Accenture Ltd, the world's largest consulting firm which is based in Bermuda, yesterday announced preliminary earnings per share for its fiscal fourth-quarter that were roughly in line with previous forecasts.

Excluding one-time reorganisation and re-branding costs and stock-based compensation expenses, Accenture said operating income for the quarter ended August 31 will likely be $250 million to $260 million, net income excluding minority interest $100 million to $108 million, and diluted earnings per share 11 to 12 cents.

Wall Street analysts' estimates ranged from ten to 12 cents, with a mean estimate of ten cents, according to data tracking firm Thomson Financial/First Call.

In light of unsettled market conditions as well as its recent public offering, and legal requirements related to its previously announced share repurchase programme, Accenture said its revenues for the fourth quarter are expected to be between $2.75 billion to $2.78 billion.

The company still expects to issue its full earnings release on October 11.