Accenture Stock (NYSE:ACN), Trade Ideas

Accenture

Accenture is a leading global IT-services firm that provides consulting, strategy, and technology and operational services. These services run the gamut from aiding enterprises with digital transformation to procurement services to software system integration. The company provides its IT offerings to a variety of sectors, including communications, media and technology, financial services, health and public services, consumer products, and resources. Accenture employs just under 500,000 people throughout 200 cities in 51 countries.

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Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.

Accenture PLC Is a Trending Stock: Facts to Know Before Betting on It

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IBM (NYSE:IBM) reports Q1 earnings on April 24, with EPS of $1.59 and $14.6B in revenues expected. Stock up 45% in past year. BofA analyst maintains Buy rating and $220 price target.

IBM&#39;s Moment Of Truth As Earnings Expected To Impress With Strong AI Influence, Analyst Says

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Accenture (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/acn#NYSE">ACN</a>) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Shares of this consulting company have returned -5.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&amp;P 500 composite&#39;s -3% change. The Zacks Consulting Services industry, to which Accenture belongs, has lost 5.7% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company&#39;s business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Revisions to Earnings Estimates
Rather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company&#39;s earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock&#39;s fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Accenture is expected to post earnings of $3.14 per share, indicating a change of -1.6% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.7% over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $12.09 points to a change of +3.6% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $12.91 indicates a change of +6.8% from what Accenture is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -0.6%.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock&#39;s near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for Accenture.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company&#39;s forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue Growth
While earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company&#39;s financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn&#39;t able to grow its revenues. After all, it&#39;s nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it&#39;s important to know a company&#39;s potential revenue growth.
In the case of Accenture, the consensus sales estimate of $16.57 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +0%. The $65.31 billion and $69.34 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +1.9% and +6.2%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise History
Accenture reported revenues of $15.8 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -0.1%. EPS of $2.77 for the same period compares with $2.69 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.82 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -0.14%. The EPS surprise was +4.14%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
Valuation
No investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock&#39;s valuation. Whether a stock&#39;s current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company&#39;s growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
Comparing the current value of a company&#39;s valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Accenture is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers.
Conclusion
The facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it&#39;s worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Accenture. However, its Zacks Rank #4 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2260955/accenture-plc-acn-is-a-trending-stock-facts-to-know-before-betting-on-it?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|most_searched_stocks_-_v1-2260955">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Accenture's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) short percent of float has fallen 6.67% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 7.07 million shares sold short, which is 1.12% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.68 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Accenture Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713978913_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Accenture has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Accenture's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Accenture's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.22%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

How Is The Market Feeling About Accenture?

International Business Machines Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), will be reporting its first-quarter earnings on Wednesday. Wall Street expects $1.59 in EPS and $14.6 billion in revenues as the company reports <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings?tickers=IBM">after market hours</a>.
IBM stock is up over 45% in the past year, and has risen 11.75% YTD. IBM stock is being propelled by its rapid product deployment, focused attention on AI, and robust cash flows.
As investors prepare for IBM&#8217;s upcoming earnings report, insights from BofA Securities shed light on the company&#8217;s trajectory and potential.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The IBM Analyst</h2>
BofA Securities&#8217; analyst Wamsi Mohan maintains a Buy rating on IBM, with a price target of $220, suggesting 20.9% upside from the current price of $181.90.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The IBM Investment Thesis&nbsp;Ahead Of Q1 Earnings</h2>
Mohan emphasizes IBM&#8217;s defensive investment appeal, highlighting its substantial exposure to recurring sales, robust cost-cutting strategies, and solid balance sheet.
IBM&#8217;s Continued Turnaround
Additionally, Mohan anticipates IBM&#8217;s potential for share gains and stable margins, particularly in light of its focus on enterprise AI adoption and software growth. &#8220;Longer term, we expect IBM to take share in IT spending with its Cloud and AI initiatives,&#8221; said Mohan.
Related: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/38138141">IBM Will Expand Its Cloud Operations In Canada With Launch Of New Cloud Multizone Region To Open In Montreal, Quebec</a>
Mohan underscores the significance of IBM&#8217;s consulting segment, especially amidst softness in the consulting industry. Despite challenges faced by peers like Accenture PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>), he remains optimistic about IBM&#8217;s signings momentum and expects the company to maintain its guidance for the year. 
Mohan also anticipates IBM&#8217;s continued turnaround, driven by revenue growth and improvement in free cash flow.
AI Adoption At IBM
In terms of enterprise AI adoption, Mohan highlights IBM&#8217;s significant book of business related to GenAI, expecting further growth in this area. He anticipates updates on enterprise AI proof of concepts and pipeline insights in the upcoming earnings report.
Looking ahead, Mohan maintains his expectation of strong free cash flow of around $12 billion in 2024, driven by higher profitability and strategic adjustments in cash requirements.
IBM Price Action: Shares of IBM finished 0.16% higher at $182.19 on Tuesday.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/38349204">Can Magnificent 7 Help Script Market Turnaround? Earnings Pick Up Pace With Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet And Tesla Expected This Week</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

IBM's Moment Of Truth As Earnings Expected To Impress With Strong AI Influence, Analyst Says

The Nasdaq 100 closed higher by around 1% on Monday. Investors, meanwhile, focused on some notable insider trades.
When insiders sell shares, it could be a preplanned sale, or could indicate their concern in the company's prospects or that they view the stock as being overpriced. Insider sales should not be taken as the only indicator for making an investment or trading decision. At best, it can lend conviction to a selling decision.
Below is a look at a few recent notable insider sales. For more, check out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/">Benzinga&#8217;s insider transactions</a> platform.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accenture</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Trade: Accenture plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) General Counsel/Corp Secretary Joel Unruch <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/">sold a total of 4,333 </a>shares at an average price of $316.12. The insider received around $1.37 million from selling those shares.</li>
<li>What's Happening: On April 10, Accenture acquired the integrated customer engagement agency Unlimited for an unknown sum.</li>
<li>What Accenture Does: Accenture is a leading global IT-services firm that provides consulting, strategy, and technology and operational services.</li>
</ul>
Have a look at our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Amazon.com</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Trade: Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) CEO Amazon Web Services Adam Selipsky <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/">sold a total of 1,000 shares</a> at an average price of $180.19. The insider received around $180,190 from selling those shares.</li>
<li>What's Happening: BofA Securities analyst Justin Post reiterated a Buy rating on Amazon.Com with a price target of $204.</li>
<li>What Amazon.com Does: Amazon is a leading online retailer and one of the highest-grossing e-commerce aggregators, with $386 billion in net sales and approximately $578 billion in estimated physical/digital online gross merchandise volume in 2021.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">United Airlines</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Trade: United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) EVP HR and Labor Relations Kate Gebo <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/">sold a total of 30,000 shares</a> at an average price of $50.84. The insider received around $1.53 million from selling those shares.</li>
<li>What's Happening: United Airlines last week reported better-than-expected first-quarter financial results.</li>
<li>What United Airlines Does: United Airlines is a major us network carrier with hubs in San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, and Washington, D.C.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Marvell Technology</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Trade: Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) EVP &amp; Chief Legal Officer Mark Casper <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/">sold a total of 2,500 shares</a> at an average price of $64.75. The insider received around $161,875 from selling those shares.</li>
<li>What's Happening: On April 16, Evercore ISI Group analyst Mark Lipacis initiated coverage on Marvell Tech with an Outperform rating and announced a price target of $88.</li>
<li>What Marvell Technology Does: Marvell Technology is a fabless chip designer focused on wired networking, where it has the second-highest market share.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38370420/general-motors-tesla-and-3-stocks-to-watch-heading-into-tuesday">General Motors, Tesla And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Tuesday</a>

Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 6.03% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 13.71%. Currently, Accenture has a market capitalization of $199.22 billion. 
Buying $1000 In ACN: If an investor had bought $1000 of ACN stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $12,991.18 today based on a price of $316.86 for ACN at the time of writing.
<h3>Accenture's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713459635_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 20 Years Ago, You Would Have $13,000 Today

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Accenture.
Looking at options history for Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) we detected 14 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 42% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 57% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $418,916 and 8, calls, for a total amount of $572,192.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $310.0 to $330.0 for Accenture during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Accenture's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Accenture's whale trades within a strike price range from $310.0 to $330.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Accenture Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713374188_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$18.0</td>
<td>$17.4</td>
<td>$17.5</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$175.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">377</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$24.9</td>
<td>$24.4</td>
<td>$24.6</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$123.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$24.8</td>
<td>$24.4</td>
<td>$24.6</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$123.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$24.8</td>
<td>$24.3</td>
<td>$24.6</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$123.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$15.7</td>
<td>$15.7</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$102.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">699</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Accenture</h3>
Accenture is a leading global IT-services firm that provides consulting, strategy, and technology and operational services. These services run the gamut from aiding enterprises with digital transformation to procurement services to software system integration. The company provides its IT offerings to a variety of sectors, including communications, media and technology, financial services, health and public services, consumer products, and resources. Accenture employs just under 500,000 people throughout 200 cities in 51 countries.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Accenture, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Accenture's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,094,033, the price of ACN is down by -0.02%, reaching $313.89.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 64 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Accenture</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $400.6.
<ul>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Mizuho lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $398.</li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Piper Sandler continues to hold a Neutral rating for Accenture, targeting a price of $379. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Citigroup keeps a Buy rating on Accenture with a target price of $400. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from RBC Capital continues to hold a Outperform rating for Accenture, targeting a price of $381. </li>
<li>An analyst from Redburn Atlantic persists with their Buy rating on Accenture, maintaining a target price of $445. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Accenture, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

What the Options Market Tells Us About Accenture

<a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.accenture.com%2Fus-en%2Findustries%2Fafs-index&amp;esheet=53930361&amp;newsitemid=20240415757473&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Accenture+Federal+Services&amp;index=1&amp;md5=0312fcd3853122bca6cd7ebc10290ea1">Accenture Federal Services</a> has entered into an agreement to acquire <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcognosante.com%2F&amp;esheet=53930361&amp;newsitemid=20240415757473&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Cognosante&amp;index=2&amp;md5=9d9947b16da46b4d972f19a507726ad0">Cognosante</a>, a mission-driven provider of digital transformation and cloud modernization solutions for federal health, defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415757473/en/">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240415757473/en/</a>
&nbsp;
Founded in 2008 by Michele Kang, Cognosante has grown rapidly to become a trusted provider of innovative technology solutions with its federal government clients, including healthcare programs supporting veterans, active-duty military, patients, beneficiaries, providers, and payors. The company has an exemplary delivery track record powered by technology expertise, cloud modernization and migration capabilities, and exceptional program management. Cognosante is recognized for providing great user experiences, making healthcare more accessible and equitable, and maximizing the value of federal government investments.
"We are continually innovating and investing to help federal agencies stay ahead of the ever-changing needs of their mission and customers," said Accenture Federal Services CEO John Goodman. "Accenture Federal Services is excited to welcome the Cognosante team. We are truly impressed with their people, capabilities, and impact. Together, we will deliver on the promise of technology for the nation's priorities."
Cognosante's team of more than 1,500 people will join Accenture Federal Services' more than 14,000 people to reimagine how work gets done, solve critical challenges, and create meaningful change.
"The Cognosante team is thrilled to embark on this next chapter of our remarkable journey," said Kang. "I am grateful for the extraordinary group of past and present employees and clients who made Cognosante what it is today. As we explored ways to continue to scale and grow, we could not have found a better home than Accenture Federal Services. The company shares our commitment to its clients and people and has industry-leading capabilities, talent, speed, and scale. We look forward to continuing to help our clients modernize, enable the future mission, and enhance the lives of millions of people."
The completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Accenture Federal Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>).

Accenture Federal Services To Acquire Cognosante; Completion Of The Acquisition Is Subject To Regulatory Review And Other Customary Closing Conditions, Terms Of The Transaction Were Not Disclosed

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Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2

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Shares of companies within the broader tech sector are trading lower amid overall market weakness on rate cut uncertainty.

Banking behemoth&nbsp;The Bank Of New York Mellon Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BK#NYSE">BK</a>) on Friday said it is collaborating with tech giant&nbsp;Accenture Plc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) to modernize financial services offerings with an initial focus on data management and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/n38218640/bny-mellon-collaborates-with-accenture-to-drive-accelerated-growth-for-clients" rel="noreferrer noopener">analytics product development and delivery</a>.
The companies will leverage cutting-edge technologies to unlock the potential of data at unprecedented speeds, aiding their shared clients in driving rapid growth.
By blending Accenture&#8217;s proficiency in data, AI, and platform engineering with BNY Mellon&#8217;s extensive financial data and analytics services, the collaboration will expedite the rollout of innovative offerings in private markets and wealth management tech.&nbsp;
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, ACN stock has gained 12% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via IShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IETC#BATS">IETC</a>) and Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VNSE#NYSE">VNSE</a>).
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12093337/ACN5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-289604" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12093337/ACN5.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12093337/ACN5-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
BNY Mellon and Accenture aim to craft outstanding client experiences by leveraging their capabilities and platforms.
&#8220;By harnessing the latest technology and our shared expertise with Accenture we can support clients in transforming their operating models to utilize the power of their data to drive efficiency and growth,&#8221; said Akash Shah, Chief Growth Officer, BNY Mellon.&nbsp;&nbsp;
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, BK stock has gained over 20% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Davis Fundamental ETF Trust, Davis Select Financial ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFNL#BATS">DFNL</a>), and Invesco KBW Bank ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBWB#NASDAQ">KBWB</a>).
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12093602/BK6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-289606" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12093602/BK6.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12093602/BK6-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Price Action: ACN shares are trading lower by 2.6% to $316.71 on the last check Friday, while BK shares are trading lower by 0.65% to $55.01.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Shutterstock

Equities

General

DFNL

IETC

KBWB

VNSE

Wall Street Behemoths BNY Mellon & Accenture Join Forces to Revolutionize Financial Services Through Data Innovation

Accenture Plc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) has acquired the integrated customer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/b38184061/accenture-acquires-unlimited-to-further-bolster-its-crm-and-customer-relevance-capabilities" rel="noreferrer noopener">engagement agency&nbsp;Unlimited&nbsp;for an unknown sum</a>.
After the acquisition, Unlimited will become part of Accenture Song, the tech-powered creative group.
Headquartered in London, with additional locations in Bristol, Winchester and Reading, Unlimited&#8217;s nearly 600 employees will join Accenture Song&#8217;s U.K. team aligned to the marketing practice under Bill Scott, marketing practice lead, U.K., Ireland and Africa, Accenture Song.
The acquisition is expected to boost Accenture Song&#8217;s ability to scale its offerings and unlock greater value from generative AI.&nbsp;
Unlimited consists of TMW, Walnut, Health Unlimited and Nelson Bostock. Unlimited, through its proprietary Human Understanding Lab &amp; AI-powered digital insights platform LUCA, complements Accenture Song&#8217;s existing capabilities in data and analytics.
&#8220;The world of CRM is more crucial to brands than ever before and there is no greater partner for it than generative AI-powered creativity,&#8221; said Dame Annette King, global lead, marketing practice, Accenture Song.
Accenture held&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/03/b37865591/accenture-reports-second-quarter-fiscal-2024-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">$5.1 billion in cash and equivalents as of February 29, 2024</a>.
Price Action: ACN shares are trading lower by 2.48% at $324.89 on the last check Wednesday.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Accenture Acquires Customer Engagement Agency Unlimited - What's On The Cards?

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ERIC

FORTY

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INTC

Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. - Ordinary Shares

MAXN

PCOR

QCOM

SWKS

VERI

Shares of several companies in the broader technology sector are trading lower as Treasury yields rise following hotter-than-expected March inflation data.

Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) has acquired <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unlimitedgroup.com%2F&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Unlimited%2C&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4f1fedbff514c458d63fd824391f5174">Unlimited,</a> the award-winning integrated customer engagement agency, which will become part of Accenture Song—the world's largest tech-powered creative group. The acquisition will enhance Accenture Song's ability to scale its offerings and unlock greater value from generative AI. With deep expertise in behavioral science, customer strategy and CRM activation, the acquisition of Unlimited further bolsters Accenture Song's capabilities to drive marketing transformation, relevance, and growth for its clients.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410252418/en/">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410252418/en/</a>
&nbsp;
Unlimited, which has earned over 100 industry awards, comprises of TMW, Walnut, Health Unlimited and Nelson Bostock. Unlimited places data and a deep understanding of human behavior at the core of its offering through its proprietary Human Understanding Lab &amp; AI-powered digital insights platform LUCA, complementing Accenture Song's existing capabilities in data and analytics.
Dame Annette King, global lead, marketing practice, Accenture Song, said: "There are few agencies that have proven to be as impressive as Unlimited over the last few years. The world of CRM is more crucial to brands than ever before and there is no greater partner for it than generative AI-powered creativity. We're excited to welcome the team into the Accenture Song fold and most importantly, we can't wait for the opportunities that now exist for our clients and talent."
Sohel Aziz, UK, Ireland and Africa lead, Accenture Song said: "We're delighted to welcome Unlimited into Accenture Song. We have a shared vision for the future of CRM combined with the power of generative AI to enable the delivery of ever more relevant and impactful customer experience. Our values are wholly aligned, and we look forward to creating value and growth for our clients together."
The acquisition of Unlimited is the latest in a series of continued investments by Accenture Song to drive growth for its clients amid rapidly evolving business landscapes and consumer behaviour, following the acquisitions of <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.accenture.com%2Fnews%2F2024%2Faccenture-completes-acquisition-of-customer-experience-analytics-company-gemseek&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=GemSeek&amp;index=2&amp;md5=0886060056fdb8aac30c71bd94ba0db2">GemSeek</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.accenture.com%2Fnews%2F2024%2Faccenture-completes-acquisition-of-mindcurv&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Mindcurv&amp;index=3&amp;md5=3ef9d53c0413f0675cd8fb0e93316d7c">Mindcurv</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.accenture.com%2Fnews%2F2024%2Faccenture-completes-acquisition-of-global-digital-product-company-work-and-co&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Work+%26amp%3B+Co&amp;index=4&amp;md5=24a62abee723309a43de27c70c51a32d">Work &amp; Co</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.accenture.com%2Fnews%2F2023%2Faccenture-to-acquire-rabbits-tale-to-strengthen-its-creative-and-digital-customer-experience-capabilities-in-southeast-asia&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Rabbit%26%238217%3Bs+Tale&amp;index=5&amp;md5=0a21572eb70f8e5abde5ca97f85564ac">Rabbit's Tale</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.accenture.com%2Fnews%2F2023%2Faccenture-to-acquire-concentriclife-to-bolster-its-healthcare-marketing-and-communications-capabilities-for-the-life-sciences-industry&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=ConcentricLife&amp;index=6&amp;md5=182ecb282017142addafa9297125d5ec">ConcentricLife</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.accenture.com%2Fnews%2Faccenture-acquires-fiftyfive5-to-boost-its-customer-intelligence-capability-in-australia-and-new-zealand.htm&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Fiftyfive5&amp;index=7&amp;md5=3d2c8836ef9cafdb80a54a2b25b1f735">Fiftyfive5</a> and <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.accenture.com%2Fnews%2Faccenture-to-acquire-the-stable-to-bolster-its-commerce-transformation-expertise-in-north-america.htm&amp;esheet=53927696&amp;newsitemid=20240410252418&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=The+Stable&amp;index=8&amp;md5=31d96a3111588e79c3a66b45a24d4116">The Stable</a>.
Headquartered in London, with additional locations in Bristol, Winchester and Reading, Unlimited's nearly 600 employees will join Accenture Song's UK team aligned to the marketing practice under Bill Scott, marketing practice lead, UK, Ireland and Africa, Accenture Song.
Chris Mellish, CEO Unlimited Groupsaid: "To be joining such an ambitious and forward-thinking strategic organization is a massive moment for us. We have found a home where both our people and our clients can continue to thrive in an organization that has its eye towards shaping the future of our industry. We can't wait to see the positive impact we'll be able to make on our clients together."
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Accenture Acquires Unlimited To Further Bolster Its CRM And Customer Relevance Capabilities; Terms Of The Transaction Were Not Disclosed

Best Buy Co., Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>)&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google Cloud, and&nbsp;Accenture Plc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) have entered into a new collaboration to deploy generative AI (gen AI)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/n38158989/best-buy-google-cloud-and-accenture-partner-to-create-a-better-customer-support-experience-with-ge" rel="noreferrer noopener">to improve the experience for Best Buy customers</a>.
Using Google Cloud&#8217;s generative AI technology, Best Buy plans to create new and more convenient ways for customers to get the solutions they need.&nbsp;
This will provide customers with a self-service option and Best Buy customer service agents with new tools to serve customers.
Best Buy&#8217;s U.S. customers are expected to be able to connect with a gen AI-powered virtual assistant for self-service support starting in late summer 2024.
In the coming months, Best Buy will also unveil new gen-AI enabled capabilities for customer care agents to use while interacting with customers across various internal platforms.
The tools will help recap the conversation, detect sentiment of the interaction, and provide agents with real-time, relevant and human-focused recommendations.
Best Buy will work with Google Cloud and Accenture to develop an AI-driven assistant specifically for its front-line employees serving customers nationwide.
&#8220;These new gen AI-powered capabilities further enhance our commitment to deliver better, more personalized experiences to our customers by unlocking the power of people,&#8221; said Brian Tilzer, Chief Digital Analytics and Technology Officer at Best Buy.
Price Action: BBY shares are trading higher by 1.55% at $81.38 on the last check Tuesday.
Image Via Shutterstock

GOOGL

Best Buy Partners With Google Cloud And Accenture For AI Capabilities

Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) has acquired Axis Corporate, a Spanish management and technology business consulting firm specialized in financial services. Axis Corporate enhances Accenture's strategy and technology offerings that enable companies in Spain to reinvent their business models, more effectively manage costs and develop new products faster.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240408036629/en/">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240408036629/en/</a>
<img src="https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20240408036629/en/2090654/4/Smart-Finance.jpg" alt="Accenture has acquired Axis Corporate, a Spanish management and technology business consulting firm specialized in financial services. (Photo: Business Wire)" />
Accenture has acquired Axis Corporate, a Spanish management and technology business consulting firm specialized in financial services. (Photo: Business Wire)
Founded in 2005, Axis Corporate is headquartered in Barcelona, with offices in Madrid and Boston. It has long-standing relationships with many of the largest financial services firms in Spain, with expertise primarily in retail and commercial banking, consumer finance and payments. Axis Corporate's approximately 110 specialized professionals will join Accenture's Strategy &amp; Consulting practice.
The company provides a wide range of advisory services, including operating model and cost transformation, talent and culture, finance, and sustainability. It also has strong risk management capabilities, with a special focus on helping banks better manage and recover non-performing assets and loans.
"As banks and other providers navigate a continually changing and highly competitive landscape, the need to transform their businesses to offer hyper-personalized and impactful digital customer experiences has never been greater," said David Cordero, who leads Accenture's Banking industry group in Europe. "Axis Corporate's proven operating model expertise across the entire financial services value chain will bolster our ability to accelerate continuous reinvention at scale for our clients."
Casimiro Gracia, executive chairman at Axis Corporate, said: "We have been a trusted partner to major financial services firms and other industries in Spain for almost 20 years, helping them to accelerate growth and operate more efficiently locally and globally. By joining Accenture, our people can expand their skillsets and participate in new large-scale transformation programs, including around core banking and risk, with clients across the world."
Mercedes Oblanca, market unit lead for Accenture in Spain and Portugal, said: "With this acquisition, we will be in an even stronger position to help our financial services clients in Spain manage risk, adapt to change and deliver new services. We are delighted to welcome Axis Corporate's talented team, with its strong track record of enabling companies to accelerate their digital strategies to maximize competitiveness."
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Accenture Acquires Axis Corporate To Help Spanish Financial Services Companies Reinvent Their Businesses; Terms Of The Transaction Were Not Disclosed

With U.S. stock futures trading lower this morning on Monday, some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are as follows:
Accenture plc (NYSE:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) agreed to acquire&nbsp;<a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.climb-net.co.jp%2F&amp;esheet=53922719&amp;newsitemid=20240407207945&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=CLIMB&amp;index=1&amp;md5=30d46b03912d673c3624991c0718e49b" rel="nofollow">CLIMB</a>&nbsp;to expand technology capabilities. Accenture shares climbed 0.3% to $333.99 in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ACN/news">after-hours trading session</a>.
Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/agen#NASDAQ">AGEN</a>) disclosed a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of common stock. Agenus shares fell 4.7% to $0.48 in after-hours trading.
Lotus Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lot#NASDAQ">LOT</a>) is expected to report its unaudited fourth quarter financial results before the opening bell on April 8, 2024. Lotus Technology shares gained 0.6% to close at $6.76 on Friday.
Check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/"> premarket coverage here </a> 
RADCOM Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rdcm#NASDAQ">RDCM</a>) said that Mr. Guy Shemesh is stepping down from the role of CEO, effective April 7, 2024, due to personal reasons. The company&rsquo;s board named Mr. Hilik Itman as interim CEO, effective April 7, 2024. RADCOM shares fell 2.4% to $10.52 in the after-hours trading session.
Bragg Gaming Group Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/brag#NASDAQ">BRAG</a>) reported the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer Ronen Kannor. The company confirmed that it has started the search for a replacement CFO. Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board said, &quot;We thank Ronen for his dedication and commitment to Bragg over the past four years and for his unwavering service as a pivotal member of the leadership team.&quot; Bragg Gaming shares gained 1.1% to close at $ 6.60 on Friday.
&nbsp;
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/04/38109064/these-3-tech-and-telecom-stocks-with-over-6-dividend-yields-are-recommended-by-wall-stre"> These 3 Tech And Telecom Stocks With Over 6% Dividend Yields Are Recommended By Wall Street&#39;s Most Accurate Analysts </a>

Penny Stocks

Pre-Market Outlook

AGEN

BRAG

RDCM

RADCOM, Lotus Technology And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Monday

Acquisition brings talented resources to global clients in Japan while spurring innovation for local economic growth

Reported Earlier, Accenture Acquires CLIMB To Expand Technology Capabilities; Deal Terms Not Disclosed

Next Phase of Expanded Strategic Alliance to Deliver State-of-the-Art Data and Generative AI Solutions

GOOG

Accenture Federal Services, Google Public Sector Launch Data, AI Center Of Excellence

Live On CNBC, Sarat Sethi Announces Sold Accenture; Bought RTX Corp

Accenture Plc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) said on Wednesday that its federal services unit is partnering with&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) to launch a &#8216;Cloud Modernization and Migration Factory&#8217;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news" rel="noreferrer noopener">on Microsoft Azure Government.</a>
The pact will meet the security criteria required for those operating across the national security space, including the Special Access Program community,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240326610458/en/" rel="noreferrer noopener">according&nbsp;</a>to a press release.
&#8220;For federal agencies, and our Defense Industrial Base and aerospace clients, connecting to the cloud and hardening applications are the most challenging part of any cloud journey,&#8221; said Accenture Federal Services CEO John Goodman.&nbsp;
The Cloud Modernization and Migration Factory on Azure will streamline the onboarding of remote federal sites to &#8220;air gapped&#8221; Azure Government Secret and Top Secret classified clouds to enable the highest level of security.
Check This Out:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/03/37954177/why-is-nio-stock-trading-lower-today" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why Is NIO Stock Trading Lower Today?</a>
National security leaders gain swift access to cutting-edge capabilities, such as AI, through Microsoft Azure Government Secret and Top Secret clouds. This facilitates data analysis, agility, and unified cybersecurity to safeguard critical national data.
The Cloud Modernization and Migration Factory on Azure offers accredited security baselines for all classification levels, from Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
With cleared cloud engineers, architects, and data scientists experienced in DevSecOps, the factory ensures secure migration of on-premise workloads to the cloud, compliant with federal guidelines.&nbsp;
Accenture Federal Services and Microsoft collaborate on Generative AI-powered migration tools for faster modernization.
&#8220;When delivering solutions in government air-gapped clouds, deep cybersecurity expertise, a strong networking and cloud engineering ethos, and a relentless focus on mission success are critical,&#8221; said Jason Zander, Microsoft Executive Vice President of Strategic Missions and Technologies.&nbsp;
Price Action:&nbsp;ACN shares are trading higher by 1.58% to $341.70 on the last check Wednesday.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Movers

MSFT

Accenture Federal Services And Microsoft Collaborate On Secure Cloud Migration For National Security

In the ever-evolving and intensely competitive business landscape, conducting a thorough company analysis is of utmost importance for investors and industry followers. In this article, we will carry out an in-depth industry comparison, assessing Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) alongside its primary competitors in the IT Services industry. By meticulously examining key financial metrics, market positioning, and growth prospects, we aim to offer valuable insights to investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Accenture Background</h3>
Accenture is a leading global IT-services firm that provides consulting, strategy, and technology and operational services. These services run the gamut from aiding enterprises with digital transformation to procurement services to software system integration. The company provides its IT offerings to a variety of sectors, including communications, media and technology, financial services, health and public services, consumer products, and resources. Accenture employs just under 500,000 people throughout 200 cities in 51 countries.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Accenture PLC</td>
<td>30.50</td>
<td>7.80</td>
<td>3.32</td>
<td>6.23%</td>
<td>$2.45</td>
<td>$4.88</td>
<td>-0.09%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>International Business Machines Corp</td>
<td>23.13</td>
<td>7.67</td>
<td>2.81</td>
<td>14.42%</td>
<td>$5.32</td>
<td>$10.27</td>
<td>4.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Infosys Ltd</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>7.64</td>
<td>3.97</td>
<td>7.58%</td>
<td>$0.96</td>
<td>$1.39</td>
<td>0.09%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gartner Inc</td>
<td>42.91</td>
<td>54.46</td>
<td>6.41</td>
<td>33.45%</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$1.06</td>
<td>5.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp</td>
<td>17.20</td>
<td>2.73</td>
<td>1.89</td>
<td>4.27%</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$1.68</td>
<td>-1.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wipro Ltd</td>
<td>22.08</td>
<td>3.53</td>
<td>2.80</td>
<td>3.87%</td>
<td>$38.12</td>
<td>$65.97</td>
<td>-0.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPAM Systems Inc</td>
<td>38.02</td>
<td>4.47</td>
<td>3.38</td>
<td>2.88%</td>
<td>$0.16</td>
<td>$0.36</td>
<td>-6.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Globant SA</td>
<td>54.67</td>
<td>4.96</td>
<td>4.14</td>
<td>2.42%</td>
<td>$0.05</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>18.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Endava PLC</td>
<td>25.83</td>
<td>2.79</td>
<td>2.28</td>
<td>1.37%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>-10.57%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Perficient Inc</td>
<td>19.31</td>
<td>3.51</td>
<td>2.16</td>
<td>4.49%</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>$0.1</td>
<td>-5.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Hackett Group Inc</td>
<td>19.35</td>
<td>7.32</td>
<td>2.23</td>
<td>9.19%</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>3.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI&amp;T Inc</td>
<td>17.93</td>
<td>2.01</td>
<td>1.28</td>
<td>2.56%</td>
<td>$0.09</td>
<td>$0.17</td>
<td>-5.35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Information Services Group Inc</td>
<td>33.42</td>
<td>1.90</td>
<td>0.69</td>
<td>-2.76%</td>
<td>$-0.0</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>-10.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CSP Inc</td>
<td>44.65</td>
<td>4.03</td>
<td>2.80</td>
<td>-0.16%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>-16.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>29.5</td>
<td>8.23</td>
<td>2.83</td>
<td>6.43%</td>
<td>$3.54</td>
<td>$6.25</td>
<td>-1.89%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
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 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

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 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
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 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>By closely examining Accenture, we can identify the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The Price to Earnings ratio of 30.5 for this company is 1.03x above the industry average, indicating a premium valuation associated with the stock.
</li>
<li>
With a Price to Book ratio of 7.8, significantly falling below the industry average by 0.95x, it suggests undervaluation and the possibility of untapped growth prospects.
</li>
<li>
With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 3.32, which is 1.17x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 6.23% is 0.2% below the industry average, suggesting potential inefficiency in utilizing equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
With lower Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $2.45 Billion, which is 0.69x below the industry average, the company may face lower profitability or financial challenges.
</li>
<li>
The gross profit of $4.88 Billion is 0.78x below that of its industry, suggesting potential lower revenue after accounting for production costs.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of -0.09% is notably higher compared to the industry average of -1.89%, showcasing exceptional sales performance and strong demand for its products or services.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1711551631_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio measures the financial leverage of a company by evaluating its debt relative to its equity.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
By considering the Debt-to-Equity ratio, Accenture can be compared to its top 4 peers, leading to the following observations:
<ul>
<li>
Among its top 4 peers, Accenture has a stronger financial position with a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12.
</li>
<li>
This indicates that the company relies less on debt financing and maintains a more favorable balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Accenture in the IT Services industry, the PE ratio is high compared to peers, indicating potential overvaluation. The PB ratio is low, suggesting a possible undervaluation based on its book value. The PS ratio is high, signaling a premium valuation relative to sales. In terms of ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth, Accenture lags behind its industry peers, indicating lower profitability and growth potential.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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The financial services industry is booming with the growing demand for wealth management and digital banking services coupled with the rising adoption of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning. Amid this, let's find out if financial stocks Interactive Brokers (IBKR) and Bank of New York Mellon (BK) are poised for a first-quarter earnings surprise. Read more... The financial services industry's sustained growth and expansion can be attributed to the rising demand for fast and real-time fund transfers, surging use of digital banking services, growth in the wealth of high-net-worth individuals, increasing demand for alternative investments, and rapid urbanization.
Financial stocks Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IBKR/">IBKR</a>) and The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/BK/">BK</a>) are scheduled to report their first-quarter earnings this Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Investors could wait for a better entry point in these stocks before their earnings release.
Before delving deeper into the fundamentals of these stocks, let's discuss what's shaping the financial services industry's outlook.
Financial institutions, from banking and wealth management to insurance and brokerage firms, are poised to experience significant growth this year and beyond, driven by surging demand for financial services. The financial services market size is expected to reach $44.93 trillion in 2028, <a href="https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/financial-services-global-market-report">growing at a CAGR of 7.6%</a> from 2024 to 2028.
In 2024, numerous <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/financial-services/financial-services-industry-outlooks.html">technological changes</a>, including the rise of generative AI, the transition to the cloud, heightened fraud and cyber risks, and the convergence of industries like the embedded finance trend, will require unprecedented agility from financial services leaders.
Moreover, the integration of AI and machine learning capabilities in digital asset management (DAM) solutions is one of the primary trends in the U.S. Also, the increased cloud adoption rate nationwide, which has accelerated due to the pandemic, is expected to drive companies' digital assets, ultimately driving the adoption of DAM solutions.
The <a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/digital-asset-management-dam-market">digital asset management market</a> is estimated to total $11.41 billion by 2029, expanding at a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period (2024-2029). Meanwhile, the U.S. securities brokerage market is anticipated to <a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/us-securities-brokerage-market">grow at a CAGR of 4.2%</a> to surpass $242.33 billion by 2029.
Now, let's discuss the fundamentals of IBKR and BK in detail:
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IBKR/">IBKR</a>)
IBKR operates as a global automated electronic broker. It engages in the execution, clearance, and settlement of trades in stocks, options, futures, bonds, mutual funds, foreign exchange instruments, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the company provides custody, prime brokerage, securities, and margin lending services.
On April 11, IBKR unveiled High Touch Prime Brokerage and Global Outsourced Trading, exclusive new services to help select US hedge funds manage their businesses. High Touch Prime Brokerage equips Interactive Brokers to contend with large prime brokers while eliminating a potential barrier for hedge funds looking for a low-cost platform yet requiring a personalized service.
On February 28, IBKR introduced a next-generation trading platform: IBKR Desktop. It is a trading application for Windows and Mac that caters to today's traders who seek simplicity but value Interactive Brokers' robust trading tools. IBKR Desktop signifies a new chapter for innovation and a focus on an intuitive user experience at Interactive Brokers.
In terms of trailing-12-month Price/Cash Flow, IBKR is trading at 2.60x, 65.8% lower than the industry average of 7.62x. However, the stock's forward Price/Book and non-GAAP P/E multiples of 2.92 and 16.99 are 190.4% and 69.7% higher than the respective industry averages of 1.01 and 10.01.
IBKR's trailing-12-month gross profit margin and ROCE of 90.34% and 18.66% are higher than the industry averages of 59.73% and 10.99%, respectively. However, the stock's trailing-12-month net income margin of 13.57% is 42.4% lower than the industry average of 23.57%.
For the fourth quarter that ended December 31, 2023, IBKR's adjusted net revenues increased 19.9% year-over-year to $1.15 billion. Its adjusted income before income taxes rose 23.8% from the year-ago value to $831 million. Its adjusted net income available for common stockholders was $164 million, up 21.5% from the previous year's quarter.
In addition, the company's adjusted EPS grew 16.9% year-over-year to $1.52.
Interactive Brokers is scheduled to release its first-quarter financial results on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at nearly 4:00 pm (ET). Street expects IBKR's revenue and EPS for the quarter (ended March 2024) to increase 14% and 20.8% year-over-year to $1.20 billion and $1.63, respectively.
In addition, analysts expect the company's revenue for the fiscal year 2025 to increase 1.9% year-over-year to $4.91 billion, but its EPS is estimated to decrease marginally from the previous year to $6.49.
IBKR's stock has gained 29.2% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $110.39. However, the stock has plunged 2.8% over the past five days.
IBKR's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its mixed outlook. The stock has an overall rating of C, equating to a Neutral in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
IBKR has a C grade for Growth, Value, Stability, Momentum, Sentiment, and Quality. In the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/investment-brokerage/">Investment Brokerage</a> industry, it is ranked #12 out of 20 stocks.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IBKR/">Click here</a> to access all the IBKR ratings.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/BK/">BK</a>)
BK offers a wide range of financial products and services internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. It offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, and lending services.
On April 12, 2024, BK collaborated with Accenture (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ACN/">ACN</a>), a prominent professional services company, to modernize financial services offerings with an initial focus on data management and analytics product development and delivery.
Leveraging ACN's data, AI and platform engineering expertise with BK's Extensive financial data and analytics will help accelerate the rollout of new services in private markets and wealth management technology while facilitating the expansion into new markets. This strategic partnership will bode well for both companies.
On April 9, BK announced a partnership of its short-term investment platform, LiquidityDirect, with Kyriba, a world leader in cloud treasury and financial solutions. This collaboration combines Kyriba's scalable SaaS solution with BNY Mellon's LiquidityDirect platform to boost liquidity performance and unlock enhanced cash visibility.
In terms of forward non-GAAP PEG, BK is trading at 1.02x, 19.8% lower than the industry average of 1.27x. However, the stock's forward Price/Book of 1.09x is 8% higher than the industry average of 1.01x.
BK's trailing-12-month CAPEX/Sales of 7.02% is 250.7% higher than the industry average of 2%. However, the stock's trailing-12-month ROCE and ROTA of 8.43% and 0.80% are lower than the industry averages of 10.99% and 1.09%, respectively.
For the fourth quarter that ended December 31, 2023, BK's total revenue decreased 1.4% year-over-year to $4.31 billion. The company's income before income taxes declined 72% from the prior year's quarter to $359 million. Its net income and EPS came in at $300 million and $0.33, down 71.2% and 73% year-over-year, respectively.
BNY Mellon is set to report its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 on April 16, 2024. Analysts expect BK's revenue for the quarter (ended March 2024) to grow marginally year-over-year to $4.40 billion. The consensus EPS estimate of $1.19 for the same period indicates an increase of 5.2% year-over-year.
For the fiscal year ending December 2024, Street expects the company's revenue and EPS to grow 1.6% and 5.8% year-over-year to $17.78 billion and $5.34, respectively.
Shares of BK have surged 33.5% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $55.05. However, the stock declined 3.2% over the past five days.
BK's mixed fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall C rating, translating to a Neutral in our proprietary rating system.
The stock has a C grade for Quality, Value, Momentum, Sentiment, and Stability. BK is ranked #29 of 51 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/asset-management/">Asset Management</a> industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings I've just highlighted, you can see BK's ratings for Growth <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/BK/">here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Discover 10 widely held stocks that our proprietary model shows have tremendous downside potential. Please make sure none of these "death trap" stocks are lurking in your portfolio:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/10-stocks-to-sell/?formplacement=artbotad_10sell">10 Stocks to SELL NOW! &gt;</a>

<hr />
IBKR shares rose $2.06 (+1.87%) in premarket trading Monday. Year-to-date, IBKR has gained 33.28%, versus a 7.81% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Mangeet Kaur Bouns</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mangeet-Kaur-Bouns_Image-4.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Mangeet's keen interest in the stock market led her to become an investment researcher and financial journalist. Using her fundamental approach to analyzing stocks, Mangeet's looks to help retail investors understand the underlying factors before making investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=mangeet-kaurbouns">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/ibkr-bk-acn-are-interactive-brokers-ibkr-and-bank-of-new-york-mellon/>Are Interactive Brokers (IBKR) and Bank of New York Mellon (BK) Set for a Q1 Earnings Surprise?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

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