Accenture (ACN) shares ticked up 0.5% in Friday trading even as Deutsche Bank cut its price target on the technology consulting firm, citing a cautious view on the space.
“On March 19, before the open, we expect ACN to report 2Q26 revenue of ~$17.8bn (~3% cc, ~2% organic cc) and adj. EPS of $2.84,” analysts at the firm wrote in a note to clients. “Our cautious view on the IT Services sector remains unchanged heading into the print, as the industry faces pressures from a soft cyclical backdrop. This view has been echoed by industry participants, suggesting the CY26 selling environment is not likely to materially improve vs. last year’s levels. Further, recent geopolitical headlines likely create incremental caution around corporate IT spend.”
The analysts lowered their price target on Accenture to $230 from $280 but kept their Hold rating on the stock.
Additionally, the analysts said they will be paying attention to hear if Accenture has any updates to artificial intelligence adoption trends and if there has been movement from proof of concept to scaled solutions. Other focal points will be on the company’s federal business, notable given the uncertain macro and geopolitical environment.
“While we expect a moderate beat from ACN in 2Q26 and slight upside to where our current 2H26 estimates sit, given how the stock has traded and investor demand for continued beats and raises through the rest of FY26, we expect ACN will opt to raise the low end of its current FY26 guide to ~3-5% cc (from ~2-5% cc currently) while flowing through any adj. EPS beat in the [quarter],” the analysts added.