Forget Shopify (TSX:SHOP)! 2 TSX Tech Stocks to Buy Instead

Absolute Software stock and Sylogist stock should be on growth investors’ radars. While both aren’t as sensational as the TSX’s tech phenomenon, they are strong buys for their massive upside potential and dividend payments.

Make a choice, path to success, sign

Image source: Getty Images

The battle for dominance in the e-commerce space continues, as Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) threatens the leadership position of American retail giant Amazon.com. Industry observers agree that the Canadian e-commerce platform is a disruptive force in online shopping.

Amazon’s revenue growth (29.3%) between 2015 and 2020 lags Shopify’s impressive 70.2%. Regarding stock performance in the last three years, Amazon (78.88%) isn’t up to par with the TSX’s superstar (775.45%). However, some investors find the $1,828.89 price of Shopify too expensive at this point.

Two tech names trade for exceedingly less but offer massive growth potential. Absolute Software (TSX:ABST)(NASDAQ:ABST) and Sylogist (TSX:SYZ) are rare gems in the IT sector. Both are growth stocks, yet they pay dividends. You can buy one or both instead of Shopify.

Connectivity and security solutions

Absolute Software operates in a high-growth market and will benefit tremendously from the “work-from-anywhere” era. Management said the fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021) was a transformational year, with milestones and several accolades.

The $726.35 million security and data-risk management firm met the requirements to cross-list on the NASDAQ in October 2020. After the fiscal year in July 2021, it completed the purchase cash of NetMotion Software Inc, the leader in connectivity and security solutions. The year also saw the tech firm receive the Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Cybersecurity Company of the Year.

The focus of most organizations today is securing data and devices. Absolute Software is known as a provider of next-generation Endpoint Resilience solutions. Its security platform helps more than 13,000 customers globally, including educational institutions, become secure and have more effective IT departments.

According to Christy Watt, Absolute’s CEO, the shift to the work-from-home environment was natural for the company. In fiscal 2021, revenue grew 15% from fiscal 2020, although net income dropped 65%. Still, management expects adjusted revenue growth of between 11% and 13% in fiscal 2022.

Scalable business model

Sylogist underperforms year to date (-7.55%), although it carries a strong buy rating from market analysts. They forecast the current share price of $10,57 to climb 49% to $15.75 in the next 12 months. The total return could be higher if you include the 4.73% dividend. Absolute Software trades at $14.67 per share (-1.88% year to date) and pays a 2.18% dividend.

The $252.58 million technology innovation company provides enterprise information management solutions to public and private sector customers. Sylogist caters to government agencies, NGOs, non-profit groups, and K-12 schools. It also offers secure payment-processing solutions for point-of-sale and e-commerce transactions.

Currently, the customer base is around 1,500 worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to adversely affect bookings and professional services, although management expects recovery to come in the coming months.

Sylogist boasts a High Customer LTV (long average tenure) of +20 years. Business growth is inevitable, given the scalable service model that should drive customer lifetime value higher in the coming years. Moreover, the multi-year customer agreements ensure predictable recurring revenue.

Emerging tech superstars

Shopify has, for the second time in three years, ranked number two on the TSX30 list. It was the top growth stock in 2020 and is second to Aura Minerals in the 2021 edition. This year, Absolute Software is also on the list at 24th place, while Sylogist is charting a course to accelerate organic and inorganic growth. Both companies are the TSX’s emerging tech superstars.

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.

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon and Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends Absolute Software Corporation and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon, long January 2023 $1,140 calls on Shopify, short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon, and short January 2023 $1,160 calls on Shopify.

More on Tech Stocks

think thought consider
Tech Stocks

Is CGI Stock a Buy Even With No Dividend Yield?

CGI stock may not have a dividend to speak of. But does that necessarily mean you should ignore this top…

Read more »

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.
Tech Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Canadian AI Stocks

Are you looking for one of the most solid Canadian AI stocks out there? This one is probably your best…

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Why AI Stocks Should Be in Every Canadian Investor’s Portfolio

AI stocks continue to be one of the best options out there for long-term investing, especially when considering Canadian options.

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Tech Stocks

1 “Magnificent 7” Stock I’d Buy Over Nvidia Right Now

Here's why Meta Platforms stock is a better choice for Canadian investors compared to Nvidia in November 2024.

Read more »

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

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

OpenText stock has fallen in the last few years, but that could mean this top tech stock remains an undervalued…

Read more »

AI microchip
Tech Stocks

Celestica Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Celestica's stock price has rallied 950% in the last five years. Will the AI boom send it even higher in…

Read more »

data analyze research
Tech Stocks

2 Ridiculously Cheap Growth Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in 2024

Well Health Technologies is a cheap growth stock to buy for its record-breaking results, massive revenue growth, and profitability.

Read more »