Has Microsoft (MSFT) Outpaced Other Computer and Technology Stocks This Year?
Investors focused on the Computer and Technology space have likely heard of Microsoft (MSFT), but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? 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 630 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #3. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.
The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. MSFT is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MSFT's full-year earnings has moved 5.36% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.
Our latest available data shows that MSFT has returned about 18.76% since the start of the calendar year. In comparison, Computer and Technology companies have returned an average of 10.27%. As we can see, Microsoft is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.
Looking more specifically, MSFT belongs to the Computer - Software industry, a group that includes 43 individual stocks and currently sits at #56 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 15.53% so far this year, meaning that MSFT is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.
Going forward, investors interested in Computer and Technology stocks should continue to pay close attention to MSFT as it looks to continue its solid performance.
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