Back to top

Image: Bigstock

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Alphabet, NVIDIA and Microsoft

Read MoreHide Full Article

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – January 25, 2021 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL - Free Report) , NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA - Free Report) and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT - Free Report) .

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

3 Stocks to Gain from an Uptick in Demand for Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming as a phenomenon is gradually gaining popularity owing to the convenience it offers to gamers. Notably, with the help of cloud gaming, gamers can play graphic-intensive games on devices such as smartphones, tablets or PCs without having to purchase expensive gaming hardware as the games run on remote online servers. Users have the option to purchase subscription for cloud gaming like in the case of other streaming services or they can also enjoy playing titles they own on other platforms or consoles.

In fact, per a report by Grand View Research, the global cloud gaming market is estimated to witness a CAGR of 48.2% from 2021 to 2027. Notably, the market size was valued at $0.47 billion in 2020.

The report stated that cloud gaming is increasing in demand because of the rising penetration of Internet services along with easy access to games on the cloud. Moreover, the report mentioned that network infrastructure developments like 5G will be beneficial for cloud gaming, as it offers "lower latency and higher bandwidth." Meanwhile, the fast adoption of smartphones across the globe are also expected to drive the growth for cloud gaming.

Reflective of these estimates, a survey conducted by Ribbon Communications showed that respondents were willing to shift to 5G and pay more for the promised upgraded experience, as quoted in a Capacity Media article. Notably, 79% of the respondents stated that they would consider replacing their current service and upgrade to 5G to enhance their gaming experience. Separately, the global smartphone market is also expected to grow in 2021. Per the International Data Corporation ("IDC"), smartphone shipments are forecast to grow 4.4% in 2021.

IDC estimated 5G smartphone shipments to grow to 58% of global volume in 2024.Such positive developments bode well for the cloud gaming market as in any case, the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted video games as a major form of entertainment.

3 Stocks to Watch

Cloud gaming seems poised to witness growth going forward as it provides gamers the convenience of playing their favorite games without having to buy high-end hardware. Moreover, the increasing demand for 5G and smartphones should help in bolstering cloud gaming.

This makes it a good time to look at stocks with focus on cloud gaming which can make the most of this trend. Notably, we have selected three such stocks that carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Alphabet operates through Google and Other Bets segments. Notably, Google launched its own cloud gaming platform called Stadia which allows users to stream games directly on compatible devices. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings increased 8.7% over the past 90 days. The company's expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 19.9%.

NVIDIA operates as a visual computing company worldwide. The company has its own cloud-based game streaming service called GeForce NOW allowing users to stream on devices their own library of games, by connecting to store accounts or playing free-to-play games. It currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next-year earnings increased 5.3% over the past 90 days. The company's expected earnings growth rate for next year is 19.6%.

Microsoft develops, licenses and supports software, services, devices and solutions worldwide. The company has its own service, cloud gaming (beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Notably, the company recently announced that it will increase its cloud gaming reach by making Xbox Game Pass Ultimate available on Windows PCs and iOS devices. It currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings increased 5.8% over the past 90 days. The company's expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 16.8%.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.

Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2021. 

Click here for the 6 trades >>

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com                                      

https://www.zacks.com                                          

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) - free report >>

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) - free report >>

Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) - free report >>

Published in