Investing.com -- Accenture (NYSE: ACN) reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results on Thursday, with revenue growth at the top end of its guidance range and robust new bookings, sending shares up 3.8% in premarket trading.

The global professional services company posted adjusted earnings per share of $3.94 for the first quarter ended November 30, 2025, exceeding analyst estimates of $3.74. Revenue reached $18.7 billion, up 5% in local currency and 6% in U.S. dollars compared to the same period last year, surpassing the consensus estimate of $18.51 billion.

New bookings surged 10% in local currency to $20.9 billion, including $2.2 billion in advanced AI bookings. The company reported 33 clients with quarterly bookings exceeding $100 million each, demonstrating strong demand for its services.

"I am very pleased with our $21 billion in new bookings," said Julie Sweet, Accenture Chair and CEO. "These results reflect our strategy to be the reinvention partner of choice for our clients."

Accenture’s adjusted operating margin expanded 30 basis points to 17.0%, while free cash flow reached $1.5 billion. The company returned $3.3 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter.

For fiscal 2026, Accenture maintained its revenue growth forecast of 2% to 5% in local currency. Excluding an estimated 1% impact from its U.S. federal business, the company continues to expect revenue growth of 3% to 6%. Accenture also reaffirmed its adjusted earnings guidance of $13.52 to $13.90 per share, in line with the analyst consensus of $13.77.