Back to top

Image: Bigstock

3 Tech Stocks to Ride the Post-Earnings Momentum

Read MoreHide Full Article

As Q2 earnings season comes to an end, it’s time for investors to reflect on our latest round of results and adjust their strategies accordingly. Overall, earnings were strong, and we saw broad-based growth reaching the double digit level for the second quarter in a row, which means investors should be moving from a position of strength right now.

Of course, the technology sector was an impressive performer once again. Tech stocks have been leading the way for most of 2017, and since the recent volatility in the space had no effect on the previous quarter’s earnings, we saw strong results across the board this season.

In fact, according to our exclusive Zacks Sector Rank data, about 70% of the companies in our “Computer and Technology” sector either met or surpassed earnings estimates this quarter. While that means you may have missed a few opportunities to profit from earnings surprises, there’s still plenty of time to ride the tech sector’s post-earnings momentum.

Analysts and large funds take time to digest earnings reports, so the window of opportunity actually stays open a little bit longer than one might think. What’s more, by targeting companies with strong Zacks Ranks and Style Scores, investors can ensure they are finding the best possible stocks in the wake of earnings season.

Check out these three tech stocks to ride the post-earnings momentum:

1.       Nvidia Corporation (NVDA - Free Report)

Nvidia, which is quickly turning into an investor favorite, posted earnings of $1.01 per share in the most recent quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a whopping 47%. Since then, positive estimate revisions have been pouring in, and now the company’s current-quarter Zacks Consensus Estimate sits 16 cents higher.

This revision activity has propelled the stock to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and its recent gains have helped it earn an “A” grade for Momentum. Nvidia shares are now up over 50% year-to-date, but the company’s impressive growth prospects could continue to push the stock higher. Looking ahead, Nvidia is poised to benefit even further from widespread adoption of AI technology, as it is an industry leader in this emerging market.

 

2.       Etsy, Inc. (ETSY - Free Report)

E-commerce marketplace Etsy reported earnings of 10 cents per share in the last quarter, smashing the Zacks Consensus Estimate that called for break-even results. Quarterly revenues were $102 million, ahead of our consensus estimate and up 20% from the year-ago period.

As a result, we’ve seen four positive revisions to Etsy’s current-quarter earnings estimates, moving our Zacks Consensus Estimate four cents higher. Now, the latest figures are calling for Etsy to post EPS growth of 310% this quarter. The company’s strong results and positive revision activity have earned the stock a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), and it has also gained an “A” for Momentum in the wake of its report.

 

3.       Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET - Free Report)

Arista Networks, a provider of cloud networking solutions for datacenters, has benefitted from the massive boom in this space. The company recently reported earnings of $1.34 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.95 by more than 40%. Furthermore, quarterly revenues of $405 million were well beyond our consensus estimate of $361 million and soared more than 50% year-over-year.

Within the last month, Arista has witnessed eight positive revisions to its current-quarter earnings estimates, which has lifted its Zacks Consensus Estimate by nine cents. The company’s stock has also moved more than 10% higher over that timeframe. ANET is now a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with “A” grades for Momentum and Growth in our Style Scores system.

 

Want more stock market analysis from this author? Make sure to follow @Ryan_McQueeney on Twitter!

Zacks' 10-Minute Stock-Picking Secret

Since 1988, the Zacks system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +25% per year. With compounding, rebalancing, and exclusive of fees, it can turn thousands into millions of dollars.

But here's something even more remarkable: You can master this proven system without going to a single class or seminar. And then you can apply it to your portfolio in as little as 10 minutes a month. Learn the secret >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) - free report >>

Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) - free report >>

Etsy, Inc. (ETSY) - free report >>