What changed in this filing

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Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

2026-10-16 compared with 2025-10-10 · 160 added, 131 removed, 1524 unchanged (16% of the section changed)

Controls and Procedures

provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our Board of Directors;

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013).

Based on its evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued its auditor’s report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

See “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page F-2.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Other Information

Trading Arrangements

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, no executive officer or director adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K) or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K).

Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

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Accenture plc will file such definitive proxy statement with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of our 2026 fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.

ACCENTURE 2025 FORM 10-K

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information called for by Item 14 will be included in the section captioned “Audit” included in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2027 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Accenture plc to be held on January 28, 2027 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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3.2 Certificate of Incorporation of Accenture plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Accenture plc’s 8-K12B filed on September 1, 2009 (the “8-K12B”))

4.1 Description of Accenture plc’s Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the August 31, 2024 10-K )

4.1 Description of Accenture plc’s Securities ( filed herewith )

4.2 Indenture, among Accenture Capital Inc., Accenture plc and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., dated as of October 4, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on October 4, 2024 )

4.3 Officer’s Certificate of Accenture Capital Inc., dated as of October 4, 2024, containing Form of 3.900% Note due 2027, Form of 4.050% Note due 2029, Form of 4.250% Note due 2031 and Form of 4.500% Note due 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on October 4, 2024 )

4.4 Officer's Certificate of Accenture Capital Inc., dated as of July 10, 2026, containing Form of Floating Rate Note due 2029, Form of 4.750% Note due 2029, Form of 5.000% Note due 2031, Form of 5.300% Note due 2033 and Form of 5.600% Note due 2036 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Accenture plc's 8-K filed on July 10, 2026 )

10.1 Form of Voting Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2001, among Accenture Ltd and the covered persons party thereto as amended and restated as of February 3, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.1 to the Accenture Ltd February 28, 2005 10-Q (File No.

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333-59194) filed on July 12, 2001)

10.6* Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on January 31, 2024 )

ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

10.6* Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on January 28, 2026 )

10.7* Amended and Restated 2010 Employee Share Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on January 31, 2024 )

10.8 Credit Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2024, among Accenture plc, the borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on May 17, 2024 )

10.8 Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2026, among Accenture plc, the borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent.(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on April 24, 2026 )

10.9 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2026, among Accenture plc, the borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent.(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Accenture plc’s 8-K filed on April 24, 2026 )

10.10 Form of Support Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2001, between Accenture Ltd and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.

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10.12* Form of Employment Agreement of executive officers in the United States (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the February 28, 2013 10-Q )

10.12* 2012 Employment Contract between Accenture SAS and Jean-Marc Ollagnier, together with 2017 and 2022 Addenda (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the August 31, 2022 10-K )

10.13* Form of Employment Agreement of executive officers in Italy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the November 30, 2025 10-Q )

10.14 Form of Articles of Association of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.

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and Accenture Inc., dated September 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the 8-K12B )

10.17* 2015 Sub-plan for Restricted Share Units Granted in France, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the February 28, 2022 10-Q )

10.18* Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the February 28, 2026 10-Q )

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10.21* Form of Key Executive Performance-Based Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the February 28, 2026 10-Q )

10.22* Form of Fiscal 2023 Key Executive Performance-Based Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement in France (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the February 28, 2023 10-Q )

10.23* Form of Fiscal 2024 Key Executive Performance-Based Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement in France (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the February 29, 2024 10-Q )

10.22* Form of Accenture Leadership Performance Equity Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the February 29, 2024 10-Q )

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10.24* Form of Accenture Leadership Performance Equity Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the February 28, 2026 10-Q )

10.27* Form of Accenture Leadership Performance Equity Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement in France (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the February 29, 2024 10-Q )

10.28* Form of Accenture Leadership Performance Equity Award Restricted Share Unit Agreement in France (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the February 28, 2025 10-Q

10.25* Form of Voluntary Equity Investment Program Matching Grant Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the February 28, 2025 10-Q )

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10.27* Form of CEO Discretionary Grant Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the February 28, 2025 10-Q )

10.28* Form of CEO Discretionary Grant Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Accenture plc 2010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the February 28, 2026 10-Q )

10.29* Description of Global Annual Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the February 28, 2022 10-Q )

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10.31* Form of Severance Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the November 30, 2023 10-Q )

10.35* Relocation Benefits Agreement between Accenture LLP and Manish Sharma (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the November 30, 2023 10-Q )

ACCENTURE 2025 FORM 10-K

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

10.36* Accenture LLP Leadership Separation Benefits Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to November 30, 2024 10-Q )

10.32* Accenture LLP Leadership Separation Benefits Plan (effective November 1, 2024) and Amendment / Summary of Material Modifications (SMM) (effective June 1, 2026) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the May 31, 2026 10-Q )

19.1 Insider Trading Policy ( filed herewith )

21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant ( filed herewith )

ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP ( filed herewith )

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Lead Director

/s/ J AIME A RDILA

ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

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The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Estimated costs to complete certain technology integration consulting services contracts

As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, revenues from contracts for technology integration consulting services where the Company designs, builds, and implements new or enhanced system applications and related processes for its clients are recognized over time since control of the system is transferred continuously to the client.

Estimated costs to complete certain technology integration consulting services and some non-technology consulting services contracts

As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, revenues from contracts for technology integration consulting services and some non-technology consulting services where the Company designs, builds, and implements new or enhanced system applications and related processes for its clients are recognized over time since control of the system is transferred continuously to the client.

Generally, revenue is recognized using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying the Company's performance obligations, which typically occurs over time periods ranging from six months to two years.

We identified the evaluation of estimated costs to complete certain technology integration consulting services contracts as a critical audit matter.

We identified the evaluation of estimated costs to complete certain technology integration consulting services and some non-technology consulting services contracts as a critical audit matter.

Subjective auditor judgment was required to evaluate the estimate of costs to complete the contracts.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter.

We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s process for estimating costs to complete technology integration consulting services contracts, including controls over the estimate of costs to complete the contracts.

We tested the estimated costs to complete for certain technology integration consulting services contracts by evaluating:

We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company's process for estimating costs to complete technology integration consulting services and some non-technology consulting services contracts, including controls over the estimate of costs to complete the contracts.

We tested the estimated costs to complete for certain technology integration consulting services and some non-technology consulting services contracts by evaluating:

• the scope of the work and timing of delivery for consistency with the underlying contractual terms;

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We involved tax and transfer pricing professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

• evaluating the Company’s interpretation of tax laws and income tax consequences of intercompany transactions, including internal restructurings and intra-entity transfers of assets;

ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-4

• evaluating the Company's interpretation of tax laws and income tax consequences of intercompany transactions, including internal restructurings and intra-entity transfers of assets;

• assessing transfer pricing studies for compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Redeemable noncontrolling interests 532,762 —

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

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Diluted $ 13.56 $ 12.15 $ 11.44

Cash dividends per share $ 5.92 $ 5.16 $ 4.48

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

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Purchases of Class A shares 3,867 ( 4,509,392 ) ( 13,913 ) ( 4,505,525 ) ( 3,867 ) ( 4,509,392 )

Cancellation of treasury shares ( 8,828 ) ( 175,701 ) 2,595,281 8,828 ( 2,419,580 ) — —

Share-based compensation expense 1,821,490 120,100 1,941,590 1,941,590

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Purchases of Class A shares 3,708 ( 4,614,969 ) ( 14,082 ) ( 4,611,261 ) ( 3,708 ) ( 4,614,969 )

Cancellation of treasury shares ( 1 ) ( 22,739 ) ( 771,268 ) 6,666,403 22,739 ( 5,895,134 ) — —

Share-based compensation expense 1,974,575 119,303 2,093,878 2,093,878

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Purchases of Class A shares 5,143 ( 7,518,907 ) ( 39,915 ) ( 7,513,764 ) ( 5,143 ) ( 7,518,907 )

Cancellation of treasury shares ( 1 ) ( 22,739 ) ( 771,268 ) 6,666,403 22,739 ( 5,895,134 ) — —

Share-based compensation expense 1,989,605 110,828 2,100,433 2,100,433

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Description of Business

Accenture is a leading solutions and global professional services company that helps enterprises reinvent by building their digital core and unleashing the power of AI to create value at speed across the enterprise, bringing together our people, proprietary assets and platforms, and deep ecosystem relationships.

Through our Reinvention Services we bring together our capabilities across strategy, consulting, technology, operations, Song and Industry X with our deep industry expertise to create and deliver solutions and services for our clients.

Accenture is a business reinvention and technology company.

Our people bring deep insights across industries and functions, with capabilities spanning strategy, process, operating model, change management, talent, data, technology and AI.

We deliver this expertise through consulting, managed services, proprietary assets and platforms, and increasingly, software.

We serve clients in three geographic markets:

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Revenue Recognition

We account for revenue in accordance with FASB ASU No.

2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).

Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to clients in an amount reflecting the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the client and is the unit of accounting in Topic 606.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the client.

A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied.

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Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in Receivables, Contract assets, and Deferred revenues (Contract liabilities) on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in Receivables, Contract assets, and Deferred revenues (Contract liabilities) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly) or upon achievement of contractual milestones.

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When we bill or receive payments from our clients before revenue is recognized, we record Contract liabilities.

Contract assets and liabilities are reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheet on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.

Contract assets and liabilities are reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

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The allowance represents our estimate of expected credit losses based on historical experience, current economic conditions and certain forward-looking information.

As of August 31, 2025 and 2024, the total allowances recorded for credit losses recorded for client receivables and contract assets was $ 32,247 and $ 27,561 , respectively.

The change in the allowance is primarily due to changes in gross client receivables, contract assets and immaterial write-offs.

As of August 31, 2026 and 2025, the total allowance for credit losses recorded for client receivables and contract assets was $ 41,670 and $ 32,247 , respectively.

The change in the allowance is primarily due to changes in specific client reserves, gross client receivables and contract assets and immaterial write-offs.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

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For equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, we use the fair value measurement alternative and measure the securities at cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Our redeemable noncontrolling interests relate to options to sell and/or buy remaining interests in certain acquired entities at fair value over a specified time period.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at redemption value, with adjustments recorded to Retained earnings.

The related share of income or loss is reported as Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other in the Consolidated Income Statements.

As of August 31, 2026, redeemable noncontrolling interests were $ 532,762 .

We did not hold redeemable noncontrolling interests as of August 31, 2025.

The increase during fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by initial recognition of $ 476 million of redeemable noncontrolling interests, as well as changes in redemption value and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Depreciation and Amortization

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Total depreciation, amortization and other $ 2,355,282 $ 2,441,594 $ 2,168,038

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(In thousands of U.S.

dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)

ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

Property and Equipment

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Based on the results of our annual impairment analysis, we determined that no impairment existed as of August 31, 2026 or 2025, as each reportable segment’s estimated fair value substantially exceeded its carrying value.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(In thousands of U.S.

dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)

ACCENTURE 2025 FORM 10-K

Long-Lived Assets

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(2) For additional information, see “Allowance for Credit Losses—Client Receivables and Contract Assets.”

Business Optimization

Actions Initiated in Fiscal 2025

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, we began implementing a refreshed three-pronged talent strategy to meet current and future client demand:

investing in upskilling people, which has been and continues to be our primary focus;

exiting people in a compressed timeline where reskilling is not a viable path for the skills we need;

and identifying areas to drive even more operating efficiencies in our business, including through AI.

We recorded $ 615 million in business optimization costs during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.

This includes employee severance of approximately $ 344 million associated with headcount reductions that we are making in a compressed timeline, as well as asset impairments of approximately $ 271 million primarily related to the divestiture of two acquisitions in the Americas that are no longer aligned with our strategic priorities.

We expect to record additional costs of approximately $ 250 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, primarily for employee severance, for a total of approximately $ 865 million over the six-month period.

The actual amount and timing of costs are dependent in part upon local country consultation processes and regulations and may differ from our current expectations and estimates.

Actions Initiated in Fiscal 2023

During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we initiated actions to streamline our operations, transform our non-billable corporate functions and consolidate our office space to reduce costs.

We recorded a total of $ 1.5 billion related to these actions, primarily for employee severance, which were completed as of August 31, 2024.

Total b usiness optimization costs by reportable operating segment for fiscal 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

Americas (1) $ 420,469 $ 83,201

EMEA 131,980 248,724

Asia Pacific (1) 62,875 106,515

Total business optimization costs $ 615,324 $ 438,440

(1) During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, our Latin America market unit moved from Growth Markets to North America.

With this change, North America became the Americas market and Growth Markets became the Asia Pacific market.

Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

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Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

On November 27, 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.

2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires entities to enhance disclosures regarding their segments, including significant segment expenses.

We retrospectively adopted this standard in our annual fiscal 2025 financial statements.

See Note 16 (Segment Reporting) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

New Accounting Pronouncements

On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No.

2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disclosure of disaggregated income taxes paid, prescribes standard categories for the components of the effective tax rate reconciliation, and modifies other income tax-related disclosures.

The ASU will be effective beginning with our annual fiscal 2026 financial statements and allows for adoption on a prospective basis, with a retrospective option.

We are in the process of assessing the impacts and method of adoption.

This ASU will impact our income tax disclosures, but not our financial position or results of operations.

We adopted this standard on a prospective basis in our fiscal 2026 financial statements.

See Note 11 (Income Taxes) to these Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

New Accounting Pronouncements

On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU No.

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We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our disclosures.

On September 18, 2025, the FASB issued ASU No.

2025-06, Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which eliminates the use of software development stages for determining capitalization.

Under the new standard, capitalization will be based on the probability that the software will be completed and the certainty that it will function as intended.

The ASU will be effective beginning with our interim fiscal 2029 financial statements and transition approaches include prospective, retrospective or modified methods, with early adoption permitted.

We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our financial statements and disclosures, as well as the timing of our adoption.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

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The majority of our contracts are terminable by the client on short notice with little or no termination penalties, and some without notice.

Under Topic 606, only the non-cancelable portion of these contracts is included in our performance obligations.

Under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, only the non-cancelable portion of these contracts is included in our performance obligations.

Additionally, our performance obligations only include variable consideration if we assess it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved.

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Costs related to these activities are also deferred and are expensed as the services are provided.

Generally, deferred amounts are protected in the event of early termination of the contract and are monitored regularly for impairment.

Generally, deferred transition costs are recoverable under the contract in the event of early termination and are monitored regularly for impairment.

Impairment losses are recorded when projected remaining undiscounted operating cash flows of the related contract are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of contract assets.

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The following table provides information about the balances of our Receivables and Contract assets, net of allowance, and Contract liabilities (Deferred revenues):

August 31, 2025 August 31, 2024

August 31, 2026 August 31, 2025 August 31, 2024

Receivables $ 14,215,660 $ 13,065,433 $ 11,873,442

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Intangible assets 1,125,725 199,120 1,265,290

The intangible assets primarily consist of customer-related intangibles, which are being amortized over four to eighteen years .

The intangible assets primarily consist of customer-related intangibles, which are being amortized over two to eighteen years .

The goodwill was allocated among our reportable operating segments and is partially deductible for U.S.

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Total $ 21,120,179 $ 1,111,934 $ 304,303 $ 22,536,416 $ 4,343,435 $ ( 60,393 ) $ 26,819,458

(1) During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, our Latin America market unit moved from Growth Markets to North America.

With this change, North America became the Americas market and Growth Markets became the Asia Pacific market.

Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions.

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Our incremental borrowing rate approximates the rate at which we could borrow, on a secured basis for a similar term, an amount equal to our lease payments in a similar economic environment.

When we are the lessee, all leases are recognized as lease liabilities and associated lease assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

When we are the lessee, all leases are recognized as lease liabilities and associated lease assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Lease liabilities represent our obligation to make payments arising from the lease.

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For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in estimated fair value of a hedging instrument is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of Shareholders’ Equity and is reclassified into Cost of services in the Consolidated Income Statements during the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized.

The amounts related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that were reclassified into Cost of services were net losses of $ 10,165 , net gains of $ 28,386 and net losses of $ 27,865 during fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The amounts related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that were reclassified into Cost of services were net losses of $ 281,043 , net losses of $ 10,165 and net gains of $ 28,386 during fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Income Statements and for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, was not material.

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Borrowings and Indebtedness

On October 4, 2024, Accenture Capital Inc.

(“Accenture Capital”), a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Accenture plc, issued $ 5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes.

Net proceeds from the offering are being used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of outstanding commercial paper borrowings.

Interest on the senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually in arrears.

Accenture Capital may redeem the senior unsecured notes at any time in whole, or from time to time, in part at specified redemption prices.

Accenture plc and Accenture Capital are not subject to any financial covenants under the senior unsecured notes.

Accenture Capital Inc.

(“Accenture Capital”), a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Accenture plc, issued $ 5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes on October 4, 2024, and issued $ 5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes on July 10, 2026.

Net proceeds from the offerings are being used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of outstanding commercial paper borrowing and funding acquisitions.

Interest on the fixed-rate senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually in arrears.

Interest on the floating-rate senior unsecured notes is payable quarterly in arrears.

Accenture Capital may redeem the fixed-rate senior unsecured notes at any time in whole, or from time to time, in part at specified redemption prices.

The floating-rate senior unsecured notes are not redeemable prior to maturity.

Accenture plc and Accenture Capital are not subject to any financial covenants under these senior unsecured notes.

The following is a summary of total outstanding debt as of August 31, 2026 and August 31, 2025 , respectively:

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Long-term debt

Senior notes – 3.90 % due 2027

October 2024 Senior Notes

3.90 % due 2027

$ 1,100,000 $ 1,100,000

Senior notes – 4.05 % due 2029

Senior notes – 4.25 % due 2031

Senior notes – 4.50 % due 2034

4.05 % due 2029

1,200,000 1,200,000

4.25 % due 2031

1,200,000 1,200,000

4.50 % due 2034

1,500,000 1,500,000

July 2026 Senior Notes

Floating due 2029 (3) 300,000 —

4.75 % due 2029

5.00 % due 2031

5.30 % due 2033

5.60 % due 2036

Total principal amount (4) $ 10,000,000 $ 5,000,000

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(2) Amounts primarily include finance lease liabilities.

(3) Interest is calculated based on a compounded Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) benchmark rate, plus 0.70 %.

(4) The total estimated fair value of our senior notes was $ 9.8 billion as of August 31, 2026.

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As of August 31, 2026, future principal payments for total outstanding debt, excluding finance leases, are summarized as follows:

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(In thousands of U.S.

dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)

ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

Fiscal Year Amount

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2029 1,300,000

2030 1,200,000

2031 1,500,000

Thereafter 4,900,000

Total $ 10,100,000

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(In thousands of U.S.

dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)

ACCENTURE 2025 FORM 10-K

As of August 31, 2026, we had the following borrowing facilities:

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Total $ 10,603,723

(1) This facility, which matures on May 14, 2029, provides unsecured, revolving borrowing capacity for general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit and short-term commercial paper.

Borrowings under this facility will accrue interest at the applicable risk-free rate plus a spread.

We continue to be in compliance with relevant covenant terms.

The facility is subject to annual commitment fees.

(1) On April 22, 2026, we replaced our $ 5.5 billion syndicated 5-year credit facility with a new $ 5.925 billion syndicated 5-year credit facility and a new $ 2.175 billion syndicated 364-day credit facility, maturing on April 22, 2031 and April 21, 2027, respectively, aggregating to $ 8.1 billion.

These facilities provide unsecured, revolving borrowing capacity for general corporate purposes, including the issuance of short-term commercial paper.

The 5-year credit facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit.

Borrowings under these facilities will accrue interest at the applicable risk-free rate plus a spread.

We are in compliance with relevant covenant terms.

The facilities are subject to quarterly facility fees.

(2) We maintain separate, uncommitted and unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facilities.

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As of August 31, 2026 and 2025, we had no borrowings under these various facilities.

We had an aggregate of $ 1,373,620 and $ 1,269,178 of letters of credit outstanding and $ 100,000 and $ 935,000 (excluding unamortized discounts) of commercial paper outstanding as of August 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

We had an aggregate of $ 1,438,173 and $ 1,373,620 of letters of credit outstanding for the uncommitted credit facilities and $ 100,000 and $ 100,000 (excluding unamortized discounts) of commercial paper outstanding for the syndicated loan facilities as of August 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

The amount of letters of credit and commercial paper outstanding reduces the available borrowing capacity under the facilities described above.

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Total deferred tax (benefit) expense 125,071 357,348 ( 93,988 )

Total $ 2,437,993 $ 2,280,126 $ 2,135,802

Total income tax expense

federal 491,229 291,210 253,728

state and local 189,387 121,724 117,883

2,168,717 2,025,059 1,908,515

Total income tax expense $ 2,849,333 $ 2,437,993 $ 2,280,126

The components of Income before income taxes are as follows:

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Total $ 11,372,215 $ 10,270,393 $ 9,699,323

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was enacted in the U.S.

The OBBBA contains a number of provisions, such as the permanent extension of certain expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, modifications to the international tax framework and the restoration of favorable tax treatment for certain business provisions.

The act has multiple effective dates that generally apply to us beginning with fiscal year 2026, and we expect the impacts on our consolidated financial statements to be immaterial.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

(In thousands of U.S.

dollars, except share and per share amounts or as otherwise disclosed)

ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

We adopted ASU No.

2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, on a prospective basis.

The reconciliation of the U.S.

federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:

2025 2024 2023 (2)

federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2026, pursuant to the requirements of ASU 2023-09, is as follows:

federal statutory income tax rate $ 2,388,165 21.0 %

Effect of cross-border tax laws

Foreign-derived intangible income deduction ( 157,732 ) ( 1.4 )

Other 65,908 0.6

Nontaxable or nondeductible items 48,736 0.4

Other adjustments, net 49,782 0.4

state and local income tax, net of federal effect (1) 141,174 1.2

Statutory income tax rate difference ( 357,958 ) ( 3.1 )

Other ( 36,393 ) ( 0.3 )

India 150,052 1.3

Other non-U.S.

jurisdictions 493,570 4.4

Worldwide changes in unrecognized tax benefits 64,029 0.6

Effective income tax rate $ 2,849,333 25.1 %

(1) For fiscal 2026, state and local taxes in California, Illinois, New York, New York City, Pennsylvania and Virginia made up the majority (greater than 50 percent) of the tax effect in this category.

The reconciliations of the U.S.

federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2025 and 2024, as previously disclosed prior to adoption of ASU 2023-09, were as follows:

federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 %

state and local taxes, net 0.7 0.9

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(1) Final determinations include final agreements with tax authorities and expirations of statutes of limitations.

(2) Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

As of August 31, 2025, we had not recognized a deferred tax liability on approximately $ 6,600,000 of undistributed earnings for certain foreign subsidiaries, because these earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested.

As of August 31, 2026, we had not recognized a deferred tax liability on undistributed earnings for certain foreign subsidiaries, because these earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested.

If such earnings were distributed, some countries may impose additional taxes.

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The income tax benefits attributable to the tax status of these subsidiaries were estimated to be approximately $ 54,000 , $ 50,000 and $ 44,000 in fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to enacted changes in tax laws and tax rates did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate in fiscal 2026, 2025, or 2024.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

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ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

The revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to enacted changes in tax laws and tax rates did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate in fiscal 2025, 2024, or 2023.

The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities included the following:

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Leases 766,092 725,001

Capitalized research costs 287,480 667,999

Other 1,536,065 1,472,502

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For all other deferred tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize these deferred tax assets.

During fiscal 2025 and 2024, we recorded net increases of $ 70,601 and $ 137,737 in the valuation allowance, respectively, primarily related to valuation allowances on certain tax credit carryforwards, as we believe it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized.

During fiscal 2026 and 2025, we recorded a net decrease and net increase of $ 14,179 and $ 70,601 in the valuation allowance, respectively, primarily related to valuation allowances on certain tax net operating loss carryforwards in fiscal 2026 and certain tax credit carryforwards in fiscal 2025, as we believe it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized.

We had tax credit carryforwards as of August 31, 2026 of $ 1,537,225 , of which $ 23,050 will expire between 2027 and 2036 and $ 1,514,175 has an indefinite carryforward period.

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Of this amount, $ 100,779 expires between 2027 and 2036, $ 83,769 expires between 2037 and 2046, and $ 932,406 has an indefinite carryforward period.

As of August 31, 2025, we had $ 2,409,655 of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $ 1,614,917 , if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.

As of August 31, 2024, we had $ 1,904,867 of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $ 1,408,347 , if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.

The remaining unrecognized tax benefits as of August 31, 2025 and 2024 of $ 794,738 and $ 496,520 , respectively, represent items recorded as offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state income taxes and timing adjustments.

Income taxes paid (net of refunds received) in fiscal 2026, pursuant to the disclosure requirements of ASU 2023-09, were as follows:

federal $ 368,304

state and local 124,800

India 584,037

Japan - national 354,682

Ireland 141,637

Other 1,064,658

Total non-U.S.

Total income taxes paid, net of refunds $ 2,638,118

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (continued)

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ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

As of August 31, 2026, we had $ 2,529,828 of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $ 1,647,268 , if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.

As of August 31, 2025, we had $ 2,409,655 of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $ 1,614,917 , if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.

The remaining unrecognized tax benefits as of August 31, 2026 and 2025 of $ 882,560 and $ 794,738 , respectively, represent items recorded as offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state income taxes and timing adjustments.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

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We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our Income tax expense.

During fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recognized a benefit of $ 20,036 and expense of $ 37,396 and $ 21,137 in interest and penalties, respectively.

During fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, we recognized an expense of $ 12,402 , a benefit of $ 20,036 and expense of $ 37,396 in interest and penalties, respectively.

Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $ 199,714 ($ 179,073 , net of tax benefits) and $ 186,901 ($ 173,628 , net of tax benefits) were reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

As a global company, we file tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions including the U.S.

and Ireland, where in both jurisdictions the tax years from fiscal 2021 forward remain open for examination.

We participate in the U.S.

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In CAP, the IRS examines tax years on a contemporaneous basis, and most issues are resolved prior to filing the tax return.

The years from fiscal 2021 forward remain open for examination by the IRS.

We also participate in the Irish Cooperative Compliance Framework (“CCF”) which promotes a collaborative approach to tax return review between taxpayers and Irish Revenue.

The years from fiscal 2022 forward remain open for examination by the Irish tax authorities.

In addition, we are negotiating a bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (“APA”) with the U.S.

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tax jurisdictions.

However, with limited exceptions, we are no longer subject to examination by those taxing authorities for years before 2017.

However, with limited exceptions, we are no longer subject to examination by those taxing authorities for years before fiscal 2018.

Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain and could result in significant cash tax payments, we do not believe the outcome of these audits will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

We believe that it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $ 187,000 or increase by approximately $ 1,400,000 in the next 12 months as a result of settlements, lapses of statutes of limitations, tax audit activity and other agreements with taxing authorities.

The majority of these amounts relate to transfer pricing matters in both U.S.

We believe that it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could increase by approximately $ 1,300,000 in the next 12 months as a result of tax audit activity and other agreements with taxing authorities.

These amounts relate to transfer pricing matters in both U.S.

tax jurisdictions.

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The fair value of the awards is based on our stock price on the date of grant.

The restricted share units granted under these plans are subject to cliff or graded vesting, generally ranging from two to five years .

The restricted share units granted under these plans are subject to cliff or graded vesting, generally ranging from quarterly to five years .

For awards with graded vesting, compensation expense is recognized over the vesting term of each separately vesting portion.

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(2) The total grant-date fair value of restricted share units vested for fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024 was $ 2,087,581 , $ 1,899,308 and $ 1,726,373 , respectively.

As of August 31, 2025, there was $ 1,671,700 of total unrecognized restricted share unit compensation expense related to nonvested awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years.

As of August 31, 2026, there was $ 2,032,276 of total unrecognized restricted share unit compensation expense related to nonvested awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 year.

As of August 31, 2026, there were 405,989 restricted share units vested but not yet delivered as Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares.

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The Board of Directors of Accenture plc has authorized funding for our publicly announced open-market share purchase program for acquiring Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares and for purchases and redemptions of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.

exchangeable shares held by current and former members of Accenture Leadership and their permitted transferees.

exchangeable shares held by former members of Accenture leadership and their permitted transferees.

As of August 31, 2026, our aggregate available authorization was $ 943,620 for our publicly announced open-market share purchase and these other share purchase programs.

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These purchases of shares in connection with employee share plans do not affect our aggregate available authorization for our publicly announced open-market share purchase and the other share purchase programs.

Cancellation of Treasury Shares

During fiscal 2025, we cancelled 22,738,965 Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares that were held as treasury shares and had an aggregate cost of $ 6,666,403 .

The effect of the cancellation of these treasury shares was recognized in Class A ordinary shares and Additional paid-in capital with the residual recorded in Retained earnings.

There was no effect on total shareholders’ equity as a result of this cancellation.

Our dividend activity during fiscal 2026 is as follows:

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Property & equipment, net as of August 31, 2026 556,621 508,406 656,625 1,721,652

Fiscal 2024 (1)

Revenues $ 35,056,715 $ 24,643,957 $ 9,972,305 $ 69,672,977

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Property & equipment, net as of August 31, 2025 575,647 517,547 473,180 1,566,374

Fiscal 2023 (1)

Revenues $ 32,552,489 $ 22,817,879 $ 9,526,096 $ 64,896,464

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Property & equipment, net as of August 31, 2024 599,417 458,651 463,051 1,521,119

(1) During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, our Latin America market unit moved from Growth Markets to North America.

With this change, North America became the Americas market and Growth Markets became the Asia Pacific market.

Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, we retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.

2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.

Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

(1) Non-payroll costs primarily include subcontractor costs and other non-payroll such as facilities, technology and travel costs.

(2) Amounts include depreciation on property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets and deferred transition costs.

(4) Costs recorded in connection with business optimization actions initiated in fiscal 2025 include $ 344 million for employee severance associated with headcount reductions we are making in a compressed timeline and $ 271 million for asset impairments primarily related to the divestiture of two acquisitions in the Americas that are no longer aligned with our strategic priorities.

Costs recorded in connection with business optimization actions initiated in fiscal 2023 and completed in fiscal 2024 primarily include employee severance.

(3) Costs recorded in connection with business optimization actions initiated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 and completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

We recorded a total of $ 923 million under the program, including $ 628 million of employee severance and $ 295 million primarily for asset impairments related to the divestiture of two acquisitions in the Americas that are no longer aligned with our strategic priorities.

Costs recorded in connection with business optimization actions initiated in fiscal 2023 and completed in fiscal 2024 totaled $ 1.5 billion, primarily for employee severance.

(4) We do not allocate items below operating income to our segments.

To reconcile total segment operating income to our consolidated income before income taxes, refer to the Interest income, Interest expense and Other income (expense), net line items on our Consolidated Income Statements.

(5) We do not allocate total assets by reportable segment.

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ACCENTURE 2026 FORM 10-K

Our business in the United States represented 45 % of our consolidated revenues during fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Our business in the United States represented 44 %, 45 % and 45 % of our consolidated revenues during fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

No other country individually comprised 10% or more of our consolidated revenues during these periods.

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Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.

What changed 10-K

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures