Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is included among the 11 Best Value Dividend Stocks to Buy Now. Why Income Investors Shouldn’t Overlook Accenture (ACN) Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is a worldwide leader in professional services, offering expertise in consulting, technology, and outsourcing. With a workforce of more than 800,000 people, it stays competitive by providing innovative solutions to clients across diverse industries. The company’s strategy emphasizes integrating advanced t ...

Group 1 - Accenture plc is a global professional services company based in Dublin, specializing in consulting, technology, and outsourcing services, with a price target of $315 set by UBS, indicating a potential increase of 32.43% from its current price of $237.87 [1][6] - The company is expected to release its fourth-quarter earnings on September 25, with analysts forecasting earnings of $2.96 per share and revenue of $17.35 billion, reflecting strong performance and strategic initiatives [2][6] - Accenture's planned acquisition of the French advisory firm Orlade Group aims to enhance its management capabilities for large capital projects, strengthening its position in sectors like nuclear energy, transportation, defense, and space [3][6] Group 2 - Recently, Accenture's stock price saw a slight increase, closing at $239.99, with a market capitalization of approximately $148.24 billion [4] - The trading volume for Accenture on the NYSE is 1,128,211 shares, indicating investor interest possibly driven by the upcoming earnings report and strategic acquisitions [5]

Core Viewpoint - Accenture plc is maintaining a strong position in the consulting industry, with positive earnings expectations and a strategic acquisition aimed at enhancing its capabilities in large capital projects [1][2][3][5]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Accenture is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of $2.96 per share, an increase from $2.66 per share in the same period last year [2]. - The anticipated quarterly revenue is $17.35 billion, up from $16.41 billion a year ago, indicating strong performance and strategic initiatives [2]. Group 2: Stock Performance - On September 24, 2025, UBS maintained a "Buy" rating for Accenture, adjusting the price target from $363 to $315, with the stock price at $235.50 [1][5]. - Accenture's shares experienced a slight increase of 0.1%, closing at $239.99, but reflected a decrease of 1.87% or $4.49 from the previous day [4]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Accenture plans to acquire the French advisory firm Orlade Group to enhance its management capabilities for large capital projects, particularly in sectors like nuclear energy, transportation, defense, and space [3][5].

Group 1 - Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH) is recognized as a leading IT stock favored by hedge funds [1] - On September 4, Cognizant participated in the AI Education Taskforce meeting at the White House, collaborating with other AI firms and government officials to promote AI education in the US [1] - Cognizant is one of over 100 organizations committed to enhancing AI skills among American youth, pledging to provide resources and support for thousands of teachers and tens of thousands of students by 2028 [2] Group 2 - The company aims to create an "AI-ready workforce" through its philanthropic efforts and educational initiatives [2] - Cognizant is addressing workforce disruptions caused by AI with its global upskilling initiative, Synapse, which targets training for one million individuals worldwide by the end of 2026 [2] - Cognizant Technology Solutions provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing services on an international scale [3]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are seeking growth stocks that can deliver above-average growth and exceptional returns, but identifying such stocks is challenging due to their inherent risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - ExlService Holdings (EXLS) is recommended as a cutting-edge growth stock due to its favorable Growth Score and top Zacks Rank [2] - The company operates in the outsourcing services sector, which is currently positioned for strong growth [3] Group 2: Earnings Growth - ExlService Holdings has a historical EPS growth rate of 21.2%, with projected EPS growth of 15.4% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 8.4% [4] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - The year-over-year cash flow growth for ExlService Holdings is 2.1%, exceeding the industry average of 0.2% [5] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 10.6%, compared to the industry average of 8.6% [6] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Current-year earnings estimates for ExlService Holdings have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 3.7% over the past month [8] Group 5: Investment Positioning - ExlService Holdings has earned a Growth Score of A and carries a Zacks Rank 2, indicating strong potential for outperformance in the growth stock category [9]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying strong candidates can be challenging due to inherent risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - ExlService Holdings (EXLS) is currently highlighted as a promising growth stock, supported by a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 21.2%, with projected EPS growth of 15.4% this year, surpassing the industry average of 10.2% [4] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Earnings growth is crucial for attracting investor interest, with double-digit growth being particularly favorable [3] - ExlService Holdings has a year-over-year cash flow growth of 2.1%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2% [5] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 10.6%, compared to the industry average of 8.6% [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions correlate strongly with stock price movements, indicating potential for growth [7] - The current-year earnings estimates for ExlService Holdings have increased by 4% over the past month, reflecting upward revisions [8] Group 4: Investment Potential - ExlService Holdings has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Growth Score of A, suggesting it is a solid choice for growth investors [10]