Is Applied Materials (AMAT) Outperforming Other Computer and Technology Stocks This Year?

Investors interested in Computer and Technology stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Has Applied Materials (AMAT) been one of those stocks this year? 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.Applied Materials is a member of the Computer and Technology sector. This group includes 592 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #1. 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 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. Applied Materials is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMAT's full-year earnings has moved 9% higher within the past quarter. This shows that analyst sentiment has improved and the company's earnings outlook is stronger.According to our latest data, AMAT has moved about 128% on a year-to-date basis. In comparison, Computer and Technology companies have returned an average of 15%. As we can see, Applied Materials is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.One other Computer and Technology stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is A10 Networks (ATEN). The stock is up 91.4% year-to-date.The consensus estimate for A10 Networks' current year EPS has increased 4.2% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).To break things down more, Applied Materials belongs to the Electronics - Semiconductors industry, a group that includes 47 individual companies and currently sits at #60 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 52.8% so far this year, so AMAT is performing better in this area. In contrast, A10 Networks falls under the Internet - Software industry. Currently, this industry has 170 stocks and is ranked #90. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved -16.2%.Investors with an interest in Computer and Technology stocks should continue to track Applied Materials and A10 Networks. These stocks will be looking to continue their solid performance.7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 DaysJust released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.7% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. See them now >>This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks