** Consultancy firm Accenture ACN.N said on Thursday the Trump administration's efforts to reduce federal spending have led to delays and cancellations of new contracts
** Nineteen of 26 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, seven "hold"; their median PT is $395.97, according to data compiled by LSEG
DOGE DILEMMA HITS GROWTH OUTLOOK
** Morgan Stanley ("equal-weight", PT: $372) says expected growth slowdown in Q3 leaves room for further decline if economy worsens or DOGE's (Department of Government Efficiency) cost-cutting efforts increase
** Piper Sandler ("overweight", PT: $364) says ACN's ability to drive growth and lead industry is uncertain due to pressure on federal services from DOGE and overall economic uncertainty
** RBC Capital Markets ("outperform", PT: $392) believes demand from clients, influenced by both economic and political factors, has not reached its lowest point yet and will continue to negatively impact co's growth outlook
** Morningstar (fair value: $318) expects current administration's review of federal contracts to cut funding for non-"mission critical" projects causing slowdown in federal services business, which accounts for 8% of ACN's global revenue
(Reporting by Akriti Shah in Bengaluru)
((akriti.shah@thomsonreuters.com))