Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: Any opinion on a technology stock call Ebix, symbol EBIX on Nasdaq? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Ebix Inc., $23.58, symbol EBIX on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 35 million; Market cap: $823.9 million), sells software and e-commerce services to the insurance industry. These products help Ebix’s clients automate several routine functions, such as preparing quotes and settling claims. Based in Atlanta, Ebix sells its products in over 50 countries. International markets account for 27% of its revenue. The company has grown rapidly through acquisitions over the past few years. Since the beginning of 2008, it has spent over $127.2 million buying smaller software firms. Thanks to recent acquisitions, Ebix’s revenue rose 43.6% in the three months ended June 30, 2010, to $32.2 million from $22.4 million a year earlier. Earnings jumped 56.4%, to $14.0 million from $9.0 million. Earnings per share climbed 50.0%, to $0.36 from $0.24, on more shares outstanding. (Note: all per-share amounts adjusted for a 3-for-1 stock split in January 2010.) The company spent $3.6 million, or 11.1% of its revenue, on research in the latest…