1143908--10/19/2009--ACCENTURE

related topics

{system, service, information}

{condition, economic, financial}

{regulation, change, law}

{cost, operation, labor}

{acquisition, growth, future}

{competitive, industry, competition}

{regulation, government, change}

{property, intellectual, protect}

{provision, law, control}

{cost, contract, operation}

{product, market, service}

{tax, income, asset}

{personnel, key, retain}

{financial, litigation, operation}

Our results of operations could be adversely affected by economic and political conditions and the effects of these conditions on our clients businesses and levels of business activity. 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 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. Our results of operations could be adversely affected if our clients terminate their contracts with us. 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 a favorable utilization rate. Our business could be negatively affected if we incur legal liability in connection with providing our solutions and services. 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. We could have liability or our reputation could be damaged if we do not protect client data or information systems or if our information systems are breached. Our profitability could suffer if we are not able to control our costs. If we are unable to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand, our business and financial results may be adversely affected. 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. 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. Legislative or regulatory action could materially and adversely affect us. We may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to Accenture plc s incorporation in Ireland. If we are unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with our size, 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. Our ability to attract and retain business may depend on our reputation in the marketplace. The share price of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares 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 Accenture s share price could be difficult to predict. The share price of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain effective internal controls. Accenture SCA is incorporated in Luxembourg 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. Luxembourg 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.

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1143908--10/19/2009--ACCENTURE_SCA