Latest news with #ChrisRetzler
CNBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Small-caps are finally setting up for the market breadth expansion, says Needham's Chris Retzler
Needham's Chris Retzler joins 'Closing Bell Overtime' to talk how to play the small-cap space and where there may be opportunities.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Verint Systems (VRNT) the Best Affordable Tech Stock to Buy According to Analysts?
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Verint Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:VRNT) stands against other best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. Stock affordability can be assessed in multiple ways. The most common approach is considering stocks with a market price below a certain threshold. Another method is evaluating stocks based on relative valuation metrics, such as a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio or other similar multiples. While we have earlier written about undervalued stocks based on P/Es (Read: ), the focus for this article is a blend of both the approaches. Apart from low valuation, investors are often drawn to lower-priced stocks, particularly those under $50, because even small price movements can lead to significant percentage gains. Additionally, many investors prefer owning a larger number of shares in lower-priced stocks rather than a few shares in higher-priced ones. However, a stock's affordability alone does not determine its quality or long-term potential. Key factors such as financial stability, business execution, and overall market conditions play a crucial role in a stock's performance. Affordable tech stocks are often found in the small- and mid-cap space, particularly within the $10-$50 range, which is the focus of this article. Recently, interest in small- and mid-cap stocks has increased following the volatility in the Magnificent 7 (Mag 7) mega-cap tech stocks. Chris Retzler, portfolio manager of the Needham Small Cap Growth Fund, discussed the outlook for small-cap stocks on CNBC's Squawk Box on January 17. He noted that while small-cap stocks have underperformed broader market indexes, recent momentum in the Russell 2000 suggests a potential shift. Chris emphasized that small-cap companies are seeking greater economic stability, which, once established, could drive broader market participation and growth. He also highlighted ongoing innovation in industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and data infrastructure, which could benefit smaller firms. Similarly, in mid-February, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, discussed a potential shift from mega-cap tech stocks toward smaller technology companies. While he remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the Mag 7, he believes that smaller tech firms—particularly those with a market cap below $500 billion could start outperforming as investors look for new growth opportunities. Identifying the best affordable tech stocks is particularly challenging, given the sector's dynamic nature and recent volatility. To gain further insights, we look at another discussion on CNBC from March 24, where Gene Munster again shared his outlook on the tech sector. He pointed to April 2 as a key event, as new tariffs are set to take effect. While acknowledging short-term volatility, Munster remains bullish on tech stocks for the next two years, viewing the market as still in the early stages of an AI-driven growth cycle, unless disrupted by a potential recession. Despite short-term fluctuations and external factors like tariffs, the long-term outlook for tech remains strong, especially for companies positioned to capitalize on AI-driven growth and broader industry trends. That said, given the recent volatility in large tech stocks, opportunities in small- and mid-cap tech companies have come to the fore, particularly for those with strong financials and innovative offerings. As investors look beyond the Magnificent 7 and large cap tech companies, affordable tech stocks in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and data infrastructure could benefit from increased market attention. To identify the best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts, we screened for U.S.-listed companies with a share price between $10 and $50 and a market capitalization above $1 billion. These criteria helped us avoid volatile small-cap stocks. Next, we narrowed the selection to stocks trading at or below a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20 while also having an upside potential of at least 20%. From this refined list, we further filtered companies that are widely held by hedge funds, using data from Insider Monkey's Q4 2024 hedge fund holdings database. Finally, we ranked the top 12 stocks based on their upside potential, placing those with the highest projected gains at the are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here). A remotely located customer service desk acting as the frontline in the software Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:VRNT) specializes in customer experience (CX) automation, offering AI-driven solutions that help businesses improve customer interactions across different platforms. Its open platform combines technologies like conversational AI, knowledge management, and engagement tools to drive better business results. Verint Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:VRNT) is focused on the long-term potential of CX automation, recognizing that most current CX workflows are still manual, despite brands collectively spending nearly $2 trillion annually on CX workforce. While the industry remains highly fragmented, Verint differentiates itself through its hybrid cloud platform and deep domain expertise. According to Forrester Research, 70% of organizations are still in the early stages of CX maturity, meaning even incremental improvements can yield significant returns on investment (ROI). This growing demand aligns well with Verint's offerings, reinforcing its strong growth prospects. On that front, Needham analyst Joshua Reilly recently highlighted key developments that are expected to drive demand and long-term expansion for Verint Systems (NASDAQ:VRNT). He noted the company's strategic shift toward financial metrics such as subscription ARR and cash contribution margin, which aim to align revenue recognition with cash flow and improve financial transparency. The analyst also pointed to Verint's strong free cash flow outlook, with projections of $165 million for FY 2025 and $185 million for FY 2026. Additionally, the company continues to prioritize product innovation to strengthen its competitive position. Its AI-powered platform, hybrid contact center support, and the Verint Data Hub underscore its commitment to differentiation and customer value. Considering these factors, Joshua reaffirmed a bullish stance on Verint (NASDAQ:VRNT), maintaining a Buy rating with a price target of $40. Overall, VRNT ranks 1st on our list of best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of VRNT to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VRNT but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at . Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is LiveRamp Holdings (RAMP) the Best Affordable Tech Stock to Buy According to Analysts?
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RAMP) stands against other best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. Stock affordability can be assessed in multiple ways. The most common approach is considering stocks with a market price below a certain threshold. Another method is evaluating stocks based on relative valuation metrics, such as a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio or other similar multiples. While we have earlier written about undervalued stocks based on P/Es (Read: ), the focus for this article is a blend of both the approaches. Apart from low valuation, investors are often drawn to lower-priced stocks, particularly those under $50, because even small price movements can lead to significant percentage gains. Additionally, many investors prefer owning a larger number of shares in lower-priced stocks rather than a few shares in higher-priced ones. However, a stock's affordability alone does not determine its quality or long-term potential. Key factors such as financial stability, business execution, and overall market conditions play a crucial role in a stock's performance. Affordable tech stocks are often found in the small- and mid-cap space, particularly within the $10-$50 range, which is the focus of this article. Recently, interest in small- and mid-cap stocks has increased following the volatility in the Magnificent 7 (Mag 7) mega-cap tech stocks. Chris Retzler, portfolio manager of the Needham Small Cap Growth Fund, discussed the outlook for small-cap stocks on CNBC's Squawk Box on January 17. He noted that while small-cap stocks have underperformed broader market indexes, recent momentum in the Russell 2000 suggests a potential shift. Chris emphasized that small-cap companies are seeking greater economic stability, which, once established, could drive broader market participation and growth. He also highlighted ongoing innovation in industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and data infrastructure, which could benefit smaller firms. Similarly, in mid-February, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, discussed a potential shift from mega-cap tech stocks toward smaller technology companies. While he remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the Mag 7, he believes that smaller tech firms—particularly those with a market cap below $500 billion could start outperforming as investors look for new growth opportunities. Identifying the best affordable tech stocks is particularly challenging, given the sector's dynamic nature and recent volatility. To gain further insights, we look at another discussion on CNBC from March 24, where Gene Munster again shared his outlook on the tech sector. He pointed to April 2 as a key event, as new tariffs are set to take effect. While acknowledging short-term volatility, Munster remains bullish on tech stocks for the next two years, viewing the market as still in the early stages of an AI-driven growth cycle, unless disrupted by a potential recession. Despite short-term fluctuations and external factors like tariffs, the long-term outlook for tech remains strong, especially for companies positioned to capitalize on AI-driven growth and broader industry trends. That said, given the recent volatility in large tech stocks, opportunities in small- and mid-cap tech companies have come to the fore, particularly for those with strong financials and innovative offerings. As investors look beyond the Magnificent 7 and large cap tech companies, affordable tech stocks in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and data infrastructure could benefit from increased market attention. To identify the best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts, we screened for U.S.-listed companies with a share price between $10 and $50 and a market capitalization above $1 billion. These criteria helped us avoid volatile small-cap stocks. Next, we narrowed the selection to stocks trading at or below a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20 while also having an upside potential of at least 20%. From this refined list, we further filtered companies that are widely held by hedge funds, using data from Insider Monkey's Q4 2024 hedge fund holdings database. Finally, we ranked the top 12 stocks based on their upside potential, placing those with the highest projected gains at the are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here). A close-up view of a modern server rack, with its bright blinking Holdings Inc. (NYSE:RAMP) provides a data collaboration platform that enables businesses to securely utilize data for marketing and customer insights. Its technology facilitates first-party data sharing between trusted partners while ensuring privacy compliance. The company serves clients worldwide. LiveRamp Holdings Inc. (NYSE:RAMP) is experiencing strong growth, with a total addressable market (TAM) of $13 billion, over 60% of which is driven by its Data Room and Audience Addressability offerings. As the company plans to expand into new industries, TAM is projected to increase to $35 billion. LiveRamp aims to sustain profitable growth, targeting the 'Rule of 40' by FY 2028, with 10-15% revenue growth and a 25-30% non-GAAP operating margin. Rule of 40 is a key metric in software where revenue growth and profit margin should combine to reach at least 40, indicating efficiency of the business. Recent financial results highlight this momentum. In Q3 2025 (fiscal year ending March), revenue rose 12% year-over-year to $195 million, exceeding guidance by $4 million. Subscription revenue grew 10% to $146 million, while improved margins drove EPS up 17% to $0.55. Encouraged by these results, LiveRamp (NYSE:RAMP) raised its full-year revenue guidance, now expecting $741-$743 million for FY 2025. Analysts recognize the company's steady growth. On February 27, Evercore ISI analyst Kirk Materne reaffirmed a Buy rating, setting a $45 price target, implying a 62% upside potential. Overall, RAMP ranks 2nd on our list of best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of RAMP to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than RAMP but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at .
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Flywire Corp. (FLYW) the Best Affordable Tech Stock to Buy According to Analysts?
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Flywire Corp. (NASDAQ:FLYW) stands against other best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. Stock affordability can be assessed in multiple ways. The most common approach is considering stocks with a market price below a certain threshold. Another method is evaluating stocks based on relative valuation metrics, such as a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio or other similar multiples. While we have earlier written about undervalued stocks based on P/Es (Read: ), the focus for this article is a blend of both the approaches. Apart from low valuation, investors are often drawn to lower-priced stocks, particularly those under $50, because even small price movements can lead to significant percentage gains. Additionally, many investors prefer owning a larger number of shares in lower-priced stocks rather than a few shares in higher-priced ones. However, a stock's affordability alone does not determine its quality or long-term potential. Key factors such as financial stability, business execution, and overall market conditions play a crucial role in a stock's performance. Affordable tech stocks are often found in the small- and mid-cap space, particularly within the $10-$50 range, which is the focus of this article. Recently, interest in small- and mid-cap stocks has increased following the volatility in the Magnificent 7 (Mag 7) mega-cap tech stocks. Chris Retzler, portfolio manager of the Needham Small Cap Growth Fund, discussed the outlook for small-cap stocks on CNBC's Squawk Box on January 17. He noted that while small-cap stocks have underperformed broader market indexes, recent momentum in the Russell 2000 suggests a potential shift. Chris emphasized that small-cap companies are seeking greater economic stability, which, once established, could drive broader market participation and growth. He also highlighted ongoing innovation in industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and data infrastructure, which could benefit smaller firms. Similarly, in mid-February, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, discussed a potential shift from mega-cap tech stocks toward smaller technology companies. While he remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the Mag 7, he believes that smaller tech firms—particularly those with a market cap below $500 billion could start outperforming as investors look for new growth opportunities. Identifying the best affordable tech stocks is particularly challenging, given the sector's dynamic nature and recent volatility. To gain further insights, we look at another discussion on CNBC from March 24, where Gene Munster again shared his outlook on the tech sector. He pointed to April 2 as a key event, as new tariffs are set to take effect. While acknowledging short-term volatility, Munster remains bullish on tech stocks for the next two years, viewing the market as still in the early stages of an AI-driven growth cycle, unless disrupted by a potential recession. Despite short-term fluctuations and external factors like tariffs, the long-term outlook for tech remains strong, especially for companies positioned to capitalize on AI-driven growth and broader industry trends. That said, given the recent volatility in large tech stocks, opportunities in small- and mid-cap tech companies have come to the fore, particularly for those with strong financials and innovative offerings. As investors look beyond the Magnificent 7 and large cap tech companies, affordable tech stocks in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and data infrastructure could benefit from increased market attention. To identify the best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts, we screened for U.S.-listed companies with a share price between $10 and $50 and a market capitalization above $1 billion. These criteria helped us avoid volatile small-cap stocks. Next, we narrowed the selection to stocks trading at or below a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20 while also having an upside potential of at least 20%. From this refined list, we further filtered companies that are widely held by hedge funds, using data from Insider Monkey's Q4 2024 hedge fund holdings database. Finally, we ranked the top 12 stocks based on their upside potential, placing those with the highest projected gains at the are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here). A digital tablet presenting various payment options alongside an educational lecture on the benefits of diverse Corp. (NASDAQ:FLYW) is a global payments and software company that offers cross-border and domestic transaction solutions for businesses and institutions. It specializes in key sectors such as education, healthcare, travel, and B2B payments, helping clients streamline payment processes, lower costs, and enhance cash flow. On February 25, 2025, Flywire Corp. (NASDAQ:FLYW) acquired Sertifi LLC, a software and payments platform serving the hospitality industry, for $330 million. This acquisition is expected to strengthen Flywire's travel segment by integrating its services with Sertifi's hotel property management system across more than 20,000 hospitality locations worldwide. Sertifi is projected to grow at a faster rate than Flywire's overall business and contribute approximately $35-40 million in revenue for FY 2025, with gross margins in line with Flywire's existing operations. Flywire CEO Mike Massaro emphasized the significance of the acquisition, stating: 'By expanding into a large new subsegment of the hospitality industry with strong ecosystem alignment and gaining a software solution in the early stages of its payments monetization journey, we are unlocking new growth and innovation opportunities for Flywire.' On March 24, a Citi analyst lowered the price target for Flywire Corp. (NASDAQ:FLYW) from $26 to $13 while maintaining a Buy rating. The analyst noted that the company faces challenges due to uncertain visibility and headwinds affecting international student payments. However, Citi believes the stock's current valuation overly discounts Flywire's long-term potential. The firm also suggested that the recent selloff in the stock increases the chances of inbound takeover interest. Overall, FLYW ranks 3rd on our list of best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of FLYW to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than FLYW but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at . Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Flex Ltd. (FLEX) the Best Affordable Tech Stock to Buy According to Analysts?
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Flex Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX) stands against other best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. Stock affordability can be assessed in multiple ways. The most common approach is considering stocks with a market price below a certain threshold. Another method is evaluating stocks based on relative valuation metrics, such as a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio or other similar multiples. While we have earlier written about undervalued stocks based on P/Es (Read: ), the focus for this article is a blend of both the approaches. Apart from low valuation, investors are often drawn to lower-priced stocks, particularly those under $50, because even small price movements can lead to significant percentage gains. Additionally, many investors prefer owning a larger number of shares in lower-priced stocks rather than a few shares in higher-priced ones. However, a stock's affordability alone does not determine its quality or long-term potential. Key factors such as financial stability, business execution, and overall market conditions play a crucial role in a stock's performance. Affordable tech stocks are often found in the small- and mid-cap space, particularly within the $10-$50 range, which is the focus of this article. Recently, interest in small- and mid-cap stocks has increased following the volatility in the Magnificent 7 (Mag 7) mega-cap tech stocks. Chris Retzler, portfolio manager of the Needham Small Cap Growth Fund, discussed the outlook for small-cap stocks on CNBC's Squawk Box on January 17. He noted that while small-cap stocks have underperformed broader market indexes, recent momentum in the Russell 2000 suggests a potential shift. Chris emphasized that small-cap companies are seeking greater economic stability, which, once established, could drive broader market participation and growth. He also highlighted ongoing innovation in industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and data infrastructure, which could benefit smaller firms. Similarly, in mid-February, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, discussed a potential shift from mega-cap tech stocks toward smaller technology companies. While he remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the Mag 7, he believes that smaller tech firms—particularly those with a market cap below $500 billion could start outperforming as investors look for new growth opportunities. Identifying the best affordable tech stocks is particularly challenging, given the sector's dynamic nature and recent volatility. To gain further insights, we look at another discussion on CNBC from March 24, where Gene Munster again shared his outlook on the tech sector. He pointed to April 2 as a key event, as new tariffs are set to take effect. While acknowledging short-term volatility, Munster remains bullish on tech stocks for the next two years, viewing the market as still in the early stages of an AI-driven growth cycle, unless disrupted by a potential recession. Despite short-term fluctuations and external factors like tariffs, the long-term outlook for tech remains strong, especially for companies positioned to capitalize on AI-driven growth and broader industry trends. That said, given the recent volatility in large tech stocks, opportunities in small- and mid-cap tech companies have come to the fore, particularly for those with strong financials and innovative offerings. As investors look beyond the Magnificent 7 and large cap tech companies, affordable tech stocks in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and data infrastructure could benefit from increased market attention. To identify the best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts, we screened for U.S.-listed companies with a share price between $10 and $50 and a market capitalization above $1 billion. These criteria helped us avoid volatile small-cap stocks. Next, we narrowed the selection to stocks trading at or below a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20 while also having an upside potential of at least 20%. From this refined list, we further filtered companies that are widely held by hedge funds, using data from Insider Monkey's Q4 2024 hedge fund holdings database. Finally, we ranked the top 12 stocks based on their upside potential, placing those with the highest projected gains at the are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here). An engineer with a pen and paper designing a switchgear circuit Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX) is a global contract manufacturer that delivers design, engineering, and supply chain solutions across multiple industries, including automotive, cloud infrastructure, healthcare, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. The company supports end-to-end product development, from prototyping to mass production, enabling brands to innovate and bring products to market efficiently. Flex Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX) is expanding in high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles, cloud infrastructure, and healthcare devices. The company also benefits from the increasing demand for outsourcing advanced manufacturing, design, and engineering services, which supports its long-term growth prospects. A Stifel analyst recently highlighted these growth drivers by resuming coverage of Flex Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX) with a Buy rating and a $52 price target. The analyst emphasized the company's strong position as a leading electronic manufacturing services provider and expects it to benefit from expanding into areas like power and cooling. Additionally, the company's growing focus on U.S. hyperscaler opportunities is expected to drive revenue growth and margin expansion. Overall, FLEX ranks 7th on our list of best affordable tech stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of FLEX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than FLEX but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at . Sign in to access your portfolio
