The 3 Top Tech Stocks to Buy for 2019

The tech sector is expected to once again outperform in 2019. Consider tech stocks such as Shopify Inc (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) for value, income, and performance.

The TSX Technology Index has been one of the best-performing indexes. Over the past five years, the Index has returned an average of 19.25% annually. In comparison, the TSX Composite Index has returned only 5.3% on average. Year to date, the TSX has lost almost 7%, while the Tech Index is up 16.47% over the same period. Why the outperformance? It’s quite simple. The tech sector is home to some of the best growth stocks on the TSX.

This outperformance should continue as the tech industry is still in its infancy. With that in mind, here are the top three tech stocks to buy for 2019 and beyond.

Top-performing tech stock

One of the best performers this year has been none other than Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP). As of writing, the company’s stock price has jumped 53% in 2018. Since its IPO back in May of 2015, Shopify has returned a whopping 493%! The good news is that the company continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Analysts expect the company to post sales and earnings-growth rates of 40% and 135% in 2019. You’d be hard-pressed to find this type of growth anywhere else. There is also a good chance that this is on the low end. Why? Since it went public, Shopify has beaten analysts’ earnings and revenue estimates in every quarter. That is 13 straight quarters of outperformance.

Best-valued tech stock

It hasn’t been the best of years for Open Text (TSX:OTEX)(NASDAQ:OTEX). Although its yearly gain of 2.89% is still far above that of the TSX Index, it’s well below the company’s historical averages. However, where others see weakness, I see opportunity.

Open Text is now one of the best-valued technology stocks. It’s trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) of 15.46 and a P/E to growth of 1.1 (PEG), far below the industry averages. In fact, it’s even below that of the broader TSX averages. Furthermore, Open Text’s price-to-book, price-to-sales, and price-to-cash flow multiples are all below the company’s historical five-year averages.

Best technology stock for income

There are few attractive income plays in the tech industry. However, if you look hard enough, there are little gems to be found. Case in point, Sylogist (TSX:SYZ). This little-known company offers a wide range of intellectual property solutions to a range of public and private sector customers.

Sylogist is one of the rare tech companies that has the distinction of calling itself a Canadian Dividend Aristocrat. Aristocrats are companies that have a history of raising dividends for five or more consecutive years. Of those from the tech sector, Sylogist’s yield of 3.09% is almost double that of its closest competitor, which just happens to be the aforementioned Open Text. Sylogist has an eight-year dividend-growth streak and last raised dividends by almost 20% this past November.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of Open Text, Shopify, and Shopify. Fool contributor Mat Litalien is long Shopify Inc and Open Text Corp. Shopify Inc and Open Text Corp are recommendations of Stock Advisor Canada. Sylogist is a recommendation of Dividend Investor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

A meter measures energy use.
Dividend Stocks

Is Fortis Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Fortis has increased its dividend annually for the past five decades.

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Are Screaming Buys in November

Here are three top dividend stocks long-term investors won't want to ignore during this part of the market cycle.

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

Generate $175/Month in Passive Income With a $30,000 Investment

Dividend aristocrats offer reliability, and many of them also offer generous yields. With sizable enough discounts, these yields can become…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now for Canadian Investors

These three stocks would be excellent additions to your portfolios, given their solid underlying businesses, consistent dividend growth, and healthy…

Read more »

data analyze research
Dividend Stocks

3 Undervalued Stocks to Watch in November

Not all undervalued and discounted stocks are destined or poised to make a comeback soon, and a protracted timeline can…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

The Perfect TFSA Stocks for Long-Term Growth

Two industry heavyweights are perfect stock holdings in a TFSA for long-term money growth.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

Is Fortis Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Fortis has increased the dividend for 51 consecutive years.

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

BAM stock recently jumped after beating earnings. But is it still a buy, or is it better to wait?

Read more »