2 Embattled Canadian Tech Stocks With Parabolic Upside Potential

Investors seeking growth over the long term may want to consider these two embattled tech stocks that may still have upside left.

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Investors looking for growth have gravitated toward tech stocks for good reason. Canadian technology companies have absolutely taken off during this recent bull market. Indeed, the number of high-quality Canadian technology companies continues to grow. In this light, it can be hard to pick one or two winners.

Here are two top tech stocks with the potential to continue their rapid growth.

Top tech stocks: Lightspeed

Lightspeed (TSX:LSPD)(NYSE:LSPD) is a tricky pick, as far as growth stocks go. That’s because this company’s growth trajectory has recently been called into question by short-sellers.

Spruce Point Capital Management recently called out Lightspeed’s business model and the company’s accounting of its revenue growth. A U.S. short-seller, this firm sees discrepancies with how Lightspeed has been recording its lightning-fast growth rate.

Indeed, given how quickly Lightspeed stock has surged, some skepticism is a good thing. This is a company that has done well to revolutionize the omnichannel software and hardware space for SMBs. Additionally, this is a company that has grown quickly, in part, due to a number of aggressive acquisitions.

How the company reports its revenue may indeed be questioned by investors. However, it’s clear this company is operating in a high-growth sector with plenty of upside.

Similar to when Shopify was hit with short-seller allegations, Lightspeed’s future depends on how the company responds. More growth is likely to breed more investor interest.

This recent dip therefore may be viewed as an intriguing entry point for those who feel they missed the boat. Others concerned with Lightspeed’s business model may feel more comfortable on the sidelines. In my view, either viewpoint is valid, and investors ought to look at Lightspeed stock through the lens of their risk tolerance level right now.

BlackBerry 

Another company that has been on the short end of short-sellers of late is BlackBerry (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BB).

The former smartphone maker turned software company has been on a downward trajectory for more than a decade. Despite making the transition to a pure-play software company, BlackBerry has struggled to make a profit in recent years.

As a mature tech stock, investors seem to be demanding bottom-line results. And BlackBerry hasn’t been delivering. Accordingly, various short-sellers have jumped on this stock as an execution-based short.

That said, because of BlackBerry’s short interest, this stock went on an incredible run this year. While BlackBerry stock has fallen back to Earth, this increase is notable for two reasons.

First, the BlackBerry brand isn’t lost with retail investors. This is a company that still holds cachet among many young investors who like the brand.

Second, BlackBerry’s new business model and future growth prospects may not be as dim as short-sellers would like us to believe. This is a company that’s seeing impressive growth in the autonomous and EV software market. Those bullish on the growth of this space may like BlackBerry stock as a picks-and-shovels play on this sector.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Lightspeed POS Inc. and Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends BlackBerry and recommends the following options: long January 2023 $1,140 calls on Shopify and short January 2023 $1,160 calls on Shopify.

More on Tech Stocks

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Tech Stocks

Why Shopify Stock Sold Off Last Week

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) sold off heavily last week. A bad earnings release may have been the culprit.

Read more »

Hand arranging wood block stacking as step stair with arrow up.
Tech Stocks

2 Phenomenal Growth Stocks Down 30-60% That Could Rally in the Next Bull Market

Is it time to buy growth stocks? The worst of the interest rate hike and inflation is over, and now…

Read more »

stock market
Tech Stocks

2 Best Tech Stocks to Buy Before the Next Bull Market

Tech stocks such as Roku and Nuvei can help long-term investors generate outsized gains in 2023 and beyond.

Read more »

Wireless technology
Tech Stocks

Tucows Stock Trades Near its 6-Year Low: Is it a Buy?  

Tucows stock fell 63% in the tech stock sell-off and has failed to show any recovery. Is this domain and…

Read more »

Male IT Specialist Holds Laptop and Discusses Work with Female Server Technician. They're Standing in Data Center, Rack Server Cabinet with Cloud Server Icon and Visualization
Tech Stocks

Is Converge Stock a Buy?

A relatively new tech stock could soar higher with the pause in rate hikes, although a resumption of the cycle…

Read more »

online shopping
Tech Stocks

Up by 25%: Is Shopify Stock Finally a Buy in 2023?

The strong rebound in the TSX’s top tech stock remains uncertain. Investors will have to wait before it delivers stellar…

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

2 TSX Tech Stocks Innovating Hard in AI

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock and another intriguing Canadian gem make good use of AI technologies.

Read more »

worry concern
Tech Stocks

Shopify Stock: Incredible Bargain or Deceptive Trap?

Shopify has quickly shifted from a market darling to something else. Is it a safe buy or risqué bet?

Read more »