Accenture PLC (ACN) is Attracting Investor Attention: Here is What You Should Know

Core Insights - Accenture's stock has returned -1.9% over the past month, underperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2% and the Zacks Consulting Services industry's -2% [1] - The future direction of Accenture's stock is uncertain, influenced by both media reports and fundamental factors [1] Earnings Estimates - Accenture is expected to post earnings of $3.14 per share for the current quarter, reflecting a year-over-year change of -1.6% [2] - The consensus earnings estimate for the current fiscal year is $12.09, indicating a year-over-year change of +3.6%, while the next fiscal year's estimate is $12.91, showing a change of +6.8% [3][3] - The Zacks Rank for Accenture is 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance in the near term [3] Revenue Growth - The consensus sales estimate for the current quarter is $16.57 billion, indicating no year-over-year change, with estimates of $65.31 billion and $69.34 billion for the current and next fiscal years, reflecting changes of +1.9% and +6.2%, respectively [6] Recent Performance - In the last reported quarter, Accenture generated revenues of $15.8 billion, a year-over-year change of -0.1%, with an EPS of $2.77 compared to $2.69 a year ago [7] - The reported revenues were slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.82 billion, resulting in a surprise of -0.14%, while the EPS surprise was +4.14% [7] Valuation - Accenture's valuation metrics, including price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), are essential for determining whether the stock is fairly valued [8] - The Zacks Value Style Score for Accenture is graded C, indicating it is trading at par with its peers [10]