10 Best Cloud Computing and Cloud Services Stocks of Q1 2012
Cloud computing and cloud services stocks rose a robust 26 percent in Q1 2012, according to our Talkin’ Cloud Stocks Index, which includes 20 companies. But which cloud computing companies saw their shares rise the most in Q1 2012?
According to our index, here are the top 10 cloud computing stocks and their returns for the quarter.
- Equinix, EQIX, up 55.25% in 1Q 2012: A leading data center provider that’s inking partnerships worldwide.
- Salesforce.com, CRM, up 52.19%: The top provider of cloud-based CRM software, plus the Force.com platform.
- Athenahealth, ATHN, up 50.90%: A well-known provider of EHR (electronic health records) and other healthcare services.
- Red Hat, RHT, up 45.05%: pushing beyond Linux to promote open source middleware, storage and virtualization.
- SolarWinds, SWI, 38.28%: A growing provider of data center management tools.
- VMware, VMW, up 35.08%: Still the leading provider of virtualization software, pushing hard into the cloud.
- Rackspace Hosting, RAX, up 34.36%: Known for its fanatical support of cloud customers, and frequently the subject of takeover rumors (though I haven’t heard any this week…).
- CoreSite Realty Corp., COR, up 32.38%: Another data center provider that’s gaining attention.
- Citrix Systems, CTSX, up 29.96%: Blending virtualization software with remote support, remote management and collaboration services.
- ConstantContact, CTCT, up 28.35%: The email marketing firm.
Be Careful
Impressive. But here’s a note of caution: Cloud computing and cloud services stocks can be very volatile. Last year — during Q1 2011 — cloud computing stocks rose about 20 percent but all the gains were wiped out in Q2 2011. Cloud computing and cloud services stocks gradually began to rally again in late 2011 to close 2011 on a positive note.
So how will Q2 2012 shape up? Check our Talkin’ Cloud Stocks Index each Friday after the U.S. markets close for the weekend. But please note: We don’t make buy, sell or hold recommendations. Instead, we offer the stock index to track the overall cloud computing market, and trends within. You’ll find the complete Talkin’ Cloud Stocks Index here.
