Analysts Cut Accenture, Back Payments Stocks

Global Payments attracted fresh analyst attention today with a new recommendation added to coverage. The consensus target sits at $93.38. Short interest runs at 7.5% of free float — modest for a payments name, but worth watching.

Accenture had a rougher ride. Analysts pulled a recommendation entirely, and the average target price dropped from $208 to $197. That is a nearly 5% cut in just days. A second downward target revision followed closely. The IT consulting giant carries a $78.6 billion market cap. It is now under pressure from both earnings scrutiny and AI disruption fears.

Estée Lauder also drew a new recommendation. The beauty group has struggled with weak China demand. Its average target of $95.31 reflects cautious optimism. Short interest sits at just 3% of free float.

Merck got a target price bump. The consensus target moved up to $130.11 from $129.74. Modest, but a positive signal in a defensive sector.

Kroger saw two consecutive downward target cuts. The grocery chain's average target slid from $72.14 to $71.19. Margin pressure from wage costs may be weighing on analyst views.

The clearest theme: analyst caution on high-multiple tech and consulting names, with selective support for healthcare and consumer staples.