**[AI Threats Intensify, Accenture Stock Drops to Lowest Level Since 2017]** BlockBeats News, June 20: According to a report by the Financial Times, consulting firm Accenture's stock fell 18% on Thursday, closing at its lowest level since 2017. This came after the company lowered its revenue forecast, sparking investor concerns that the rapid development of AI is undermining traditional IT consulting and outsourcing business models. Accenture stated that in the three months ending in May, new orders dropped to $19.3 billion, a 3% year-over-year decline. The company expects full-year revenue growth to not exceed 4%, below the upper limit of its previous guidance range of 3% to 5%. Accenture's market capitalization has fallen from over $200 billion during the post-pandemic consulting boom to less than $80 billion. Accenture CEO Julie Sweet noted that the company is still securing business in AI-related consulting services for enterprises. However, investors are concerned that AI may reduce clients' reliance on consultants or introduce new competition from AI startups. She also mentioned that the Middle East conflict had a $100 million greater-than-expected impact on revenue for the most recent quarter and caused decision-making delays among clients in other regions. Accenture is seeking new growth areas and has significantly increased its acquisition budget, which will reach $9 billion for this fiscal year. On Thursday, the company announced three cybersecurity-related acquisitions: vulnerability assessment company runZero, device security company NetRise, and a majority stake in operational technology cybersecurity company Dragos. The combined enterprise value of these three deals is $4.2 billion. [Original Article Link]