
Key Takeaways
Accenture ( ACN ) is scheduled to report earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 on Thursday morning, with analysts expecting the consulting and professional services stock to reverse its recent losses.
Nine analysts who follow the company and are tracked by Visible Alpha rate Accenture as a "buy," while three others call it a "hold." The average price target of $399.09 is a premium of more than 20% from the stock's Monday close. Since peaking at a close of $398.25 on Feb. 5, its highest close in three years, Accenture stock has slipped nearly 19% through Monday.
The Irish company is expected to report adjusted earnings per share of $2.81 on revenue of $16.61 billion, each up from the $2.77 and $15.8 billion, respectively, that it posted the same time a year ago .
Analysts See 'Cautious' Client Spending Environment
Ahead of the Thursday report, analysts from Morgan Stanley and Jefferies recently lowered their price targets to $372 and $320, respectively, each maintaining neutral ratings . The analysts each cut their estimates for Accenture's full-year revenue, as Jefferies analysts said their research has suggested that "clients have become a bit more cautious in the past month."
The Jefferies analysts said they don't think that caution will affect Accenture's second-quarter results, saying the quarter will be "likely fine." However, they believe spending from their clients in the coming months will "experience heightened review before being given the go-ahead," which could lead Accenture to lower its full-year revenue forecast.
Last quarter , the company topped analysts' expectations and lifted its full-year revenue outlook, while lowering EPS projections because of unfavorable exchange rates.
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