The tech industry is off to a fast start in 2012. Despite a challenging economy, some tech stocks are lifting the sector higher. Here's a look at recent earnings for four leading technology companies and whether they can keep the momentum going.
The obvious leader here is Apple
If you have the cash, I think Apple's still a buy today. The stock is currently trading at 11 times next year's estimated earnings. It's hard to imagine that Apple will slow down, with upcoming product releases rolling out later this year including the iPhone 5 and the next-generation iPad.
Riding Apple's coattails
My next pick within the tech industry is one that closely ties into Apple: Broadcom
With industry-leading technologies for mobile devices, the chipmaker should benefit greatly from increased growth in mobility. For an in-depth look at the company's 2011 performance, we'll have to wait until Broadcom reports its fourth-quarter and full-year review on Jan. 31.
PC does it
The world's largest chipmaker, Intel
The payoff
Another player I like in the tech-sphere is online marketplace eBay
In 2011, Paypal added a million new members each month -- driving incredible growth for the company. I see this progress continuing as PayPal adds more ways for people to pay for products using its service. For example, last year the company processed nearly $4 billion in mobile payments, up from just $25 million in 2008. The growth potential here is huge. eBay's PayPal division could also be a big player on the point-of-sale playing field. The company is testing an in-store payments system with Home Depot. Ultimately, PayPal hopes to partner with other brick-and-mortar retailers, allowing customers to make purchases with their PayPal accounts using a mobile phone.
Takeaway
Those are my picks for the best plays within technology. If you, too, want to ride Apple's phenomenal success, look no further than The Motley Fool's free report: "3 Hidden Winners of the iPhone, iPad, and Android Revolution." Find out how you can cash in on the booming smartphone and tablet market today. Get your free report.