Accenture reports strong third quarter

Outsourcer Accenture has posted a 27% increase in operating profits for the third quarter ended 31 May.

The firm also saw a 20% increase in year-on-year sales, to £3.05bn. Operating profits totalled £431m for the quarter.

Both consulting and outsourcing sales saw 20% increases compared with the previous year, said Accenture.

Gross margins were down slightly to 31.5% from last year's 31.7%.

But Accenture pleased the markets with a 36% increase in earnings per share.

British Gas is currently suing Accenture over problems it has faced with a billing system the outsourcer provided.

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