F5 Networks
F5 Networks FFIV +1.86% is a software company that helps folks manage data and optimize networks. It's not as glamorous as Apple, but it has a lot in common with the tech stock.
Growth: F5 has posted 10 quarters of year-over-year revenue growth, and fiscal 2011 sales have almost doubled fiscal 2008 numbers and were up 31% over 2010 numbers. F5 has posted at least 13 straight quarters of EPS growth, and its fiscal 2011 profits more than tripled 2008 numbers and were up almost 60% above 2010 earnings.
Cash: F5 has zero debt and a decent stockpile of $550 million in cash.
Performance: FFIV stock has outperformed the market in the past 12 months, up more than 10% to double the Dow Jones' return in the same period. It also has returned 140% since February 2010 vs. just 25% for the Dow.
Citrix
Citrix Systems CTXS +2.22% is at the forefront of cloud computing and mobile access, allowing workers to be productive from anywhere in the world.
Growth: Citrix has posted 11 quarters of year-over-year revenue growth, and fiscal 2011 sales should be up about 15% over the previous year. That's on track with the same growth last fiscal year. CTSX has also posted 11 straight quarters of EPS growth — with its fiscal 2011 profits doubling 2009 earnings and up about 45% from 2010.
Cash: Citrix has zero debt and $775 million in cash and short-term investments.
Performance: Though lagging the market slightly in the last 12 months, mostly because of waning momentum since Thanksgiving, the stock has doubled the Dow since early 2010 with 55% returns. Admittedly, there are signs Citrix might be slowing down - competition from EMC Corp EMC +0.47% and other high-flying virtualization stocks is a threat, but Barclays Capital just initiated coverage in December with an outperform rating, and average price targets on CTXS are north of $80 per share. So don't count Citrix out.
Red Hat
You might think there's no money in open-source software, but think again. Red Hat RHT +2.24% and its trademark Linux software is in demand, and Linux offers a decent revenue stream for this mid-cap tech stock.
Growth: Red Hat has posted at least 15 quarters of year-over-year revenue growth (as far back as I cared to look), with 15% to 20% growth annually. RHT also has posted five consecutive quarters of EPS growth at a steady annual clip of 10% to 20% each year, give or take a bit.
Cash: Red Hat has zero debt and $800 million in cash and short-term investments.
Performance: RHT stock is up 12% in the last year, easily double the Dow Jones, and up 70% since early 2010 — triple the market.
Autodesk
Autodesk ADSK +2.36% is the gold standard in computer-animated design. The company provides products that are a mainstay of both engineering firms and entertainment companies worldwide. Autodesk is even helping map Newt Gingrich's moon mission , if you believe the rumors.
Growth: Autodesk has seen seven straight quarters of year-over-year revenue growth, though, admittedly, sales still are down from their pre-recession peak. The company has also seen eight straight quarters of EPS increases, with fiscal 2012 earnings forecast to be up more than 50% over last year and more than five times earnings in fiscal 2010.
Cash: Total debt is zero, and cash and short-term investments at Autodesk tally over $1.3 billion.
Performance: Autodesk actually is down moderately in the last year, though it has doubled the market since early 2010 with a 50% gain in the past two years. Shares have done fairly well as of late, however, tallying 18% gains since Jan. 1 to trounce the market. ADSK recently had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Jefferies Group just last week.
Cognizant Technology Solutions
IT service provider Cognizant Technology Solutions CTSH +2.07% is a leading choice for companies looking to streamline operations or cut costs through outsourcing.
Growth: Cognizant has notched at least 11 straight quarters of year-over-year revenue growth, tracking about 33% sales growth for fiscal 2011. Sales will almost double 2009 numbers. On the earnings side, CTSH has had at least 11 straight quarters of year-over-year growth, with total profits up 20% in 2011 and EPS set to roughly double 2008 numbers.
Cash: Total debt is zero, and cash and short-term investments tally an impressive $2.3 billion.
Performance: Another short-term underperformer with a slight loss in the past 12 months, CTSH has broken out with double-digit returns across January 2012. What's more, the stock is up about 64% since 2010 to easily double the Dow Jones' 25% returns in the same period. For the latest updates on the stock market, visit Stock Market Today For the latest updates PRESS CTR + D or visit Stock Market news Today
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