Symantec Corporation (SYMC), Citigroup Inc (C): Could These Crime Fighters Be The Next Tech Superstars?

However, investors’ high hopes for LifeLock’s continued success have driven up share prices considerably. With a forward P/E ratio of 28 and a P/B ratio over 4, it isn’t cheap. It should also be noted that the company does not currently pay a dividend.

But for investors willing to shoulder the higher risk inherent in elevated prices, LifeLock’s enormous growth potential and strong track record might make the higher prices worth the gamble.

Risks to Consider: The technology sector is a notoriously competitive field, and sustained success within this industry requires consistent innovation and cutting-edge products. Blue-chip giants Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) and Intel (Nasdaq:INTC) are also big players in the field of IT security, and they have billions of dollars at their disposal. Intel bought popular Internet security provider McAfee in 2011.

Action to Take –> Symantec and CA both provide solid investment opportunities for investors at today’s prices, with Symantec being the slightly riskier of the two based on its shorter market and dividend history as well as its lack of diversification relative to CA. For more speculative investors, LifeLock has explosive growth potential. Yet this opportunity for big gains should be weighed against the company’s short track record and lack of dividend returns.

P.S. — The next privacy threat won’t come from the IRS, the Department of Justice or the NSA. Instead, the government’s own data suggest it could come through a device Obama’s been using since the day he took office. Get all the details in our latest report, “The 11 Most Shocking Investment Predictions For 2014,” by clicking here.

– Chad Tracy

The article Could These Crime Fighters Be The Next Tech Superstars? originally appeared on StreetAuthority and is written by Chad Tracy.

Chad Tracy does not personally hold positions in any securities mentioned in this article. StreetAuthority LLC owns shares of INTC in one or more of its “real money” portfolios.