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ACN vs CTSH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Accenture (ACN) vs. Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Scale and momentum favor Accenture: ACN generates roughly $74 billion in annual revenue and reported record bookings, while CTSH posted a 7% quarterly bookings decline, raising questions about near-term demand.
- Profitability is converging: Cognizant reached a four-year-high adjusted operating margin of 16.3%, while Accenture's margin expanded to 15.3%, narrowing a historical gap between the two.
- Relative performance diverged: Accenture shares have rebounded sharply from mid-2026 lows on strong results, whereas Cognizant shares sold off after its latest report despite headline beats.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, bookings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently favor ACN over CTSH in this stock comparison.
- For deeper coverage, explore ACN Major News and ACN Today's Price Move, as well as CTSH Major News and CTSH Today's Price Move.
- Discover which automated strategies are leading the market right now by visiting Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Accenture and Cognizant Technology Solutions are two of the most closely watched names in IT services and consulting, yet they occupy distinct positions in the market. This stock comparison is especially relevant for investors and traders assessing how the artificial intelligence transition is reshaping the professional services industry, where demand for traditional outsourcing coexists with a fast-growing market for AI-enabled transformation work. Accenture brings greater scale and a global consulting franchise, while Cognizant offers a more concentrated IT services model with an improving margin profile. Because both stocks have moved significantly in recent weeks, understanding their relative performance, growth drivers, and risk factors can help clarify which name is better positioned for current market conditions.
ACN Overview and Recent Performance
Accenture is one of the world's largest professional services firms, with roughly 814,000 employees and about 9,000 clients across consulting and managed services. In its most recent fiscal year, the company reported revenue of approximately $74 billion and generated record new bookings, including a quarterly record of 141 client bookings worth at least $100 million each. Recent market activity has been notably strong: after sliding to multi-year lows around mid-2026 amid concerns that AI could disrupt its labor-intensive model, ACN shares staged a sharp recovery as results and forward guidance exceeded Wall Street expectations. Operating margin expanded to 15.3%, and management highlighted broad-based growth across markets, industries, and both consulting and managed services. Investor sentiment has improved as the company signaled accelerating AI-driven demand, with more than 400 clients starting advanced AI work during the fiscal year. That said, some analysts caution that valuation now reflects much of this good news.
CTSH Overview and Recent Performance
Cognizant Technology Solutions is a multinational IT services provider with roughly 356,700 employees, serving enterprise clients primarily in financial services, healthcare, and other industries through a global delivery model. In its latest quarter, CTSH reported revenue of about $5.7 billion, up roughly 4.6% year over year, and an adjusted operating margin of 16.3%, its highest level in four years. The company has positioned itself aggressively around AI delivery, forming large-scale partnerships and capability groups tied to major AI platforms. However, recent performance has been mixed from an investor's perspective: third-quarter bookings fell 7% year over year, and fourth-quarter guidance pointed to slower growth, prompting a sell-off despite top- and bottom-line beats. Management framed the shift as a market moving "from capability to value realization," implying clients are scrutinizing AI returns before committing to large new contracts. The stock continues to trade at a discount to its historical valuation multiples.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
While both companies operate in IT services, their business models and market positioning differ meaningfully. Accenture's scale, diversified consulting base, and record bookings give it broader revenue durability and stronger top-line momentum, though its growth is decelerating to a guided 3% to 6% in local currency. Cognizant's improving adjusted operating margin and higher concentration in fast-growing financial services work distinguish it, but its shrinking bookings and reliance on acquisitions and resold third-party products for recent growth present a trade-off. On valuation, CTSH trades near 11 times forward earnings, well below its five-year average, while ACN has re-rated higher after its rally. Risk factors also diverge: Accenture carries meaningful exposure to discretionary consulting and U.S. federal work, while Cognizant's offshore delivery model and heavy reliance on a few industry verticals introduce their own cyclical sensitivity.
Tickeron AI Verdict
On observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor ACN in the current environment. Accenture demonstrates more consistent trend strength, supported by record bookings, broad-based growth, and improving margin trajectory, which together suggest firmer forward demand. By contrast, Cognizant's declining bookings and softer guidance, despite its margin gains, introduce greater uncertainty around near-term revenue momentum. While Cognizant's discounted valuation and AI positioning offer a credible longer-term case, the weight of momentum, catalysts, and relative positioning currently tilts the AI-driven assessment toward Accenture. This reflects a probabilistic judgment based on recent data rather than a definitive prediction of future returns.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ACN is a Buy and CTSH is a Hold.
ACN sees its 50-day moving average cross bullishly above its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for ACN moved above the 200-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 01, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ACN as a result. In 46 of 76 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ACN just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where ACN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
ACN moved above its 50-day moving average on September 29, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +5.55% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ACN advanced for three days, in 184 of 299 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 123 of 201 cases where ACN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 61%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ACN moved out of overbought territory on November 03, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 24 of the 39 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 62%.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ACN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
ACN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ACN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 71 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.885) is normal, around the industry mean (2.796). P/E Ratio (20.155) is within average values for comparable stocks, (18.242). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.268) is also within normal values, averaging (2.284). Dividend Yield (0.027) settles around the average of (0.207) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.618) is also within normal values, averaging (139.965).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ACN’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 93, placing this stock worse than average.
CTSH's Indicator enters downward trend
The Aroon Indicator for CTSH entered a downward trend on October 09, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor identified a pattern where the AroonDown red line was above 70 while the AroonUp green line was below 30 for three straight days. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. A.I.dvisor looked at 258 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator formed such a pattern. In 159 of the 258 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CTSH moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 31 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 16 of the 31 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 52%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CTSH as a result. In 46 of 80 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CTSH turned negative on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 41 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 20 of the 41 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 49%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CTSH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
CTSH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
CTSH moved above its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CTSH crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The 50-day moving average for CTSH moved above the 200-day moving average on October 12, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +8.13% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CTSH advanced for three days, in 175 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CTSH’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 49 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 58 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.988) is normal, around the industry mean (2.796). P/E Ratio (13.639) is within average values for comparable stocks, (18.242). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.827) is also within normal values, averaging (2.284). Dividend Yield (0.021) settles around the average of (0.207) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.367) is also within normal values, averaging (139.965).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CTSH’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 93, placing this stock worse than average.
ACN | CTSH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 45 | 91 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 71 Overvalued | 58 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 38 | 56 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 2 | 40 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 43 | 72 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 49 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CTSH's Valuation (58) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as ACN (71). This means that CTSH’s stock grew similarly to ACN’s over the last 12 months.
CTSH's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as ACN (100). This means that CTSH’s stock grew similarly to ACN’s over the last 12 months.
ACN's SMR Rating (38) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as CTSH (56). This means that ACN’s stock grew similarly to CTSH’s over the last 12 months.
ACN's Price Growth Rating (2) in the Information Technology Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CTSH (40). This means that ACN’s stock grew somewhat faster than CTSH’s over the last 12 months.
ACN's P/E Growth Rating (43) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as CTSH (72). This means that ACN’s stock grew similarly to CTSH’s over the last 12 months.
| ACN | CTSH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 52% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 57% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 49% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 51% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 62% | 14 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 42% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 62% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ACN’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while CTSH’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- ACN’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- CTSH’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ACN’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while CTSH’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ACN’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- CTSH’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
ACN (@Information Technology Services) experienced а +8.25% price change this week, while CTSH (@Information Technology Services) price change was -3.61% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Information Technology Services industry was -1.50%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.56%, and the average quarterly price growth was -11.29%.
Reported Earning Dates
ACN is expected to report earnings on Dec 17, 2026.
CTSH is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Information Technology Services (-1.50% weekly)The industry, whose total market cap runs into trillions, makes hardware/software that allows data to be stored, retrieved, transmitted, and manipulated on computers. With the ever-increasing relevance of data, the information technology (IT) industry has gained momentous growth over the years, and continues to thrive on innovation. Some of the behemoths in the industry are International Business Machines Corporation, Accenture, and VMware, Inc.
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ACN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ACN has been closely correlated with GLOB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ACN jumps, then GLOB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ACN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACN | 100% | -2.45% | ||
| GLOB - ACN | 76% Closely correlated | -4.21% | ||
| EPAM - ACN | 73% Closely correlated | -3.92% | ||
| G - ACN | 72% Closely correlated | -0.74% | ||
| EXLS - ACN | 72% Closely correlated | -0.94% | ||
| GIB - ACN | 71% Closely correlated | -1.68% | ||
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