The following U.S. tech sector stocks have shown persistent momentum over the last three months. These counters all have a market value of at least $2 billion and all returned at least 5% in each of the last three months. If the market looks set to rally through December and January, these are some of the stocks to keep an eye on.
Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)
The most valuable listed company has surprised many with persistent momentum since June. The stock price is very overbought and is at risk of retracing to $240 if it loses $260. However, that may not happen if investors see Apple as the most obvious way to play a strong year-end. Some analysts are cautious on the stock, but most are still moderately bullish, with price targets between $290 and $325.
Jabil Inc (NYSE: JBL)
Circuit board maker Jabil has been on a tear since it broke a 2-year resistance level in September. Although the stock appears overbought, the valuation is still attractive if analyst estimates for the next year are to be believed. Still, it needs to hold $38 for the trend to remain valid.
STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE: STM)
Swiss semiconductor company, STMicroelectronics, fell 50% in the second half of last year and has now recovered most of those losses. The stock is close to the all-time high, though it still has 10% to go before it gets there. This is also a stock to watch in 2020 if the all-time high is broken and the company keeps delivering.
Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NSIT)
Insight Enterprises has already rallied 58% since its September low. The valuation suggests there may be some more upside in the next 12 months, but the stock is very overbought in the short term. There may be another small rally in the next few months, but caution is advised.
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEIS)
AEIS has recovered 50% from last year’s losses but is now struggling against resistance. Recent earnings disappointed investors, who are now more cautious about the stock. If the price does happen to break $68 on solid volume it may run up to $78 before further consolidation is likely.
NetApp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP)
NetApp has rallied hard since June and responded positively to the second-quarter earnings beat in November. Since then the stock price has drifted back to $60. If it reverses off that level, resistance at $67 will be the next target.
CDK Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDK)
CDK Global, the automotive software provider, has seen its stock price bounce back from very oversold levels. The stock price is currently testing a major resistance zone between $54 and $56. It’s doubtful the price will break that resistance any time soon – but if it does a 15% rally is likely.
Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTNX)
Nutanix gapped higher after reporting strong results in November. A substantial number of short positions imply the stock is in the midst of a squeeze. Sell-side targets are quite a bit higher, so the immediate target is probably resistance at $45. Caution is advised though, as this stock could reverse very quickly if the squeeze ends.
DocuSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: DOCU)
DocuSign has jumped nearly 60% since a big earnings surprise in September. The sell-side is still bullish on the stock, though there are doubters and a substantial number of shorts. With a forward PE of 177, the company is probably overvalued but momentum and short-covering may keep the rally going for a while longer. However, if it loses $70 a correction is likely.
StoneCo Ltd. (NASDAQ: STNE)
Brazilian fin-tech company, StoneCo recently broke out of an eight-month consolidation pattern. Year-on-year earnings growth of 434%, the backing of Warren Buffett, and short interest of 10% may lead to another leg higher if the price breaks $42.
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