The Tech Sector in 2023
Tech stocks have maintained their commanding position in the New Year, fueled by a combination of positive macro developments, particularly the growing assurance of Fed easing and controlled inflation. This remarkable momentum is also being driven by the rising promise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the gradual overcoming of challenges in Tech spending.
Expectations for December-Quarter Results
This week, the market will closely watch the December-quarter results of many Tech companies for insights into business spending trends, especially in the cloud sector. Effective cost controls have stabilized margins, and clearer top-line trends are expected to consolidate the favorable revisions trend and support the sector’s impressive stock market momentum.
AI’s Impact on Tech Giants
The AI debate, marked by direct revenue impact from companies like Nvidia and Microsoft, is a major focus. The urgent issue is the monetization of AI capabilities through new and existing business models, as well as the potential productivity enhancements.
Upcoming Earnings Reports
This week will see earnings reports from five of the ‘Big 7 Tech players’ – Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Apple. Each company’s strategy in utilizing AI capabilities for business growth will be a key theme in their earnings calls.
Performance of Tech Stocks
A chart depicting the one-year stock market performance of major Tech companies reflects their substantial gains, outperforming the S&P 500 index. While Apple may not have matched the stellar performance of other members, it remains a notable player in the group.
Market Expectations and Historical Context
The prevailing consensus calls for the ‘Big 7 Tech Players’ to deliver significantly higher earnings and revenues compared to the same period last year, with consistent upward revisions in expectations. historical context reveals a shift towards regular/normal growth, but the outlook depends on the macroeconomic landscape.
Overall Sector Performance
Looking beyond individual companies, the performance of the Technology sector as a whole indicates a recovery from the growth challenges experienced during the pandemic. Pulled-forward revenues and earnings have largely receded, heralding a positive outlook for the sector.
Future Projections
Projections suggest that the sector is on a path to surpass the profitability levels of previous years, with substantial gains expected in the coming years. This trend signals an optimistic future for the Tech industry.
The Earnings Big Picture
The chart below illustrates the comprehensive view of earnings and revenue growth rates, outlining the actual achievements in recent quarters alongside current expectations for the S&P 500 index.