This Technology Stock Is the Best Buy for 2020

New partnerships and acquisitions confirm that OpenText (TSX:OTEX)(NASDAQ:OTEX) is still the best technology stock on the TSX.

| More on:
Wireless technology

Image source: Getty Images

New partnerships and acquisitions confirm that OpenText (TSX:OTEX)(NASDAQ:OTEX) is still the best technology stock on the TSX.

This week, OpenText made two important announcements. First, OpenText has partnered with Reveille Software to develop and launch expanded Content Security services. Second, OpenText will acquire all outstanding shares of Carbonite, a cloud-based subscription data protection provider to small- and medium-sized businesses and consumers.

These two business development moves set the stage for OpenText to continue outperforming Canada’s software market. Every Canadian investor should own some shares of the dividend stock, OpenText, in their Tax-Free Savings Accounts or Registered Retirement Savings Plans.

Content security closes weaknesses in cloud storage

The Reveille Software prevents malicious users or compromised user accounts from editing files, corrupting information, or uploading malware in content repositories.

OpenText Content Security uses the Reveille software to create security alerts for OpenText Documentum, Content Suite, and InfoArchive customers.

As cloud data storage services become more prevalent, increasing numbers of businesses require advanced cybersecurity software to protect their information.

This is a high-growth vertical with substantial room for continued innovation. Moreover, as a highly skilled industry, cybersecurity is a field with very little competition, meaning OpenText has a long-term competitive advantage in the industry.

OpenText expands cloud-based data protection assets

OpenText will purchase all shares of Carbonite for $23 each for a total purchase price of $1.42 billion, an acquisition that will allow OpenText to connect with customers through Carbonite’s marquee SMB/prosumer channel and products. The purchase price is around 2.8 times the trailing 12-month GAAP revenue.

The most crucial point for shareholders to know is that OpenText is financing this acquisition with cash and its line of credit, meaning that interest payments are less likely to erode shareholder returns. Less debt and interest payments mean higher free cash flow and continued increases in the stock’s price!

GAAP stands for “Generally Accepted Accounting Principle.” It defines what counts as revenue to avoid stocks propping up their income with unpaid invoices and allow for comparisons across time and companies.

For the most part, accrual accounting is the standard in which, as long as the company has delivered services, it may count the price charged to the customer as earned revenue.

Carbonite has a strong brand in data protection and security. The software provides cloud backup solutions for personal and business use at affordable prices. The free download and trial offer is strategic to build a growing subscriber base.

Strong price performance and healthy dividend

OpenText has had a very strong price history since its debut on the TSX in the late 1990s. Apart from some short-term fluctuations in value, however, the stock price has either remained flat or appreciated. Even after some temporary dives in market value, the stock has reliably bounced back with even greater force.

The dividend is not fantastic compared with other Canadian stocks in banking, insurance, and telecommunications. Nevertheless, the quarterly dividend of $0.1746 per share is better than the nonexistent interest provided through the popular Shopify stock.

As far as technology stocks on the TSX, OpenText is the best option because it offers both price security and reliable dividends.

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.

Fool contributor Debra Ray has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Shopify and Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends Open Text and OPEN TEXT CORP. OpenText and Shopify are recommendations of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »