CommVault Systems: Maximizing the efficiency of database management

As firms become increasingly dependent on efficient and secure access to enterprise data, the advantages of a unified architectural approach to database management become increasingly apparent. There is an outfit in Oceanport, New Jersey noted for the degree to which its systems employ that approach.

CommVault Systems (NASDAQ: CVLT) provides data management software and related services. Its unified suite of applications is used for enterprise-wide data migration, backup, archiving, data replication and disaster recovery. The firm serves customers in manufacturing, financial services, health care, transportation and the public sector. It has strategic partnerships with Dell (NASDAQ: DELL), Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ), Hitachi (NYSE: HIT), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Network Appliance (NASDAQ: NTAP), Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL) and Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL).

The firm pleased investors last week, when it announced fiscal Q4 EPS of 14 cents and revenues of $42.6 million. Analysts had been expecting 12 cents and $42.0 million. Management also guided FY08 EPS to 55-57 cents (56 cent consensus) and FY08 revenues to $191-$193 million ($191.19M consensus). In discussing the solid quarterly results and favorable outlook, the CEO noted that the company is seeing broader deployment of its full suite of products across a broader spectrum of deal sizes. CVLT shares popped on the news and subsequently moved into the initial stages of a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling when they entered them. In this case, that would be to the upside.

Brokers recommend the issue with three "strong buys," four "buys" and two "holds." Analysts see a 27% growth rate, through the next year. The CVLT Sales Growth rate (31.48%), Return on Assets (18.77%) and Return on Investment (55.11%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages.

Institutional investors hold about 73% of the outstanding shares. Since going public last September, the stock has traded between $14.74 and $20.85. A stop-loss of $14.80 looks good here.

Larry Schutts is a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com and the Vice-President of Stockwinners.com.