Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat, what is your recommendation on Absolute Software? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Absolute Software, $8.51, symbol ABT on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 39.0 million; Market cap: $338.7 million; www.absolute.com), is a cloud-based provider of technology to let companies track, monitor and keep secure their employees’ mobile devices. The company’s Persistence technology is embedded in the laptops, desktops, tablets and mobile devices (collectively known as “endpoint devices”) of the majority of the world’s largest global computer manufacturers. They include Dell, HP, Lenovo, MPC, Toshiba and Fujitsu. Absolute’s platform lets IT and security professionals enhance asset management, protect sensitive data, reduce vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with corporate policies and privacy regulations. The company currently serves more than 12,000 commercial customers globally, protecting more than seven million customer devices. This includes commercial, healthcare, education, and government customers. Absolute’s revenue rose 2.9% from $91.0 million in 2014 to $93.6 million in 2015 (fiscal years end June 30). (All figures except share price and market cap in U.S. dollars.) Revenue then dipped 5.1% in 2016 to $88.8 million, before rebounding…