In 2024, the U.S. stock market, particularly the S&P 500, has experienced significant growth, largely due to the tech sector's emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL) has emerged as a standout performer in this AI-driven market, with its stock price increasing by 139% (from January to May) and then dropping to 38% (from June to July) . This surge is attributed to Dell's pivotal role in meeting the AI-driven demand for servers, highlighting the company's strategic positioning in the tech industry. But the correction is due to investor fear and uncertainty about further rapid growth.
Dell's financial performance has been a topic of interest among investors, especially following its first-quarter earnings report on May 30th. Despite reaching a peak share price of $179.70, Dell saw a decline in its stock value due to concerns over the profitability of its server sales. However, the company's stock is now considered more attractively priced, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18.85 times. This adjustment in stock price has caught the attention of analysts, with 18 out of 21 recommending a buy and setting an average stock target price of $161.05 per share. This suggests a potential 26% upside, indicating a positive outlook for Dell's stock.
The company's success in the AI server market is evident from a 42% sales increase in that segment. This growth is particularly noteworthy as it comes at a time when the tech sector is driving the S&P 500 to new heights. Dell's ability to capitalize on the AI-driven demand for servers positions it well for continued success, especially as supply chain issues begin to ease. This success story is part of a broader trend in the stock market, where companies like Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG) and Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) are also achieving record-breaking performances due to the AI-driven surge in demand in their respective sectors.
Dell Technologies is also recognized for its potential undervaluation, according to a recent analysis by Zacks Investment Research. With a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and an "A" grade for Value, Dell's current trading price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is significantly lower than the industry average of 31.75. This discrepancy suggests that Dell's stock might be undervalued, making it an attractive option for investors. The analysis further supports this view by highlighting Dell's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.88, indicating that the company's shares might be trading at a discount relative to its sales performance. These metrics, combined with Dell's strong earnings outlook, underscore the company's status as one of the market's strongest value stocks.