Accenture shares slid into their lowest pre‑market level since 2017 after the firm trimmed its revenue outlook. New bookings fell to $19.3 bn in the May quarter, a 3 % drop year‑on‑year. The company now projects full‑year growth of no more than 4 %, trimming the previous 3‑5 % range.

The decline follows a broader slide in consulting stocks as investors weigh how AI may replace traditional IT work. Julie Sweet said the war in the Middle East cost the firm $100 mn in revenue that quarter, while client decision‑making slowed elsewhere. Investors fear AI could cut consulting demand or invite new rivals.

To counter the shift, Accenture unveiled three acquisitions worth a combined $4.2 bn: Zero, a vulnerability‑assessment firm; Net Rise, a device‑security specialist; and a majority stake in Dragos, an OT cyber‑security player. The deals aim to strengthen services for clients racing to shore up defenses against AI‑driven attacks.

Accenture’s market cap has slipped from over $200 bn after the pandemic boom to below $100 bn, reflecting the sharp sell‑off. The company’s pivot toward product sales and cybersecurity acquisitions signals a strategic shift, but the rapid AI evolution continues to pressure traditional consulting margins.