Investors interested in Computer and Technology stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Amtech Systems (ASYS) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? 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.
Amtech Systems is one of 613 companies in the Computer and Technology group. The Computer and Technology group currently sits at #1 within the Zacks Sector Rank. 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 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. Amtech Systems is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASYS' full-year earnings has moved 400% higher. This means that analyst sentiment is stronger and the stock's earnings outlook is improving.
Our latest available data shows that ASYS has returned about 27% since the start of the calendar year. In comparison, Computer and Technology companies have returned an average of 24.4%. This means that Amtech Systems is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.
Another stock in the Computer and Technology sector, MKS (MKSI), has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock's year-to-date return is 31.8%.
The consensus estimate for MKS' current year EPS has increased 4% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Looking more specifically, Amtech Systems belongs to the Semiconductor - General industry, a group that includes 7 individual stocks and currently sits at #18 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 32.2% so far this year, so ASYS is slightly underperforming its industry this group in terms of year-to-date returns.
On the other hand, MKS belongs to the Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry. This 35-stock industry is currently ranked #66. The industry has moved +42.6% year to date.
Investors with an interest in Computer and Technology stocks should continue to track Amtech Systems and MKS. These stocks will be looking to continue their solid performance.
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Amtech Systems, Inc. (ASYS): Free Stock Analysis Report MKS Inc. (MKSI): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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