Will Tech ETFs Hit New Highs Post Facebook, Apple Earnings?

Robust results from Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) , Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) propelled the Nasdaq to record highs last week and added a combined market cap of more than $155 billion since Oct 26. Another batch of tech giants led by Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) will report on Nov 1 and Nov, 2, respectively, after the bell (read: Tech ETFs to Soar on Microsoft's Blockbuster Earnings Beat).

Both Facebook and Apple have had an impressive run this year, hitting fresh highs ahead of its earnings. Will the trend continue post their earnings as well?

Facebook

The social media giant has enjoyed eight consecutive quarters of earnings and revenue beat. It has gained about 56.4% so far this year, clearly outperforming the industry by a wide margin.

The stock has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and an Earnings ESP of -3.68%, indicating lower chances of beating estimates this quarter. According to our surprise prediction methodology, a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), when combined with a positive Earnings ESP, makes us confident in predicting an earnings beat. A Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell rated) is best avoided going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Though Facebook saw no earnings estimate revision over the past 30 days for the third quarter, its earnings surprise history is impressive with a positive earnings surprise of 11.30% on average for the past four quarters. The company is expected to post solid earnings growth of 20.5% and revenue growth of 40.9% in Q3 (read: FAANMG ETFs to Buy Ahead of Q3 Earnings).

Facebook, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Facebook, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Facebook, Inc. Quote

Further, the stock boasts a solid Industry Rank in the top 33% with a top Growth Style Score of A. However, a Value and Momentum Style Score of D and F, respectively, look unfavorable. According to the analysts polled by Zacks, Facebook has an average target price of $192.82 with 100% giving a Strong Buy or a Buy rating ahead of the company’s earnings. This represents about 7% upside to the current price.

Apple

The technology giant has also outperformed with returns of 44% versus 40% for the industry. Notably, Apple accounts for over 19% of the total market capitalization of the entire technology sector in the S&P 500 index and has enjoyed five consecutive quarters of earnings and revenue beat.

Apple has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of +1.17%, indicating higher chances of beating estimates this quarter. While the stock saw no earnings estimate revision over the past 30 days, its earnings surprise history is strong. It delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 3.82% over the past four quarters. Apple is expected to post substantial earnings growth of 11.57% and revenue growth of 9.22% in the fiscal fourth quarter (read: Apple Falls as Report Indicates Weak Demand: ETFs in Focus).

Apple Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Apple Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Apple Inc. Quote

Further, Apple flaunts a solid Value Style Score of B but its Growth and Momentum Style Score of D and F, respectively, look ugly. Plus, the industry outlook is encouraging with the Zacks Industry Rank in the top 9%. According to the analysts compiled by Zacks, Apple has an average target price of $179.27 with about 79% of the analysts having a Strong Buy or a Buy rating ahead of its earnings. This indicates a 7.5% upside to the current price of AAPL.

ETFs in Focus

Given this, investors could focus on tech ETFs having the largest allocation to both Facebook and Apple. Below we have highlighted some of those that will be in focus through week and have been hitting highs ahead of their earnings:

iShares Dow Jones US Technology ETF IYW: This ETF has a Zacks ETF Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and has surged 34.1% since the start of the year. Apple is one of the top firms, accounting for 16.7% share while Facebook is the third firm with 8.4% allocation.

Select Sector SPDR Technology ETF XLK: The fund has added 30.8% in the same time frame and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 (Buy). Here also, Apple takes the top spot at 14.8% while Facebook occupies the third position with 7.3% share (see: all the Technology ETFs here).

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (HN:VGT) : This product is up 34.4% and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2. AAPL takes the top spot at 13.8% while FB takes the fourth position with 6.9% share.

MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (V:FTEC) : This ETF has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 and has gained 34.3%. Apple and Facebook take the top and third spots with 13.7% and 6.8% allocation, respectively.

iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Technology ETF (KL:TCHF) : The product is up 33.1% so far this year and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2. AAPL occupies the top position at 13.3% while FB takes the third position at 5.3% share (read: 5 Overlooked Tech ETFs Crushing XLK).

AdvisorShares New Tech and Media ETF (AS:FNG) : This is a new ETF debuted in July, offering exposure to the FANG stocks. Facebook is the third firm, accounting for 7.2% allocation while Apple is the ninth firm with 4.3% share. It is up more than 10% since inception.

Investors could also bet on Facebook in the basket form with the help of Global X Social Media Index ETF (CM:SOCL) , First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index FDN, and PowerShares Nasdaq Internet Portfolio PNQI. Facebook accounts for 10.3% share in SOCL, 8.3% share in XLK and 8% share in PNQI. SOCL and PNQI have a Zacks Rank #1 while FDN has a Zacks Rank #2.

Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox?

Zacks’ free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get it free >>