When your information technology needs extend beyond off-the-shelf software, it's usually best to go with an experienced consultant. There is an Austin, Texas outfit that's well thought of that way. It works for some of the biggest corporations in America.

Perficient, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRFT) is an information technology consulting firm, with clients throughout the United States. Company services include software development, systems integration, consulting and support. Its specializes in solutions involving portals and collaboration, eCommerce, online customer relationship management, enterprise content management, business integration, mobile technology solutions and service-oriented architectures. Clients include Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC). Electronic Data Systems (NYSE: EDS) is a major competitor.

The firm pleased investors last week, when it raised its Q4 services and software revenue guidance from $56.3-$62.1 million to $61.2-62.7 million. Analysts had been expecting $59.97 million. The CEO noted that the strong revenues were bolstered by a reacceleration of organic growth. Northland Securities subsequently reiterated its "outperform" rating on the stock and declared a $25 price target.

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Illinois Tool Works, Perficient and GATX were today's noteworthy initiations:

• Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW) was initiated with a Neutral rating and $59 target at Banc of America, as they believe the challenging macro environment and tougher international comparisons will impact near-term base revenue growth and margin opportunities.
  
• JMP Securities believes shares of Perficient Inc. (NASDAQ: PRFT) have overreacted to weak 2007 organic growth and expects shares to be driven by an acceleration in growth in combination with accretive acquisitions. The firm initiated Perficient with a Market Outperform rating and $20 target.
  
• GATX Corp. (NYSE: GMT) was initiated with a Neutral rating at SunTrust on valuation.

OTHER INITIATIONS:

• Credit Suisse initiated Bank of America with a Neutral rating and $48 target and Wachovia Corp. (NYSE: WB) with an Underperform rating and $35 target.
  
• Goldman initiated Bank of New York (NYSE: BK) with a Neutral rating.
  
• Morgan Stanley started WESCO International (NYSE: WCC) with an Equal Weight rating.

When your information technology needs to extend beyond off-the-shelf software, it's usually best to go with an experienced consultant. There is an Austin, Texas outfit that's well thought of that way. It works for some of the biggest corporations in America.

Perficient (NASDAQ: PRFT) is an information technology consulting firm, with clients throughout the United States. Company services include software development, systems integration, consulting and support. It specializes in solutions involving portals and collaboration, eCommerce, online customer relationship management, enterprise content management, business integration, mobile technology solutions and service-oriented architectures. Customers include Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), EMC (NYSE: EMC), IBM (NYSE: IBM), Luxottica Group (NYSE: LUX), Wachovia (NYSE: WB) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC). Electronic Data Systems (NYSE: EDS) is a major competitor.

The firm pleased investors earlier in the week, when it raised its Q2 revenue guidance from $48.5-$51.2 million to $51.8-$53.0 million. Analysts had been expecting $51.0 million. The CEO said, "The second quarter was another record for Perficient. We are beginning to see the benefits of operating leverage and scale on our bottom line." The share price popped on the news and has since been consolidating the gain in a bullish "pennant" pattern. Prices frequently exit pennants 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 two "strong buys," one "buy" and two "holds." Analysts see a 25% average annual growth rate, through the next five years. The PRFT Sales Growth rate (68.92%), EPS Growth rate (128.57%) and Return on Assets (9.94%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutions own about 63% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $12.50 and $23.29. A stop-loss of $19 looks good here. Note that the firm is next expected to report quarterly results in early August.

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