We recently published a list of The 10 best big data stocks to buym. In this article, we take a look at how Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) compares to other big data stocks.
The global big data market is on a rapid growth trajectory and is expected to reach $103 billion by 2027, more than doubling in size since 2018. This explosive growth is driven by the increasing reliance on data to support business decisions, optimize operations, and generate new revenue streams. According to Statista, the software segment in particular will dominate, accounting for 45% of the market by 2027. Big data, characterized by its massive volume, high velocity, and wide variety, presents both opportunities and challenges. Traditional data processing tools struggle to handle the scale and complexity of modern data sets that are growing rapidly due to the rise in mobile traffic, cloud computing, and the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These factors have helped big data become a critical asset for businesses across industries. As the data landscape has evolved, advanced analytics tools such as predictive analytics and data mining have become essential to extract valuable insights from massive data sets.
The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a rise in the number of connected devices generating massive amounts of data that require advanced big data solutions for effective processing and analysis. Cloud computing is enriching the big data market by providing scalable and cost-effective storage and processing capabilities, enabling businesses to easily handle large amounts of data. Technological advancements in big data are continuously improving the management and analysis of massive data sets, making these processes more accessible and practical. This advancement supports the growing trend of data-driven decision-making, where businesses are increasingly relying on data insights to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and gain a competitive advantage. In addition, big data analytics helps businesses uncover hidden patterns and customer trends, drive innovation, and enable the development of products and services that adapt to evolving market needs, highlighting the critical role of big data in today’s competitive environment.
Investments in big data technologies are also being driven by strict data privacy and security regulations. Compliance with laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the US is becoming mandatory for businesses. These regulations require robust data handling practices and compel companies to implement advanced big data solutions that ensure data privacy and security. Improved measures such as secure storage and data protection protocols build trust among consumers and stakeholders. In addition, the need for effective data management frameworks is accelerating the adoption of sophisticated big data technologies. These solutions enable comprehensive data management, including tracking data lineage, maintaining data integrity, and conducting regular audits. The focus is on integrating encryption, anonymization, and real-time monitoring tools to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access. Continuous investment in big data technologies is critical for organizations to meet evolving compliance requirements and thus drive market growth.
According to a report by Verified Market Research, North America is expected to continue to lead the big data market, driven by key verticals such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. In the financial sector, big data analytics plays a crucial role for banks, investment firms, and insurance companies as it provides deeper insights into customer behavior, detects fraudulent activities, and assesses risks. By analyzing extensive data sets, including transaction histories, market trends, and customer demographics, financial institutions can uncover patterns and anomalies that help in making informed decisions and managing risks. Predictive analytics models improve forecasting of market trends, optimize investment strategies, and improve portfolio management, contributing to increased profitability and competitive advantage in the financial sector.
In healthcare, big data analytics significantly improves patient care, reduces costs, and advances medical research. Healthcare providers use big data to analyze electronic health records (EHRs), medical imaging, and genomic data to adjust treatment plans, diagnose diseases more accurately, and predict patient outcomes. Population health analytics also helps healthcare organizations identify high-risk groups, allocate resources more effectively, and implement preventive measures. In addition, integrating big data into healthcare systems supports real-time monitoring of patient health metrics, enabling timely interventions and better overall outcomes. Pharmaceutical companies benefit from big data by accelerating drug discovery, refining clinical trials, and developing personalized medicines, driving innovation and advancement in medical science.
With such a bright outlook for the big data market, investors are closely monitoring companies that are well positioned to capitalize on this trend. In this article, we examine the best big data stocks to buy now, focusing on companies that are well positioned to capitalize on the immense growth opportunities in this dynamic sector.
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Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)
Average analyst price target: 7.62%
Average analyst price target: USD 351.82
The average analyst price target for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is $351.82, representing a potential upside of 7.62%. On August 2, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) expanded its infrastructure and net-zero project management capabilities by acquiring BOSLAN, a Spanish engineering firm specializing in renewable energy projects. Through this acquisition, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is expanding its Industry X division by adding over a thousand professionals, primarily from Spain and Brazil, strengthening its ability to deliver AI-driven net-zero infrastructure solutions. The move is in line with rising spending on the energy transition in Europe, which is expected to reach $341 billion in 2023. BOSLAN’s expertise is expected to strengthen Accenture plc’s (NYSE:ACN) global infrastructure services and support clients’ net-zero goals. This acquisition is part of Accenture’s broader strategy to expand its offerings in AI and large-scale projects. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) also reported strong results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, with revenue of $16.5 billion and an improved operating margin of 16.4%. The company forecasts fourth-quarter revenue growth of 2% to 6% in local currency.
Poland Focus Growth Strategy stated the following about Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) in its second quarter 2024 investor letter:
“Autodesk and Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) were also notable absolute detractors in the quarter. For Accenture, the past year has proven to be a weak backdrop for the IT services industry as companies rationalize their IT budgets and defer spending on discretionary, shorter-term business. Accenture is not immune to this general weakness, as evidenced by slowing growth in recent quarters. However, we would note that the stock reacted very positively later in the quarter to results that showed AI bookings were growing rapidly, although still a small portion of total bookings. In addition, growth comparisons should ease considerably as we look toward 2025.”
ACN total takes 8th place on our list of the best big data stocks to buy. While we recognize ACN’s potential as an investment, we believe some AI stocks promise higher returns and do so in a shorter time frame. If you’re looking for an AI stock that’s more promising than ACN but trades at less than 5x earnings, read our report on the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article was originally published on Insider Monkey.
