Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat: Can I have your thoughts on Enghouse Systems? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

A: Enghouse Systems, $65.08, symbol ENGH on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 27.1 million; Market cap: $1.8 billion; www.enghouse.com), is a software and services provider. The company operates through two business groups: Interaction Management (59% of total revenue) sells software for managing customer interactions; and Asset Management (41% of revenue) offers technology solutions for network operators and software solutions for transit and transportation operators. Over the past five years, revenue for Enghouse Systems rose steadily from $179.9 million in 2013 (fiscal years ended October 31) to $325.4 million in 2017. Earnings jumped 21.9%, from $24.3 million in 2013 ($0.94 per share) to $29.7 million ($1.14) for 2014. They rose again for 2015 to $31.4 million ($1.20) and to $47.3 million ($1.76) in 2016. Profit increased a further 7.5% in 2017, to $50.8 million ($1.89). For the three months ended January 31, 2018, Enghouse Systems saw its revenue rise 8.0%, to $85.1 million from $78.8 million a year earlier. Earnings fell 41.9%, to $6.8 million, or $0.25…