Accenture plc, a leading global professional services company, recently disclosed its 4th-quarter earnings results, which showed a net margin of 11.41% and a return on equity of 26.91%. However, the company’s stock price has been influenced by various factors, including changes in its holdings by institutional investors and hedge funds.
- During the 4th quarter, Insigneo Advisory Services LLC decreased its holdings in Accenture plc by 16.8%, selling 897 shares of the company’s stock.
- Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Accenture by 5.7%, acquiring an additional 28 shares.
- FPC Investment Advisory Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Accenture by 62.2%, buying an additional 28 shares.
These changes in institutional investors’ and hedge funds’ holdings have contributed to Accenture’s stock price movements. However, it is essential to consider the company’s overall financial performance and its position in the market.
| Company | Institutional Investor | Change in Holdings | Change in Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accenture | Insigneo Advisory Services LLC | 16.8% | $1,563,000 |
| Accenture | Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. | 5.7% | $182,000 |
| Accenture | FPC Investment Advisory Inc. | 62.2% | $28,000 |
Insider trading activity has also been a factor in Accenture’s stock price movements. The company’s top executives, including CEO Julie Spellman Sweet and CAO Melissa A. Burgum, have sold shares of the company’s stock in recent quarters.
“In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 27,921 shares of company stock worth $9,876,619. Company insiders own 0.02% of the company’s stock,” according to a recent SEC filing.
Despite the recent changes in institutional investors’ and hedge funds’ holdings, Accenture’s stock price has still been influenced by the company’s overall financial performance. The company reported a revenue growth of 5.7% on a year-over-year basis, with earnings per share increasing to $2.82 from $2.77 in the prior year. In addition, Accenture has announced a quarterly dividend of $1.48 per share, which will be paid on Thursday, May 15th. The company’s payout ratio is currently 48.89%, indicating that the company is generating sufficient cash to support its dividend payments.
Analyst Ratings and Price Targets
Several analysts have recently commented on Accenture’s stock, with some setting new price targets and others maintaining their previous ratings. Guggenheim has set a “buy” rating on the stock, while Stifel Nicolaus has maintained its “buy” rating. Jefferies Financial Group has reduced its price objective on the stock to $355.00, while Barclays has set an “overweight” rating on the stock.
| Analyst | Rating | Price Target |
|---|---|---|
| Guggenheim | Buy | $395.00 |
| Stifel Nicolaus | Buy | $380.00 |
| Jefferies Financial Group | Hold | $355.00 |
| Barclays | Overweight | $390.00 |
Accenture’s Dividend and Payout Ratio
Accenture has announced a quarterly dividend of $1.48 per share, which will be paid on Thursday, May 15th.
- Accenture’s revenue for the quarter was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis.
- The company’s net margin was 11.41%, indicating a strong profitability.
- Accenture’s return on equity was 26.91%, indicating a healthy equity return.
In conclusion, Accenture plc’s stock price movements have been influenced by various factors, including changes in institutional investors’ and hedge funds’ holdings, insider trading activity, and analyst ratings. The company’s overall financial performance and its position in the market should be considered when evaluating its stock price.
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