Accenture Posts Strong Quarterly Growth, Raises 2007 OutlookAccenture Posts Strong Quarterly Growth, Raises 2007 Outlook

Driven by strong sales to the financial services industry and booming growth in Asia, consulting firm Accenture on Wednesday reported its highest-ever revenue for a single quarter and raised its earnings guidance for 2007.

For its fiscal first quarter ended Nov. 30, the Bermuda-based company said revenue increased 14% year over year to $4.75 billion, while net income jumped 32% to $284.2 million. Earnings per share climbed 28% to 46 cents.

Accenture's consulting business posted a 13% sales gain, to $2.91 billion, while outsourcing sales increased 16% to $1.84 billion. Overall sales to companies in the financial services sector climbed 25% to $1.07 billion, while sales to governments rose 5% to $628 million.

On a geographic basis, Accenture saw the strongest growth in the Asia-Pacific region, where sales increased 19% to $361 million. Sales in the Americas rose 13% to $2.09 billion, while sales in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa gained 15% to $2.3 billion.

Based on the strong quarter, Accenture raised its earnings outlook for 2007 by 3 cents, to between $1.80 and $1.85 per share. The company said it expects revenue for the year to increase by 9% to 12%.

"Accenture is running a well-oiled machine," says Technology Business Research analyst Eugene Zakharov, "enjoying growth fueled by improving outsourcing and consulting opportunities."