Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Has Microsoft (MSFT) Outpaced Other Computer and Technology Stocks This Year?

Read MoreHide Full Article

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. Is Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Computer and Technology peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Microsoft is a member of the Computer and Technology sector. This group includes 658 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #4. The Zacks Sector Rank includes 16 different groups and is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors.

The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. MSFT is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MSFT's full-year earnings has moved 4.24% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.

According to our latest data, MSFT has moved about 23.95% on a year-to-date basis. In comparison, Computer and Technology companies have returned an average of -2.22%. 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 #75 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, stocks in this group have gained 18.11% this year, meaning that MSFT is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

MSFT will likely be looking to continue its solid performance, so investors interested in Computer and Technology stocks should continue to pay close attention to the company.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) - free report >>

Published in