Kalkine Media - The Canadian software market is poised for a vibrant future, with projected growth reaching US$26.4 billion by 2028, indicating an annual revenue increase of 4.5% from 2024 to 2028, as per Statista.com. In the realm of potential beneficiaries, two standout stocks, CAE (TSX:CAE) Inc. (TSX:CAE) and Enghouse Systems Limited (TSX:TSX:ENGH), emerge as compelling options for investors seeking undervalued opportunities with significant growth potential.
CAE Inc. (TSX:CAE)
With a global presence and a market capitalization of $8.2 billion, CAE Inc. is a high-technology company on the TSX. Serving civil aviation, defence, and security sectors, it provides software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Operating from Saint-Laurent, Quebec, CAE is a significant player in the government contracting industry, particularly in the United States.
Civil Aviation Excellence
CAE's Civil Aviation segment boasts the world's most extensive training network, providing comprehensive solutions for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, and ground personnel. Its reach extends to commercial, business, and helicopter aviation, along with the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) markets.
Defence & Security Prowess
In the Defence & Security segment, CAE serves global customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. This business unit focuses on developing and delivering integrated live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training solutions for defence forces worldwide.
Despite a 28% year-over-year decrease in net income in Q3 fiscal 2024, CAE reported a 13% revenue growth to $1 billion during the same period. The company's President and CEO, Marc Parent, emphasized the strong demand for CAE's Civil market solutions and ongoing transformation in the Defence business. With a growth strategy in place, CAE envisions considerable headroom for growth, particularly in the civil aviation market.
Trading at $25.86 per share (-9.58% year-to-date), CAE positions itself as a growth-oriented stock with a promising future.
Enghouse Systems Limited (TSX:ENGH)
Enghouse Systems Limited, headquartered in Markham, Ontario, distinguishes itself as a rare gem in the tech sector by offering quarterly dividends. Priced at $33.74 per share (-3.26% year-to-date), this stock not only presents an appealing 2.45% dividend yield but also holds promise for capital appreciation, with market analysts projecting a 16.6% increase to a 12-month average price target of $39.33.
Enterprise Software Solutions Expertise
Enghouse specializes in providing enterprise software solutions across various vertical markets. The company's unique approach involves consistent internal growth and strategic acquisitions, supported by operating cash flows from core group segments, namely Interactive and Asset Management.
In Q4 fiscal 2023, Enghouse reported impressive figures, with a 13.9% rise in revenue, a 35% increase in recurring revenue, and a 7.9% growth in operating profits compared to Q4 fiscal 2022. Notably, the annual Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Maintenance services revenue reached a record $297.6 million in fiscal 2023.
Financial Resilience and Strategic Growth
With $240.4 million in cash reserves and zero external debt at year-end, Enghouse stands as a financially resilient entity. Management underscores its commitment to active pursuit of opportunities and strategic deployment of cash reserves for acquisitions.
Tech investors seeking treasures on the software front can find promising prospects in Enghouse Systems Limited, poised for growth in 2024.
In the evolving landscape of the tech industry, companies focusing on software, not hardware, are anticipated to reap the benefits of a favorable market growth trend. CAE Inc. and Enghouse Systems Limited emerge as the TSX's tech treasures, presenting investors with a compelling narrative for the year ahead.