The Dividend Daily

Goldman Sachs analysts maintained a “Neutral” rating on consulting and outsourcing firm Accenture plc (ACN) on Monday, but raised its price target.

The analysts see shares of ACN reaching $69, up from its previous valuation of $63. The new price target is a -1.7% downside to Friday’s closing price of $70.21.

A Goldman Sachs analyst noted, “Our FY1Q revenue/EPS estimates of $7.28 bn (+2.9% reported; +5.6% CC basis)/$1.06 are unchanged. Although we retain our estimates, we are raising our 12-month price target to $69 (from $63) reflecting sustained multiple expansion in the Consulting and Outsourcing group (+14% YTD), and increased confidence in our EPS outlook for ACN given its strong capital allocation and an intact demand backdrop – note our recent tech growth forecast of 3% for 2013, up from 2% growth in 2012.”

Accenture shares were up 28 cents, or +0.40%, during morning trading on Monday.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Accenture (ACN) have a 2.31% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $70.21. The stock has technical support in the $63-$65 price area. The stock is trading near all-time highs.

Accenture plc (ACN) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.