3 Buy-Rated Technology Stocks Sporting Attractive Valuations
Technology stocks have been standout performers year-to-date, rewarding investors handsomely. The Zacks Computer & Technology sector is up an impressive 40% in 2023, widely outperforming the S&P 500’s substantial 20% gain.
And with the sector’s strong run, many have begun raising concerns surrounding valuations. However, not all technology stocks are expensive, including Celestica CLS, Jabil JBL, and NCR NCR.
All three sport sound valuations and have enjoyed positive earnings estimate revisions, undoubtedly a solid pairing. Let’s take a closer look at each.
NCR
NCR Corporation, a current Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), is the world's leading enterprise provider of software, hardware, and services for banks, retailers, restaurants, and small businesses. Shares presently trade at a 9.2X forward earnings multiple (F1), well off the 11.3X five-year median and 2022 highs of 15.8X.
The stock carries a Style Score of ‘A’ for Value.
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NCR shares could also attract growth-focused investors; estimates for its current fiscal year suggest 20% EPS growth in its current fiscal year (FY23) and an additional 9% of growth in FY24.
In addition, the company has delivered strong quarterly results as of late, exceeding the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate by at least 30% in back-to-back releases. The results have impressed the market, with NCR shares seeing bullish activity following both prints.
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Celestica
Celestica is one of the world's largest electronics manufacturing services companies serving the computer and communications sectors. The company’s earnings outlook has recently improved across the board, helping land the stock into a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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The company’s forward earnings multiple (F1) sits at 10.4X, a few ticks above the five-year median and well below the Zacks Computer & Technology sector average. In addition, the forward price-to-sales (F1) works out to be a small 0.3X.
And like NCR, Celestica is forecasted to witness solid growth, with estimates suggesting a 20% bump in earnings on 8% higher sales in its current year. Looking ahead to FY24, expectations allude to a further 10% improvement in earnings on a 5% sales increase.
Jabil
Jabil provides electronic manufacturing services and solutions to its customers, currently boasting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The revisions trend has been particularly notable for its current year, with the $8.50 per share estimate up 8% since August last year.
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It’s worth highlighting that JBL shares offer exposure to technology paired with a passive income stream; JBL shares currently yield a small 0.3% paired with a sustainable payout ratio sitting at 4% of the company’s earnings.
And shares don’t appear overvalued given the company’s growth profile, with earnings forecasted to climb 11% in its current year and a further 9% in FY24. Shares presently trade at a 12.8X forward earnings multiple (F1) and a 0.4X forward price-to-sales (F1).
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Bottom Line
With technology stocks enjoying strong runs in 2023, many have feared valuations have become too expensive.
However, that certainly isn’t the case for all in the sector, including Celestica CLS, Jabil JBL, and NCR NCR. All three sport sound valuations, carrying a Style Score of ‘A’ for Value.
In addition, all three have enjoyed positive earnings estimate revisions, helping provide fuel for shares to continue climbing.
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