Accenture Plc (ACN.N) posted strong quarterly results but the technology outsourcing and consulting company’s cautious view of the second quarter amid the worsening global economy sent its shares down after market.

For the second quarter, the company forecast revenue of $6.5-$6.8 billion, a wider-than-usual range, to factor in any delays at the end of the calendar year, especially in the Eurozone.

The global economic crisis is escalating, with a worsening euro-zone debt crisis and sluggish U.S. growth.

The wide range of Accenture’s revenue forecast could mean that the macroeconomy is finally catching up with Accenture, Morningstar analyst Swami Shanmugasundaram told Reuters.

“Typically, when you go into a quarter you have good visibility, and that’s why you have a tight range, but it looks like they don’t have too much in the pipeline like it was before,” he said.

Chief Financial Officer Pamela Craig said on a post-earnings call that she does not see budgets go up very much but also does not hear about them going down.

“When you think about places like the Eurozone, the UK and Japan … we do have some work to do to replenish the pipeline. So we’re just kind of trying to take all that into account,” Craig said.

The company also cut its earnings forecast for the fiscal year by 4 cents to $3.76-$3.84 per share, to reflect foreign exchange fluctuations.

Analyst Shanmugasundaram said companies are taking longer to sanction projects, leading to longer sales cycles, and that bookings, at best, are expected to remain flat from the first quarter.

STRONG Q1

Outsourcing net revenue rose 21 percent to $3.0 billion in the first quarter, while new bookings — a key indicator of future sales — totaled $3.6 billion.

Overall bookings at the Grand Canal Harbour, Ireland-based company jumped 23 percent to $7.8 billion.

Accenture said it signed many new contracts in technology outsourcing, notably in Europe.

Peers like Cognizant (CTSH.O) and Infosys (INFY.NS) are also looking to double their revenue in credit crisis-hit Europe.

September-November net income rose to $642.1 million, or 96 cents a share. Revenue rose 17 percent to $7.1 billion.

Accenture shares were down 3 percent at $54.70 in after-market trade on Thursday, after closing at $56.13 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Source:http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/12/16/accenture-idINDEE7BE0IS20111216

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has signed five-year outsourcing agreements with both Banco Popolare Group (BP.MI) and Alba Leasing under which Accenture will provide application management and infrastructure services to support the two companies’ leasing operations. Banco Popolare is Italy’s fourth largest bank by assets and Alba Leasing is among the country’s top 10 leasing companies by new contracts.

In addition, under a separate agreement, Accenture will acquire Itaca Service from Banco Popolare Group’s subsidiary, Banca Italease. Itaca Service provides IT services to the Group’s leasing companies and to Alba Leasing. Thirty-three employees are expected to transfer to Accenture and will continue to provide IT services to Banco Popolare’s leasing companies and to Alba. Financial details were not disclosed.

Accenture will develop, maintain and support Banco Popolare’s and Alba’s entire leasing applications portfolio, including leasing products management and regulatory reporting applications. Accenture will also manage the IT infrastructure for these companies’ leasing operations, including remote management and support, data center operations, network and deskside support services.

“It’s important for Banco Popolare Group to ensure its leasing applications and infrastructure are aligned with its business strategy, while optimizing overall IT costs,” said Ottavio Rigodanza, chief operating officer at Banco Popolare Group. “With Accenture’s support, we will benefit from improved quality of services, and we will be able to focus more on our core activities and on growing our business.”

“As Alba Leasing is always looking to improve its services and efficiency for its clients, this operation will ensure better market positioning, while Accenture’s support and capabilities will strengthen the overall service quality and professional outputs,” said Samuele Marconcini, head of the Organization and Human Resources Department at Alba Leasing.

“Banco Popolare and Alba are valued clients of Accenture and we look forward to working even more closely with them,” said Franco Turconi, managing director of Accenture’s banking industry practice in Italy. “These agreements will help drive greater business agility and continuous IT improvement and innovation for both companies. With the talented and seasoned professionals from Itaca Service joining Accenture, we are reinforcing our ability to serve the Italian leasing market.”

Source:http://www.thestreet.com/story/11294249/1/accenture-to-provide-it-outsourcing-services-to-banco-popolare-group-and-alba-leasing-to-help-drive-efficiencies-and-service-quality.html