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

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Investors focused on the Computer and Technology space have likely heard of Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? One simple way to answer this question is to take a look at the year-to-date performance of MSFT and the rest of the Computer and Technology group's stocks.

Microsoft is one of 594 companies in the Computer and Technology group. The Computer and Technology group currently sits at #4 within 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).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MSFT's full-year earnings has moved 2.64% higher. This shows that analyst sentiment has improved and the company's earnings outlook is stronger.

Based on the most recent data, MSFT has returned 25.04% so far this year. Meanwhile, the Computer and Technology sector has returned an average of 0.43% on a year-to-date basis. As we can see, Microsoft is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

Breaking things down more, MSFT is a member of the Computer - Software industry, which includes 42 individual companies and currently sits at #101 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 18.17% so far this year, meaning that MSFT is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

Investors in the Computer and Technology sector will want to keep a close eye on MSFT as it attempts to continue its solid performance.


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