09:09 AM EDT, 06/18/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Accenture ( ACN ) trimmed the top end of its full-year revenue growth outlook on Thursday as its sales fell short of market expectations in the fiscal third quarter, while the consulting firm announced three acquisition deals worth about $4.18 billion to expand its cybersecurity capabilities.

Revenue is now anticipated to increase by 3% to 4% in local currency for fiscal 2026, reflecting a lower top end versus the previous guidance for a 5% rise.

For the ongoing three-month period, the company projects revenue to come in between $17.75 billion and $18.4 billion, with a foreign-exchange headwind of about 0.5%. The current consensus on FactSet is for $18.48 billion. In local currency terms, the outlook represents a growth range of 1% to 5%.

Revenue improved 6% year over year to $18.72 billion for the quarter ended May, trailing the Street's view for $18.78 billion. The topline increased 3% in local currency.

Accenture ( ACN ) shares fell 15% in the most recent premarket activity.

In a separate statement, Accenture ( ACN ) said it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Dragos and full ownership of runZero and NetRise in a deal with a combined enterprise value of about $4.18 billion. Accenture ( ACN ) said the acquisitions significantly expand its position in the broader operational technology cybersecurity market.

Dragos, runZero and NetRise are estimated to generate about $208 million in annual recurring revenue as of June, representing annual growth of 53%. Accenture ( ACN ) said the deals are expected to be initially dilutive but accretive to earnings per share and free cash flow over time.

"Our cybersecurity practice is growing by double-digits and has a strong track record of leveraging inorganic opportunity to fuel organic growth," Accenture ( ACN ) Chief Executive Julie Sweet said. "We are confident Dragos' differentiated (operational technology) platform will accelerate our growth in the critical infrastructure and industrial operations markets, driving long-term shareholder value through scaled adoption of advanced cybersecurity capabilities."

The transactions, which require regulatory approval, are expected to complete in August or September, according to Accenture ( ACN ).

Accenture's ( ACN ) earnings rose to $3.80 a share in the third quarter from $3.49 the year before, ahead of the average analyst estimate of $3.69. For the ongoing fiscal year, the firm now expects adjusted EPS of $13.78 to $13.90, reflecting a higher bottom end compared with the prior guidance of $13.65. The Street is looking for non-GAAP EPS of $13.86.

Consulting revenue increased 4% to $9.33 billion, while sales in the managed services division gained 8% to $9.39 billion. New bookings decreased 2% to $19.32 billion, comprising $10.26 billion in consulting and $9.06 billion in managed services.

"Demand for large-scale reinvention remains strong - 104 quarterly client bookings of $100 million or more year-to-date, up 13% - and we are seeing more large-scale AI transformation programs, while executing our strategy to capture new areas of growth," Sweet said.