ACN-2012.5.31-10Q
Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED May 31, 2012
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM             TO   
Commission File Number: 001-34448
Accenture plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
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)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  þ
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
Smaller reporting company  ¨
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, outstanding as of June 22, 2012 was 634,800,693 (which number does not include 107,415,114 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 22, 2012 was 44,998,365.


Table of Contents


ACCENTURE PLC
INDEX
 
 
 
Page

2

Table of Contents


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
 
May 31,
2012
 
August 31,
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
5,628,659

 
$
5,701,078

Short-term investments
2,238

 
4,929

Receivables from clients, net
3,222,310

 
3,236,059

Unbilled services, net
1,457,127

 
1,385,733

Deferred income taxes, net
641,011

 
556,160

Other current assets
506,681

 
587,224

Total current assets
11,458,026

 
11,471,183

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Unbilled services, net
11,183

 
49,192

Investments
28,706

 
40,365

Property and equipment, net
752,495

 
785,231

Goodwill
1,205,678

 
1,131,991

Deferred contract costs
553,517

 
559,794

Deferred income taxes, net
831,355

 
756,079

Other non-current assets
694,955

 
937,675

Total non-current assets
4,077,889

 
4,260,327

TOTAL ASSETS
$
15,535,915

 
$
15,731,510

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings
$
5,381

 
$
4,419

Accounts payable
808,674

 
949,250

Deferred revenues
2,156,711

 
2,219,270

Accrued payroll and related benefits
3,088,642

 
3,259,252

Accrued consumption taxes
329,308

 
348,540

Income taxes payable
315,446

 
238,003

Deferred income taxes, net
18,149

 
32,647

Other accrued liabilities
870,756

 
855,208

Total current liabilities
7,593,067

 
7,906,589

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Long-term debt
49

 

Deferred revenues relating to contract costs
546,596

 
553,440

Retirement obligation
967,818

 
995,695

Deferred income taxes, net
50,240

 
72,257

Income taxes payable
1,506,518

 
1,619,076

Other non-current liabilities
283,534

 
233,581

Total non-current liabilities
3,354,755

 
3,474,049

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Ordinary shares, par value 1.00 euros per share, 40,000 shares authorized and issued as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011
57

 
57

Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 20,000,000,000 shares authorized, 742,006,632 and 727,795,770 shares issued as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively
16

 
16

Class X ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 44,998,365 and 49,365,379 issued and outstanding as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively
1

 
1

Restricted share units
874,136

 
784,277

Additional paid-in capital
1,172,873

 
525,037

Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively; Class A ordinary, 102,619,400 and 86,361,763 shares as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively
(4,674,740
)
 
(3,577,574
)
Retained earnings
7,330,215

 
6,281,517

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(596,554
)
 
(134,380
)
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity
4,106,004

 
3,878,951

Noncontrolling interests
482,089

 
471,921

Total shareholders’ equity
4,588,093

 
4,350,872

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
15,535,915

 
$
15,731,510

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


3

Table of Contents


ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
For the Three and Nine Months Ended May 31, 2012 and 2011
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues before reimbursements (“Net revenues”)
$
7,154,690

 
$
6,720,115

 
$
21,026,437

 
$
18,819,386

Reimbursements
486,100

 
484,240

 
1,463,289

 
1,359,455

Revenues
7,640,790

 
7,204,355

 
22,489,726

 
20,178,841

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
4,783,785

 
4,410,487

 
14,287,626

 
12,648,054

Reimbursable expenses
486,100

 
484,240

 
1,463,289

 
1,359,455

Cost of services
5,269,885

 
4,894,727

 
15,750,915

 
14,007,509

Sales and marketing
854,476

 
832,374

 
2,464,291

 
2,273,624

General and administrative costs
455,233

 
527,442

 
1,342,064

 
1,348,667

Reorganization costs, net
435

 
396

 
1,258

 
1,113

Total operating expenses
6,580,029

 
6,254,939

 
19,558,528

 
17,630,913

OPERATING INCOME
1,060,761

 
949,416

 
2,931,198

 
2,547,928

Gain (loss) on investments, net
39

 
(22
)
 
31

 
(941
)
Interest income
11,304

 
9,861

 
31,062

 
29,147

Interest expense
(3,497
)
 
(2,827
)
 
(11,875
)
 
(11,070
)
Other (expense) income, net
(2,154
)
 
1,421

 
7,604

 
11,560

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
1,066,453

 
957,849

 
2,958,020

 
2,576,624

Provision for income taxes
303,622

 
258,780

 
769,242

 
706,249

NET INCOME
762,831

 
699,069

 
2,188,778

 
1,870,375

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.
(63,203
)
 
(64,012
)
 
(185,747
)
 
(183,276
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other
(10,409
)
 
(7,044
)
 
(27,803
)
 
(21,355
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC
$
689,219

 
$
628,013

 
$
1,975,228

 
$
1,665,744

Weighted average Class A ordinary shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
645,761,617

 
651,339,239

 
645,507,900

 
645,032,214

Diluted
728,876,260

 
746,204,855

 
729,183,064

 
744,224,581

Earnings per Class A ordinary share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.07

 
$
0.96

 
$
3.06

 
$
2.58

Diluted
$
1.03

 
$
0.93

 
$
2.96

 
$
2.48

Cash dividends per share
$
0.675

 
$
0.45

 
$
1.35

 
$
0.90

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

4

Table of Contents


ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS
For the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2012
(In thousands of U.S. dollars and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Ordinary
Shares
 
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
 
Class X
Ordinary
Shares
 
Restricted
Share
Units
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury Shares
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Accenture  plc
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
$
 
No.
Shares
 
$
 
No.
Shares
 
$
 
No.
Shares
 
 
 
$
 
No.
Shares
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of August 31, 2011
$
57

 
40

 
$
16

 
727,796

 
$
1

 
49,365

 
$
784,277

 
$
525,037

 
$
(3,577,574
)
 
(86,402
)
 
$
6,281,517

 
$
(134,380
)
 
$
3,878,951

 
$
471,921

 
$
4,350,872

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,975,228

 
 
 
1,975,228

 
213,550

 
2,188,778

Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax and reclassification adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(90,346
)
 
(90,346
)
 
(8,167
)
 
(98,513
)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of reclassification adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
145

 
145

 
13

 
158

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(384,467
)
 
(384,467
)
 
(33,941
)
 
(418,408
)
Defined benefit plans, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,494

 
12,494

 
1,129

 
13,623

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(462,174
)
 
 
 
(40,966
)
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,513,054

 
 
 
1,685,638

Income tax benefit on share-based compensation plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
105,448

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
105,448

 
 
 
105,448

Purchases of Class A ordinary shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98,537

 
(1,307,905
)
 
(23,074
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,209,368
)
 
(98,537
)
 
(1,307,905
)
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
381,091

 
31,298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
412,389

 
 
 
412,389

Purchases/redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,367
)
 
 
 
(87,483
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(87,483
)
 
(7,712
)
 
(95,195
)
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee share programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
10,936

 
 
 
 
 
(339,506
)
 
513,557

 
210,739

 
6,817

 
 
 
 
 
384,790

 
12,875

 
397,665

Upon redemption of Accenture SCA Class I common shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,275

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48,274

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(916,625
)
 
 
 
(868,351
)
 
(82,506
)
 
(950,857
)
Other, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13,521
)
 
 
 
 
 
(9,905
)
 
 
 
(23,426
)
 
13,464

 
(9,962
)
Balance as of May 31, 2012
$
57

 
40

 
$
16

 
742,007

 
$
1

 
44,998

 
$
874,136

 
$
1,172,873

 
$
(4,674,740
)
 
(102,659
)
 
$
7,330,215

 
$
(596,554
)
 
$
4,106,004

 
$
482,089

 
$
4,588,093

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


5

Table of Contents


ACCENTURE PLC
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS
For the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2012 and 2011
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
 
2012
 
2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
2,188,778

 
$
1,870,375

Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities —
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and asset impairments
414,636

 
371,916

Reorganization costs, net
1,258

 
1,113

Share-based compensation expense
412,389

 
343,718

Deferred income taxes, net
(132,803
)
 
(123,413
)
Other, net
(160,073
)
 
62,542

Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions —
 
 
 
Receivables from clients, net
(218,540
)
 
(518,355
)
Unbilled services, current and non-current
(246,396
)
 
(159,999
)
Other current and non-current assets
(18,845
)
 
(331,403
)
Accounts payable
(132,028
)
 
(17,760
)
Deferred revenues, current and non-current
224,298

 
229,815

Accrued payroll and related benefits
110,747

 
107,852

Income taxes payable, current and non-current
35,936

 
151,579

Other current and non-current liabilities
69,304

 
72,483

Net cash provided by operating activities
2,548,661

 
2,060,463

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale investments
12,549

 
6,592

Purchases of available-for-sale investments
(7,554
)
 
(6,834
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
2,635

 
3,386

Purchases of property and equipment
(256,716
)
 
(266,739
)
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired
(173,684
)
 
(118,662
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(422,770
)
 
(382,257
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares
397,665

 
468,363

Purchases of shares
(1,403,100
)
 
(1,441,073
)
Repayments of long-term debt, net
(6,346
)
 
(1,395
)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net
5,344

 

Cash dividends paid
(950,857
)
 
(643,642
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
70,410

 
131,183

Other, net
(28,987
)
 
(20,405
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,915,871
)
 
(1,506,969
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(282,439
)
 
247,155

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(72,419
)
 
418,392

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
5,701,078

 
4,838,292

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
$
5,628,659

 
$
5,256,684

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

6

Table of Contents
ACCENTURE PLC

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



1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies (collectively, the “Company”) 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. 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, 2011 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 21, 2011.
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 the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may be different 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, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2012.
The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to the balance sheet date. Based on this evaluation, the Company is not aware of any events or transactions that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to filing that would require recognition or disclosure in its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowances for Client Receivables and Unbilled Services
As of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, total allowances recorded for client receivables and unbilled services were $67,635 and $73,296, respectively.
Accumulated Depreciation
As of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, total accumulated depreciation was $1,656,033 and $1,639,965, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents
ACCENTURE PLC

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


2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Basic Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Accenture plc
$
689,219

 
$
628,013

 
$
1,975,228

 
$
1,665,744

Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares
645,761,617

 
651,339,239

 
645,507,900

 
645,032,214

Basic earnings per share
$
1.07

 
$
0.96

 
$
3.06

 
$
2.58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Accenture plc
$
689,219

 
$
628,013

 
$
1,975,228

 
$
1,665,744

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in
    Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.  (1)
63,203

 
64,012

 
185,747

 
183,276

Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation
$
752,422

 
$
692,025

 
$
2,160,975

 
$
1,849,020

Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares
645,761,617

 
651,339,239

 
645,507,900

 
645,032,214

Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1)
59,205,983

 
66,414,251

 
60,730,644

 
71,184,684

Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares (2)
23,800,300

 
28,384,948

 
22,881,765

 
28,000,507

Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares
108,360

 
66,417

 
62,755

 
7,176

Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares (2)
728,876,260

 
746,204,855

 
729,183,064

 
744,224,581

Diluted earnings per share (2)
$
1.03

 
$
0.93

 
$
2.96

 
$
2.48

 _______________
(1)
Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture SCA Class I common 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.

(2)
Fiscal 2011 diluted weighted average Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares and earnings per share amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of the issuance of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units in connection with the payment of cash dividends.
3. INCOME TAXES
Effective Tax Rate
The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011 were 28.5% and 27.0%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011 were 26.0% and 27.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2012 was higher than the effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2011, primarily as a result of increases to tax reserves and a number of factors that impact the geographic mix of income, partially offset by higher benefits related to final determinations and other adjustments to prior-year tax liabilities. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was lower than the effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2011, primarily as a result of higher benefits related to final determinations of tax liabilities for prior years, partially offset by increases in tax reserves.

 

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ACCENTURE PLC

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


4. REORGANIZATION COSTS, NET
In fiscal 2001, the Company accrued reorganization liabilities in connection with its transition to a corporate structure. These liabilities included certain non-income tax liabilities, such as stamp taxes, as well as liabilities for certain individual income tax exposures related to the transfer of interests in certain entities to the Company as part of the reorganization. These primarily represent unusual and disproportionate individual income tax exposures assumed by certain, but not all, of the Company’s shareholders and partners in certain tax jurisdictions specifically related to the transfer of their partnership interests in certain entities to the Company as part of the reorganization. (Prior to fiscal 2005, the Company referred to its highest-level employees with the “partner” title and the Company continues to use the term “partner” to refer to these persons in certain situations related to its reorganization and the period prior to its incorporation.) The Company identified certain shareholders and partners who may incur such unusual and disproportionate financial damage in certain jurisdictions. These include shareholders and partners who were subject to tax in their jurisdiction on items of income arising from the reorganization transaction that were not taxable for most other shareholders and partners. In addition, certain other shareholders and partners were subject to a different rate or amount of tax than other shareholders or partners in the same jurisdiction. When additional taxes are assessed on these shareholders or partners in connection with these transfers, the Company has made and intends to make payments, and in one country has contractually committed, to reimburse certain costs associated with the assessment either to the shareholder or partner, or to the taxing authority. The Company has recorded reorganization expense and the related liability where such liabilities are probable. Interest accruals are made to cover reimbursement of interest on such tax assessments.
The Company’s reorganization activity was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Reorganization liability, beginning of period
$
287,913

 
$
296,169

 
$
307,286

 
$
271,907

Interest expense accrued
435

 
396

 
1,258

 
1,113

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(22,645
)
 
13,243

 
(42,841
)
 
36,788

Reorganization liability, end of period
$
265,703

 
$
309,808

 
$
265,703

 
$
309,808

As of May 31, 2012, reorganization liabilities of $254,932 were included in Other accrued liabilities because expirations of statutes of limitations or other final determinations could occur within 12 months, and reorganization liabilities of $10,771 were included in Other non-current liabilities. Timing of the resolution of tax audits or the initiation of additional litigation and/or criminal tax proceedings may delay final resolution. Final resolution, through settlement, conclusion of legal proceedings or a tax authority’s decision not to pursue a claim, will result in payment by the Company of amounts in settlement or judgment of these matters and/or recording of a reorganization benefit or cost in the Company’s Consolidated Income Statement. It is possible the aggregate amount of such payments in connection with resolution of all such proceedings could exceed the currently recorded amounts. As of May 31, 2012, only a small number of jurisdictions remain that have active audits/investigations or open statutes of limitations, and only one is significant (which is the country referenced above). In that country, current and former partners, and the Company, are engaged in disputes with tax authorities in connection with the corporate reorganization in 2001, some of which have resulted, and others of which are expected to result, in litigation. These individuals and the Company intend to vigorously defend their positions.


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ACCENTURE PLC

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


5. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND GOODWILL
During the nine months ended May 31, 2012, the Company acquired the net assets of a provider of residential and commercial mortgage processing services. In addition, the Company completed four individually immaterial acquisitions. The total consideration for all acquisitions was $173,684. In connection with these acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $118,964, which was allocated among the reportable operating segments. Goodwill also included immaterial adjustments related to recent acquisitions. The Company also recorded $59,487 in intangible assets, primarily related to customer relationships. The intangible assets are being amortized over three to seven years. The pro forma effects on the Company’s operations were not material.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows:
 
 
August 31,
2011
 
Additions/
Adjustments
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
May 31,
2012
Communications, Media & Technology (1)
$
173,867

 
$
2,173

 
$
(9,619
)
 
$
166,421

Financial Services
304,720

 
110,870

 
(11,285
)
 
404,305

Health & Public Service
286,158

 
1,273

 
(2,858
)
 
284,573

Products
278,929

 
5,100

 
(16,617
)
 
267,412

Resources
88,317

 
2,993

 
(8,343
)
 
82,967

Total
$
1,131,991

 
$
122,409

 
$
(48,722
)
 
$
1,205,678

 _______________
(1)
On September 1, 2011, the Company renamed the Communications & High Tech operating group to Communications, Media & Technology. No amounts have been reclassified in any period in connection with this name change.
6. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Comprehensive income attributable to Accenture plc
$
374,789

 
$
714,682

 
$
1,513,054

 
$
1,899,224

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
48,319

 
81,291

 
172,584

 
234,887

Total comprehensive income
$
423,108

 
$
795,973

 
$
1,685,638

 
$
2,134,111

Dividends
The Company’s dividend activity during the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was as follows:
 
Dividend Per
Accenture plc Class A
Ordinary Shares
 
Accenture SCA Class I Common
Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings
Inc. Exchangeable Shares
 
Total Cash
Dividend Payment Date
Share
Record Date
 
Cash Outlay
 
Record Date
 
Cash Outlay
 
Outlay
November 15, 2011
$
0.675

October 14, 2011
 
$
432,615

 
October 11, 2011
 
$
42,281

 
$
474,896

May 15, 2012
0.675

April 13, 2012
 
435,736

 
April 10, 2012
 
40,225

 
475,961

Total Dividends
 
 
 
$
868,351

 
 
 
$
82,506

 
$
950,857

The payment of the cash dividends also resulted in the issuance of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units. Diluted weighted average Accenture plc Class A ordinary share amounts have been restated for all periods presented to reflect this issuance. For additional information, see Note 2 (Earnings Per Share).

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ACCENTURE PLC

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


7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of deliverable and non-deliverable foreign currency forward contracts.
The activity related to the change in net unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2012
 
2011
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax, beginning of period
$
32,354

 
$
4,340

Change in fair value, net of tax
(120,758
)
 
43,342

Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services, net of tax
22,245

 
(9,820
)
Portion attributable to Noncontrolling interests, net of tax
8,167

 
(3,067
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax, end of period
$
(57,992
)
 
$
34,795

As of May 31, 2012, $(43,614) of the net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in Other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated Income Statement and, for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012, was not material. In addition, the Company did not discontinue any cash flow hedges during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012.
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 $(116,407) and $(201,267) for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2012, respectively. 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 gain of $18,016 and $84,994 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2011, respectively. Net losses are offset by net foreign currency gains, including net gains related to the underlying balance sheet exposures, and are recorded in Other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments were as follows:

 
May 31,
2012
 
August 31,
2011
Assets
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
7,618

 
$
21,714

Other non-current assets
13,633

 
43,666

Other Derivatives
 
 
 
Other current assets
6,278

 
13,863

Total assets
$
27,529

 
$
79,243

Liabilities
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
Other accrued liabilities
$
81,582

 
$
4,649

Other non-current liabilities
39,112

 
698

Other Derivatives
 
 
 
Other accrued liabilities
34,088

 
15,223

Total liabilities
$
154,782

 
$
20,570

Total fair value
$
(127,253
)
 
$
58,673

Total notional value
$
4,344,258

 
$
4,127,456


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ACCENTURE PLC

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


8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
The Company has the right to purchase or may also be required to purchase substantially all of the remaining outstanding shares of its Avanade Inc. subsidiary (“Avanade”) not owned by the Company at fair value if certain events occur. Certain holders of Avanade common stock and options to purchase the stock have put rights that, under certain circumstances and conditions, would require Avanade to redeem shares of its stock at fair value. As of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, the Company has reflected the fair value of $97,189 and $113,143, respectively, related to Avanade’s redeemable common stock and the intrinsic value of the options on redeemable common stock in Other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Indemnifications and Guarantees
In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, the Company has entered into contractual arrangements through which it may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. The limitations of liability under these arrangements may be expressly limited or may not be expressly specified in terms of time and/or amount.
As of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, the Company’s aggregate potential liability to its clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $960,000 and $976,000, respectively, of which all but approximately$266,000 and $256,000, respectively, may be recovered from the other third parties if the Company is obligated to make payments to the indemnified parties that are the consequence of a performance default by the other third parties. For arrangements with unspecified limitations, the Company 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, the Company has not been required to make any significant payment under any of the arrangements described above. The Company has assessed the current status of performance/payment risk related to arrangements with limited guarantees, unspecified limitations and/or indemnification provisions and believes that any potential payments would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as a whole.
Legal Contingencies
As of May 31, 2012, the Company or its present personnel had been named as a defendant in various litigation matters. The Company and/or its personnel also from time to time are involved in investigations by various regulatory or legal authorities concerning matters arising in the course of its 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 the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

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ACCENTURE PLC

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


9. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company’s reportable operating segments are the five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology, Financial Services, Health & Public Service, Products and Resources. Information regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Net
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
 
Net
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
Communications, Media & Technology (1)
$
1,505,403

 
$
232,548

 
$
1,443,188

 
$
195,631

Financial Services
1,502,473

 
216,451

 
1,441,626

 
262,180

Health & Public Service
1,088,353

 
115,666

 
971,277

 
70,363

Products
1,701,823

 
241,558

 
1,575,184

 
190,501

Resources
1,351,838

 
254,538

 
1,284,116

 
230,741

Other
4,800

 

 
4,724

 

Total
$
7,154,690

 
$
1,060,761

 
$
6,720,115

 
$
949,416

 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Net
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
 
Net
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
Communications, Media & Technology (1)
$
4,521,967

 
$
664,481

 
$
4,002,113

 
$
539,317

Financial Services
4,362,931

 
574,020

 
4,008,364

 
710,975

Health & Public Service
3,198,534

 
328,093

 
2,867,489

 
217,715

Products
4,955,972

 
644,590

 
4,344,871

 
473,547

Resources
3,971,914

 
720,014

 
3,583,449

 
606,374

Other
15,119

 

 
13,100

 

Total
$
21,026,437

 
$
2,931,198

 
$
18,819,386

 
$
2,547,928

_______________ 
(1)
On September 1, 2011, the Company renamed the Communications & High Tech operating group to Communications, Media & Technology. No amounts have been reclassified in any period in connection with this name change.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2011, 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, 2011.
We use the terms “Accenture,” “we,” the “Company,” “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 2012” means the 12-month period that will end on August 31, 2012. 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” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in these forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause such differences, some of which could be material, include, but are not limited to:
Our results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic 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, and a significant reduction in such demand could materially affect our results of operations.
If we are unable to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, our business, the utilization rate of our professionals and our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
The consulting and outsourcing markets are highly competitive, and we might not be able to compete effectively.
Our results of operations (including our net revenues and operating income) and the value of balance-sheet items originally denominated in other currencies could be materially adversely affected by unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or changes to existing currencies.
We could have liability or our reputation could be damaged if we fail to protect client and Accenture data or information systems as obligated by law or contract or if our information systems are breached.
Our Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose us to operational risks.
As a result of our geographically diverse operations and our growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, we are more susceptible to certain risks.
Our results of operations could materially suffer if we are not able to obtain sufficient pricing to enable us to meet our profitability expectations.
If our pricing estimates do not accurately anticipate the cost, risk and complexity of performing our work or third parties upon which we rely do not meet their commitments, then our contracts could have delivery inefficiencies and be unprofitable.
Our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment,

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including risks related to governmental budget and debt constraints.
Our business could be materially adversely affected if we incur legal liability in connection with providing our services and solutions.
Our results of operations and ability to grow could be materially negatively affected if we cannot adapt and expand our services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings by new entrants.
Outsourcing services subject us to different operational risks than our consulting and systems integration services.
Our services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or we might lose our ability to utilize the intellectual property of others.
We have only a limited ability to protect our intellectual property rights, which are important to our success.
Our ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on our reputation in the marketplace.
Our alliance relationships may not be successful or may change, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
We may not be successful at identifying, acquiring or integrating other businesses.
Our profitability could suffer if our cost-management strategies are unsuccessful, and we may not be able to improve our profitability through improvements to cost-management to the degree we have done in the past.
Many of our contracts include performance payments that link some of our fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require us to meet specific service levels. This could increase the variability of our revenues and impact our margins.
Changes in our level of taxes, and audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in our treatment as an Irish company, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
If we are unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with our size, we might be unable to achieve our business objectives.
If we are unable to collect our receivables or unbilled services, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Our share price and results of operations could fluctuate and be difficult to predict.
Our results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain effective internal controls.
We are incorporated in Ireland and a significant portion of our assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it might not be possible for shareholders to enforce civil liability provisions of the federal or state securities laws of the United States. We may also be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to our incorporation in Ireland.
Irish law differs from the laws in effect in the United States and might afford less protection to shareholders.
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.
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, 2011. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.


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Overview
Revenues are driven by the ability of our executives to secure new contracts and to deliver solutions and services that add value relevant to our clients’ current needs and challenges. The level of revenues we achieve is based on our ability to deliver market-leading service offerings and to deploy skilled teams of professionals quickly and on a global basis.
Our results of operations can be affected by economic conditions, including macroeconomic conditions, credit market conditions and levels of business confidence. There continues to be significant volatility in markets around the world, as well as economic and geopolitical uncertainty in many of the markets where we operate, particularly in Europe. Such volatility and uncertainty could adversely affect our clients and the levels of business activities in some industries and geographies where we operate, which may reduce demand for our services. This has impacted the types of services our clients are demanding; for example, clients are requesting a higher volume of outsourcing services and placing a greater emphasis on cost savings initiatives. These changing demand patterns could have a material adverse effect on our new contract bookings and results of operations. We continue to monitor this volatility and uncertainty and our costs in order to respond to changing conditions.
Revenues before reimbursements (“net revenues”) for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $7.15 billion, compared with $6.72 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, an increase of 6% in U.S. dollars and 9% in local currency. Net revenues for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 were $21.03 billion, compared with $18.82 billion for the nine months ended May 31, 2011, an increase of 12% in both U.S. dollars and local currency. All of our operating groups experienced year-over-year revenue growth in local currency during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Revenue growth was very strong in outsourcing and moderated significantly in consulting during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. We expect the level of year-over-year growth to continue to moderate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, particularly in consulting, and vary across operating groups and geographic regions, with strong growth in certain areas of our business, more than offsetting lower growth or declines in other areas. In addition, a majority of our net revenues are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including the Euro and U.K. pound. Unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our revenues.
In our consulting business, net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $3.97 billion, flat in U.S. dollars and an increase of 3% in local currency, compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Net consulting revenues for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 were $11.82 billion, compared with $11.04 billion for the nine months ended May 31, 2011, an increase of 7% in both U.S. dollars and local currency. Consulting revenue growth moderated significantly in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and included a decline in EMEA. Three of our five operating groups, including Health & Public Service, Products and Resources, experienced quarterly year-over-year revenue growth in local currency, while Communications, Media & Technology experienced a significant decline and Financial Services experienced a slight decline in quarterly year-over-year revenue. In our consulting business overall, clients are exercising caution by not commencing new large consulting commitments and by reducing the volume of small projects. This has led to lower demand for our consulting services, and we expect this trend to continue. Clients continued to be focused on initiatives designed to deliver cost savings and operational efficiency, as well as projects to integrate their global operations and grow and transform their businesses. We are also experiencing growing demand for our services in emerging technologies, including cloud, analytics and mobility. Compared to fiscal 2011, we continued to provide a greater proportion of systems integration consulting through use of lower-cost resources in our Global Delivery Network. This trend is resulting in work volume growing faster than revenues, and we expect this trend to continue. While the business environment remained competitive, pricing was relatively stable, and we saw some improvement in certain areas of our business.
In our outsourcing business, net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $3.19 billion, compared with $2.75 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, an increase of 16% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency. Net outsourcing revenues for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 were $9.20 billion, compared with $7.78 billion for the nine months ended May 31, 2011, an increase of 18% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency. All five of our operating groups experienced double-digit year-over-year outsourcing revenue growth in local currency during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, reflecting significant growth in Communications, Media & Technology and Financial Services and strong growth in Health & Public Service, Products and Resources. This strong demand for outsourcing services resulted in a greater proportion of revenues in outsourcing, particularly in Communications, Media & Technology and Financial Services, and this trend is expected to continue. Clients continue to be focused on transforming their operations to improve effectiveness and save costs. Growth in outsourcing was driven by higher volumes, scope and geographic expansions and new work at existing clients, as well as services for new clients. Compared to fiscal 2011, we provided a greater proportion of application outsourcing through use of lower-cost resources in our Global Delivery Network.
As we are a global company, our revenues are denominated in multiple currencies and may be significantly affected by currency exchange-rate fluctuations. If the U.S. dollar weakens against other currencies, resulting in favorable currency

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translation, our revenues and revenue growth in U.S. dollars may be higher. If the U.S. dollar strengthens against other currencies, resulting in unfavorable currency translation, our revenues and revenue growth in U.S. dollars may be lower. When compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the U.S. dollar strengthened against many currencies during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. This resulted in unfavorable currency translation and U.S. dollar revenue growth that was approximately 3% lower than our revenue growth in local currency for the third quarter of fiscal 2012. When compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2011, there was no aggregate foreign currency translation impact during the nine months ended May 31, 2012, resulting in U.S. dollar revenue growth that was the same as our revenue growth in local currency. However, assuming that exchange rates stay within recent ranges for the remainder of fiscal 2012, we estimate the foreign-exchange impact to our full fiscal 2012 revenue growth will be approximately 2% lower growth in U.S. dollars than our 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 outsourcing costs. Cost of services as a percentage of revenues is driven by the prices we obtain for our solutions and services, the utilization of our client-service personnel and the level of non-payroll costs associated with new outsourcing contracts. Utilization primarily represents the percentage of our consulting professionals’ time spent on billable work. Utilization for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was approximately 87%, flat with the second quarter of fiscal 2012, and within our target range. This level of utilization reflects continued strong demand for resources in our Global Delivery Network and in most countries. We continue to hire to meet current and projected future demand.
We proactively plan and manage the size and composition of our workforce and take actions as needed to address changes in the anticipated demand for our services, given that payroll costs are the most significant portion of our operating expenses. Based on current and projected future demand, we have increased our headcount, the majority of which serve our clients, to more than 249,000 as of May 31, 2012, up slightly from approximately 246,000 as of February 29, 2012 and up from 223,000 as of May 31, 2011. The year-over-year increase in our headcount reflects an overall increase in demand for our services, including those delivered through our Global Delivery Network in lower-cost locations. Annualized attrition, excluding involuntary terminations, for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was 13%, up from 12% in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and down from 15% in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. We adjust levels of new hiring, evaluate voluntary attrition and use involuntary terminations as means to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with increases or decreases in client demand. In addition, we also adjust compensation in certain skill sets and geographies in order to attract and retain appropriate numbers of qualified employees, and we may need to continue to adjust compensation in the future. For the majority of our personnel, compensation increases for fiscal 2012 became effective September 1, 2011. As in prior fiscal years, we strive to adjust pricing and/or the mix of resources to reduce the impact of compensation increases on our gross margin. Our ability to grow our revenues and increase our margins could be adversely affected if we are unable to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand, mobilize our employees globally on a timely basis, manage attrition, recover increases in compensation and/or effectively assimilate and utilize new employees.
Gross margin (Net revenues less Cost of services before reimbursable expenses as a percentage of Net revenues) for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was 33.1%, compared with 34.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Gross margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was 32.0%, compared with 32.8% for the nine months ended May 31, 2011. Gross margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was lower than for the nine months ended May 31, 2011, principally due to higher payroll costs as a percentage of net revenues, including costs associated with investments in offerings and acquisitions, holiday time and pre-contract costs, partially offset by higher contract profitability.
Sales and marketing and general and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues were 18.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and 18.1% for the nine months ended May 31, 2012, compared with 20.2% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 and 19.2% for the nine months ended May 31, 2011. Sales and marketing costs are driven primarily by compensation costs for business-development activities, investment in offerings, and marketing- and advertising-related activities. General and administrative costs primarily include costs for non-client-facing personnel, information systems and office space. We continuously monitor these costs and implement cost-management actions, as appropriate. These actions include performing a greater proportion of general and administrative activities in lower-cost locations. For the nine months ended May 31, 2012 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2011, sales and marketing costs as a percentage of net revenues decreased 40 basis points, while general and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues decreased 80 basis points. These decreases were principally due to growth of these costs at a rate lower than that of net revenues. In addition, during fiscal 2011, we recorded a provision for litigation matters for $75 million, or 0.4% of net revenues, which was partially offset by a reduction in the allowance for client receivables and unbilled services. Our margins could be adversely affected if our cost-management actions are not sufficient to maintain sales and marketing and general and administrative costs at or below current levels as a percentage of net revenues.
Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $1,061 million, compared with $949 million for the third quarter

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of fiscal 2011. Operating income for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was $2,931 million, compared with $2,548 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2011. Operating margin (Operating income as a percentage of Net revenues) for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was 14.8%, compared with 14.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Operating margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was 13.9%, compared with 13.5% for the nine months ended May 31, 2011.
Our Operating income and Earnings per share are also affected by currency exchange-rate fluctuations on revenues and costs. Most of our costs are incurred in the same currency as the related net revenues. Where practical, we also seek to manage foreign currency exposure for costs not incurred in the same currency as the related net revenues, such as the cost of our Global Delivery Network, by using currency protection provisions in our customer contracts and through our hedging programs. We seek to manage our costs taking into consideration the residual positive and negative effects of changes in foreign exchange rates on those costs.

Bookings and Backlog
New contract bookings for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $7.29 billion, with consulting bookings of $4.05 billion and outsourcing bookings of $3.24 billion. New contract bookings for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 were $23.02 billion, with consulting bookings of $12.34 billion and outsourcing bookings of $10.68 billion.
We provide information regarding our new contract bookings because we believe doing so provides useful trend information regarding changes in the volume of our new business over time. However, new bookings can vary significantly quarter to quarter depending in part on the timing of the signing of a small number of large outsourcing contracts. Clients continue to seek flexibility by using a phased approach to contracting work. Information regarding our new bookings is not comparable to, nor should it be substituted for, an analysis of our revenues over time. There are no third-party standards or requirements governing the calculation of bookings. New contract bookings involve estimates and judgments regarding new contracts as well as renewals, extensions and changes to existing contracts. We do not update our new bookings for material subsequent terminations or reductions related to bookings originally recorded in prior fiscal years. New contract bookings are recorded using then-existing foreign currency exchange rates and are not subsequently adjusted for foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The majority of our contracts are terminable by the client on short notice, and some without notice. Accordingly, we do not believe it is appropriate to characterize bookings attributable to these contracts as backlog. Normally, if a client terminates a project, the client remains obligated to pay for commitments we have made to third parties in connection with the project, services performed and reimbursable expenses incurred by us through the date of termination.
Revenues by Segment/Operating Group
Our five reportable operating segments are our operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology, Financial Services, Health & Public Service, Products and Resources. Operating groups are managed on the basis of net revenues because our management believes net revenues are a better indicator of operating group performance than revenues. In addition to reporting net revenues by operating group, we also report net revenues by two types of work: consulting and outsourcing, which represent the services sold by our operating groups. Consulting net revenues, which include management and technology consulting and systems integration, reflect a finite, distinct project or set of projects with a defined outcome and typically a defined set of specific deliverables. Outsourcing net revenues typically reflect ongoing, repeatable services or capabilities provided to transition, run and/or manage operations of client systems or business functions.
From time to time, our operating groups work together to sell and implement certain contracts. The resulting revenues and costs from these contracts may be apportioned among the participating operating groups. Generally, operating expenses for each operating group have similar characteristics and are subject to the same factors, pressures and challenges. However, the economic environment and its effects on the industries served by our operating groups affect revenues and operating expenses within our operating groups to differing degrees. The mix between consulting and outsourcing is not uniform among our operating groups. Local currency fluctuations also tend to affect our operating groups differently, depending on the geographic concentrations and locations of their businesses.
While we provide discussion about our results of operations below, we cannot measure how much of our revenue growth in a particular period is attributable to changes in price or volume. Management does not track standard measures of unit or rate volume. Instead, our measures of volume and price are extremely complex, as each of our services contracts is unique, reflecting a customized mix of specific services that does not fit into standard comparability measurements. Pricing for our services is a function of the nature of each service to be provided, the skills required and outcome sought, as well as estimated cost, risk, contract terms and other factors.



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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2012 Compared to the Three Months Ended May 31, 2011
Net revenues (by operating group, geographic region and type of work) and reimbursements were as follows:
  
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
U.S. Dollars
 
Percent
Increase
Local
Currency
 
Percent of Total Net Revenues
for the Three Months Ended May 31,
  
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING GROUPS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Communications, Media & Technology (1)
$
1,505

 
$
1,443

 
4
 %
 
8
%
 
21
%
 
22
%
Financial Services
1,502

 
1,442

 
4

 
8

 
21

 
22

Health & Public Service
1,088

 
971

 
12

 
13

 
15

 
14

Products
1,702

 
1,575

 
8

 
11

 
24

 
23

Resources
1,352

 
1,284

 
5

 
8

 
19

 
19

Other
5

 
5

 
n/m

 
n/m

 

 

TOTAL NET REVENUES (2)
7,155

 
6,720

 
6
 %
 
9
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
Reimbursements
486

 
484

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL REVENUES
$
7,641

 
$
7,204

 
6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas
$
3,227

 
$
2,921

 
10
 %
 
12
%
 
45
%
 
43
%
EMEA (3)
2,907

 
2,935

 
(1
)
 
4

 
41

 
44

Asia Pacific
1,021

 
865

 
18

 
18

 
14

 
13

TOTAL NET REVENUES (2)
$
7,155

 
$
6,720

 
6
 %
 
9
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
TYPE OF WORK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consulting
$
3,965

 
$
3,966

 
 %
 
3
%
 
55
%
 
59
%
Outsourcing
3,189

 
2,754

 
16

 
19

 
45

 
41

TOTAL NET REVENUES (2)
$
7,155

 
$
6,720

 
6
 %
 
9
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
_______________ 
n/m = not meaningful
(1)
On September 1, 2011, we renamed the Communications & High Tech operating group to Communications, Media & Technology. No amounts have been reclassified in any period in connection with this name change.
(2)
May not total due to rounding.
(3)
EMEA includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Net Revenues
Outsourcing revenue growth in local currency during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was very strong and comparable to the growth we experienced during the first and second quarters of 2012. Consulting revenue growth in local currency moderated significantly during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the first and second quarters of fiscal 2012. All five of our operating groups experienced double-digit year-over-year outsourcing revenue growth in local currency during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Health & Public Service experienced strong growth in consulting revenues in local currency during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, while quarterly year-over-year consulting revenue growth in local currency either moderated or declined for all other operating groups.
The following net revenues commentary discusses local currency net revenue changes for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011:
Operating Groups
Communications, Media & Technology net revenues increased 8% in local currency. Outsourcing revenues reflected significant growth, led by Electronics & High Tech in EMEA, principally due to a significant short-term increase from one contract. We also experienced strong outsourcing growth in Communications in EMEA and Asia Pacific. Consulting revenues declined significantly, driven by a decline in all industry groups in EMEA and Communications in Americas, partially offset by growth in Electronics & High Tech in Americas. Some of our clients, particularly in EMEA, are exercising more caution by reducing and/or deferring their investment in consulting

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projects, which is having a negative impact on our consulting revenues, and we expect this to continue.
Financial Services net revenues increased 8% in local currency. Outsourcing revenues reflected very significant growth, driven by all industry groups in Americas and Asia Pacific. Consulting revenues declined slightly, primarily driven by declines in Banking and Capital Markets in EMEA, partially offset by strong growth in Insurance across all geographic regions and Banking in Asia Pacific. The uncertainty in the banking and capital markets industries continued to impact our consulting revenue growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.
Health & Public Service net revenues increased 13% in local currency. Outsourcing revenues reflected very strong growth, driven by Public Service across all geographic regions, and Health, led by Americas. Consulting revenues reflected strong growth, driven by Health across all geographic regions and Public Service in Asia Pacific. The global uncertainty and challenges in the public sector continued to have an impact on demand in our public service business.
Products net revenues increased 11% in local currency. Outsourcing revenues reflected very strong growth, driven by growth across all geographic regions and most industry groups, led by Retail and Life Sciences. Consulting revenues reflected growth, driven by all industry groups in Americas and Industrial Equipment and Life Sciences in Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decline in most industry groups in EMEA.
Resources net revenues increased 8% in local currency. Outsourcing revenues reflected strong growth, driven by very strong growth across all geographic regions in Energy and Natural Resources. Consulting revenues reflected growth, driven by Energy across all geographic regions and Natural Resources in Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decline in Natural Resources in Americas and Utilities in EMEA.
Geographic Regions
Americas net revenues increased 12% in local currency, led by the United States and Brazil.
EMEA net revenues increased 4% in local currency, driven by growth in Finland and the Netherlands. In general, there was significant revenue growth moderation across EMEA, particularly in Italy and Germany, while we experienced declines in France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Asia Pacific net revenues increased 18% in local currency, led by Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and Singapore.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $6,580 million, an increase of $325 million, or 5%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2011, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 86.1% from 86.8% during this period. Operating expenses before reimbursable expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $6,094 million, an increase of $323 million, or 6%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2011, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 85.2% from 85.9% during this period.
Cost of Services
Cost of services for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $5,270 million, an increase of $375 million, or 8%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2011, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 69.0% from 67.9% during this period. Cost of services before reimbursable expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $4,784 million, an increase of $373 million, or 8%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2011, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 66.9% from 65.6% during this period. Gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 decreased to 33.1% from 34.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, principally due to higher payroll costs as a percentage of net revenues, including pre-contract costs, holiday time and costs associated with investments in offerings and acquisitions, partially offset by higher contract profitability.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $854 million, an increase of $22 million, or 3%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2011, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 11.9% from 12.4% during this period. The decrease as a percentage of net revenues was due to growth of business development costs at a rate lower than that of net revenues.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative costs for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $455 million, a decrease of $72 million, or 14%, from the third quarter of fiscal 2011, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 6.4% from 7.8% during this period. The decrease as a percentage of net revenues was principally due to the impact of the provision for litigation matters for $75 million, or 1.1% of net revenues, recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, as well as management of other general and administrative costs at a growth rate lower than that of net revenues.

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Operating Income and Operating Margin
Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $1,061 million, an increase of $111 million, or 12%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2011, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 14.8% from 14.1% during this period. Operating income and operating margin for each of the operating groups were as follows:
 
  
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
 
  
2012
 
2011
 
 
  
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
Increase
(Decrease) (2)
 
 (in millions of U.S. dollars)
Communications, Media & Technology (1)
$
233

 
15
%
 
$
196

 
14
%
 
$
37

Financial Services
216

 
14

 
262

 
18

 
(46
)
Health & Public Service
116

 
11

 
70

 
7

 
45

Products
242

 
14

 
191

 
12

 
51

Resources
255

 
19

 
231

 
18

 
24

Total (2)
$
1,061

 
14.8
%
 
$
949

 
14.1
%
 
$
111

_______________ 
(1)
On September 1, 2011, we renamed the Communications & High Tech operating group to Communications, Media & Technology. No amounts have been reclassified in any period in connection with this name change.
(2)
May not total due to rounding.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, each operating group recorded a portion of the provision for litigation matters. In addition, during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, each operating group benefited from our management of other general and administrative costs at a growth rate lower than that of net revenues. The commentary below provides additional insight into operating group performance and operating margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2012, compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2011, exclusive of these impacts.
Communications, Media & Technology operating income increased, primarily due to outsourcing revenue growth, principally related to a significant short-term increase from one contract.
Financial Services operating income decreased, primarily due to higher pre-contract costs, a lower proportion of high margin consulting work and costs related to recent acquisitions, partially offset by strong outsourcing revenue growth.
Health & Public Service operating income increased due to revenue growth and lower sales and marketing costs as a percentage of net revenues.
Products operating income increased, primarily driven by revenue growth and improved consulting contract profitability.
Resources operating income increased, primarily driven by revenue growth.

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Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was 28.5%, compared with 27.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The effective tax rate was higher in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 primarily as a result of increases to tax reserves and a number of factors that impact the geographic mix of income, partially offset by higher benefits related to final determinations and other adjustments to prior year tax liabilities.
Our provision for income taxes is based on many factors and subject to volatility year to year. We expect the fiscal 2012 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 27% to 28%. The fiscal 2011 annual effective tax rate was 27.3%.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $74 million, an increase of $3 million, or 4%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The increase was due to higher Net income of $64 million, offset by a reduction in the Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares average noncontrolling ownership interest to 8% for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 from 9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011.
Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share were $1.03 for the third quarter of fiscal 2012, compared with $0.93 for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The $0.10 increase in our earnings per share was due to increases of $0.10 from higher revenues and operating results and $0.02 from lower weighted average shares outstanding, compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2011. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.02 from a higher effective tax rate. For information regarding our earnings per share calculations, see Note 2 (Earnings Per Share) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

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Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2012 Compared to the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2011
Net revenues (by operating group, geographic region and type of work) and reimbursements were as follows:
 
  
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
Percent
Increase
U.S. Dollars
 
Percent
Increase
Local
Currency
 
Percent of Total Net Revenues
for the Nine Months Ended May 31,
  
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING GROUPS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Communications, Media & Technology (1)
$
4,522

 
$
4,002

 
13
%
 
13
%
 
21
%
 
21
%
Financial Services
4,363

 
4,008

 
9

 
9

 
21

 
22

Health & Public Service
3,199

 
2,867

 
12

 
11

 
15

 
15

Products
4,956

 
4,345

 
14

 
14

 
24

 
23

Resources
3,972

 
3,583

 
11

 
11

 
19

 
19

Other
15

 
13

 
n/m

 
n/m

 

 

TOTAL NET REVENUES (2)
21,026

 
18,819

 
12
%
 
12
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
Reimbursements
1,463

 
1,359

 
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL REVENUES (2)
$
22,490

 
$
20,179

 
11
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas
$
9,329

 
$
8,230

 
13
%
 
14
%
 
44
%
 
44
%
EMEA
8,713

 
8,164

 
7

 
8

 
42

 
43

Asia Pacific
2,984

 
2,426

 
23

 
19

 
14

 
13

TOTAL NET REVENUES (2)
$
21,026

 
$
18,819

 
12
%
 
12
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
TYPE OF WORK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consulting
$
11,824

 
$
11,043

 
7
%
 
7
%
 
56
%
 
59
%
Outsourcing
9,202

 
7,776

 
18

 
19

 
44

 
41

TOTAL NET REVENUES
$
21,026

 
$
18,819

 
12
%
 
12
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
_______________ 
n/m = not meaningful
(1)
On September 1, 2011, we renamed the Communications & High Tech operating group to Communications, Media & Technology. No amounts have been reclassified in any period in connection with this name change.
(2)
May not total due to rounding.
Net Revenues
Revenue growth was very strong in outsourcing and moderated in consulting during the nine months ended May 31, 2012 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2011. All five of our operating groups experienced double-digit year-over-year outsourcing revenue growth in local currency during the nine months ended May 31, 2012 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2011. Products, Health & Public Service and Resources experienced strong growth in consulting revenues in local currency and Financial Services and Communications, Media & Technology experienced slight growth in consulting revenues in local currency during the nine months ended May 31, 2012 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2011.
The following net revenues commentary discusses local currency net revenue changes for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2011:
Operating Groups
Communications, Media & Technology net revenues increased 13% in local currency. Outsourcing revenues reflected significant growth, led by Electronics & High Tech in EMEA, principally due to a significant short-term increase from one contract. We also experienced outsourcing growth in Communications across all geographic regions. Consulting revenues reflected slight growth, driven by growth in Communications and Media & Entertainment in Americas and Electronics & High Tech in Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decline in Communications in EMEA. Some of our clients, particularly in EMEA, are exercising more caution by reducing and/or deferring their investment in consulting projects, which is having a negative impact on our consulting revenues, and we expect this to continue.
Financial Services net revenues increased 9% in local currency. Outsourcing revenues reflected significant growth,

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Table of Contents


driven by all industry groups in Americas and Asia Pacific and Capital Markets in EMEA. Consulting revenues reflected slight growth, driven by very strong growth in Insurance across all geographic regions, partially offset by declines in Banking and Capital Markets in EMEA and Americas. The uncertainty in the banking and capital markets industries continued to impact our consulting revenue growth during the nine months ended May 31, 2012.
Health & Public Service net revenues increased 11% in local currency. Consulting revenues reflected strong growth, led by Health in Americas and Asia Pacific. Outsourcing revenues reflected strong growth, driven by Health, led by Americas, and Public Service, led by EMEA and Asia Pacific. Outsourcing revenues during the nine months ended May 31, 2011 reflected revenues recognized upon favorable resolution of billing holdbacks on certain contracts with United States government agencies. The global uncertainty and challenges in the public sector continued to have an impact on demand in our public service business.
Products net revenues increased 14% in local currency. Consulting revenues reflected strong growth, driven primarily by growth across all industry groups in Americas and most industry groups in Asia Pacific. By industry group, growth was led by Retail, Industrial Equipment and Automotive. Outsourcing revenues reflected very strong growth, driven by growth across all geographic regions and most industry groups, led by Air, Freight & Travel Services, Life Sciences and Retail.
Resources net revenues increased 11% in local currency. Consulting revenues reflected strong growth, driven by Energy across all geographic regions and Natural Resources in Asia Pacific and EMEA, partially offset by a decline in Natural Resources in Americas. Outsourcing revenues reflected strong growth across all geographic regions and most industry groups, led by Energy and Natural Resources.
Geographic Regions
Americas net revenues increased 14% in local currency, led by the United States and Brazil.
EMEA net revenues increased 8% in local currency, driven by growth in Finland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy. In general, there was significant revenue growth moderation across EMEA in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.
Asia Pacific net revenues increased 19% in local currency, led by Australia, Japan, China, Singapore and South Korea.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 were $19,559 million, an increase of $1,928 million, or 11%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2011, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 87.0% from 87.4% during this period. Operating expenses before reimbursable expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 were $18,095 million, an increase of $1,824 million, or 11%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2011, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 86.1% from 86.5% during this period.
Cost of Services
Cost of services for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was $15,751 million, an increase of $1,743 million, or 12%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2011, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 70.0% from 69.4% during this period. Cost of services before reimbursable expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was $14,288 million, an increase of $1,640 million, or 13%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2011, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 68.0% from 67.2% during this period. Gross margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 decreased to 32.0% from 32.8% for the nine months ended May 31, 2011, principally due to higher payroll costs as a percentage of net revenues, including costs associated with investments in offerings and acquisitions, holiday time and pre-contract costs, partially offset by higher contract profitability.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was $2,464 million, an increase of $191 million, or 8%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2011, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 11.7% from 12.1% during this period. The decrease as a percentage of net revenues was due to growth of business development costs at a rate lower than that of net revenues.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative costs for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 were $1,342 million, a decrease of $7 million, or 1%, from the nine months ended May 31, 2011, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 6.4% from 7.2% during this period. The decrease as a percentage of net revenues was due to management of these costs at a growth rate lower than that of net revenues. In addition, during fiscal 2011, we recorded a provision for litigation matters for $75 million, or 0.4% of net revenues, which was partially offset by a reduction in the allowance for client receivables and unbilled services.

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Table of Contents


Operating Income and Operating Margin
Operating income for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was $2,931 million, an increase of $383 million, or 15%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2011, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 13.9% from 13.5% during this period. Operating income and operating margin for each of the operating groups were as follows:
 
  
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
 
  
2012
 
2011
 
 
  
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Communications, Media & Technology (1)
$
664

 
15
%
 
$
539

 
13
%
 
$
125

Financial Services
574

 
13

 
711

 
18

 
(137
)
Health & Public Service
328

 
10

 
218

 
8

 
110

Products
645

 
13

 
474

 
11

 
171

Resources
720

 
18

 
606

 
17

 
114

Total
$
2,931

 
13.9
%
 
$
2,548

 
13.5
%
 
$
383

 _______________
(1)
On September 1, 2011, we renamed the Communications & High Tech operating group to Communications, Media & Technology. No amounts have been reclassified in any period in connection with this name change.
During the nine months ended May 31, 2012, each operating group benefited from our management of general and administrative costs at a growth rate lower than that of net revenues. In addition, during fiscal 2011, each operating group recorded a portion of the provision for litigation matters, partially offset by a reduction in the allowance for client receivables and unbilled services. The commentary below provides additional insight into operating group performance and operating margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2012, compared with the nine months ended May 31, 2011, exclusive of these impacts.
Communications, Media & Technology operating income increased, primarily due to outsourcing revenue growth, principally related to a significant short-term increase from one contract.
Financial Services operating income decreased, primarily due to a lower proportion of high margin consulting work, costs related to recent acquisitions and higher sales and marketing costs as a percentage of net revenues, partially offset by strong outsourcing revenue growth.
Health & Public Service operating income increased due to revenue growth, improved consulting contract profitability and lower sales and marketing costs as a percentage of net revenues. Operating income during the nine months ended May 31, 2011 included revenues recognized upon favorable resolution of billing holdbacks on certain contracts with United States government agencies.
Products operating income increased, primarily driven by revenue growth and improved consulting and outsourcing contract profitability.
Resources operating income increased, primarily driven by strong revenue growth.

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Table of Contents


Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was 26.0%, compared with 27.4% for the nine months ended May 31, 2011. The effective tax rate was lower in the nine months ended May 31, 2012 primarily as a result of higher benefits related to final determinations of tax liabilities for prior years, partially offset by increases in tax reserves.
Our provision for income taxes is based on many factors and subject to volatility year to year. We expect the fiscal 2012 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 27% to 28%. The fiscal 2011 annual effective tax rate was 27.3%.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was $214 million, an increase of $9 million, or 4%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2011. The increase was due to higher Net income of $318 million, offset by a reduction in the Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares average noncontrolling ownership interest to 9% for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 from 10% for the nine months ended May 31, 2011.
Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share were $2.96 for the nine months ended May 31, 2012, compared with $2.48 for the nine months ended May 31, 2011. The $0.48 increase in our e