RBC Capital analysts provided their outlook on Accenture (NYSE:ACN) ahead of the upcoming Q2 results, expecting to get clarity on the strategic review.
The analysts expect Q3 ID sales growth of 5.5% and EPS of $0.63 (both in line with the Street estimates). While fundamentals appear to have remained solid, the analysts suspect price action on the print will ultimately come down to whether or not management has a meaningful strategic review update. On June 22, the company announced that it had come to an agreement with the company’s 5 largest stockholders to extend the lock-up agreement expiration from June 30, 2022, to September 10, 2022. Then on September 9, 2022, the company announced another extension, this time to October 18, 2022.
Given the deteriorating M&A environment, the analysts are not convinced the company will provide closure on the strategic review with earnings. Given investor expectations, shares could see some pressure if a meaningful update isn’t provided.