Accenture Plc Ireland Stock Price, News & Analysis

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is expanding its creative agency Droga5 with the opening of a new office in Tokyo and plans for offices in Brazil and China within a year. This follows Accenture Interactive being named the world’s largest digital agency for the sixth consecutive year. The Tokyo office will enhance brand experiences for clients and is led by Masaya Asai, known for his creative expertise. The expansion represents Accenture’s commitment to innovate and transform brand experiences globally.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has acquired Homburg & Partner, a management consulting firm specializing in commercial strategy, sales, and pricing. The integration includes a team of 73 professionals who have joined Accenture's Customer, Sales & Service team. While transaction terms were not disclosed, this acquisition aims to enhance Accenture's capabilities to help clients improve their sales and profitability amid a digital transition accelerated by the pandemic. Homburg & Partner's expertise primarily benefits sectors like industrial goods and healthcare.

Accenture's latest report reveals that oil and gas companies committed to reinvention post-COVID-19 anticipate revenue growth and margin expansion at twice the rate of their less committed counterparts. The report, based on a survey of over 200 executives, introduces the ‘Reinvention Index’ and outlines a '5C' model—Competitiveness, Connectivity, Carbon, Customer, and Culture—for successful transformation. Leaders expect at least 11% revenue growth and 7% margin growth compared to only 6% and 3% for Laggards. Environmental performance is prioritized, with hydrogen and renewable power identified as key growth areas.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has launched the application period for the fifth annual Accenture HealthTech Innovation Challenge, inviting health start-ups to develop solutions that enhance healthcare access and delivery in North America. This year’s challenge highlights three areas: Increased Access, Consumer & Clinician Experience, and Operational Efficiency. Submissions will be accepted until July 2nd, with finalists presenting at a virtual event on September 28.

Accenture aims to foster innovation that improves health outcomes while leveraging technology and human ingenuity.

Accenture and Efma have launched the eighth annual Banking Innovation Awards, aiming to recognize transformative innovations in the banking sector. Banks can submit entries until September 24, focusing on areas such as AI, digital marketing, and customer experience. A special ‘Global Innovator’ award will honor a bank demonstrating continuous innovation. Winners will be revealed on November 18. John Berry, CEO of Efma, emphasized the importance of digital channels for banks to adapt post-COVID-19, while Fabrice Asvazadourian from Accenture highlighted the role of new technologies in driving growth.

Accenture's recent report reveals that while 95% of North American asset managers expect technology to be a competitive advantage by 2025, many are lagging in adopting transformative technologies like AI and cloud solutions. Only 8% have completed their cloud journey, and just 28% are experimenting with AI. The report indicates that 85% of executives believe a radical operational restructuring is necessary. Moreover, 91% intend to transform their product distribution by 2026, yet less than a third have implemented new tech platforms. The findings emphasize the urgency for firms to innovate to maintain competitiveness.

According to Accenture's new report, only 7% of industrial companies plan to enhance their digital sales capabilities within the next two years. The report, based on a survey of 500 executives, predicts that by 2025, 29% of industrial sales will occur through digital channels, up from 21% today. While 96% acknowledge the necessity for transformation, the majority remain inactive. Accenture categorized companies into three clusters based on digital sales maturity: Leaders, Strivers, and Laggards, revealing significant resistance among sales staff towards digital adaptation.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) plans to acquire Linkbynet, a prominent French cloud services provider, enhancing its cloud capabilities. Founded in 2000, Linkbynet specializes in cloud optimization, managed services, and security, boasting over 900 skilled professionals. This acquisition aligns with Accenture’s strategy to bolster its Cloud First group, which consists of 70,000 cloud experts, backed by a $3 billion investment. The deal is subject to customary approvals and aims to support clients in adopting emerging technologies.

A recent Accenture report reveals that during the pandemic, 56% of surveyed citizens took on new caregiving roles, but 89% are unaware of available social services. Although 57% felt their agencies responded effectively to COVID-19, 54% noted increased demand for digital services, while 55% reported difficulties in implementing them. The report emphasizes the need for modernized social services, with executives recognizing the importance of technology investment, including AI and data analytics, to enhance future responsiveness and accessibility.