For those looking to find strong Computer and Technology stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has Microsoft (MSFT) been one of those stocks this year? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.
Microsoft is one of 626 individual stocks in the Computer and Technology sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #4 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.
The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. MSFT is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MSFT's full-year earnings has moved 6.47% higher within the past quarter. This shows that analyst sentiment has improved and the company's earnings outlook is stronger.
Based on the most recent data, MSFT has returned 26.72% so far this year. At the same time, Computer and Technology stocks have gained an average of 11.67%. This means that Microsoft is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.
Looking more specifically, MSFT belongs to the Computer - Software industry, which includes 50 individual stocks and currently sits at #57 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 25.03% so far this year, so MSFT is performing better in this area.
Investors with an interest in Computer and Technology stocks should continue to track MSFT. The stock will be looking to continue its solid performance.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
