Analysts Cut Targets on ACN, LULU

Accenture and lululemon faced fresh analyst pressure Thursday. Both saw target price cuts, adding to the cautious tone on growth stocks.

ACN had its average analyst target trimmed to $200.89 from $208.16. The consensus sits at 13 holds versus 15 sells. Short interest is a modest 4.4% of free float. But the sell-heavy consensus signals Wall Street doubts the IT services giant can reignite growth.

LULU was cut to $132.16 from $133.74. Two sell ratings now sit alongside 30 holds. Short interest stands at 7.5% of FF. The athleisure brand has struggled to recover from a slowdown in North America. Analysts are not yet ready to turn bullish.

On the positive side, ALB received a target upgrade to $214.65 from $213.97. The lithium producer carries 9.1% SI % FF — one of the higher readings in its peer group. Any sustained target upside could squeeze those shorts.

LLY also got a modest target bump to $1,218.72. The pharma giant holds 22 buy ratings. Only one sell exists. Analyst support remains broad.

KIM bucked the real estate gloom with a target rise to $25.82. The REIT now shows 16 holds and 10 buys — a quietly improving picture.