the first quarter of fiscal 2021, ~~was 93%, up from 88% in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. We 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. Our headcount, the majority of which serve our clients, increased to approximately 569,000 as of May 31, 2021, compared to approximately 513,000 as of May 31, 2020. 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 third quarter of fiscal 2021 was 17%, up from 11% in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. 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 people to reduce the impact of compensation increases on our 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.

~~Gross margin (Revenues less Cost of services~~ as a percentage of ~~Revenues) for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 was 33.2%, compared with 32.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2020.~~revenues to 67.1% from 66.9% during this period. Gross margin for the ~~nine months ended May 31, 2021 was 32.1% compared with 31.5% for~~first quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased to 32.9% from 33.1% during the ~~nine months ended May 31, 2020.~~first quarter of fiscal 2021. The ~~increase~~decrease in gross margin ~~for the third quarter of fiscal 2021~~ was due to ~~lower~~higher labor, including increased usage of subcontractors, and higher acquisition-related costs, partially offset by a decrease in non-payroll costs as a percentage of revenues compared to the same period in fiscal ~~2020. The increase in gross margin~~2021.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expense for the ~~nine months ended May 31,~~first quarter of fiscal 2022 increased $227 million, or 19%, over the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 9.7% from 10.4% during this period. The decrease was primarily due to lower business development costs as a percentage of revenues compared to the same period in fiscal ~~2020 was due to lower non-payroll~~2021.

General and Administrative Costs

General and administrative costs ~~primarily~~ for ~~travel, partially offset by an increase in labor costs, including a one-time bonus for all employees below~~ the ~~managing director level in the second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021.~~

~~Sales~~2022 increased $248 million, or 32%, over the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and ~~marketing and General and administrative~~increased as a percentage of revenues to 6.9% from 6.6% during this period. The increase was primarily due to higher non-payroll costs as a percentage of revenues were 17.2% for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 and 16.8% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021, compared with 16.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 and 16.6% for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. For the third quarter compared to the same period in fiscal ~~2020, Sales~~2021.

Operating Income and ~~marketing costs~~Operating Margin

Operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 increased $544 million, or 29%, over the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Operating margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was 16.3%, compared with 16.1% for the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

Operating income and operating margin for each of the geographic markets are as afollows:


	Three Months Ended
	November 30, 2021				November 30, 2020
(in millions of U.S. dollars)	Operating Income		Operating Margin		Operating Income		Operating Margin		Increase (Decrease)
North America	$	1,244	18	%	$	889	16	%	$	356
Europe	745		15		629		16		115
Growth Markets	445		15		372		16		73
Total	$	2,434	16.3	%	$	1,891	16.1	%	$	544

Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.

We estimate that the aggregate percentage impact of ~~revenues~~foreign currency exchange rates on our operating income during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was similar to that disclosed for revenue for each geographic market. The commentary below provides insight into other factors affecting geographic market performance and operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2021:

•North America operating income increased ~~40 basis points,~~ primarily due to higher non-payroll costs, including higher advertising costs. For the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to the same period in fiscal 2020, Sales and marketing costs as a percentage of revenues decreased 20 basis points. For both the third quarter and nine months ended May 31, 2021, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2020, General and administrative costs as a percentage of revenuesrevenue growth.

•Europe operating income increased ~~30 basis points,~~ primarily due to revenue growth, partially offset by lower contract profitability and higher ~~non-payroll costs.~~acquisition-related costs.

~~Operating margin (Operating~~•Growth Markets operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth, partially offset by lower 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 ~~a percentage~~well as gains and losses associated with our investments. During the first quarter of ~~revenues) for~~fiscal 2022, other income (expense), net decreased $117 million from the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal 2021, ~~was 16.0%, compared with 15.6% for the third quarter of fiscal 2020. Operating margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 was 15.3%, compared with 14.8% for the nine months ended May 31, 2020.~~

~~During the first half of fiscal 2021 and 2020, we recorded~~primarily due to lower gains ~~of $271 million and $113 million and related tax expense of $41 million and $19 million, respectively, related to our investment in Duck Creek Technologies.~~on investments. For additional information, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rates for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal 2022 and 2021 were 24.4% and ~~2020 were 25.0% and 25.5%~~23.4%, respectively. ~~The~~Absent the $120 million investment gains and related $23 million in tax expense, our effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 was 22.1%, compared with 22.3% for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. Absent the investment gains and related tax expense, our effective tax rates for both the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020 would have been 22.4%.

~~Diluted earnings per share were $2.40 for the third~~first quarter of fiscal 2021 ~~compared with $1.90~~would have been 23.7%. The higher effective tax rate for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2020. Diluted~~2022 was primarily due to tax expense from adjustments to prior year tax liabilities, partially offset by changes in the geographic distribution of earnings ~~per share were $6.96 for the nine months ended May 31, 2021, compared with $5.90 for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. The $230 million~~ and $94 million gains on an investment, net of taxes, increased diluted earnings per share by $0.36 and $0.15 during the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020, respectively. Excluding the impact of these gains, diluted earnings per share would have been $6.60 and $5.75 for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020, respectively.

~~We have presented our effective~~higher tax rate and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, excluding the impact of gains related to an investment, as we believe doing so facilitates understanding as to the impact of these items and our performance when comparing these periods.benefits from share-based payments.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25

~~New Bookings~~

~~New bookings~~Our provision for income taxes is based on many factors and subject to volatility year to year. We expect the ~~third quarter of~~ fiscal 2021 were $15.4 billion, with consulting bookings of $8.0 billion and outsourcing bookings of $7.4 billion. New bookings for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 were $44.3 billion, with consulting bookings of $22.7 billion and outsourcing bookings of $21.6 billion. New bookings for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 were $11.0 billion, with consulting bookings of $6.2 billion and outsourcing bookings of $4.8 billion. New bookings for the nine months ended May 31, 2020 were $35.6 billion, with consulting bookings of $19.4 billion and outsourcing bookings of $16.2 billion.


~~Table of Contents~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~	~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~	26

~~Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2021 Compared to the Three Months Ended May 31, 2020~~

~~Revenues by geographic market, industry group and type of work are as follows:~~

Three Months Ended Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
U.S.
Dollars Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
Local
Currency Percent of Revenues
for the Three Months Ended
(in millions of U.S. dollars) May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020
GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS
North America $ 6,200 $ 5,239 18 % 18 % 47 % 48 %
Europe 4,452 3,575 25 14 34 33
Growth Markets 2,612 2,177 20 15 20 20
Total $ 13,264 $ 10,991 21 % 16 % 100 % 100 %
INDUSTRY GROUPS (1)
Communications, Media & Technology $ 2,704 $ 2,197 23 % 19 20 % 20 %
Financial Services 2,598 2,138 21 16 20 19
Health & Public Service 2,520 2,016 25 21 19 18
Products 3,674 3,003 22 17 28 27
Resources 1,768 1,637 8 3 13 15
Total $ 13,264 $ 10,991 21 % 16 % 100 % 100 %
TYPE OF WORK
Consulting $ 7,260 $ 5,998 21 % 16 % 55 % 55 %
Outsourcing 6,003 4,993 20 16 45 45
Total $ 13,264 $ 10,991 21 % 16 % 100 % 100 %

~~Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.~~

~~Revenues~~

~~The following revenues commentary discusses local currency revenue changes for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020:~~

~~Geographic Markets~~

•North America revenues increased 18% in local currency, led by growth in Public Service, Software & Platforms and Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services. Revenue growth was driven by the United States.

•Europe revenues increased 14% in local currency, led by growth in Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services, followed by Banking & Capital Markets and Industrial. Revenue growth was driven by the United Kingdom, followed by Italy and Germany.

•Growth Markets revenues increased 15% in local currency, led by growth in Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel Services, Banking & Capital Markets and Public Service. Revenue growth was led by Japan, followed by Brazil.

~~Operating Expenses~~

Operating expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $1,867 million, or 20%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 84.0% from 84.4% during this period.

~~Operating expenses by category are as follows:~~
Three Months Ended
(in millions of U.S. dollars) May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 Increase
(Decrease)
Operating Expenses $ 11,145 84.0 % $ 9,279 84.4 % $ 1,867
Cost of services 8,859 66.8 7,463 67.9 1,397
Sales and marketing 1,407 10.6 1,118 10.2 288
General and administrative costs $ 879 6.6 % $ 698 6.3 % $ 181

~~Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.~~


~~Table of Contents~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~	~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~	27

~~Cost of Services~~

Cost of services for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $1,397 million, or 19%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 66.8% from 67.9% during this period. Gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 increased to 33.2% from 32.1% during the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase in gross margin was due to lower labor costs as a percentage of revenues compared to the same period in fiscal 2020.

~~Sales and Marketing~~

Sales and marketing expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $288 million, or 26%, from the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 10.6% from 10.2% during this period. The increase as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to higher non-payroll costs, including advertising costs, compared to the same period in fiscal 2020.

~~General and Administrative Costs~~

General and administrative costs for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $181 million, or 26%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 6.6% from 6.3% during this period. The increase as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to higher non-payroll costs compared to the same period in fiscal 2020.

~~Operating Income and Operating Margin~~

~~Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $406 million, or 24%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2020.~~

~~Operating income and operating margin for each of the geographic markets are as follows:~~

Three Months Ended
May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020
(in millions of U.S. dollars) Operating
Income Operating
Margin Operating
Income Operating
Margin Increase
(Decrease)
North America $ 1,128 18 % $ 721 14 % $ 407
Europe 608 14 535 15 72
Growth Markets 382 15 456 21 (74)
Total $ 2,119 16.0 % $ 1,713 15.6 % $ 406

~~Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.~~

We estimate that the aggregate percentage impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our operating income during the third quarter of fiscal 2021 was similar to that disclosed for revenue for each geographic market. The commentary below provides insight into other factors affecting geographic market performance and operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2020:

•~~North America operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth, higher contract profitability and lower sales and marketing costs as a percentage of revenues.~~

•~~Europe operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth.~~

•Growth Markets operating income decreased as revenue growth was more than offset by higher labor costs, lower consulting contract profitability and higher sales and marketing costs as a percentage of revenues.

~~Income Tax Expense~~

~~The~~2022 annual effective tax ~~rates for~~rate to be in the ~~third quarter~~range of ~~fiscal 2021 and 2020 were~~23.0% to 25.0% ~~and 25.5%, respectively.~~. The ~~lower~~ effective tax rate for interim periods can vary because of the ~~three months ended May 31, 2021 was primarily due to changes in~~timing of when certain events occur during the ~~geographic distribution of earnings, partially offset by lower benefits from tax law changes.~~


~~Table of Contents~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~	~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~	28

year.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share were ~~$2.40~~$2.78 for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, compared with ~~$1.90~~$2.32 for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2020.~~2021. The $97 million investment gains, net of taxes, increased diluted earnings per share by $0.15 in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of these gains, diluted earnings per share would have been $2.17 for first quarter of fiscal 2021. For information regarding our earnings per share calculations, see Note 3 (Earnings Per Share) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

The increase in diluted earnings per share is due to the following factors:


	Earnings Per Share
~~Q3 FY20~~Q1 FY21 As Reported	$	~~1.90~~2.32
Higher revenue and operating results	~~0.47~~0.64
Lower ~~effective tax rate~~share count	0.01
~~Lower non-operating expense~~Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	~~0.01~~
~~Lower non-controlling interest~~	~~0.01~~
~~Q3 FY21 As Reported~~	$	~~2.40~~


~~Table of Contents~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~	~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~	29

~~Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2021 Compared to the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020~~

~~Revenues by geographic market, industry group and type of work are as follows:~~

Nine Months Ended Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
U.S.
Dollars Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
Local
Currency Percent of Revenues
for the Nine Months Ended
(in millions of U.S. dollars) May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020
GEOGRAPHIC MARKETS
North America $ 17,313 $ 15,785 10 % 9 % 47 % 47 %
Europe 12,450 10,993 13 5 34 33
Growth Markets 7,352 6,714 9 8 20 20
Total $ 37,114 $ 33,492 11 % 8 % 100 % 100 %
INDUSTRY GROUPS (1)
Communications, Media & Technology $ 7,518 $ 6,682 13 % 10 20 % 20 %
Financial Services 7,321 6,415 14 10 20 19
Health & Public Service 6,993 5,934 18 16 19 18
Products 10,221 9,388 9 5 28 28
Resources 5,060 5,074 — (3) 14 15
Total $ 37,114 $ 33,492 11 % 8 % 100 % 100 %
TYPE OF WORK
Consulting $ 20,032 $ 18,546 8 % 5 % 54 % 55 %
Outsourcing 17,082 14,945 14 11 46 45
Total $ 37,114 $ 33,492 11 % 8 % 100 % 100 %

~~Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.~~

~~Revenues~~

Revenues were impacted by a decline in reimbursable travel costs during the first half of fiscal 2021, which reduced revenue growth by approximately 1% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021. The following revenues commentary discusses local currency revenue changes for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020:

~~Geographic Markets~~

•North America revenues increased 9% in local currency, led by growth in Public Service and Software & Platforms. The increases were partially offset by declines in Energy and Chemicals & Natural Resources. Revenue growth was driven by the United States.

•Europe revenues increased 5% in local currency, led by growth in Banking & Capital Markets, Software & Platforms and Life Sciences. The increases were partially offset by declines in High Tech and Chemicals & Natural Resources. Revenue growth was driven by the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland.

•~~Growth Markets revenues increased 8% in local currency, led by growth in Banking & Capital Markets, Public Service and High Tech. Revenue growth was driven by Japan.~~

~~Operating Expenses~~

Operating expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased $2,928 million, or 10%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2020, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 84.7% from 85.2% during this period.


~~Table of Contents~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~	~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~	30

~~Operating expenses by category are as follows:~~

Nine Months Ended
(in millions of U.S. dollars) May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 Increase
(Decrease)
Operating Expenses $ 31,451 84.7 % $ 28,523 85.2 % $ 2,928
Cost of services 25,216 67.9 22,956 68.5 2,260
Sales and marketing 3,773 10.2 3,472 10.4 301
General and administrative costs $ 2,462 6.6 % $ 2,095 6.3 % $ 367

~~Cost of Services~~

Cost of services for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased $2,260 million, or 10%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2020, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 67.9% from 68.5% during this period. Gross margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased to 32.1% from 31.5% during the nine months ended May 31, 2020. The increase in gross margin was due to lower non-payroll costs, primarily for travel, partially offset by an increase in labor costs, including a one-time bonus for all employees below the managing director level in the second quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2020.

~~Sales and Marketing~~

Sales and marketing expense for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased $301 million, or 9%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2020, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 10.2% from 10.4% during this period.

~~General and Administrative Costs~~

General and administrative costs for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased $367 million, or 18%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2020, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 6.6% from 6.3% during this period. The increase as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to higher non-payroll costs compared to the same period in fiscal 2020.

~~Operating Income and Operating Margin~~

~~Operating income for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 increased $694 million, or 14%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2020.~~

~~Operating income and operating margin for each of the geographic markets are as follows:~~

Nine Months Ended
May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020
(in millions of U.S. dollars) Operating
Income Operating
Margin Operating
Income Operating
Margin Increase
(Decrease)
North America $ 2,789 16 % $ 2,282 14 % $ 508
Europe 1,740 14 1,477 13 263
Growth Markets 1,133 15 1,210 18 (77)
Total $ 5,663 15.3 % $ 4,969 14.8 % $ 694

~~Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.~~

We estimate that the aggregate percentage impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our operating income during the nine months ended May 31, 2021 was similar to that disclosed for revenue for each geographic market. The reduction in travel costs during the first half of fiscal 2021 had a favorable impact on operating income during the nine months ended May 31, 2021. In addition, during the nine months ended May 31, 2021 each geographic market’s operating income was unfavorably impacted by higher labor costs, including a one-time bonus in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 equal to one week of base pay for all employees below the managing director level. The commentary below provides insight into other factors affecting geographic market performance and operating income for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared with the nine months ended May 31, 2020:

•~~North America operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth, higher consulting contract profitability and lower sales and marketing costs as a percentage of revenues.~~

•~~Europe operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth and higher contract profitability.~~

•~~Growth Markets operating income decreased as revenue growth was more than offset by higher labor costs and lower consulting contract profitability.~~


~~Table of Contents~~
~~ACCENTURE~~ ~~FORM 10-Q~~	~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~	31

~~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. During the nine months ended May 31, 2021, other income (expense), net increased $224 million over the nine months ended May 31, 2020, primarily due to higher gains on investments. For additional information, see Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

~~Income Tax Expense~~

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 was 22.1%, compared with 22.3% for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. Absent the $271 million and $113 million gains on an investment and related $41 million and $19 million in tax expense, our effective tax rates for both the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020 would have been 22.4%.

Our provision for income taxes is based on many factors and subject to volatility year to year. We expect the fiscal 2021 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 23.0% to 24.0%. The effective tax rate for interim periods can vary because of the timing of when certain events occur during the year.

~~Earnings Per Share~~

Diluted earnings per share were $6.96 for the nine months ended May 31, 2021, compared with $5.90 for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. The $230 million and $94 million gains on an investment, net of taxes, increased diluted earnings per share by $0.36 and $0.15 during the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020, respectively. Excluding the impact of these gains, diluted earnings per share would have been $6.60 and $5.75 for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020, respectively. For information regarding our earnings per share calculations, see Note 3 (Earnings Per Share) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

~~The increase in diluted earnings per share is due to the following factors:~~


	~~Earnings Per Share~~
~~FY20 As Reported~~	$	~~5.90~~(0.01)
Higher ~~revenue and operating results~~effective tax rate	~~0.83~~ (0.03)
~~Higher~~Lower gains on an investment, net of tax	~~0.21~~ (0.15)
~~Lower share count~~	~~0.02~~
~~FY21~~Q1 FY22 As Reported	$	~~6.96~~2.78


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	3226

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, Cash and cash equivalents was ~~$10.0~~$5.6 billion, compared with ~~$8.4~~$8.2 billion as of August 31, ~~2020.~~2021.

Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in our Consolidated Cash Flows Statements, are summarized in the following table:


		Nine Months Ended							Three Months Ended
(in millions of U.S. dollars)	(in millions of U.S. dollars)	May 31, 2021		May 31, 2020		Change		(in millions of U.S. dollars)	November 30, 2021		November 30, 2020		Change
Net cash provided by (used in):	Net cash provided by (used in):							Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	Operating activities	$	6,539	$	5,059	$	1,480	Operating activities	$	531	$	1,603	$	(1,072)
Investing activities	Investing activities	(1,458)		(1,648)		190		Investing activities	(1,913)		(446)		(1,466)
Financing activities	Financing activities	(3,559)		(3,036)		(523)		Financing activities	(1,069)		(999)		(70)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	72		(60)		132		Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(80)		22		(102)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	1,594	$	315	$	1,279	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(2,531)	$	179	$	(2,710)

Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.

Operating activities: The ~~$1,480~~$1,072 million ~~year-over-year increase~~decrease in operating cash flows was due to a larger increase inreceivables from clients and contract assets as well as higher spending on certain compensation payments, partially offset by higher net ~~income and changes in operating assets and liabilities.~~income.

Investing activities: The ~~$190~~$1,466 million ~~decrease~~increase in cash used was primarily due to ~~increased~~higher spending on business acquisitions, lower proceeds from the sale of businesses and investments, and ~~lower~~higher spending on purchases of property and ~~equipment, partially offset by higher spending on business acquisitions and investments.~~equipment. For additional information, see Note 5 (Business Combinations) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

Financing activities: The ~~$523~~$70 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, partially offset by an increase in net proceeds from share issuances. For additional information, see Note 7 (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.

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 ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, we had the following borrowing facilities, including the issuance of letters of credit, to support general working capital purposes:


(in millions of U.S. dollars)	Facility Amount		Borrowings Under Facilities
Syndicated loan facility ~~(1)~~	$	3,000	$	—
Separate, uncommitted, unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facilities	~~1,228~~1,276		—
Local guaranteed and non-guaranteed lines of credit	~~255~~252		—
Total	$	~~4,483~~4,527	$	—

Amounts in table may not total due to rounding.

~~(1)~~On April 26, 2021, we replaced our $1,000 syndicated 5-year credit facility and $1,000 syndicated 364-day credit facility with a new $3,000 syndicated credit facility maturing on April 24, 2026. This facility provides unsecured, revolving credit capacity for general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings under this facility will accrue interest at the applicable risk-free rate, plus a spread. We continue to be in compliance with relevant covenant terms. The facility is subject to annual commitment fees. As of May 31, 2021, we had no borrowings under the facility.

Under the borrowing facilities described above, we had an aggregate of ~~$674~~$718 million of letters of credit outstanding as of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021.

We have a short-term commercial paper financing program backed by our $3 billion syndicated credit facility. As of November 30, 2021, we had no commercial paper outstanding.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	3327

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 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 ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 is as follows:


		Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares			Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares				Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares			Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)	(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Open-market share purchases (1)	Open-market share purchases (1)	8,384,847	$	2,128	—	$	—	Open-market share purchases (1)	1,934,294	$	669	—	$	—
Other share purchase programs	Other share purchase programs	—	—		28,329	8		Other share purchase programs	—	—		7,000	3
Other purchases (2)	Other purchases (2)	2,584,946	653		—	—		Other purchases (2)	500,609	174		—	—
Total	Total	10,969,793	$	2,781	28,329	$	8	Total	2,434,903	$	843	7,000	$	3

(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 ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, 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 ~~2021.~~2022. 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.

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 10 (Commitments and Contingencies) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

Significant Accounting Policies

See Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	3428

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

During the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, 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, ~~2020.~~2021. For a discussion of our market risk associated with foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and equity price risk as of August 31, ~~2020,~~2021, 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, ~~2020.~~2021.

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 ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Part II — Other Information	3529

Part II — Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The information set forth under “Legal Contingencies” in Note 10 (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, ~~2020~~2021 (the “Annual Report”). There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares

The following table provides information relating to our purchases of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares during the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021.~~2022.

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)
March 1, 2021 — March 31, 2021 1,186,080 $ 261.93 1,159,461 $ 4,664
April 1, 2021 — April 30, 2021 822,254 286.80 801,212 4,432
May 1, 2021 — May 31, 2021 997,544 286.66 880,119 4,179
Total (4) 3,005,878 $ 276.94 2,840,792


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)
September 1, 2021 — September 30, 2021	679,771	$	336.84	657,264	$	6,065
October 1, 2021 — October 31, 2021	1,062,256	340.42		685,173	5,832
November 1, 2021 — November 30, 2021	692,876	364.06		591,857	5,614
Total (4)	2,434,903	$	346.15	1,934,294

(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 ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, we purchased ~~2,840,792~~1,934,294 Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares under this program for an aggregate price of ~~$786~~$669 million. The open-market purchase program does not have an expiration date.

(3)As of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, our aggregate available authorization for share purchases and redemptions was ~~$4,179~~$5,614 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 ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, the Board of Directors of Accenture plc has authorized an aggregate of ~~$40.1~~$43.1 billion for share purchases and redemptions by Accenture plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.

(4)During the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, Accenture purchased ~~165,086~~500,609 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.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Part II — Other Information	3630

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

(a) None.

(b) None.

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)

10.1*						Accenture LLP Leadership Separation Benefits Plan (filed herewith)

31.1						Certification of the Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 (Unaudited) and August 31, ~~2020,~~2021, (ii) Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2020, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2020, (iv) Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity Statement (Unaudited) for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2020, (v) Consolidated Cash Flows Statements (Unaudited) for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021 and ~~May~~November 31, 2020 and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

104						The cover page from Accenture plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended ~~May 31,~~November 30, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101)


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


Table of Contents
ACCENTURE FORM 10-Q	Signatures	3731

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: ~~June 24,~~December 16, 2021


			ACCENTURE PLC

			By:			/s/ KC McClure
			Name:			KC McClure
			Title:			Chief Financial Officer
						(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory)