Accenture plc, a global leader in strategy and consulting based in Dublin, Ireland, is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter earnings on September 25, 2024. Analysts anticipate that the company will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.97, reflecting a growth of 6.5% from the $2.79 per share reported during the same quarter last year. This positive projection follows a trend where Accenture has exceeded analysts’ earnings estimates in three of the past four quarters.
For the upcoming fiscal year 2025, analysts project that Accenture’s EPS will reach $12.87, marking a 7.7% increase from $11.95 in fiscal 2024. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, the EPS is expected to grow by 6.1% to $13.66. These forecasts indicate confidence in Accenture’s ability to maintain growth despite recent market fluctuations.
Market Performance and Analyst Ratings
Over the past year, Accenture’s stock has faced challenges, declining by 15.7%. This contrasts with the performance of the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund, which has surged by 22.1%, and the S&P 500 Index, which has seen a 17.1% increase during the same period. On July 28, 2024, Accenture’s stock fell by more than 2% after HSBC initiated coverage with a “Reduce” recommendation and set a price target of $240.
Despite these setbacks, analysts maintain a somewhat optimistic outlook for Accenture’s future. Among the 24 analysts covering the stock, 16 have a “Strong Buy” recommendation, one suggests a “Moderate Buy,” and seven recommend holding the stock. The mean price target for Accenture is $345.39, representing a potential upside of 24.7% from its current price.
The upcoming earnings report is expected to provide further insights into Accenture’s operational effectiveness and market positioning, as well as inform future projections amid a competitive landscape. Investors will be closely monitoring these developments to gauge management’s ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.
