Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - shares | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Dec. 11, 2017 | |
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Document Period End Date | Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,018 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 | |
Trading Symbol | ACN | |
Entity Registrant Name | Accenture plc | |
Entity Central Index Key | 1,467,373 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --08-31 | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Class A ordinary shares | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 642,550,414 | |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 19,915,042 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2017 | Aug. 31, 2017 |
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 3,681,711 | $ 4,126,860 |
Short-term investments | 682 | 3,011 |
Receivables from clients, net | 4,981,084 | 4,569,214 |
Unbilled services, net | 2,476,871 | 2,316,043 |
Other current assets | 1,163,493 | 1,082,161 |
Total current assets | 12,303,841 | 12,097,289 |
NON-CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Unbilled services, net | 39,339 | 40,938 |
Investments | 227,189 | 211,610 |
Property and equipment, net | 1,158,960 | 1,140,598 |
Goodwill | 5,078,504 | 5,002,352 |
Deferred contract costs | 740,972 | 755,871 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 2,235,695 | 2,214,901 |
Other non-current assets | 1,189,653 | 1,226,331 |
Total non-current assets | 10,670,312 | 10,592,601 |
TOTAL ASSETS | 22,974,153 | 22,689,890 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings | 2,979 | 2,907 |
Accounts payable | 1,316,930 | 1,525,065 |
Deferred revenues | 2,494,949 | 2,669,520 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | 4,504,531 | 4,060,364 |
Accrued consumption taxes | 414,344 | 383,391 |
Income taxes payable | 718,246 | 708,485 |
Other accrued liabilities | 411,047 | 474,547 |
Total current liabilities | 9,863,026 | 9,824,279 |
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Long-term debt | 22,226 | 22,163 |
Deferred revenues | 687,950 | 663,248 |
Retirement obligation | 1,422,308 | 1,408,759 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 121,397 | 137,098 |
Income taxes payable | 604,972 | 574,780 |
Other non-current liabilities | 358,837 | 349,363 |
Total non-current liabilities | 3,217,690 | 3,155,411 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Restricted share units | 1,187,775 | 1,095,026 |
Additional paid-in capital | 3,755,060 | 3,516,399 |
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017; Class A ordinary, 26,132,059 and 23,408,811 shares as of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017, respectively | (2,046,811) | (1,649,090) |
Retained earnings | 7,339,188 | 7,081,855 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,133,153) | (1,094,784) |
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity | 9,102,130 | 8,949,477 |
Noncontrolling interests | 791,307 | 760,723 |
Total shareholders’ equity | 9,893,437 | 9,710,200 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 22,974,153 | 22,689,890 |
Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 57 | 57 |
Class A ordinary shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 14 | 14 |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | $ 0 | $ 0 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) | Nov. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares | Nov. 30, 2017€ / sharesshares | Aug. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares | Aug. 31, 2017€ / sharesshares |
Ordinary Shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value | € / shares | € 1 | € 1 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Treasury shares, ordinary shares | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Class A ordinary shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value | $ / shares | $ 0.0000225 | $ 0.0000225 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 641,495,594 | 641,495,594 | 638,965,789 | 638,965,789 |
Treasury shares, ordinary shares | 26,132,059 | 26,132,059 | 23,408,811 | 23,408,811 |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||||
Ordinary shares, par value | $ / shares | $ 0.0000225 | $ 0.0000225 | ||
Ordinary shares, shares authorized | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 19,915,042 | 19,915,042 | 20,531,383 | 20,531,383 |
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding | 19,915,042 | 19,915,042 | 20,531,383 | 20,531,383 |
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | |
REVENUES: | ||
Revenues before reimbursements (“Net revenues”) | $ 9,523,222 | $ 8,515,517 |
Reimbursements | 531,271 | 490,086 |
Revenues | 10,054,493 | 9,005,603 |
Cost of services: | ||
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses | 6,470,962 | 5,785,485 |
Reimbursable expenses | 531,271 | 490,086 |
Cost of services | 7,002,233 | 6,275,571 |
Sales and marketing | 1,001,789 | 888,827 |
General and administrative costs | 564,591 | 509,246 |
Total operating expenses | 8,568,613 | 7,673,644 |
OPERATING INCOME | 1,485,880 | 1,331,959 |
Interest income | 11,436 | 8,297 |
Interest expense | (4,707) | (3,048) |
Other income (expense), net | 1,515 | (6,087) |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 1,494,124 | 1,331,121 |
Provision for income taxes | 305,582 | 271,372 |
NET INCOME | 1,188,542 | 1,059,749 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. | (49,133) | (46,452) |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other | (15,749) | (8,821) |
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | $ 1,123,660 | $ 1,004,476 |
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares: | ||
Basic | 615,835,525 | 621,569,764 |
Diluted | 656,671,417 | 663,752,830 |
Earnings per Class A ordinary share: | ||
Basic | $ 1.82 | $ 1.62 |
Diluted | 1.79 | 1.58 |
Cash dividends per share | $ 1.33 | $ 1.21 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||
NET INCOME | $ 1,188,542 | $ 1,059,749 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX: | ||
Foreign currency translation | (27,332) | (190,691) |
Defined benefit plans | 6,230 | 11,432 |
Cash flow hedges | (17,267) | (14,503) |
Marketable securities | 0 | 264 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | (38,369) | (193,498) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (2,834) | (12,309) |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | 1,147,339 | 853,942 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | 1,085,291 | 810,978 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 62,048 | 42,964 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | $ 1,147,339 | $ 853,942 |
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUI
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY STATEMENT - 3 months ended Nov. 30, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | Total | 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 |
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2017 | $ 9,710,200 | $ 57 | $ 14 | $ 0 | $ 1,095,026 | $ 3,516,399 | $ (1,649,090) | $ 7,081,855 | $ (1,094,784) | $ 8,949,477 | $ 760,723 |
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2017 | 40 | 638,966 | 20,531 | ||||||||
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2017 | (23,449) | ||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||
Net income | 1,188,542 | 1,123,660 | 1,123,660 | 64,882 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (41,203) | (38,369) | (38,369) | (2,834) | |||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares | (523,166) | 19,733 | $ (523,166) | (503,433) | (19,733) | ||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | (3,747) | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 212,891 | 183,945 | 28,946 | 212,891 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares | (39,972) | (36,901) | (36,901) | (3,071) | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares (in shares) | (616) | ||||||||||
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares | |||||||||||
Employee share programs | 239,730 | (118,869) | 246,036 | $ 125,445 | 230,858 | 8,872 | |||||
Employee share programs (in shares) | 2,330 | 1,024 | |||||||||
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares (shares) | 200 | ||||||||||
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares | 0 | 1,813 | 1,813 | (1,813) | |||||||
Dividends | (853,614) | 27,673 | (844,914) | (817,241) | (36,373) | ||||||
Other, net | 29 | (20,966) | 341 | (20,625) | 20,654 | ||||||
Ending Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2017 | 40 | 641,496 | 19,915 | ||||||||
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2017 | (26,172) | ||||||||||
Ending Balance at Nov. 30, 2017 | $ 9,893,437 | $ 57 | $ 14 | $ 0 | $ 1,187,775 | $ 3,755,060 | $ (2,046,811) | $ 7,339,188 | $ (1,133,153) | $ 9,102,130 | $ 791,307 |
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEME
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Net income | $ 1,188,542 | $ 1,059,749 |
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities — | ||
Depreciation, amortization and asset impairments | 232,633 | 187,433 |
Share-based compensation expense | 212,891 | 149,796 |
Deferred income taxes, net | (37,578) | (86,013) |
Other, net | (4,714) | (141,184) |
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions — | ||
Receivables from clients, net | (434,471) | (279,151) |
Unbilled services, current and non-current, net | (152,751) | (64,113) |
Other current and non-current assets | (154,120) | (71,564) |
Accounts payable | (219,993) | (103,390) |
Deferred revenues, current and non-current | (146,608) | (207,437) |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | 451,187 | 488,615 |
Income taxes payable, current and non-current | 34,391 | 86,551 |
Other current and non-current liabilities | 36,429 | 64,590 |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 1,005,838 | 1,083,882 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Purchases of property and equipment | (133,352) | (84,553) |
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired | (127,497) | (599,107) |
Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments, net of cash transferred | 0 | (7,200) |
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 1,890 | 1,238 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (258,959) | (689,622) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | 239,730 | 212,711 |
Purchases of shares | (563,138) | (587,935) |
Proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt, net | 135 | 138 |
Cash dividends paid | (853,614) | (785,127) |
Other, net | (2,133) | (2,562) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,179,020) | (1,162,775) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (13,008) | (60,036) |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (445,149) | (828,551) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | 4,126,860 | 4,905,609 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | 3,681,711 | 4,077,058 |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | ||
Income taxes paid | $ 310,715 | $ 217,581 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. We use the terms “Accenture,” “we” and “our” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to refer to Accenture plc and its subsidiaries. These Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 26, 2017 . 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 months ended November 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018 . Allowances for Client Receivables and Unbilled Services As of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017 , total allowances recorded for client receivables and unbilled services were $53,491 and $74,450 , respectively. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation expense was $106,151 and $85,020 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017 , total accumulated depreciation was $1,964,127 and $1,912,146 , respectively. Deferred transition amortization expense was $81,854 and $69,285 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. See Note 5 (Goodwill and Intangible Assets) for intangible asset amortization balances. New Accounting Pronouncements The following standards, issued by the FASB, will, or are expected to, result in a change in practice and/or have a financial impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements: Standard Description Accenture Adoption Date Impact on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters 2016-16 : Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory The guidance requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Under current guidance in U.S. GAAP, in the case of depreciable or amortizable assets, the income tax consequences are deferred at the time of the intra-entity transfer and recognized as the assets are depreciated or amortized. The guidance requires modified retrospective transition with a cumulative catch-up adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption. September 1, 2018 The adoption of this Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) will require that we record deferred tax assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at the beginning of fiscal 2019. The deferred tax assets, which could be up to $2.1 billion, represent income tax consequences of prior intra-entity transfers of assets, which are currently recognized over the expected life of the assets. Beginning in fiscal 2019, we will recognize incremental income tax expense as these deferred tax assets are utilized. Initially, this could represent approximately a 3.5 percentage point increase in the annual effective tax rate. However, the actual impact of adoption will depend on numerous factors, including activity for fiscal 2018 and management’s expectations regarding recoverability of the related deferred taxes. Adoption will not have any impact on cash flows. 2016-02 : Leases The guidance amends existing guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. The guidance requires a modified retrospective method upon adoption. September 1, 2019 While we are continuing to assess the potential impact of this ASU, we currently believe the most significant impact relates to our accounting for office space operating leases. We anticipate this ASU will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets but will not have a material impact on our other Consolidated Financial Statements or footnotes. 2014-09 : (Accounting Standard Codification 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers and related updates The guidance replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The guidance allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption. September 1, 2018 We performed an initial assessment of the impact of the ASU and developed a transition plan, including necessary changes to policies, processes, and internal controls as well as system enhancements to generate the information necessary for the new disclosures. The project is on schedule for adoption on September 1, 2018 and we will apply the modified retrospective method. We expect revenue recognition across our portfolio of services to remain largely unchanged. However, we expect to recognize revenue earlier than we do under current guidance in a few areas, including accounting for variable fees and for certain consulting services, which will be recognized over time rather than at a point in time. While we have not finalized our assessment of the impact of the ASU, based on the analysis completed to date, we do not currently anticipate that the ASU will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
EARNINGS PER SHARE
EARNINGS PER SHARE | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
EARNINGS PER SHARE | EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2017 November 30, 2016 Basic Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,123,660 $ 1,004,476 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 615,835,525 621,569,764 Basic earnings per share $ 1.82 $ 1.62 Diluted Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,123,660 $ 1,004,476 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) 49,133 46,452 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 1,172,793 $ 1,050,928 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 615,835,525 621,569,764 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) 27,262,887 28,718,885 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 13,298,234 13,224,914 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 274,771 239,267 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 656,671,417 663,752,830 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.79 $ 1.58 _______________ (1) Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. 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. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | 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 November 30, 2017 November 30, 2016 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (770,043 ) $ (919,963 ) Foreign currency translation (30,757 ) (203,725 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 1,074 852 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,351 12,182 Foreign currency translation, net of tax (27,332 ) (190,691 ) Ending balance (797,375 ) (1,110,654 ) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (440,619 ) (809,504 ) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 9,761 17,824 Income tax benefit (expense) (3,259 ) (5,863 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (272 ) (529 ) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 6,230 11,432 Ending balance (434,389 ) (798,072 ) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance 114,635 68,011 Unrealized gain (loss) 8,325 (6,106 ) Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services (28,616 ) (22,149 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 2,269 13,081 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 755 671 Cash flow hedges, net of tax (17,267 ) (14,503 ) Ending balance (2) 97,368 53,508 Marketable securities Beginning balance 1,243 (264 ) Unrealized gain (loss) — 462 Income tax benefit (expense) — (183 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests — (15 ) Marketable securities, net of tax — 264 Ending balance 1,243 — Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,133,153 ) $ (1,855,218 ) _______________ (1) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. (2) As of November 30, 2017 , $108,929 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Business Combination, Goodwill [Abstract] | |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS | BUSINESS COMBINATIONS During the three months ended November 30, 2017 , we completed individually immaterial acquisitions for total consideration of $106,059 , net of cash acquired. The pro forma effects of these acquisitions on our operations were not material. |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure | GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows: August 31, Additions/ Foreign November 30, Communications, Media & Technology $ 775,802 $ 56,323 $ 1,861 $ 833,986 Financial Services 1,151,024 3,919 202 1,155,145 Health & Public Service 934,374 1,961 123 936,458 Products 1,698,140 7,473 3,776 1,709,389 Resources 443,012 893 (379 ) 443,526 Total $ 5,002,352 $ 70,569 $ 5,583 $ 5,078,504 Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions. Intangible Assets Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class were as follows: November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 819,103 $ (255,977 ) $ 563,126 $ 809,683 $ (235,315 ) $ 574,368 Technology 89,256 (50,230 ) 39,026 108,929 (65,453 ) 43,476 Patents 125,228 (63,568 ) 61,660 124,669 (62,543 ) 62,126 Other 52,462 (24,095 ) 28,367 52,342 (21,930 ) 30,412 Total $ 1,086,049 $ (393,870 ) $ 692,179 $ 1,095,623 $ (385,241 ) $ 710,382 Total amortization related to our intangible assets was $44,628 and $33,128 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Estimated future amortization related to intangible assets held as of November 30, 2017 is as follows: Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2018 $ 115,675 2019 116,433 2020 103,431 2021 94,991 2022 76,823 Thereafter 184,826 Total $ 692,179 |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Dividends Our dividend activity during the three months ended November 30, 2017 was as follows: Dividend Per Accenture plc Class A Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Total Cash Dividend Payment Date Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay November 15, 2017 $ 1.33 October 19, 2017 $ 817,241 October 17, 2017 $ 36,373 $ 853,614 The payment of the cash dividends also resulted in the issuance of an immaterial number of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units. |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 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 months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016 , as well as those expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months, see Note 3 (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 a net loss of $9,534 and $138,094 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016 , 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 were as follows: November 30, August 31, Assets Cash Flow Hedges Other current assets $ 122,238 $ 133,935 Other non-current assets 61,029 82,770 Other Derivatives Other current assets 40,078 11,470 Total assets $ 223,345 $ 228,175 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 13,309 $ 21,632 Other non-current liabilities 11,163 17,244 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 19,308 12,242 Total liabilities $ 43,780 $ 51,118 Total fair value $ 179,565 $ 177,057 Total notional value $ 9,567,528 $ 9,290,345 We utilize standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction obligations and for the set-off of certain obligations in the event of an insolvency of one of the parties to the transaction. In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, we record derivative assets and liabilities at gross fair value. The potential effect of netting derivative assets against liabilities under the counterparty master agreements was as follows: November 30, August 31, Net derivative assets $ 199,439 $ 189,066 Net derivative liabilities 19,874 12,009 Total fair value $ 179,565 $ 177,057 |
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
INCOME TAXES | 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 November 30, 2017 and 2016 were 20.5% and 20.4% , respectively. The effective tax rates for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016 benefited from adjustments to prior year taxes and recognition of excess tax benefits from share based payments. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments We have the right to purchase or may also be required to purchase substantially all of the remaining outstanding shares of our Avanade Inc. subsidiary (“Avanade”) not owned by us at fair value if certain events occur. As of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017 , we have reflected the fair value of $52,654 and $52,996 , respectively, related to Avanade’s redeemable common stock and the intrinsic value of the options on redeemable common stock in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Indemnifications and Guarantees In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which it may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. As of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017 , our aggregate potential liability to our clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $700,000 and $697,000 , respectively, of which all but approximately $122,000 and $149,000 , 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 November 30, 2017 , 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. |
SEGMENT REPORTING
SEGMENT REPORTING | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
SEGMENT REPORTING | SEGMENT REPORTING Our reportable operating segments are our five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Information regarding our reportable operating segments is as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2017 November 30, 2016 Net Operating Net Operating Communications, Media & Technology $ 1,869,770 $ 294,925 $ 1,686,196 $ 257,844 Financial Services 2,059,114 369,253 1,809,769 319,489 Health & Public Service 1,634,111 223,190 1,500,774 199,227 Products 2,584,056 410,389 2,320,169 408,699 Resources 1,332,894 188,123 1,194,858 146,700 Other 43,277 — 3,751 — Total $ 9,523,222 $ 1,485,880 $ 8,515,517 $ 1,331,959 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. We use the terms “Accenture,” “we” and “our” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to refer to Accenture plc and its subsidiaries. These Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 26, 2017 . 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 months ended November 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018 . |
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy | New Accounting Pronouncements The following standards, issued by the FASB, will, or are expected to, result in a change in practice and/or have a financial impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements: Standard Description Accenture Adoption Date Impact on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters 2016-16 : Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory The guidance requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Under current guidance in U.S. GAAP, in the case of depreciable or amortizable assets, the income tax consequences are deferred at the time of the intra-entity transfer and recognized as the assets are depreciated or amortized. The guidance requires modified retrospective transition with a cumulative catch-up adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption. September 1, 2018 The adoption of this Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) will require that we record deferred tax assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at the beginning of fiscal 2019. The deferred tax assets, which could be up to $2.1 billion, represent income tax consequences of prior intra-entity transfers of assets, which are currently recognized over the expected life of the assets. Beginning in fiscal 2019, we will recognize incremental income tax expense as these deferred tax assets are utilized. Initially, this could represent approximately a 3.5 percentage point increase in the annual effective tax rate. However, the actual impact of adoption will depend on numerous factors, including activity for fiscal 2018 and management’s expectations regarding recoverability of the related deferred taxes. Adoption will not have any impact on cash flows. 2016-02 : Leases The guidance amends existing guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. The guidance requires a modified retrospective method upon adoption. September 1, 2019 While we are continuing to assess the potential impact of this ASU, we currently believe the most significant impact relates to our accounting for office space operating leases. We anticipate this ASU will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets but will not have a material impact on our other Consolidated Financial Statements or footnotes. 2014-09 : (Accounting Standard Codification 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers and related updates The guidance replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The guidance allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption. September 1, 2018 We performed an initial assessment of the impact of the ASU and developed a transition plan, including necessary changes to policies, processes, and internal controls as well as system enhancements to generate the information necessary for the new disclosures. The project is on schedule for adoption on September 1, 2018 and we will apply the modified retrospective method. We expect revenue recognition across our portfolio of services to remain largely unchanged. However, we expect to recognize revenue earlier than we do under current guidance in a few areas, including accounting for variable fees and for certain consulting services, which will be recognized over time rather than at a point in time. While we have not finalized our assessment of the impact of the ASU, based on the analysis completed to date, we do not currently anticipate that the ASU will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
INCOME TAXES (Policies)
INCOME TAXES (Policies) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
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. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Policies) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Indemnifications and Guarantees In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which it may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. As of November 30, 2017 and August 31, 2017 , our aggregate potential liability to our clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $700,000 and $697,000 , respectively, of which all but approximately $122,000 and $149,000 , 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. |
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share | Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2017 November 30, 2016 Basic Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,123,660 $ 1,004,476 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 615,835,525 621,569,764 Basic earnings per share $ 1.82 $ 1.62 Diluted Earnings per share Net income attributable to Accenture plc $ 1,123,660 $ 1,004,476 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) 49,133 46,452 Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation $ 1,172,793 $ 1,050,928 Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares 615,835,525 621,569,764 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) 27,262,887 28,718,885 Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares 13,298,234 13,224,914 Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares 274,771 239,267 Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares 656,671,417 663,752,830 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.79 $ 1.58 _______________ (1) Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. 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. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI22
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Schedule of 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 November 30, 2017 November 30, 2016 Foreign currency translation Beginning balance $ (770,043 ) $ (919,963 ) Foreign currency translation (30,757 ) (203,725 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 1,074 852 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,351 12,182 Foreign currency translation, net of tax (27,332 ) (190,691 ) Ending balance (797,375 ) (1,110,654 ) Defined benefit plans Beginning balance (440,619 ) (809,504 ) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and 9,761 17,824 Income tax benefit (expense) (3,259 ) (5,863 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests (272 ) (529 ) Defined benefit plans, net of tax 6,230 11,432 Ending balance (434,389 ) (798,072 ) Cash flow hedges Beginning balance 114,635 68,011 Unrealized gain (loss) 8,325 (6,106 ) Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services (28,616 ) (22,149 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 2,269 13,081 Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests 755 671 Cash flow hedges, net of tax (17,267 ) (14,503 ) Ending balance (2) 97,368 53,508 Marketable securities Beginning balance 1,243 (264 ) Unrealized gain (loss) — 462 Income tax benefit (expense) — (183 ) Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests — (15 ) Marketable securities, net of tax — 264 Ending balance 1,243 — Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,133,153 ) $ (1,855,218 ) _______________ (1) Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. (2) As of November 30, 2017 , $108,929 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] | The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows: August 31, Additions/ Foreign November 30, Communications, Media & Technology $ 775,802 $ 56,323 $ 1,861 $ 833,986 Financial Services 1,151,024 3,919 202 1,155,145 Health & Public Service 934,374 1,961 123 936,458 Products 1,698,140 7,473 3,776 1,709,389 Resources 443,012 893 (379 ) 443,526 Total $ 5,002,352 $ 70,569 $ 5,583 $ 5,078,504 |
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] | Our definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class were as follows: November 30, 2017 August 31, 2017 Intangible Asset Class Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer-related $ 819,103 $ (255,977 ) $ 563,126 $ 809,683 $ (235,315 ) $ 574,368 Technology 89,256 (50,230 ) 39,026 108,929 (65,453 ) 43,476 Patents 125,228 (63,568 ) 61,660 124,669 (62,543 ) 62,126 Other 52,462 (24,095 ) 28,367 52,342 (21,930 ) 30,412 Total $ 1,086,049 $ (393,870 ) $ 692,179 $ 1,095,623 $ (385,241 ) $ 710,382 |
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] | Fiscal Year Estimated Amortization Remainder of 2018 $ 115,675 2019 116,433 2020 103,431 2021 94,991 2022 76,823 Thereafter 184,826 Total $ 692,179 |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTI24
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Dividend Activity | dividend activity during the three months ended November 30, 2017 was as follows: Dividend Per Accenture plc Class A Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Total Cash Dividend Payment Date Record Date Cash Outlay Record Date Cash Outlay November 15, 2017 $ 1.33 October 19, 2017 $ 817,241 October 17, 2017 $ 36,373 $ 853,614 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME25
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments | The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments were as follows: November 30, August 31, Assets Cash Flow Hedges Other current assets $ 122,238 $ 133,935 Other non-current assets 61,029 82,770 Other Derivatives Other current assets 40,078 11,470 Total assets $ 223,345 $ 228,175 Liabilities Cash Flow Hedges Other accrued liabilities $ 13,309 $ 21,632 Other non-current liabilities 11,163 17,244 Other Derivatives Other accrued liabilities 19,308 12,242 Total liabilities $ 43,780 $ 51,118 Total fair value $ 179,565 $ 177,057 Total notional value $ 9,567,528 $ 9,290,345 |
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities Table | We utilize standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction obligations and for the set-off of certain obligations in the event of an insolvency of one of the parties to the transaction. In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, we record derivative assets and liabilities at gross fair value. The potential effect of netting derivative assets against liabilities under the counterparty master agreements was as follows: November 30, August 31, Net derivative assets $ 199,439 $ 189,066 Net derivative liabilities 19,874 12,009 Total fair value $ 179,565 $ 177,057 |
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Reportable Operating Segments | Our reportable operating segments are our five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Information regarding our reportable operating segments is as follows: Three Months Ended November 30, 2017 November 30, 2016 Net Operating Net Operating Communications, Media & Technology $ 1,869,770 $ 294,925 $ 1,686,196 $ 257,844 Financial Services 2,059,114 369,253 1,809,769 319,489 Health & Public Service 1,634,111 223,190 1,500,774 199,227 Products 2,584,056 410,389 2,320,169 408,699 Resources 1,332,894 188,123 1,194,858 146,700 Other 43,277 — 3,751 — Total $ 9,523,222 $ 1,485,880 $ 8,515,517 $ 1,331,959 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additio
BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2017 | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and unbilled services | $ 53,491 | $ 74,450 | ||
Depreciation | 106,151 | $ 85,020 | ||
Accumulated depreciation | 1,964,127 | $ 1,912,146 | ||
DeferredTransitionAmortizationExpense | $ 81,854 | $ 69,285 | ||
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] | ||||
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification, Percent | 3.50% | |||
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] | Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] | ||||
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification | $ 2,100,000 |
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | ||
Basic Earnings per share | |||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 1,123,660 | $ 1,004,476 | |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 615,835,525 | 621,569,764 | |
Basic earnings per share | $ 1.82 | $ 1.62 | |
Diluted Earnings per share | |||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ 1,123,660 | $ 1,004,476 | |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) | [1] | 49,133 | 46,452 |
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $ 1,172,793 | $ 1,050,928 | |
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 615,835,525 | 621,569,764 | |
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) | [1] | 27,262,887 | 28,718,885 |
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares | 13,298,234 | 13,224,914 | |
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares | 274,771 | 239,267 | |
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 656,671,417 | 663,752,830 | |
Diluted earnings per share | $ 1.79 | $ 1.58 | |
[1] | Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. 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. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI29
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |||
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2017 | ||
Foreign currency translation | ||||
Beginning balance | $ (770,043) | $ (919,963) | ||
Foreign currency translation | (30,757) | (203,725) | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 1,074 | 852 | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,351 | 12,182 | ||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | (27,332) | (190,691) | ||
Ending balance | (797,375) | (1,110,654) | ||
Defined benefit plans | ||||
Beginning balance | (440,619) | (809,504) | ||
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense (1) | [1] | (9,761) | (17,824) | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | (3,259) | (5,863) | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (272) | (529) | ||
Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 6,230 | 11,432 | ||
Ending balance | (434,389) | (798,072) | ||
Cash flow hedges | ||||
Beginning balance | 114,635 | 68,011 | ||
Unrealized gain (loss) | 8,325 | (6,106) | ||
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services | (28,616) | (22,149) | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 2,269 | 13,081 | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | 755 | 671 | ||
Cash flow hedges, net of tax | (17,267) | (14,503) | ||
Ending balance (2) | [2] | 97,368 | 53,508 | |
Marketable securities | ||||
Beginning balance | 1,243 | (264) | ||
Unrealized gain (loss) | 0 | 462 | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 0 | (183) | ||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | 0 | (15) | ||
Marketable securities, net of tax | 0 | 264 | ||
Ending balance | 1,243 | 0 | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ (1,133,153) | $ (1,855,218) | $ (1,094,784) | |
[1] | Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. | |||
[2] | As of November 30, 2017, $108,929 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI30
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017USD ($) | |
Cost Of Services [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months | $ 108,929 |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS- Addition
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS- Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017USD ($) | |
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | |
Business Acquisitions [Line Items] | |
Cash Consideration | $ 106,059 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET32
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017USD ($) | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | $ 5,002,352 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 70,569 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 5,583 |
Goodwill | 5,078,504 |
Communications, Media & Technology | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 775,802 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 56,323 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 1,861 |
Goodwill | 833,986 |
Financial Services | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 1,151,024 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 3,919 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 202 |
Goodwill | 1,155,145 |
Health & Public Service | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 934,374 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 1,961 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 123 |
Goodwill | 936,458 |
Products | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 1,698,140 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 7,473 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 3,776 |
Goodwill | 1,709,389 |
Resources | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 443,012 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 893 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | (379) |
Goodwill | $ 443,526 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET33
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible Table by Major Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2017 | Aug. 31, 2017 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | $ 1,086,049 | $ 1,095,623 |
Accumulated Amortization | (393,870) | (385,241) |
Net Carrying Amount | 692,179 | 710,382 |
Customer-related | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 819,103 | 809,683 |
Accumulated Amortization | (255,977) | (235,315) |
Net Carrying Amount | 563,126 | 574,368 |
Technology | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 89,256 | 108,929 |
Accumulated Amortization | (50,230) | (65,453) |
Net Carrying Amount | 39,026 | 43,476 |
Patents | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 125,228 | 124,669 |
Accumulated Amortization | (63,568) | (62,543) |
Net Carrying Amount | 61,660 | 62,126 |
Other | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 52,462 | 52,342 |
Accumulated Amortization | (24,095) | (21,930) |
Net Carrying Amount | $ 28,367 | $ 30,412 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET34
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | ||
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | Aug. 31, 2017 | |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Amortization of Intangible Assets | $ 44,628 | $ 33,128 | |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] | |||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year | 115,675 | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two | 116,433 | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three | 103,431 | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four | 94,991 | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five | 76,823 | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five | 184,826 | ||
Net Carrying Amount | $ 692,179 | $ 710,382 |
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTI35
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Dividend Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | |
Dividends [Line Items] | ||
Dividend Per Share | $ 1.33 | $ 1.21 |
Dividend Payment November 2017 [Member] [Domain] | ||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||
Dividend Payment Date | Nov. 15, 2017 | |
Dividend Per Share | $ 1.33 | |
Cash Outlay | $ 853,614 | |
Dividend Payment November 2017 [Member] [Domain] | Accenture Holdings plc ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member] | ||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||
Record Date | Oct. 17, 2017 | |
Cash Outlay | $ 36,373 | |
Dividend Payment November 2017 [Member] [Domain] | Class A ordinary shares | ||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||
Record Date | Oct. 19, 2017 | |
Cash Outlay | $ 817,241 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME36
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2017 | Aug. 31, 2017 |
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | $ 223,345 | $ 228,175 |
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 43,780 | 51,118 |
Total fair value | 179,565 | 177,057 |
Total notional value | 9,567,528 | 9,290,345 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 122,238 | 133,935 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other non-current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 61,029 | 82,770 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 13,309 | 21,632 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other non-current liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 11,163 | 17,244 |
Other Derivatives | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 40,078 | 11,470 |
Other Derivatives | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | $ 19,308 | $ 12,242 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME37
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Realized gains or (losses) and changes in the estimated fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges | $ 9,534 | $ 138,094 |
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME38
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2017 | Aug. 31, 2017 |
Offsetting [Abstract] | ||
Net derivative assets | $ 199,439 | $ 189,066 |
Net derivative liabilities | 19,874 | 12,009 |
Total fair value | $ 179,565 | $ 177,057 |
INCOME TAXES (Details)
INCOME TAXES (Details) | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent | 20.50% | 20.40% |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Nov. 30, 2017 | Aug. 31, 2017 |
Commitments [Abstract] | ||
Fair value of Avanade redeemable common stock and options | $ 52,654 | $ 52,996 |
Indemnifications and Guarantees [Abstract] | ||
Expressly limited performance guarantee | 700,000 | 697,000 |
Portion of guarantee not recoverable | $ 122,000 | $ 149,000 |
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | |
Nov. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2016 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenues | $ 9,523,222 | $ 8,515,517 |
Operating Income | 1,485,880 | 1,331,959 |
Communications, Media & Technology | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenues | 1,869,770 | 1,686,196 |
Operating Income | 294,925 | 257,844 |
Financial Services | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenues | 2,059,114 | 1,809,769 |
Operating Income | 369,253 | 319,489 |
Health & Public Service | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenues | 1,634,111 | 1,500,774 |
Operating Income | 223,190 | 199,227 |
Products | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenues | 2,584,056 | 2,320,169 |
Operating Income | 410,389 | 408,699 |
Resources | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenues | 1,332,894 | 1,194,858 |
Operating Income | 188,123 | 146,700 |
Other | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenues | 43,277 | 3,751 |
Operating Income | $ 0 | $ 0 |
SEGMENT REPORTING - Additional
SEGMENT REPORTING - Additional Information (Detail) | 3 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2017segment | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Number of operating segments | 5 |