5 UK Tech Stocks Set To Explode! ARM Holdings plc, Laird PLC, Pace plc, Imagination Technologies Group plc And Spirent Communications Plc

These 5 tech companies could be worth buying right now: ARM Holdings plc (LON: ARM), Laird PLC (LON: LRD), Pace plc (LON: PIC), Imagination Technologies Group plc (LON: IMG) and Spirent Communications Plc (LON: SPT)

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Over the last six months, few investors have been focused on the stunning performance of UK tech stocks. That’s understandable, since a lower oil price, continued declines in the prices of other commodities, and the potential impact of a change in government have made them switch their focus to other industries. However, in the last six months, the likes of ARM (LSE: ARM), Spirent (LSE: SPT) and Laird (LSE: LRD) have easily outperformed a strong FTSE 100, with their share prices rising by 34%, 22% and 20% respectively versus a very respectable 12% for the wider index.

Furthermore, looking ahead there is still great potential for price rises from those three companies, plus Pace (LSE: PIC) and Imagination Tech (LSE: IMG) which, although underperforming the FTSE 100 in the last six months (their shares rose by 10% and 8% respectively), have considerable long term potential.

Volatility

Clearly, tech stocks are never going to be the most stable or consistent of companies when it comes to bottom line performance. However, with the banking sector, mining sector, oil sector, consumer goods sector and a whole host of others seeing their earnings numbers decline drastically at one time or another in the last five years, on a relative basis tech stocks may be less volatile than many investors believe.

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And, surprisingly, all five stocks mentioned above have betas that are less than 1. This means that their share prices should change by less than 1% for every 1% move in the value of the FTSE 100, which means that if the wider index does endure a period of instability following the General Election, then tech stocks may feel it to a lesser extent than most companies on the index.

Track Record

Looking at the track records of the five companies, they are more consistent than many investors may realise. For example, ARM, Pace, Laird and Spirent have all managed to increase earnings per share in four of the last five years, with Imagination Tech managing to do so in three of the five years. That’s impressive – especially when you consider that it has been a challenging period for the sector and for the wider economy.

Looking Ahead

And, looking ahead, strong growth is forecast for all of the stocks, with Pace being the only exception. Its bottom line is expected to flat line in the next two years, but this appears to be more than priced in to its present valuation, with it having a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of just 8.2. In fact, with ARM’s price to earnings growth (PEG) ratio being just 1.5, it appears to offer growth at a reasonable price, with Spirent, Imagination Tech and Laird also offering the same via PEG ratios of just 0.9, 0.8 and 1 respectively.

So, while the focus of investors may be elsewhere at the present time, the UK tech sector appears to be a great place to invest.

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Like buying £1 for 31p

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this Share Advisor pick has a price/book ratio of 0.31. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 31p they invest!

Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.

What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 10%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?

See the full investment case

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Laird. The Motley Fool UK has recommended ARM Holdings and Pace. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of Imagination Technologies. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

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