KPMG posts $39.8bn revenue, outperforming Big Four rivals in growth rate

KPMG posts $39.8bn revenue, outperforming Big Four rivals in growth rate

(credit: Ricochet - stock.adobe.com)

KPMG has reported faster revenue growth than its Big Four competitors for the second year running, demonstrating resilience amidst a global consulting slowdown and the rising disruption of artificial intelligence.

For the 12 months ending in September, the firm posted global revenues of $39.8bn (c. £31.4bn). This represents a 5.1% increase (excluding currency fluctuations), outperforming the growth rates of Deloitte (4.8%), EY (4%), and PwC (2.7%).

While the consulting sector faces sluggish demand following the post-pandemic boom, KPMG successfully capitalised on other service lines. Tax division revenues jumped by 7.5% as clients navigated complex global tax reforms, while assurance revenues rose by 6%, driven by investments in AI audit technology and improved audit quality. Consulting sales saw modest growth of 2.9%.

Despite leading in growth percentage, KPMG remains the smallest of the Big Four by significant margins. Deloitte leads the pack with $70.5bn in revenue, followed by PwC ($57bn) and EY ($53.2bn).

To maintain momentum, KPMG is executing a strategy to merge various national partnerships. This move aims to reduce costs, centralise oversight, and better serve multinational clients. The firm is also midway through a $4.2bn investment programme focused on technology, AI, and ESG services. Global chair Bill Thomas has had his term extended to September 2026 to see these initiatives through.

Regionally, Americas was the strongest region, expanding by 5.6% to $15.9bn. EMEA revenues rose 4.7% to $17.7bn. Asia-Pacific bounced back from a previous slump, the region grew by 4.7%.

Contrary to trends seen at rivals like PwC, which has reduced its workforce, KPMG increased its global headcount by nearly 2% to 276,030. However, the total number of partners fell slightly by 50 to 13,360.

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