e10vq
 
 
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, 2008
OR
     
o   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: 001-16565
ACCENTURE LTD
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Bermuda   98-0341111
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
Canon’s Court
22 Victoria Street
Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices)
(441) 296-8262
(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 o
     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. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (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 o No þ
     The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A common shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, outstanding as of June 20, 2008 was 601,201,420 (which number does not include 48,134,753 issued shares held by subsidiaries of the registrant). The number of shares of the registrant’s Class X common shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, outstanding as of June 20, 2008 was 136,348,538.
 
 

 


 

ACCENTURE LTD
INDEX
         
      Page  
Part I. Financial Information
       
Item 1. Financial Statements
    3  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2008 (Unaudited) and August 31, 2007
    3  
Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007
    4  
Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income Statements (Unaudited) for the nine months ended May 31, 2008
    5  
Consolidated Cash Flows Statements (Unaudited) for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007
    6  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
    7  
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    17  
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    33  
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
    33  
Part II. Other Information
    34  
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
    34  
Item 1A. Risk Factors
    35  
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    36  
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
    38  
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    38  
Item 5. Other Information
    38  
Item 6. Exhibits
    38  
Signatures
    39  

2


 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCENTURE LTD
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
May 31, 2008 and August 31, 2007
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
                 
    May 31,     August 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,326,423     $ 3,314,396  
Short-term investments
    28,225       231,278  
Receivables from clients, net
    2,838,388       2,409,299  
Unbilled services, net
    1,619,980       1,290,035  
Deferred income taxes, net
    385,712       318,172  
Other current assets
    414,822       407,998  
 
           
Total current assets
    8,613,550       7,971,178  
 
           
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Unbilled services, net
    52,544       63,995  
Investments
    25,085       81,935  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,731,688 and $1,556,146, respectively
    819,054       808,069  
Goodwill
    816,650       643,728  
Deferred income taxes, net
    585,009       389,858  
Other non-current assets
    1,005,513       788,399  
 
           
Total non-current assets
    3,303,855       2,775,984  
 
           
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 11,917,405     $ 10,747,162  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings
  $ 4,232     $ 23,795  
Accounts payable
    1,008,382       985,071  
Deferred revenues
    1,851,931       1,785,286  
Accrued payroll and related benefits
    2,550,400       2,274,098  
Income taxes payable
    215,016       942,310  
Deferred income taxes, net
    51,458       39,078  
Other accrued liabilities
    864,664       912,978  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    6,546,083       6,962,616  
 
           
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Long-term debt
    2,490       2,565  
Retirement obligation
    530,069       494,416  
Deferred income taxes, net
    38,600       31,758  
Income taxes payable
    1,044,831       32,330  
Other non-current liabilities
    567,190       419,959  
 
           
Total non-current liabilities
    2,183,180       981,028  
 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
MINORITY INTEREST
    723,828       740,186  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred shares, 2,000,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding
           
Class A common shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 20,000,000,000 shares authorized, 649,048,649 and 635,108,578 shares issued as of May 31, 2008 and August 31, 2007, respectively
    15       14  
Class X common shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 136,348,538 and 162,629,929 shares issued and outstanding as of May 31, 2008 and August 31, 2007, respectively
    3       4  
Restricted share units
    786,407       649,475  
Additional paid-in capital
           
Treasury shares, at cost, 48,267,271 and 39,187,569 shares as of May 31, 2008 and August 31, 2007, respectively
    (1,451,035 )     (1,033,025 )
Retained earnings
    2,982,973       2,362,703  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    145,951       84,161  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,464,314       2,063,332  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 11,917,405     $ 10,747,162  
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


 

ACCENTURE LTD
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
For the Three and Nine Months Ended May 31, 2008 and 2007
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended May 31,     Nine Months Ended May 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
REVENUES:
                               
Revenues before reimbursements
  $ 6,102,059     $ 5,081,804     $ 17,387,286     $ 14,585,730  
Reimbursements
    491,142       461,880       1,365,495       1,293,666  
 
                       
Revenues
    6,593,201       5,543,684       18,752,781       15,879,396  
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Cost of services:
                               
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
    4,179,378       3,471,962       12,106,478       10,138,578  
Reimbursable expenses
    491,142       461,880       1,365,495       1,293,666  
 
                       
Cost of services
    4,670,520       3,933,842       13,471,973       11,432,244  
Sales and marketing
    605,582       499,529       1,665,283       1,370,752  
General and administrative costs
    450,590       421,946       1,370,426       1,206,654  
Reorganization costs, net
    4,355       6,838       18,489       19,233  
 
                       
Total operating expenses
    5,731,047       4,862,155       16,526,171       14,028,883  
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    862,154       681,529       2,226,610       1,850,513  
Gain on investments, net
    238       10,146       6,512       13,033  
Interest income
    23,756       40,641       85,646       111,896  
Interest expense
    (4,450 )     (6,841 )     (17,532 )     (18,825 )
Other expense, net
    (3,877 )     (16,090 )     (348 )     (21,989 )
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    877,821       709,385       2,300,888       1,934,628  
Provision for income taxes
    270,250       235,968       653,963       642,818  
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
    607,571       473,417       1,646,925       1,291,810  
Minority interest in Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.
    (133,930 )     (121,925 )     (377,593 )     (349,049 )
Minority interest — other
    (4,552 )     (6,092 )     (12,401 )     (16,407 )
 
                       
NET INCOME
  $ 469,089     $ 345,400     $ 1,256,931     $ 926,354  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average Class A common shares:
                               
Basic
    606,513,399       607,421,151       608,888,487       603,403,840  
Diluted
    816,421,753       859,715,775       827,191,207       867,333,374  
Earnings per Class A common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.77     $ 0.57     $ 2.06     $ 1.54  
Diluted
  $ 0.74     $ 0.54     $ 1.98     $ 1.47  
Cash dividends per share
  $     $     $ 0.42     $ 0.35  
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


 

ACCENTURE LTD
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS
For the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2008
(In thousands of U.S. dollars and in thousands of share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                                                                                 
            Class A     Class X                                                      
            Common     Common                                             Accumulated Other        
    Preferred     Shares     Shares     Restricted     Additional     Treasury Shares     Retained     Comprehensive        
    Shares     $     No. Shares     $     No. Shares     Share Units     Paid-in Capital     $     No. Shares     Earnings     Income     Total  
Balance as of August 31, 2007
  $     $ 14       635,109     $ 4       162,630     $ 649,475     $     $ (1,033,025 )     (39,188 )   $ 2,362,703     $ 84,161     $ 2,063,332  
Adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48
                                                    (1,756 )                     19,245               17,489  
Comprehensive income:
                                                                                               
Net income
                                                                            1,256,931               1,256,931  
Other comprehensive income:
                                                                                               
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax and reclassification adjustments
                                                                                    8,145       8,145  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                                                                    53,724       53,724  
Amortization of losses related to pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax
                                                                                    (79 )     (79 )
 
                                                                                             
Other comprehensive income
                                                                                    61,790          
 
                                                                                             
Comprehensive income
                                                                                            1,318,721  
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation plans
                                                    26,511                                       26,511  
Purchases of Class A common shares
                    (1,196 )                             (44,689 )     (595,447 )     (17,171 )     (2,706 )             (642,842 )
Share-based compensation expense
                                            250,470       31,066                                       281,536  
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X common shares
                            (1 )     (26,281 )             (711,157 )                     (298,390 )             (1,009,548 )
Issuances of Class A common shares:
                                                                                               
Employee share programs
            1       11,072                       (133,510 )     319,058       177,437       8,092                       362,986  
Upon redemption of Accenture SCA Class I common shares
                    4,064                                                                          
Dividends
                                            19,972                               (353,657 )             (333,685 )
Minority interest
                                                    380,967                                       380,967  
Other
                                                                            (1,153 )             (1,153 )
 
                                                                       
Balance as of May 31, 2008
  $     $ 15       649,049     $ 3       136,349     $ 786,407     $     $ (1,451,035 )     (48,267 )   $ 2,982,973     $ 145,951     $ 2,464,314  
 
                                                                       
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


 

ACCENTURE LTD
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS
For the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2008 and 2007
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
                 
    2008     2007  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
  $ 1,256,931     $ 926,354  
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities —
               
Depreciation, amortization and asset impairments
    354,464       328,928  
Reorganization costs, net
    18,489       19,233  
Share-based compensation expense
    282,111       228,858  
Deferred income taxes, net
    (21,641 )     (91,873 )
Minority interest
    389,994       365,456  
Other, net
    (13,086 )     (7,931 )
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions —
               
Receivables from clients, net
    (235,165 )     (386,732 )
Other current assets
    22,016       55,122  
Unbilled services, current and non-current
    (233,789 )     (84,674 )
Other non-current assets
    (219,366 )     (215,914 )
Accounts payable
    3,864       (28,499 )
Deferred revenues
    2,868       195,765  
Accrued payroll and related benefits
    124,405       371,879  
Other accrued liabilities
    (153,684 )     (157,595 )
Income taxes payable, current and non-current
    23,383       240,389  
Other non-current liabilities
    170,774       94,758  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,772,568       1,853,524  
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale investments
    287,294       668,865  
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
    (19,292 )     (538,744 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    10,152       12,577  
Purchases of property and equipment
    (233,634 )     (225,051 )
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired
    (244,468 )     (33,616 )
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash transferred
    1,798        
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (198,150 )     (115,969 )
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
    362,986       429,750  
Purchases of common shares
    (1,652,390 )     (1,906,929 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    4,474       2,367  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (25,608 )     (25,134 )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
    81,073       26,129  
Repayments of short-term borrowings
    (79,840 )     (26,931 )
Cash dividends paid
    (333,685 )     (293,059 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    43,332       31,903  
Other, net
    (37,504 )     (17,353 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (1,637,162 )     (1,779,257 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    74,771       68,348  
 
           
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    12,027       26,646  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    3,314,396       3,066,988  
 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 3,326,423     $ 3,093,634  
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


 

ACCENTURE LTD
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 Ltd, a Bermuda company, 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 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, 2007 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 23, 2007. The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and 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, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation.
     Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
     On September 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which is a change in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48 specifies how tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are to be recognized, measured and derecognized in financial statements; requires certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; specifies how reserves for uncertain tax positions should be classified in the balance sheet; and provides transition and interim-period guidance, among other provisions. For additional information, see Note 3 (Income Taxes) to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

7


 

ACCENTURE LTD
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 are calculated as follows:
     Basic earnings per share
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    May 31,     May 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net income available for Class A common shareholders
  $ 469,089     $ 345,400     $ 1,256,931     $ 926,354  
Basic weighted average Class A common shares
    606,513,399       607,421,151       608,888,487       603,403,840  
 
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.77     $ 0.57     $ 2.06     $ 1.54  
 
                       
     Diluted earnings per share
                                 
Net income available for Class A common shareholders
  $ 469,089     $ 345,400     $ 1,256,931     $ 926,354  
Minority interest in Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1)
    133,930       121,925       377,593       349,049  
 
                       
Net income per share calculation
  $ 603,019     $ 467,325     $ 1,634,524     $ 1,275,403  
 
                       
Basic weighted average Class A common shares
    606,513,399       607,421,151       608,888,487       603,403,840  
 
                               
Class A common shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of minority interest (1)
    173,199,431       214,377,862       183,555,248       228,280,494  
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A common shares
    36,687,643       37,887,840       34,727,179       35,641,913  
Diluted effect of employee share purchase plan related to Class A common shares
    21,280       28,922       20,293       7,127  
 
                       
Weighted average Class A common shares
    816,421,753       859,715,775       827,191,207       867,333,374  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.74     $ 0.54     $ 1.98     $ 1.47  
 
                       
 
(1)   Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption and exchange of all Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares, respectively, for Accenture Ltd Class A common shares, on a one-for-one basis. The income effect does not take into account “Minority interest — other,” since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture Ltd Class A common shares.

8


 

ACCENTURE LTD
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)
3. INCOME TAXES
     Effective Tax Rate
     The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007 were 30.8% and 33.3%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007 were 28.4% and 33.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2008 is lower than the effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2007, primarily as a result of changes in the geographic distribution of income. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 is lower than the effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, primarily as a result of benefits related to: final determinations and other adjustments to prior year tax liabilities, which reduced the rate by 3.1%; non-U.S. research and development tax credits, which reduced the rate by 1.8%; and changes in the geographic distribution of income. These benefits were offset by expenses related to tax rate changes enacted during the nine months ended May 31, 2008, which reduced the value of the Company’s deferred tax assets. The nine months ended May 31, 2007 included a reduction in the effective tax rate of 1.1%, recorded as a result of a nonrecurring benefit related to a reduction in the valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets.
     Uncertain Tax Provisions
     The adoption of FIN 48 on September 1, 2007 had the following approximate impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements: increased Non-current deferred income tax assets by $228,900; decreased Current income taxes payable by $757,400; increased Non-current income taxes payable by $968,900; decreased Additional paid-in capital by $1,800; and increased Retained earnings by $19,200, including a $3,200 adjustment recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.
     As of September 1, 2007, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $1,031,800, of which $643,700, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s policy, which has not changed as a result of adopting FIN 48, is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the Provision for income taxes. As of September 1, 2007, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $151,100 ($107,400, net of tax benefits) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
     The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2003 to 2005. The Company does not expect the audit of these years to be effectively settled within the next 12 months. The Company is also currently under audit in many jurisdictions outside the United States; none of the uncertain tax positions related to these jurisdictions is individually material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $137,100 of its unrecognized tax benefits, each of which are individually insignificant, may be resolved in the next 12 months as a result of settlements, lapses of statutes of limitations and other adjustments.

9


 

ACCENTURE LTD
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
     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. 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 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     Nine Months Ended  
    May 31,     May 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Reorganization liability, beginning of period
  $ 309,704     $ 374,182     $ 401,228     $ 350,864  
Final determinations (1)
    (1,093 )     (20,469 )     (83,204 )     (42,305 )
Changes in estimates
    1,093       20,469       83,204       42,305  
 
                       
Benefit recorded
                       
Interest expense accrued
    4,355       6,838       18,489       19,233  
Payments
                (143,184 )      
Foreign currency translation
    6,130       8,879       43,656       19,802  
 
                       
Reorganization liability, end of period
  $ 320,189     $ 389,899     $ 320,189     $ 389,899  
 
                       
 
(1)   Includes final agreements with tax authorities and expirations of statutes of limitations.
     As of May 31, 2008, reorganization liabilities of $310,226 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 $9,963 were included in Other non-current liabilities. Timing of the resolution of current tax audits, initiation of additional audits or litigation may delay final settlements. Final settlement will result in a payment on a final settlement and/or recording a reorganization benefit or cost in the Company’s Consolidated Income Statement. It is possible the aggregate amount of such payments could exceed the reorganization liability currently recorded.

10


 

ACCENTURE LTD
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)
5. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
     The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
                 
    May 31,     August 31,  
    2008     2007  
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax of $4,766 and $0, respectively
  $ 6,831     $ (1,314 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    147,585       93,861  
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax of $8,111 and $8,137, respectively
    (8,465 )     (8,386 )
 
           
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 145,951     $ 84,161  
 
           
     Comprehensive income was as follows:
                 
    May 31,
    2008   2007
Three months ended
  $ 475,054     $ 398,557  
Nine months ended
  $ 1,318,721     $ 995,462  
6. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND GOODWILL
     The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment are as follows:
                                 
                    Foreign        
                    Currency        
    August 31,     Additions/     Translation     May 31,  
    2007     Adjustments (1)     Adjustments     2008  
Communications & High Tech
  $ 115,197     $ 42,943     $ 3,660     $ 161,800  
Financial Services
    128,343       16,948       1,030       146,321  
Products
    287,576       36,753       4,131       328,460  
Public Service
    71,211       58,990       458       130,659  
Resources
    41,401       8,379       (370 )     49,410  
 
                       
Total
  $ 643,728     $ 164,013     $ 8,909     $ 816,650  
 
                       
 
(1)   Additions/Adjustments primarily represent acquisitions made during the nine months ended May 31, 2008, including $161,908 related to ten individually insignificant acquisitions, for total consideration of $252,333.

11


 

ACCENTURE LTD
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)
7. RETIREMENT PLANS
     In the United States and certain other countries, the Company maintains and administers retirement plans and postretirement medical plans for certain current, retired and resigned employees. The components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits expense were as follows:
                                 
    Pension Benefits  
    Three Months Ended May 31,  
    2008     2007  
Components of pension benefits expense   U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans     U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans  
Service cost
  $ 8,327     $ 11,244     $ 12,706     $ 13,629  
Interest cost
    14,989       8,276       13,510       7,138  
Expected return on plan assets
    (17,638 )     (9,017 )     (14,946 )     (6,637 )
Amortization of loss (gain)
    479       (390 )     325       354  
Amortization of prior service cost
    68       423       182       151  
Curtailment gain
          (496 )            
Special termination benefits charge
          657              
 
                       
Total
  $ 6,225     $ 10,697     $ 11,777     $ 14,635  
 
                       
                                 
    Pension Benefits  
    Nine Months Ended May 31,  
    2008     2007  
Components of pension benefits expense   U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans     U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans  
Service cost
  $ 24,977     $ 35,576     $ 38,118     $ 40,465  
Interest cost
    44,965       24,866       40,530       21,135  
Expected return on plan assets
    (52,914 )     (26,959 )     (44,838 )     (19,718 )
Amortization of transitional obligation
                      (20 )
Amortization of loss (gain)
    1,439       (1,111 )     975       1,048  
Amortization of prior service cost
    208       653       546       461  
Curtailment gain
    (13,898 )     (496 )            
Special termination benefits charge
          657              
 
                       
Total
  $ 4,777     $ 33,186     $ 35,331     $ 43,371  
 
                       
                                 
    Postretirement Benefits  
    Three Months Ended May 31,  
    2008     2007  
Components of postretirement benefits expense   U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans     U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans  
Service cost
  $ 1,744     $ 358     $ 1,666     $ 295  
Interest cost
    1,653       458       1,520       371  
Expected return on plan assets
    (409 )           (375 )      
Amortization of transitional obligation
    20             20        
Amortization of loss
          18             16  
Amortization of prior service credit
    (199 )     (212 )     (200 )     (185 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 2,809     $ 622     $ 2,631     $ 497  
 
                       

12


 

ACCENTURE LTD
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Postretirement Benefits  
    Nine Months Ended May 31,  
    2008     2007  
Components of postretirement benefits expense   U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans     U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans  
Service cost
  $ 5,232     $ 1,083     $ 5,000     $ 918  
Interest cost
    4,959       1,381       4,560       1,154  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,227 )           (1,125 )      
Amortization of transitional obligation
    60             60        
Amortization of loss
          57             49  
Amortization of prior service credit
    (601 )     (633 )     (600 )     (574 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 8,423     $ 1,888     $ 7,895     $ 1,547  
 
                       
8. MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity
     The Board of Directors of Accenture Ltd has authorized funding for the Company’s publicly announced open-market share purchase program for acquiring Accenture Ltd Class A common shares and for redemptions and repurchases of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares, Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares held by the Company’s current and former senior executives and their permitted transferees.
     The Company’s share purchase and redemption activity during the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was as follows:
                                                 
                    Accenture SCA Class I        
                    Common Shares and        
    Accenture Ltd Class A     Accenture Canada Holdings        
    Common Shares     Inc. Exchangeable Shares     Total  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Open-market share purchases
    10,250,028     $ 358,052           $       10,250,028     $ 358,052  
Other share purchase programs
    5,898,398       196,357 (1)     27,253,384       1,009,548       33,151,782       1,205,905  
Other purchases (2)
    2,218,629       88,433                   2,218,629       88,433  
 
                                   
Total
    18,367,055     $ 642,842       27,253,384     $ 1,009,548       45,620,439     $ 1,652,390  
 
                                   
 
(1)   On February 1, 2008, Accenture Equity Finance B.V., an indirect subsidiary of Accenture SCA, purchased 5,898,398 Accenture Ltd Class A common shares at a per share price of $33.29, resulting in a cash outlay of approximately $196,357. Shares from this transaction were purchased from certain former senior executives residing outside the United States.
 
(2)   During the nine months ended May 31, 2008, as authorized under the Company’s various employee equity share plans, the Company acquired Accenture Ltd Class A common shares primarily via share withholding for payroll tax obligations due from employees and former employees in connection with the delivery of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares under those plans. Other purchases also includes any outstanding shares forfeited by employees during the period.
     On October 25, 2007, the Board of Directors of Accenture Ltd authorized an additional $3,000,000 for share purchases. Management has discretion to use this authorization for purchases under either the Company’s publicly announced open-market share purchase program or its other share purchase programs.
     As of May 31, 2008, the Company’s aggregate available authorization was $3,086,349 for its open-market share purchase program and its other share purchase programs.

13


 

ACCENTURE LTD
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)
Other Share Redemptions
     During the nine months ended May 31, 2008, the Company issued 4,064,011 Accenture Ltd Class A common shares upon redemptions of an equivalent number of Accenture SCA Class I common shares pursuant to its registration statement on Form S-3 (the “registration statement”) filed on May 15, 2007. The registration statement allows the Company, at its option, to issue freely tradable Accenture Ltd Class A common shares in lieu of cash upon redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares held by the Company’s senior executives, former executives and their permitted transferees.
Waiver of Certain Transfer Restrictions
     On March 26, 2008, Accenture SCA enacted a graduated waiver of certain transfer restrictions applicable to former senior executives who hold Accenture SCA Class I common shares received at the time of the initial public offering of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares in July 2001 (“covered shares”). As a result, covered shares that would otherwise not have become available for transfer until either July 24, 2008 or July 24, 2009 became transferable by the holders on an accelerated basis beginning in April 2008.
Dividend
     On November 15, 2007, a cash dividend of $0.42 per share was paid on Accenture Ltd’s Class A common shares to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 12, 2007, resulting in a cash outlay of $252,232. On November 15, 2007, a cash dividend of $0.42 per share was also paid on Accenture SCA Class I common shares and on Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares, in each case to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 9, 2007, resulting in cash outlays of $80,153 and $1,300, respectively. 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. Diluted weighted average Accenture Ltd Class A common share amounts have been restated for all periods presented to reflect this issuance.
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments and Guarantees
     The Company has the right 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. The Company may also be required to purchase substantially all of the remaining outstanding shares of Avanade at fair value if certain events occur.
     The Company has various agreements in which it may be obligated to indemnify other parties with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification provisions are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which the Company customarily agrees to hold the indemnified party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold, licensed or certain intellectual property rights and other matters. Payments by the Company under such indemnification clauses are generally conditioned on the other party making a claim. Such claims are typically subject to challenge by the Company and to dispute resolution procedures specified in the particular contract. Further, the Company’s obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of time and/or amount and, in some instances, the Company may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by the Company. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, the Company has not made any payments under these agreements that have been material individually or in the aggregate. As of May 31, 2008, management was not aware of any obligations arising under such indemnification contracts that would require material payments.
     From time to time, the Company enters into contracts with clients whereby it has joint and several liability with other participants and/or third parties providing related services and products to clients. Under these arrangements, the Company and other parties may assume some responsibility to the client or a third party for the performance of others under the terms and conditions of the contract

14


 

ACCENTURE LTD
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)
with or for the benefit of the client or in relation to the performance of certain contractual obligations. In some arrangements, the extent of the Company’s obligations for the performance of others is not expressly specified. As of May 31, 2008, the Company estimates that it had assumed an aggregate potential liability of approximately $1,208,000 to its clients for the performance of others under arrangements described in this paragraph. These contracts typically provide recourse provisions that would allow the Company to recover from the other parties all but approximately $31,000 if the Company is obligated to make payments to the clients that are the consequence of a performance default by the other parties. To date, the Company has not been required to make any significant payments under any of the contracts described in this paragraph.
Legal Contingencies
     As of May 31, 2008, 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 these matters will not ultimately have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

15


 

ACCENTURE LTD
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)
(Unaudited)
10. SEGMENT REPORTING
     The Company’s reportable operating segments are the five operating groups, which are Communications & High Tech, Financial Services, Products, Public Service (known as “Government” prior to September 1, 2007) and Resources. Information regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended May 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Revenues Before     Operating     Revenues Before     Operating  
    Reimbursements     Income     Reimbursements     Income  
Communications & High Tech
  $ 1,387,790     $ 161,332     $ 1,200,761     $ 168,021  
Financial Services
    1,302,942       189,690       1,107,506       106,144  
Products
    1,611,009       253,070       1,279,838       192,813  
Public Service
    756,348       98,536       638,058       74,408  
Resources
    1,037,785       159,526       849,673       140,143  
Other
    6,185             5,968        
 
                       
Total
  $ 6,102,059     $ 862,154     $ 5,081,804     $ 681,529  
 
                       
 
   
    Nine Months Ended May 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Revenues Before     Operating     Revenues Before     Operating  
    Reimbursements     Income     Reimbursements     Income  
Communications & High Tech
  $ 4,038,933     $ 474,290     $ 3,383,315     $ 416,022  
Financial Services
    3,756,135       512,006       3,225,420       343,845  
Products
    4,522,867       634,001       3,639,600       540,223  
Public Service
    2,139,830       189,357       1,920,950       195,399  
Resources
    2,912,342       416,956       2,400,083       355,024  
Other
    17,179             16,362        
 
                       
Total
  $ 17,387,286     $ 2,226,610     $ 14,585,730     $ 1,850,513  
 
                       

16


 

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, 2007, 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, 2007.
     We use the terms “Accenture,” “we,” “our Company,” “our” and “us” in this report to refer to Accenture Ltd 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 2007” means the 12-month period that ended on August 31, 2007. All references to quarters, unless otherwise noted, refer to the quarters of our fiscal year.
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 negatively affected if we cannot expand and develop our services and solutions in response to changes in technology and client demand.
 
  The consulting, systems integration and technology, and outsourcing markets are highly competitive, and we might not be able to compete effectively.
 
  Our results of operations could be affected by economic and political conditions and the effects of these conditions on our clients’ businesses and levels of business activity.
 
  Our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment.
 
  Our business could be adversely affected if our clients are not satisfied with our services.
 
  We could be subject to liabilities if our subcontractors or the third parties with whom we partner cannot deliver their project contributions on time or at all.
 
  Our results of operations could be adversely affected if our clients terminate their contracts with us on short notice.
 
  Outsourcing services are a significant part of our business and subject us to operational and financial risk.
 
  Our results of operations may be affected by the rate of growth in the use of technology in business and the type and level of technology spending by our clients.
 
  Our profitability could suffer if we are not able to maintain favorable pricing rates.
 
  Our profitability could suffer if we are not able to maintain favorable utilization rates.
 
  Our business could be negatively affected if we incur legal liability in connection with providing our solutions and services.

17


 

  If our pricing structures do not accurately anticipate the cost and complexity of performing our work, then our contracts could be unprofitable.
 
  Many of our contracts utilize performance pricing that links some of our fees to the attainment of various performance or business targets. This could increase the variability of our revenues and margins.
 
  Our alliance relationships may not be successful.
 
  Our global operations are subject to complex risks, some of which might be beyond our control.
 
  Our profitability could suffer if we are not able to control our costs.
 
  If we are unable to attract, retain and motivate employees or efficiently utilize their skills, we might not be able to compete effectively and will not be able to grow our business.
 
  If we are unable to collect our receivables or unbilled services, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
 
  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.
 
  Tax legislation and negative publicity related to Bermuda companies could lead to an increase in our tax burden or affect our relationships with our clients.
 
  If we are unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with the size and expansion of our Company, we might be unable to achieve our business objectives.
 
  We may not be successful at identifying, acquiring or integrating other businesses or technologies.
 
  Consolidation in the industries that we serve could adversely affect our business.
 
  The share price of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares could be adversely affected from time to time by sales, or the anticipation of future sales, of Class A common shares held by our employees and former employees.
 
  Our share price has fluctuated in the past and could continue to fluctuate, including in response to variability in revenues, operating results and profitability, and as a result our share price could be difficult to predict.
 
  Our share price could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain effective internal controls.
 
  We are registered in Bermuda 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.
 
  Bermuda 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, 2007. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

18


 

Overview
     Revenues are driven by the ability of our executives to secure new contracts and to deliver solutions and services that add value to our clients. Our ability to add value to clients and therefore drive revenues depends in part 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 are also affected by the economic conditions, levels of business activity and rates of change in the industries we serve, as well as by the pace of technological change and the type and level of technology spending by our clients. The ability to identify and capitalize on these market and technological changes early in their cycles is a key driver of our performance. Although we are continuing to see strong demand for our services, we continue to expect that revenue growth rates across our segments and between consulting and outsourcing services may vary from quarter to quarter as economic conditions vary in different industries and geographic markets.
     Revenues before reimbursements (“net revenues”) for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2008 were $6.10 billion and $17.39 billion, respectively, compared with $5.08 billion and $14.59 billion, respectively, for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2007, increases of 20% and 19%, respectively, in U.S. dollars and 12% for both periods in local currency.
     Consulting net revenues for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2008 were $3.70 billion and $10.51 billion, respectively, compared with $3.08 billion and $8.82 billion, respectively, for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2007, increases of 20% and 19%, respectively, in U.S. dollars and 12% and 11%, respectively, in local currency.
     Outsourcing net revenues for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2008 were $2.40 billion and $6.88 billion, respectively, compared with $2.00 billion and $5.77 billion, respectively, for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2007, increases of 20% and 19%, respectively, in U.S. dollars and 12% for both periods in local currency. Outsourcing contracts typically have longer terms than consulting contracts and generally have lower gross margins than consulting contracts, particularly in the first year. Long-term relationships with many of our clients continue to contribute to our success in growing our outsourcing business. Long-term, complex outsourcing contracts, including their consulting components, require ongoing review of their terms and scope of work, in light of our clients’ evolving business needs and our performance expectations. Should the size or number of modifications to these arrangements increase, as our business continues to grow and these contracts evolve, we may experience increased variability in expected cash flows, revenues and profitability.
     As we are a global company, our revenues are denominated in multiple currencies and may be significantly affected by currency exchange-rate fluctuations. During the majority of fiscal 2007 and the first three quarters of fiscal 2008, the U.S. dollar weakened against many currencies, resulting in favorable currency translation and greater reported U.S. dollar revenues, operating expenses and operating income compared to the same periods in the prior year. If this trend continues in the remainder of fiscal 2008, our U.S. dollar revenue growth will be higher than our growth in local currency. In the future, if the U.S. dollar strengthens against other currencies, our U.S. dollar revenue growth will be lower than our growth in local currency.
     The primary categories of operating expenses are 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, sub-contractor 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 the growth of new outsourcing contracts. Utilization represents the percentage of our professionals’ time spent on billable work. Utilization for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was approximately 85%, up from the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and in the range we expect. Utilization for the three months ended May 31, 2007 was approximately 85%. Sales and marketing expense is driven primarily by compensation costs for business-development activities, the development of new service offerings and client-targeting, image-development and brand-recognition activities. General and administrative costs primarily include costs for non-client-facing personnel, information systems and office space, which we seek to manage, as a percentage of revenues, at levels consistent with or lower than levels in prior-year periods. Operating expenses also include reorganization costs and benefits, which may vary substantially from year to year.

19


 

     Gross margin (net revenues less cost of services before reimbursements as a percentage of net revenues) for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2008 was 31.5% and 30.4%, respectively, compared with 31.7% and 30.5%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2007.
     One of our cost-management strategies is to anticipate changes in demand for our services and to identify cost-management initiatives. A primary element of this strategy is to aggressively plan and manage our payroll costs to meet the anticipated demand for our services, given that payroll costs are the most significant portion of our operating expenses.
     Annualized attrition, excluding involuntary terminations, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 was 16%, compared to 18% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. We monitor our current and projected future demands and recruit new employees as needed to balance our mix of skills and resources to meet that demand, to replace departing employees, and to expand our global sourcing approach, which includes our Global Delivery Network and other capabilities around the world. From time to time, we 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. We also use managed attrition as a means to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand. In addition, compensation increases, which for the majority of our personnel were effective September 1, 2007, were higher than in prior fiscal years. As in prior fiscal years, we have adjusted and expect to continue to adjust pricing with the objective of recovering these increases. Our margins and ability to grow our business could be adversely affected if we do not continue to manage headcount and attrition, recover increases in compensation and/or effectively assimilate and utilize large numbers of new employees.
     Sales and marketing and general and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues were 17.3% and 17.5% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2008, respectively, compared with 18.1% and 17.7% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2007, respectively. The decrease as a percentage of net revenues was primarily due to strong revenue growth and our management of general and administrative costs at a lower growth rate than our net revenues growth rate.
     Operating income as a percentage of net revenues increased to 14.1% for the three months ended May 31, 2008, from 13.4% for the three months ended May 31, 2007. Operating income as a percentage of net revenues increased to 12.8% for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, from 12.7% for the nine months ended May 31, 2007.
Bookings and Backlog
     New contract bookings for the three months ended May 31, 2008 were $6.77 billion, with consulting bookings of $3.98 billion and outsourcing bookings of $2.79 billion. New contract bookings for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 were $19.12 billion, with consulting bookings of $11.14 billion and outsourcing bookings of $7.98 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 on the timing of the signing of a small number of large contracts. 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 additions to existing contracts. Subsequent cancellations, extensions and other matters may affect the amount of bookings previously reported. New contract bookings are recorded using then existing currency exchange rates and are not subsequently adjusted for currency fluctuations.
     The majority of our contracts are terminable by the client on short notice or 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.

20


 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
     For a description of our critical accounting policies and estimates, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2007.
Revenues by Segment/Operating Group
     Our five reportable operating segments are our operating groups, which are Communications & High Tech, Financial Services, Products, Public Service (known as “Government” prior to September 1, 2007) 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 consulting and systems integration services, 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.

21


 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2008 Compared to the Three Months Ended May 31, 2007
     Net revenues (by operating group, geographic region and type of work) and reimbursements were as follows:
                                                 
                            Percent     Percent of Net Revenues for the  
    Three Months Ended     Percent     Increase     Three Months Ended  
    May 31,     Increase     Local     May 31,  
    2008     2007     U.S. $     Currency     2008     2007  
    (in millions)                                  
OPERATING GROUPS
                                               
Communications & High Tech
  $ 1,388     $ 1,201       16 %     7 %     23 %     24 %
Financial Services
    1,303       1,107       18       8       21       22  
Products
    1,611       1,280       26       19       27       25  
Public Service
    756       638       19       13       12       12  
Resources
    1,038       850       22       13       17       17  
Other
    6       6       n/m       n/m              
 
                                       
TOTAL Net Revenues
    6,102       5,082       20 %     12 %     100 %     100 %
 
                                           
Reimbursements
    491       462       6                          
 
                                           
TOTAL REVENUES
  $ 6,593     $ 5,544       19 %                        
 
                                           
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
                                               
Americas
  $ 2,527     $ 2,157       17 %     14 %     41 %     42 %
EMEA (1)
    3,032       2,468       23       11       50       49  
Asia Pacific
    543       457       19       6       9       9  
 
                                       
TOTAL Net Revenues
  $ 6,102     $ 5,082       20 %     12 %     100 %     100 %
 
                                       
TYPE OF WORK
                                               
Consulting
  $ 3,701     $ 3,076       20 %     12 %     61 %     61 %
Outsourcing
    2,401       2,006       20       12       39       39  
 
                                       
TOTAL Net Revenues
  $ 6,102     $ 5,082       20 %     12 %     100 %     100 %
 
                                       
 
n/m = not meaningful
 
(1)   EMEA includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
     Revenues
     Our Communications & High Tech operating group achieved net revenues of $1,388 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $1,201 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 16% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency, with both consulting and outsourcing contributing to the growth. The increase was driven by growth in the EMEA region across all industry groups and in our Communications industry group in the Americas region, slightly offset by a decline in consulting revenues in the Asia Pacific region in our Communications industry group.
     Our Financial Services operating group achieved net revenues of $1,303 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $1,107 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 18% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currency. The increase was primarily due to outsourcing growth, particularly in our Banking and Insurance industry groups across all geographic regions, and consulting growth in our Banking and Insurance industry groups in the Americas region.
     Our Products operating group achieved net revenues of $1,611 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $1,280 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 26% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency, with consulting and outsourcing growth across all geographic regions. The increase was driven by strong growth in the Americas region, led by our Health & Life Sciences and Retail industry groups, and in the EMEA region, led by our Consumer Goods & Services, Retail and Automotive industry groups.

22


 

     Our Public Service operating group achieved net revenues of $756 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $638 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 19% in U.S. dollars and 13% in local currency. The increase was primarily due to consulting growth across all geographic regions, led by strong growth in the EMEA region.
     Our Resources operating group achieved net revenues of $1,038 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $850 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 22% in U.S. dollars and 13% in local currency, primarily driven by strong consulting growth in the EMEA and Americas regions, led by our Utilities and Natural Resources industry groups, and by strong outsourcing growth in the Americas region, led by our Utilities industry group.
     In the Americas region, we achieved net revenues of $2,527 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $2,157 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 17% in U.S. dollars and 14% in local currency. Growth was principally driven by our business in the United States, Brazil and Canada.
     In the EMEA region, we achieved net revenues of $3,032 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $2,468 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 23% in U.S. dollars and 11% in local currency. Growth was principally driven by our business in Italy, France and Spain.
     In the Asia Pacific region, we achieved net revenues of $543 million for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $457 million for the three months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 19% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency. Growth was principally driven by our business in Japan, China and Singapore, partially offset by a decline in Australia.
     Operating Expenses
     Operating expenses for the three months ended May 31, 2008 were $5,731 million, an increase of $869 million, or 18%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 86.9% from 87.7% during this period. Operating expenses before reimbursable expenses for the three months ended May 31, 2008 were $5,240 million, an increase of $840 million, or 19%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 85.9% from 86.6% during this period.
     Cost of Services
     Cost of services for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was $4,671 million, an increase of $737 million, or 19%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 70.8% from 71.0% during this period. Cost of services before reimbursable expenses for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was $4,179 million, an increase of $707 million, or 20%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 68.5% from 68.3% over this period. Gross margin for the three months ended May 31, 2008 decreased to 31.5% from 31.7% during this period.
     Sales and Marketing
     Sales and marketing expense for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was $605 million, an increase of $106 million, or 21%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 9.9% from 9.8% over this period.
     General and Administrative Costs
     General and administrative costs for the three months ended May 31, 2008 were $451 million, an increase of $29 million, or 7%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 7.4% from 8.3% during this period. The decrease as a percentage of net revenues was primarily due to strong revenue growth and our management of general and administrative costs at a lower growth rate than our net revenues growth rate.

23


 

     Operating Income
     Operating income for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was $862 million, an increase of $180 million, or 27%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007, and increased as percentage of net revenues to 14.1% from 13.4% over this period. Operating income for each of the operating groups was as follows:
                                         
    For Three Months Ended May 31,        
    2008     2007        
    Operating     Percent of OG     Operating     Percent of OG     Increase  
    Income     Net Revenues     Income     Net Revenues     (Decrease)  
    ($ in millions)  
Communications & High Tech
  $ 161       12 %   $ 168       14 %   $ (7 )
Financial Services
    190       15       106       10       84  
Products
    253       16       193       15       60  
Public Service
    99       13       75       12       24  
Resources
    159       15       140       16       19  
 
                                 
Total
  $ 862       14.1 %   $ 682       13.4 %   $ 180  
 
                                 
Operating income commentary by operating group is as follows:
  Communications & High Tech operating income decreased primarily due to delivery inefficiencies on a consulting contract, partially offset by revenue growth.
 
  Financial Services operating income increased primarily due to outsourcing revenue growth and improved outsourcing contract margins. In addition, the operating income for the three months ended May 31, 2007 reflects the impact of delivery inefficiencies on several contracts.
 
  Products operating income increased due to revenue growth.
 
  Public Service operating income increased due to consulting revenue growth and improved outsourcing contract margins, partially offset by higher selling costs associated with business-development opportunities.
 
  Resources operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth, partially offset by delivery inefficiencies on a small number of contracts.
     Gain on Investments, net
     Gain on investments, net for the three months ended May 31, 2008 decreased $10 million from the three months ended May 31, 2007. The three months ended May 31, 2007 reflects a gain on the sale of a remaining investment from our portfolio of investments that was written down in fiscal 2002.
     Interest Income
     Interest income for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was $24 million, a decrease of $17 million, or 42%, from the three months ended May 31, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates.

24


 

     Other Expense, net
     Other expense, net for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was $4 million, a decrease of $12 million from the three months ended May 31, 2007. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in net foreign currency exchange losses.
     Provision for Income Taxes
     The effective tax rates for the three months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007 were 30.8% and 33.3%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2008 is lower than the effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2007, primarily as a result of changes in the geographic distribution of income.
     Beginning with our adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” (“FIN 48”) on September 1, 2007, we recognize the impact of changes in unrecognized prior year tax benefits, including audit settlements, statute expirations, and other updates to estimates of tax liabilities, in the quarter in which they occur. See “—Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.” Prior to our adoption of FIN 48, we reflected such items as adjustments to the expected annual effective tax rate instead of as discrete items in the quarter in which they occurred. As a result, our effective tax rate may vary by quarter, and our effective tax rate in any given quarter may not match our expected 2008 annual effective tax rate.
     Our provision for income taxes is based on many factors and subject to volatility year to year. We expect the fiscal 2008 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 28% to 30%. This is lower than our fiscal 2007 tax rate as a result of changes in our geographic distribution of income, final determinations and other adjustments to prior year income tax liabilities, and non-U.S. research and development tax credits, which reduced our expected fiscal 2008 annual effective tax rate.
     Minority Interest
     Minority interest for the three months ended May 31, 2008 was $138 million, an increase of $10 million, or 8%, over the three months ended May 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Income before minority interest of $134 million, partially offset by a reduction in the Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares average minority ownership interest to 22% for the three months ended May 31, 2008 from 26% for the three months ended May 31, 2007.
     Earnings Per Share
     Diluted earnings per share were $0.74 for the three months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $0.54 for the three months ended May 31, 2007. For information regarding our earnings per share calculations, see Note 2 (Earnings Per Share) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

25


 

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2008 Compared to the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2007
     Net revenues (by operating group, geographic region and type of work) and reimbursements were as follows:
                                                 
                            Percent     Percent of Net Revenues for the  
    Nine Months Ended     Percent     Increase     Nine Months Ended  
    May 31,     Increase     Local     May 31,  
    2008     2007     U.S. $     Currency     2008     2007  
    (in millions)                                  
OPERATING GROUPS
                                               
Communications & High Tech
  $ 4,039     $ 3,383       19 %     11 %     23 %     23 %
Financial Services
    3,756       3,226       16       8       22       22  
Products
    4,523       3,640       24       18       26       25  
Public Service
    2,140       1,921       11       6       12       13  
Resources
    2,912       2,400       21       13       17       17  
Other
    17       16       n/m       n/m              
 
                                       
TOTAL Net Revenues
    17,387       14,586       19 %     12 %     100 %     100 %
 
                                           
Reimbursements
    1,366       1,293       6                          
 
                                           
TOTAL REVENUES
  $ 18,753     $ 15,879       18 %                        
 
                                           
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
                                               
Americas
  $ 7,169     $ 6,290       14 %     11 %     41 %     43 %
EMEA
    8,706       7,104       23       12       50       49  
Asia Pacific
    1,512       1,192       27       16       9       8  
 
                                       
TOTAL Net Revenues
  $ 17,387     $ 14,586       19 %     12 %     100 %     100 %
 
                                       
TYPE OF WORK
                                               
Consulting
  $ 10,511     $ 8,819       19 %     11 %     60 %     60 %
Outsourcing
    6,876       5,767       19       12       40       40  
 
                                       
TOTAL Net Revenues
  $ 17,387     $ 14,586       19 %     12 %     100 %     100 %
 
                                       
 
n/m = not meaningful
     Revenues
     Our Communications & High Tech operating group achieved net revenues of $4,039 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $3,383 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 19% in U.S. dollars and 11% in local currency, with both consulting and outsourcing contributing to the growth. The increase was driven by strong growth in the EMEA region across all industry groups, growth in the Electronics & High Tech industry group in the Asia Pacific region, and growth in our Communications industry group in the Americas region.
     Our Financial Services operating group achieved net revenues of $3,756 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $3,226 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 16% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currency. The increase was primarily due to outsourcing growth in our Banking industry group across all geographic regions and in our Insurance and Capital Markets industry groups in the Americas region, and to consulting growth in our Banking and Insurance industry groups in the Americas region.
     Our Products operating group achieved net revenues of $4,523 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $3,640 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 24% in U.S. dollars and 18% in local currency, with consulting and outsourcing growth across all geographic regions. The increase was driven by strong growth in the Americas region across all industry groups and in the EMEA region, led by our Consumer Goods & Services, Industrial Equipment and Automotive industry groups.

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     Our Public Service operating group achieved net revenues of $2,140 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $1,921 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 11% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency. The increase was primarily due to consulting growth across all geographic regions, led by strong growth in the EMEA region, partially offset by an outsourcing decline in the Americas region.
     Our Resources operating group achieved net revenues of $2,912 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $2,400 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 21% in U.S. dollars and 13% in local currency. Growth was primarily driven by strong consulting growth across all industry groups in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions and in our Natural Resources and Utilities industry groups in the Americas region, and by strong outsourcing growth in the Americas region, led by our Utilities and Energy industry groups.
     In the Americas region, we achieved net revenues of $7,169 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $6,290 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 14% in U.S. dollars and 11% in local currency. Growth was principally driven by our business in the United States, Brazil and Canada.
     In the EMEA region, we achieved net revenues of $8,706 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $7,104 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 23% in U.S. dollars and 12% in local currency. Growth was principally driven by our business in Italy, Spain and France.
     In the Asia Pacific region, we achieved net revenues of $1,512 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $1,192 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, an increase of 27% in U.S. dollars and 16% in local currency. Growth was principally driven by our business in Japan, Australia, Singapore and China.
     Operating Expenses
     Operating expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 were $16,526 million, an increase of $2,497 million, or 18%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 88.1% from 88.3% during this period. Operating expenses before reimbursable expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 were $15,161 million, an increase of $2,426 million, or 19%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 87.2% from 87.3% during this period.
     Cost of Services
     Cost of services for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was $13,472 million, an increase of $2,040 million, or 18%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 71.8% from 72.0% during this period. Cost of services before reimbursable expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was $12,106 million, an increase of $1,967 million, or 19%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 69.6% from 69.5% over this period. Gross margin for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 decreased to 30.4% from 30.5% during this period.
     Sales and Marketing
     Sales and marketing expense for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was $1,665 million, an increase of $294 million, or 21%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 9.6% from 9.4% over this period.
     General and Administrative Costs
     General and administrative costs for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 were $1,371 million, an increase of $165 million, or 14%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 7.9% from 8.3% during this period.

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     Operating Income
     Operating income for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was $2,227 million, an increase of $376 million, or 20%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007, and increased as percentage of net revenues to 12.8% from 12.7% over this period. Operating income for each of the operating groups was as follows:
                                         
    For Nine Months Ended May 31,        
    2008     2007        
    Operating     Percent of OG     Operating     Percent of OG     Increase  
    Income     Net Revenues     Income     Net Revenues     (Decrease)  
    ($ in millions)       
Communications & High Tech
  $ 474       12 %   $ 416       12 %   $ 58  
Financial Services
    512       14       344       11       168  
Products
    634       14       540       15       94  
Public Service
    190       9       196       10       (6 )
Resources
    417       14       355       15       62  
 
                                 
Total
  $ 2,227       12.8 %   $ 1,851       12.7 %   $ 376  
 
                                 
     Operating income commentary by operating group is as follows:
  Communications & High Tech operating income increased due to revenue growth, partially offset by delivery inefficiencies on a small number of consulting contracts.
 
  Financial Services operating income increased primarily due to outsourcing revenue growth and improved outsourcing contract margins. In addition, the operating income for the nine months ended May 31, 2007 reflects the impact of delivery inefficiencies on several contracts.
 
  Products operating income increased due to revenue growth, partially offset by lower outsourcing contract profitability.
 
  Public Service operating income decreased slightly, primarily due to higher selling costs associated with business-development opportunities and delivery inefficiencies on a small number of contracts, partially offset by consulting revenue growth. The operating income for the nine months ended May 31, 2007 also reflects asset impairments associated with an outsourcing contract recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2007.
 
  Resources operating income increased primarily due to revenue growth.
     Interest Income
     Interest income for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was $86 million, a decrease of $26 million, or 23%, from the nine months ended May 31, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates.
     Other Expense, net
     Other expense, net for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 decreased $22 million from the nine months ended May 31, 2007. The decrease in other expense resulted primarily from a decrease in net foreign currency exchange losses.
     Provision for Income Taxes
     The effective tax rates for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 and 2007 were 28.4% and 33.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 is lower than the effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, primarily as a result of benefits related to: final determinations and other adjustments to prior year tax liabilities, which reduced the rate by 3.1%; non-U.S. research and development tax credits, which reduced the rate by 1.8%; and changes in the geographic distribution of income. These benefits were offset by tax rate changes enacted during the nine months ended May 31, 2008, which reduced the value of our

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deferred tax assets. The nine months ended May 31, 2007 included a reduction in the effective tax rate of 1.1%, recorded as a result of a nonrecurring benefit related to a reduction in the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets.
     Beginning with our adoption of FIN 48 on September 1, 2007, we recognize the impact of discrete items, such as changes in unrecognized prior year tax benefits, in the quarter in which they occur. See “—Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.” Prior to our adoption of FIN 48, we reflected such items as adjustments to the expected annual effective tax rate instead of as discrete items in the quarter in which they occurred. As a result, our effective tax rate may vary by quarter, and our effective tax rate in any given quarter may not match our expected 2008 annual effective tax rate.
     Our provision for income taxes is based on many factors and subject to volatility year to year. We expect the fiscal 2008 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 28% to 30%. This is lower than our fiscal 2007 tax rate as a result of changes in our geographic distribution of income, final determinations and other adjustments to prior year income tax liabilities, and non-U.S. research and development tax credits, which reduced our expected fiscal 2008 annual effective tax rate.
     Minority Interest
     Minority interest for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was $390 million, an increase of $25 million, or 7%, over the nine months ended May 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Income before minority interest of $355 million, partially offset by a reduction in the Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares average minority ownership interest to 23% for the nine months ended May 31, 2008 from 27% for the nine months ended May 31, 2007.
     Earnings Per Share
     Diluted earnings per share were $1.98 for the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with $1.47 for the nine months ended May 31, 2007. For information regarding our earnings per share calculations, see Note 2 (Earnings Per Share) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, debt capacity available under various credit facilities and available cash reserves. We may also be able to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings in order to:
    take advantage of opportunities, including more rapid expansion;
 
    acquire complementary businesses or technologies;
 
    develop new services and solutions;
 
    respond to competitive pressures; or
 
    facilitate purchases, redemptions and exchanges of Accenture shares.
     As of May 31, 2008, cash and cash equivalents of $3,326 million combined with $39 million of liquid fixed-income securities that are classified as investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheet totaled $3,365 million, compared with $3,614 million as of August 31, 2007, a decrease of $249 million.

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     Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Cash Flows Statements, are summarized in the following table:
                         
    Nine Months Ended May 31,        
    2008     2007     Change  
    (in millions)  
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
  $ 1,773     $ 1,854     $ (81 )
Investing activities
    (198 )     (116 )     (82 )
Financing activities
    (1,637 )     (1,779 )     142  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    74       68       6  
 
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12     $ 27     $ (15 )
 
                 
     Operating Activities. Cash from operations decreased by $81 million, compared with the first nine months of fiscal 2007. Cash provided by higher net income was offset by an increase in net client balances (receivables from clients, current and non-current unbilled services and deferred revenues) and other changes in operating assets and liabilities, including a payment of $143 million to settle reorganization liabilities.
     Investing Activities. The $82 million increase in cash used was primarily due to increased spending on business acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease in net purchases of available-for-sale securities during the nine months ended May 31, 2008, compared with the nine months ended May 31, 2007.
     Financing Activities. The $142 million decrease in cash used was primarily due to a decrease in net purchases of common shares, partially offset by an increase in cash dividends paid in fiscal 2008, compared with fiscal 2007. For additional information, see Note 8 (Material Transactions Affecting Shareholders’ Equity) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
     We believe that our available cash balances and the cash flows expected to be generated from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our current and planned working capital and investment needs for the next twelve months. We also believe that our longer-term working capital and other general corporate funding requirements will be satisfied through cash flows from operations and, to the extent necessary, from our borrowing facilities and future financial market activities.
     Borrowing Facilities
     As of May 31, 2008, we had the following borrowing facilities and related borrowings, including the issuance of letters of credit, for general working capital purposes:
                 
            Borrowings  
            Under  
    Facility Amount     Facilities  
          (in millions)  
Syndicated loan facility
  $ 1,200     $  
Separate bilateral, uncommitted, unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facilities
    350       2  
Local guaranteed and non-guaranteed lines of credit
    160        
 
           
Total
  $ 1,710     $ 2  
 
           
     Under the borrowing facilities described above, we had an aggregate of $172 million of letters of credit outstanding as of May 31, 2008. In addition, including the amount under the facilities in the table above, we had total outstanding debt of $7 million as of May 31, 2008.

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     Share Purchases and Redemptions
     The Board of Directors of Accenture Ltd has authorized funding for our publicly announced open-market share purchase program for acquiring Accenture Ltd Class A common shares and for redemptions and repurchases of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares, Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares held by our current and former senior executives and their permitted transferees.
     Our share purchase and redemption activity during the nine months ended May 31, 2008 was as follows:
                                                 
                    Accenture SCA Class I        
                    Common Shares and        
    Accenture Ltd Class A     Accenture Canada Holdings        
    Common Shares     Inc. Exchangeable Shares     Total  
    Shares     Amount (1)     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
                    (in millions, except share amounts)                  
Open-market share purchases
    10,250,028     $ 358           $       10,250,028     $ 358  
Other share purchase programs
    5,898,398       196 (2)     27,253,384       1,010       33,151,782       1,206  
Other purchases (3)
    2,218,629       88                   2,218,629       88  
 
                                   
Total (1)
    18,367,055     $ 643       27,253,384     $ 1,010       45,620,439     $ 1,652  
 
                                   
 
(1)   May not total due to rounding.
 
(2)   On February 1, 2008, Accenture Equity Finance B.V., an indirect subsidiary of Accenture SCA, purchased 5,898,398 Accenture Ltd Class A common shares at a per share price of $33.29, resulting in a cash outlay of approximately $196 million. Shares from this transaction were purchased from certain former senior executives residing outside the United States.
 
(3)   During the nine months ended May 31, 2008, as authorized under our various employee equity share plans, we acquired Accenture Ltd Class A common shares primarily via share withholding for payroll tax obligations due from employees and former employees in connection with the delivery of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares under those plans. Other purchases also includes any outstanding shares forfeited by employees during the period.
     On October 25, 2007, the Board of Directors of Accenture Ltd authorized an additional $3,000 million for share purchases. Management has discretion to use this authorization for purchases under either our publicly announced open-market share purchase program or our other share purchase programs.
     As of May 31, 2008, our aggregate available authorization was $3,086 million for our open-market share purchase program and our other share purchase programs.
     Other Share Redemptions
     During the nine months ended May 31, 2008, we issued 4,064,011 Accenture Ltd Class A common shares upon redemptions of an equivalent number of Accenture SCA Class I common shares pursuant to our registration statement on Form S-3 (the “registration statement”) filed on May 15, 2007. The registration statement allows us, at our option, to issue freely tradable Accenture Ltd Class A common shares in lieu of cash upon redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares held by our senior executives, former executives and their permitted transferees.
     For a complete description of all share purchase and redemption activity for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, see Part II, Item 2, “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”
     Waiver of Certain Transfer Restrictions
     On March 26, 2008, Accenture SCA enacted a graduated waiver of certain transfer restrictions applicable to former senior executives who hold Accenture SCA Class I common shares received at the time of the initial public offering of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares in July 2001 (“covered shares”). As a result, covered shares that would otherwise not have become available for transfer until either July 24, 2008 or July 24, 2009 became transferable by the holders on an accelerated basis beginning in April 2008.

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     The following table shows the total number of covered shares held by former employees and their permitted transferees that are scheduled to be released from transfer restrictions each quarter. This table reflects the waivers described above together with all other waivers granted to date and further assumes that no covered persons who are active employees as of May 31, 2008 retire or resign through June 1, 2009.
         
    Total number of Accenture Ltd Class A
    common shares, Accenture SCA Class I
    common shares and Accenture Canada
    Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares that are
    scheduled to become available for transfer
    after giving effect to waiver
    (millions of shares)
4th Quarter Fiscal 2008
    23.2  
1st Quarter Fiscal 2009
    0.5  
2nd Quarter Fiscal 2009
    0.4  
3rd Quarter Fiscal 2009
    0.3  
4th Quarter Fiscal 2009
    61.3  
     The following table shows the total number of covered shares held by active employees and their permitted transferees that are scheduled to be released from transfer restrictions each quarter. This table reflects all waivers granted to date and further assumes that any covered persons who are active employees as of May 31, 2008 remain actively employed by Accenture through June 1, 2009.
         
    Total number of Accenture Ltd Class A
    common shares, Accenture SCA Class I
    common shares and Accenture Canada
    Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares that are
    scheduled to become available for transfer
    after giving effect to waiver
    (millions of shares)
4th Quarter Fiscal 2008
    15.6  
1st Quarter Fiscal 2009
    5.2  
2nd Quarter Fiscal 2009
    5.2  
3rd Quarter Fiscal 2009
    5.2  
4th Quarter Fiscal 2009
    5.2  
Obligations and Commitments
     We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on September 1, 2007. See “—Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.” As of adoption, we had approximately $1,100 million of tax liabilities, including interest and penalties, related to uncertain tax positions. Because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities, we are unable to estimate the years in which settlement will occur with the respective taxing authorities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     We have various agreements by which we may be obligated to indemnify the other parties with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification provisions are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the indemnified party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold, licensed or certain intellectual property rights and other matters. Payments by us under such indemnification clauses are generally conditioned on the other party making a claim. Such claims are generally subject to challenge by us and to dispute resolution procedures specified in the particular contract. Further, our obligations under these arrangements may be limited in terms of time and/or amount and, in some instances, we may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by us. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, we have not made any payments under these agreements that have been material individually or in the aggregate. As of May 31, 2008, we were not aware of any obligations arising under such indemnification agreements that would require material payments.

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     From time to time, we enter into contracts with clients whereby we have joint and several liability with other participants and/or third parties providing related services and products to clients. Under these arrangements, we and other parties may assume some responsibility to the client or a third party for the performance of others under the terms and conditions of the contract with or for the benefit of the client or in relation to the performance of certain contractual obligations. To date, we have not been required to make any significant payments under any of the contracts described in this paragraph. For further discussion of these transactions, see Note 9 (Commitments and Contingencies) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
     On September 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48, which is a change in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48 specifies how tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are to be recognized, measured and derecognized in financial statements; requires certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; specifies how reserves for uncertain tax positions should be classified in the balance sheet; and provides transition and interim-period guidance, among other provisions. For additional information, see Note 3 (Income Taxes) to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
New Accounting Pronouncements
     In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which is a revision of SFAS 141, “Business Combinations.” SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for: recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; expensing acquisition related costs as incurred; and determining what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. We will adopt the provisions of SFAS 141R for acquisitions that occur on or after September 1, 2009. The impact of SFAS 141R on our Consolidated Financial Statements will depend on the size and nature of any acquisitions on or after September 1, 2009.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (previously referred to as minority interests). Upon adoption of SFAS 160 on September 1, 2009, we will be required to report any noncontrolling interests as a separate component of consolidated shareholders’ equity.
     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”), which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We will adopt the provisions of SFAS 157 beginning September 1, 2008 and FSP 157-2 beginning September 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 157 and FSP 157-2 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Risk
     We are exposed to foreign currency risk in the ordinary course of business. We hedge certain material cash flow exposures when feasible using forward contracts. These instruments are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and credit risk. Credit risk is managed through selection and ongoing evaluation of the financial institutions utilized as counterparties.
     Certain of these hedge positions are undesignated hedges of balance sheet exposures such as intercompany loans and typically have maturities of less than one year. These hedges, U.S. dollar to other currencies, primarily the British pound, Indian rupee, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Swedish krona, Norwegian krona and Philippine peso, are intended to offset changes in the underlying assets and liabilities due to currency movements. Gains and losses on the hedge positions are recorded in Other Expense, net in the Consolidated Income Statement, along with the gains and losses on the underlying assets and liabilities.
     Additionally, we have hedge positions that are designated cash flow hedges relating to our Global Delivery Network and typically have maturities not exceeding three years. These hedges, U.S. dollar and British pound to the Indian rupee and U.S. dollar to the Philippine peso, are intended to partly offset the impact of currency movements on forecasted costs relating to resources supplied by Accenture’s Global Delivery Network to U.S. and United Kingdom contracts. For designated cash flow hedges, gains (losses) currently recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income will be reclassified into earnings at the time when the underlying costs are recorded as Cost of Services. As of May 31, 2008, $7.4 million of net unrealized gains is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax of $4.8 million.
     We use sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market exchange rate fluctuations may have on the fair value of our hedge portfolio. The sensitivity of the hedge portfolio is computed based on how the market value of future cash flows would be affected by hypothetical changes in exchange rates. This sensitivity analysis represents the hypothetical changes in value of the hedge position and does not reflect the offsetting gain or loss on the underlying exposure. As of May 31, 2008, a 10% decrease in the levels of foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar with all other variables held constant would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our hedge instruments of $96 million, while a 10% increase in the levels of foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar would have resulted in an increase in the fair value of our hedge instruments of $96 million. As of August 31, 2007, a 10% decrease in the levels of foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar with all other variables held constant would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our hedge instruments of $9 million, while a 10% increase in the levels of foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar would have resulted in an increase in the fair value of our hedge instruments of $9 million.
     During the nine months ended May 31, 2008, there were no material changes in our other market risk exposures. For a discussion of our market risk associated with interest rate risk and equity price risk as of August 31, 2007, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2007.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
     An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report.

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     Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of Accenture Ltd have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, Accenture Ltd’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
     There has been no change in Accenture Ltd’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Accenture Ltd’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     We are involved in a number of judicial and arbitration proceedings concerning matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. 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. We do not expect that any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
     As previously reported, in September 2007, the State of Connecticut filed an action in State Superior Court in Hartford against Accenture arising out of an alleged data security breach. The action arose in connection with work we undertook for the State of Connecticut’s Office of the Comptroller (the “Core-CT Project”), during which Accenture properly came into the possession of confidential information, including personally identifiable information, concerning Connecticut citizens. The complaint alleges that some of the information was subsequently placed on a server maintained by the State of Ohio by Accenture employees who were transferred from the Core-CT Project to a similar project for the State of Ohio, and that a back-up tape from the Ohio server containing some of the information was stolen in June 2007 from an Ohio state employee. The State of Connecticut claims that Accenture breached its contract with the Connecticut Comptroller’s office and also asserts negligence and the unauthorized taking of information by Accenture. The complaint seeks injunctive relief and damages, including restitution of some unspecified portion of the amount paid to Accenture pursuant to the Core-CT Project contract. During the investigation of this matter, it was discovered that confidential information belonging to several other Accenture clients appeared on the Ohio server, and Accenture has notified the affected clients. Although these events represent a breach of Accenture’s internal policies on data security, we have no evidence that any individual has been harmed as a result. Accenture is committed to maintaining the security of its clients’ data and has conducted an internal investigation to ensure the integrity of all confidential data, including personally identifiable information, in its possession. Accenture is continuing to take proactive remedial measures to reinforce adherence to its data protection policies. In addition to the Connecticut suit, it is possible that other affected parties could bring similar lawsuits or proceedings. We do not believe these matters will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
     As previously reported, on April 12, 2007, the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) intervened in a civil “qui tam” action previously filed under seal by two private individuals in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas against Accenture and several of its indirect subsidiaries. The complaint alleges that, in connection with work we undertook for the U.S. Federal government, we received payments, resale revenue, or other benefits as a result of alliance agreements we maintain with technology vendors and others in violation of our contracts with the U.S. government and/or applicable law or regulations. Similar suits were brought against other companies in our industry. The total amount of the payments, resale revenue and other benefits alleged in the complaint is $32 million. The suit alleges that these amounts were not disclosed to the government in violation of the Federal False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Act, among other statutes. The DOJ complaint seeks various remedies including treble damages, statutory penalties and disgorgement of profits. The suit could lead to other related proceedings by various agencies of the U.S. government, including potential suspension or debarment proceedings. We intend to defend this matter vigorously and do not believe this matter will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
     As previously reported, in July 2003, we became aware of an incident of possible noncompliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and/or with Accenture’s internal controls in connection with certain of our operations in the Middle East. In 2003, we voluntarily reported the incident to the appropriate authorities in the United States promptly after its discovery. Shortly thereafter, the SEC advised us it would be undertaking an informal investigation of this incident, and the DOJ indicated it would also conduct a review. Since that time, there have been no further developments. We do not believe that this incident will have any material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

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     We currently maintain the types and amounts of insurance customary in the industries and countries in which we operate, including coverage for professional liability, general liability and management liability. We consider our insurance coverage to be adequate both as to the risks and amounts for the businesses we conduct.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2007. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2007.

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases and redemptions of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares and Class X common shares
     The following table provides information relating to our purchases of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares and redemptions of Accenture Ltd Class X common shares for the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
                                 
                            Approximate Dollar
                    Total Number of Shares   Value of Shares that May
    Total           Purchased as Part of   Yet Be Purchased Under
    Number of Shares   Average Price Paid   Publicly Announced Plans   Publicly Announced Plans
Period   Purchased   per Share (1)   or Programs (2)   or Programs (3)
                            (in millions)
March 1, 2008 — March 31, 2008
                               
Class A common shares
    49,986     $ 35.00             3,345  
Class X common shares
    253,807     $ 0.0000225              
April 1, 2008 — April 30, 2008
                               
Class A common shares
    28,210     $ 27.49             3,142  
Class X common shares
    10,721,308     $ 0.0000225              
May 1, 2008 — May 31, 2008
                               
Class A common shares
    164,186     $ 37.86             3,086  
Class X common shares
    4,183,633     $ 0.0000225              
Total
                               
Class A common shares (2)(4)
    242,382     $ 36.06                
Class X common shares (5)
    15,158,748     $ 0.0000225                
 
(1)   Average price per share reflects the total cash outlay for the period, divided by the number of shares acquired, including those acquired by purchase and any acquired by means of employee forfeiture.
 
(2)   Since August 2001, the Board of Directors of Accenture Ltd has authorized and periodically confirmed a publicly announced open-market share purchase program for acquiring Accenture Ltd Class A common shares. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we did not purchase any Accenture Ltd Class A common shares under this program. The open-market purchase program does not have an expiration date.
 
(3)   To date, the Board of Directors of Accenture Ltd has authorized an aggregate of $11.1 billion for share repurchases. This includes $3.0 billion authorized on October 25, 2007, which management has the discretion to use for purchases under either our publicly announced open-market share purchase program or our other share purchase programs. As of May 31, 2008, our aggregate available authorization was $3,086 million for our open-market share purchase program and our other share purchase programs.
 
(4)   During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, Accenture acquired 242,382 Accenture Ltd Class A common shares in transactions unrelated to publicly announced share plans or programs. This includes acquisitions of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares via share withholding for payroll tax obligations due from employees and former employees in connection with the delivery of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares under our various employee equity share plans, as well as any outstanding shares forfeited by employees during the quarter.
 
(5)   During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we redeemed 15,158,748 Accenture Ltd Class X common shares pursuant to our Bye-laws. Accenture Ltd Class X common shares are redeemable at their par value of $0.0000225 per share.

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Purchases and redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares
     The following table provides additional information relating to our purchases and redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Management believes that the following table and footnotes provide useful information regarding the share purchase and redemption activity of Accenture. Generally, purchases and redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares reduce shares outstanding for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share.
                                 
                            Approximate Dollar
                    Total Number of   Value of Shares that
                    Shares Purchased   May Yet Be
                    as Part of Publicly   Purchased Under
    Total Number of   Average Price Paid   Announced Plans   Publicly Announced
Period   Shares Purchased (1)   per Share (2)   or Programs   Plans or Programs (3)
Accenture SCA
                               
March 1, 2008 — March 31, 2008
                               
Class I common shares
        $              
April 1, 2008 — April 30, 2008
                               
Class I common shares
    11,223,613     $ 36.94              
May 1, 2008 — May 31, 2008
                               
Class I common shares
    1,395,647     $ 38.06              
Total
                               
Class I common shares (4)
    12,619,260     $ 37.06              
Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.
                               
March 1, 2008 — March 31, 2008
                               
Exchangeable shares
        $              
April 1, 2008 — April 30, 2008
                               
Exchangeable shares
    130,053     $ 37.60              
May 1, 2008 — May 31, 2008
                               
Exchangeable shares
    70,161     $ 38.07              
Total
                               
Exchangeable shares
    200,214     $ 37.77              
 
(1)   During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, Accenture acquired a total of 12,619,260 Accenture SCA Class I common shares and 200,214 Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares from current and former senior executives and their permitted transferees. This includes acquisitions by means of redemption or purchase, or employee share forfeiture, as applicable.
 
(2)   Average price per share reflects the total cash outlay for the period, divided by the number of shares acquired, including those acquired by purchase and any acquired by means of employee forfeiture.
 
(3)   To date, the Board of Directors of Accenture Ltd has authorized an aggregate of $11.1 billion for share repurchases. This includes $3.0 billion authorized on October 25, 2007, which management has the discretion to use for purchases under either our publicly announced open-market share purchase program or our other share purchase programs. As of May 31, 2008, our aggregate available authorization was $3,086 million for our open-market share purchase program and our other share purchase programs.
 
(4)   In addition to the amounts included in this table, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we also redeemed a total of 4,064,011 Accenture SCA Class I common shares from current and former senior executives and their permitted transferees for which an equivalent number of Accenture Ltd Class A common shares were issued. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Other Share Redemptions.”

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Purchases and redemptions of Accenture SCA Class II and Class III common shares
     Transactions involving Accenture SCA Class II and Class III common shares consist exclusively of inter-company transactions undertaken to facilitate other corporate purposes. These inter-company transactions do not affect shares outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1, “Financial Statements.”
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
     None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
     None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
     (a) None.
     (b) None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
     Exhibit Index:
     
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
3.1
  Form of Bye-laws of the Registrant, effective as of February 7, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the February 29, 2008 10-Q)
 
   
31.1
  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
31.2
  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.1
  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.2
  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: June 27, 2008
             
 
           
    ACCENTURE LTD    
 
           
 
  By:
Name:
  /s/ Pamela J. Craig
 
Pamela J. Craig
   
 
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer    

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