Bermuda-based Accenture, which is one of the world's largest consulting firm, said yesterday it expects first-quarter operating income to beat Wall Street forecasts. The company anticipates strong results following high business levels despite the current economic slump. Accenture, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, rose to a 52-week high of $27.81 before trading up $1.51, or 5.8 percent, at $27.54 in late-morning dealings yesterday.

The firm, which split off from accounting firm Arthur Andersen last year, forecast operating profits, excluding one-time charges, of 24 to 25 cents a share for the quarter ended November 30.

That is above the 22 cents consensus estimate of analysts polled by research firm First Call/Thomson Financial. Accenture posted profits of 23 cents a share in the year-earlier quarter.

Strong growth in outsourcing services have particularly helped Accenture's bottom line.

The firm said total revenues could rise to about $2.99 billion for the first quarter, exceeding analysts' consensus estimate of $2.80 billion.

Accenture said it would take a $90 million one-time charge in the quarter to write down a loss on its venture capital and investment portfolio, which would not be reflected in operating earnings.