Technology

JPMorgan Loves These 3 Top Applied Technology Stocks

Lee Jackson

Published: May 27, 2016 8:25 am

Last Updated: January 13, 2020 7:29 am

One of the nice things about Wall Street conferences is those throwing the shindig usually get some great, up close time with the companies attending. That often helps analysts with getting a better overall look at the inner workings and more insight on what the future may bring. The JPMorgan Technology Media and Telecom conference recently wrapped up, and apparently the overall tone from the participants was very positive.

In a new research report, the JPMorgan analysts focus in on three companies that are not only doing well currently, but should see solid traction in the second half of 2016. All there are rated Overweight at JPMorgan.

Fabrinet

This top company is riding the wave of enterprise data center growth. Fabrinet Inc. (NYSE: FN) is a leading provider of advanced optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical and electronic manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers of complex products, such as optical communication components, modules and subsystems, industrial lasers and sensors.

Fabrinet offers a broad range of advanced optical and electro-mechanical capabilities across the entire manufacturing process, including process design and engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, advanced packaging, integration, final assembly and test. Fabrinet focuses on production of high complexity products in any mix and any volume.

The company posted solid fiscal third-quarter numbers at the beginning of May, and the research report noted that the company’s chief financial officer, Mr. Toh-Seng Ng, gave a very upbeat overview of the company’s prospects and reminded investors that Fabrinet West, the silicon-valley based New Product Introduction (NPI) business, is expected to reach a break-even run-rate by year’s end, eliminating a drag on earnings.

Despite a big rise in the stock, the analysts say it is too early to take profits. The JPMorgan price target for the stock is $37, and the Thomson/First Call consensus target price is higher at $40.71. The stock closed most recently at $35.22 per share.

NCR

This is an old-school company with new world technology. NCR Corp. (NYSE: NCR) is a leader in omni-channel solutions, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware and portfolio of services, NCR enables more than 550 million transactions daily across retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and small business.

The JPMorgan team reported that the company’s chief financial officer, Robert Fishman, pointed out that ATM hardware shipments, which were delayed by a product transition, should surge, possibly associated with a recently announced Wells Fargo partnership. The analysts think that could represent as much as $1 billion of revenue over the next two to three years. Plus, they expect a lift in second-half business because retailers are increasing self check-out solutions as rising wages are eating into profits.

JPMorgan has a $35 price target for the stock. The consensus estimate is $30.50, right in line with Thursday’s close of $30.50 per share.

Verint Systems

This company has been a part of takeover chatter over the past year. Verint Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: VRNT) is a global leader in Actionable Intelligence solutions with a focus on customer engagement optimization, security intelligence and fraud, risk and compliance. Today, more than 10,000 organizations in 180 countries — including over 80% of the Fortune 100 — count on intelligence from Verint solutions to make more informed, effective and timely decisions.

The analysts noted that while enterprise business had slowed due to some sales force issues, they expect the growth rates to return to historical levels soon. They also said that the company noted that security solutions long-term demand is solid and currency and commodity headwinds should abate. They also cite the emerging markets pipelines as a positive.

The $43 JPMorgan price objective is well above the posted consensus target of $39.17 and Thursday’s closing share price of $33.24.

Three timely picks that all see a potential for a solid second half of 2016. While these are more aggressive picks, they make good sense for portfolios with long-term parameters as the thesis at each improves.