We recently published a list of 11 Best Predictive Analytics Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) stands against other best predictive analytics stocks to buy according to analysts.
Predictive analytics, sometimes called big data analytics, is an integral part of today’s corporate arsenal. It is a subset of advanced analytics that makes use of statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to predict future occurrences and gain insights from previous data. In addition, it includes tools and processes such as data mining and modeling, all aimed at examining data, identifying trends, and making informed predictions. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global predictive analytics industry was valued at $14.71 billion in 2023, and is predicted to reach $95.3 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.1%.
Companies are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition and make smart choices that lead to success. This has led to a growing reliance on data-driven decisions. With consolidated analytics, machine learning models, and AI technologies, it’s now possible to analyze more companies in a larger area range at a faster rate than ever before. This is especially true for the practice of venture capitalism. Many early-stage startup investors use data-driven decision-making to guide their lead sourcing and investments. While the instinct for scouting great investment opportunities is typically developed over years of experience, venture capital firms and associates can improve their scouting process by analyzing a variety of ecosystems. According to a data-driven VC analysis, by this year, data, analytics, and artificial intelligence would be used to guide investment decisions in 75% of all VC deals. This access to high-quality data reduces venture capitalists’ risk of losing out on opportunities and assists them in identifying high-potential firms that might otherwise go undiscovered. Moreover, the combination of predictive analytics with artificial intelligence has resulted in a significant improvement in the depth of data insights. According to a Fortune Business Insights report on the AI sector, it is predicted to grow rapidly, with a CAGR of 29.2%. This rise is expected to bring the industry’s size to $1.7 trillion by 2032, a significant increase from the $233.46 billion in 2024.
Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
Much like many other industries, predictive analytics can be a boon for the healthcare sector. Due to its data-driven approach, it offers the potential to improve preventative care, resource management, and operational efficiency. In this perspective, the global healthcare predictive analytics market was valued at $12.96 billion in 2023 and is expected to rise at a compound yearly growth rate of 35% between 2024 and 2032. Furthermore, the growing volume of healthcare data from numerous sources, including wearable devices, mobile health applications, and electronic health records (EHRs), creates new opportunities for sophisticated analytics solutions. To illustrate this, the World Economic Forum estimates that hospitals create 50 petabytes of data every year.
Our Methodology
To come up with our list of the 11 best predictive analytics stocks to buy, we went through a variety of online publications, ETFs, and stock screeners. We then looked at the analyst upside of each company and ranked the ones with the highest upside potential. Our ranking is arranged in ascending order of analyst upside as of March 10, 2025. Additionally, we have included the hedge fund sentiment around each stock, as of Q4 2024.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
A team of data experts gathered around a computer monitor analyzing customer data.
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.”
Overall, ACN ranks 9th on our list of best predictive analytics stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of ACN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ACN but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
