The Technology sector has had a strong run this year on the back of the artificial intelligence (AI) growth story. However, not all tech stocks have participated in the rally.
Earlier this week, I took a closer look at a sector and found that many well-known stocks in it are currently trading 25% or more below their highs. Here are three beaten-up tech shares to consider buying today.
Rolling out AI agents
One tech name that I believe looks really interesting at current levels (I’ve been buying) is Salesforce (NYSE: CRM). It’s currently trading about 33% below its highs.
This stock’s come under pressure due to a theory that AI is going to reduce demand for its customer relationship management (CRM) software. The logic is that using AI, companies will be able to create software themselves.
Now, this scenario’s a potential risk. However, personally, I’m not really buying the thesis.
I believe that demand for Salesforce’s offer is likely to remain robust in the years ahead. Especially now that the company is making moves in the data space and rolling out AI agents that can help businesses increase productivity.
At present, Salesforce stock trades at just 19.5 times next year’s earnings forecast. At that multiple, I believe the stock offers value.
The heart of the internet
In January, shares in website-building company GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) were trading near $215. Today however, they can be picked up for less than $150.
I see a lot of value at the current share price. With Wall Street expecting earnings per share of $7.10 next year, the forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio’s only 20.6.
This company plays an important role in the tech ecosystem. Not only does it sell websites but it also helps customers develop, manage, and protect them.
It’s quite a good business model as it means the company’s able to generate recurring revenues. Personally, I pay the company annual fees for a handful of different websites.
Of course, an economic slowdown’s a risk here. Generative AI is also a risk as it could lead to less people starting websites.
After a 30% drop in the share price however, I like the risk/reward proposition.
A key role in the tech boom
Finally, check out Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT). This stock was near $250 a little over a year ago. However today, it’s trading for about $160.
This tech company supplies equipment, services, and software for the manufacture of semiconductors (chips). So it’s likely to play a key role in the tech boom in the years ahead.
Its customers include the likes of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Samsung, and Intel. With all of these companies planning to build new chip manufacturing plants in the US in the years ahead, the company looks well placed for long-term growth.
It’s worth pointing out that Applied Materials recently provided weak short-term guidance due to tariff uncertainty and less demand from China. These issues could hamper growth in the near term.
Taking a five-to-10-year view however, I think this company Is likely to do well. At present, the stock trades on a forward-looking P/E ratio of 17 – a low valuation relative to peers such as ASML and Lam Research.
