2 Tech Stocks With 40% Upside

Now is the time to buy tech stocks with near-term upside like BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BB) and Constellation Software Inc. (TSX:CSU).

| More on:

Tech stocks have led the market for nearly a decade. Companies like Facebook and Shopify lead the way.

But with $100 billion market caps, those businesses are already on the radar of most investors. The trick is to find smaller stocks capable of even bigger growth.

The two picks below range in size between $3 billion and $33 billion. Long term, both of them have the potential to double, triple, or even quadruple in size. Due to market inefficiencies, much of that upside could be experienced over the short term.

If you’re looking for tech stocks with 40% upside this year, this list is for you.

Experience a radical transformation

BlackBerry (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BB) is a smartphone company. Or is it?

You may be surprised to learn that the company didn’t manufacture a single smartphone in 2019. It’s exited the industry entirely. But with a $3 billion market cap, the company must do something, right?

Today, BlackBerry is all about cybersecurity software. This should make it one of the hottest tech stocks on the market. Some of its peers trade as high as 30 times sales.

But alas, the market hasn’t caught on yet. BlackBerry stock still trades at just three times sales, a significant discount to its peer group. This year, that discount could narrow quickly.

BlackBerry has already proven an ability to create world-class cybersecurity software. Its QNX platform, which secures vehicles from hacking, is installed in nearly 200 million cars worldwide. Its Cylance division, meanwhile, uses artificial intelligence to detect threats before they happen.

BlackBerry has the tech to drive rapid sales growth, yet the market still values this as a hardware stock. As the fundamentals catch up over the next quarter or two, expect BlackBerry’s valuation to rise commensurately.

This tech stock dominates

Unlike Blackberry, Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) never went through a business transformation. It’s been doing the same thing year after year for more than two decades. That’s led to immense riches for long-term shareholders. An $11,000 investment in 2006 would be worth $1 million today.

But Constellation isn’t done yet. Since its founding, the company has averaged returns on invested capital of around 30%. And despite growing into a $33 billion business, the return profile has stayed intact.

The secret here is that Constellation isn’t just any tech stock. This company has a very unique business model.

As its name suggests, Constellation is involved in software. It focuses on niche software that enables mission-critical processes. The niche component reduces competition, increasing pricing power while improving customer retention. The mission-critical aspect means that customers are hesitant to switch to an alternative. That only exacerbates the company’s power over customers.

Right now, this tech stock is priced at a premium valuation of 73 times earnings. But good stocks are always expensive. In 2015, for example, CSU stock was priced at 75 times earnings. But over the next five years, shares tripled in value.

Constellation has a proven business model capable of generating incredible gains for long-term stockholders. All it has to do is continue business as usual. An average year would suggest another 40% in further upside.

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.

Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. David Gardner owns shares of Facebook. Tom Gardner owns shares of Facebook and Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Constellation Software, Facebook, Shopify, and Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends BlackBerry and BlackBerry. Fool contributor Ryan Vanzo has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

Man data analyze
Tech Stocks

3 Reasons Celestica Stock Is a Screaming Buy Now

These three reasons make Celestica stock a screaming buy for long-term investors.

Read more »

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Dow Stocks Are Set to Soar in 2025 and Beyond

Two Dow Jones stocks are screaming buys but Canadians must hold them in an RRSP or RRIF to avoid paying…

Read more »

telehealth stocks
Tech Stocks

Well Health Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Another record-breaking quarter and strong demand sets the stage for continued momentum for Well Health stock.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Three TSX stocks continue to beat the market and could soar higher in an improving investment landscape.

Read more »

profit rises over time
Tech Stocks

2 Non-AI Tech Stocks to Buy in November for Better Returns

Not all AI stocks are riding the hype train, and for many investors, well-understood and predictable growth stocks might be…

Read more »

worry concern
Tech Stocks

In a Few Years, You’ll Probably Regret Not Owning BlackBerry Stock

Here’s why I believe BlackBerry could be one of the most overlooked Canadian tech stocks right now.

Read more »

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy for its 0.25% Dividend Yield?

Here's what investors may want to consider when it comes to Dollarama (TSX:DOL) and its relatively low dividend yield.

Read more »

Nurse talks with a teenager about medication
Tech Stocks

Shares of WELL Health Just Zoomed. Is It a Buy?

Given its improving financials and healthy growth prospects, WELL Health could deliver superior returns over the next three years.

Read more »