Topic: How To Invest

Q: I’d appreciate your comments on F5 Networks. It looks like an interesting stock. Thanks for all your great recommendations over the years!

Article Excerpt

A: F5 Networks Inc., $165.26, symbol FFIV on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 59.7 million; Market cap: $9.8 billion; www.f5.com), is a provider of software services that ensure computer applications operate in a fast and reliable manner. For instance, the company works behind the scenes to make sure the Netflix app is secure and performs smoothly. F5’s services are used by more than 85% of Fortune 500 firms, 48 of Fortune 50 firms, all 10 of the top global telecoms and all 15 of the top U.S. commercial banks. The company’s total revenue rose 24.7%, from $2.16 billion in 2018 to $2.70 billion in 2022 (fiscal years end September 30). In fiscal 2023, revenue rose a further 4.4%, to $2.81 billion. Earnings increased at a lower rate of 1.7%, from $612.1 million, or $9.87 a share, in 2018 to $623.0 million, or $10.19, in 2022. F5 continued to invest heavily in marketing and research to stay ahead of the competition, which slowed earnings growth. In…