11 Best Predictive Analytics Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

9. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)

Analysts’ Upside: 16.93%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN), based in Dublin, Ireland, is a multinational professional services firm specializing in IT consulting, digital transformation, and management solutions. The company began developing predictive analytics capabilities over a decade ago and is now on track to become a premier AI and data company. On that front, Accenture recently announced a strategic investment in Aaru, a company specializing in AI-powered prediction technology. It intends to incorporate Aaru’s flagship model, Lumen, into its AI product and service portfolio.

On March 6, Goldman Sachs restated its Buy rating and $430 price target on Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN). According to Goldman Sachs, despite worries about macro demand risks, prospective government expenditure cuts, and foreign exchange implications, the IT Services industry is likely to recover in 2025 after reaching a cyclical low. This view is consistent with Accenture’s position as a leading player in the IT Services market.

Furthermore, on March 4th, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) announced the acquisition of Halfspace, a Denmark-based company that uses AI, data science, and analytics solutions to expedite business operations among companies.

Diamond Hill Large Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:

“We continue finding compelling new ideas, even as the bull market proceeds. In Q3, we initiated three new positions in Aon, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) and Builders FirstSource. Accenture is a leading global IT services and consultancy business. We think the services it provides — which are differentiated and in specialty areas relative to many of its peers — are critical and will be in high demand in the technology ecosystem for years to come. This should contribute to stable prices and margins. We believe the market is undervaluing Accenture relative to the opportunity ahead of it and, consequently, were able to initiate a position in the quarter at a discounted share price.”