3 Stocks to Buy From the Booming Technology Services Market

Industry Overview - The Technology Services industry has experienced strong growth post-pandemic, driven by the rapid adoption of remote work and advancements in technology such as 5G, blockchain, AI, and ML [1][6] - The industry includes companies involved in software support, data processing, computing hardware, and communications equipment, serving both consumer and business markets [3] Economic Factors - The industry is benefiting from a recovering economy, with GDP growth projected at an annual rate of 2.8% in 2024, up from 2.5% in 2023 [5] - The Services PMI has remained above 50% for 56 out of the last 59 months, indicating healthy economic activity [5] Technological Advancements - The global shift towards digitization is creating opportunities in markets such as 5G, blockchain, and AI, with generative AI expected to grow at a 42% CAGR over the next decade, reaching a $1.3 trillion market by 2032 [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Technology Services industry ranks 49, placing it in the top 20% of over 246 Zacks industries, indicating a promising outlook [7] - Over the past year, the industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Business Services sector and the S&P 500, returning 42.1% compared to 12% and 12.4% respectively [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at an EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 31.02X, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 16.6X and the sector's 12.03X [12] Company Highlights - AppLovin Corporation (APP): Focuses on a software platform for advertisers, enhancing machine-learning models and AI integration. The company has a Zacks Rank 1 and is expected to see earnings rise 85.2% year over year in 2025, with shares up 340.5% in the past year [20][18][19] - Priority Technology Holdings (PRTH): Operates a platform for financial operations, showing strong growth despite economic challenges. PRTH also holds a Zacks Rank 1, with earnings expected to rise over 100% year over year in 2025, and shares up 116.8% in the past year [24][23] - Qifu Technology (QFIN): A China-based credit tech company improving user acquisition and integrating AI for better credit data analysis. QFIN has a Zacks Rank 1, with earnings expected to rise 22.4% year over year in 2025, and shares up 113.7% in the past year [29][27]