3 Reasons Why Akamai (AKAM) is a Great Momentum Stock

Many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for momentum investors in the near term.

This method discovered several great candidates for momentum-oriented investors, but today let’s focus on Akamai Technologies, Inc. AKAM as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous ways in which this company could be a great choice, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for AKAM’s status as a solid momentum stock below:

Longer Term Price Change for Akamai

While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. That is why looking at longer term price metrics—such as performance over the past three months or year-- and comparing these to an industry at large can be very useful.

And in the case of AKAM, the results are quite impressive. The company has beaten the industry at large over the past 12 weeks by a margin of 12.6% to 0%, while it has also outperformed when looking at the past year, putting up a gain of 17.1%. Clearly, AKAM is riding a bit of a hot streak and is worth a closer look by investors.  

Akamai Technologies, Inc. Price

Akamai Technologies, Inc. Price | Akamai Technologies, Inc. Quote

Quarter EPS Estimate Change for Akamai Stock

While looking at price performance or full year earnings can be essential to understanding a momentum stock, you shouldn’t forget about the current quarter EPS and the trend in estimates there. This change can signal how a stock might perform in the next earnings season, which is obviously vital for momentum investors.

Right now, AKAM is seeing a nice trend over the past month when it comes to this quarter’s earnings estimate projections. In the time frame, EPS estimates for Akamai have gone up by 1.2% compared to an industry average move of 0%, suggesting that not only is AKAM heading in the right direction, but it is seeing an increase relative to the industry too.

AKAM Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction

While the great momentum factors outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, we should also take into account broad earnings estimate revision trends. A nice path here can really help to show us a promising stock, and we have actually been seeing that with AKAM as of late.

Over the past two months, 11 earnings estimates have gone higher compared to none lower for the full year, while we are also seeing that seven estimate has move upwards with no downward revision for the next year time frame. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate, as two months ago, AKAM was expected to post earnings of $2.60 per share for the full year, though today it looks to have EPS of $3.02 for the full year, representing a solid increase which is something that should be welcome news to would-be investors.

Bottom Line

Given these factors, investors shouldn’t be surprised to note that we have AKAM as a security with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Momentum Score of A. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

So if you are looking for a fresh pick that has potential to move in the right direction, definitely keep AKAM on your short list as this looks be a stock that is very well-positioned to soar in the near term.

Zacks Editor-in-Chief Goes "All In" on This Stock

Full disclosure, Kevin Matras now has more of his own money in one particular stock than in any other. He believes in its short-term profit potential and also in its prospects to more than double by 2019. Today he reveals and explains his surprising move in a new Special Report.

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