10 Top-Performing VAR 500 Stocks Of 2009

2009 was a year of belt-tightening, numerous tech layoffs, restructuring and mergers. Customers turned to their solution providers for ways of doing more with less and for improving performance. All of that led to a year that saw many public VARs enjoy improved stock prices. Here are the 10 VAR 500 stocks that showed the most growth between Dec. 31, 2008 and Dec. 31 2009.

Dec. 31, 2008: $6
Dec. 31, 2009: $13.30
Change: 121.6%




The 10th fastest growing stock, Retalix (2009 VAR 500 rank: 194), recently appointed a new chief executive officer, Joshua Sheffer, who succeeded Retalix founder and CEO, Barry Shaked on Jan. 1, 2010. Retalix is an independent provider of software solutions, serving grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers.

Dec. 31, 2008: $4.21
Dec. 31, 2009: $9.51
Change: 125.8%






Agilysys (2009 VAR 500 rank: 93), had the ninth highest growth rate of the VAR 500. The solution provider offers innovative IT solutions to corporate and public-sector customers, with special expertise in select markets, including retail and hospitality. It recently received Dynamic Infrastructure Specialty Elite status with IBM.

Dec. 31, 2008: $10.52
Dec. 31, 2009: $25.70
Change: 144.2%






GSI Commerce (2009 VAR 500 rank: 90) provides e-commerce technology and fulfillment for dozens of online retailers, including Toys 'R Us, Aeropostale, Dick's Sporting Goods, RadioShack and Ralph Lauren. It recently signed a multiyear agreement to provide Tumi, a brand of travel, business and lifestyle accessories, e-commerce technology, customer care and marketing services.

Dec. 31, 2008: $3.22
Dec. 31, 2009: $8.15
Change: 153.1%






Computer Task Group (2009 VAR 500 rank: 151) was also named to Forbes' annual ranking of America's 200 best small companies. In 2008, James R. Boldt, CTG chairman and CEO, said in a press release last month that the VAR's four-year compound annual growth rate for revenue was 11 percent, more than double the rate of the technology services market.

Dec. 31, 2008: $18.06
Dec. 31, 2009: $46.15
Change: 155.5%




Cognizant (2009 VAR 500 rank: 48) offers many data and software services to businesses globally. Its clients hail from financial services, health care, manufacturing and logistics, retail, telecommunications and the media. Much of its software development centers and employees are in India. As outsourcing continues to grow, so does Cognizant.

Dec. 31, 2008: $37.13
Dec. 31, 2009: $94.97
Change: 155.7%




Microstrategy (2009 VAR 500 rank: 175) is a leading worldwide provider of business intelligence software. MicroStrategy's business intelligence software provides retailers with detailed insight into business performance and is used globally by retailers, including Whole Foods Market, Lowe's Companies, Limited Brands, METRO Group, Starbucks, and Ross Stores.

Dec. 31, 2008: $1.67
Dec. 31, 2009: $5.45
Change: 226.3%






AMICAS (2009 VAR 500 rank: 409) provides image and information management solutions, including radiology information systems, cardiovascular information systems, business intelligence tools, enterprise content management tools, and revenue cycle management solutions. Late last month, private equity firm Thoma Bravo announced its intention to purchase AMICAS for $217 million, which sent the stock soaring.

However, the company is now under investigation concerning whether or not the AMICAS Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties to stockholders by failing to adequately shop the company before entering into this transaction and whether Thomas Bravo is underpaying for AMICAS shares. Thomas Bravo offered $5.35 per share.

Dec. 31, 2008: $8.40
Dec. 31, 2009: $29
Change: 245.2%






Blue Coat (2009 VAR 500 rank: 162) offers application delivery network solutions, such as K9 Web Protection, as well as professional services to their clients.

Dec. 31, 2008: $5.82
Dec. 31, 2009: $20.68
Change: 255.3%






Patni (2009 VAR 500 rank: 106) is a global provider of IT Services and business solutions, with Global 2000 clients among its customers. The India-based outsourcing firm has roughly 13,600 employees and multiple global delivery centers across 13 cities worldwide.

Dec. 31, 2008: $2.24
Dec. 31, 2009: $9.15
Change: 308.4%






COMSYS IT Partners (2009 VAR 500 rank: 103), which offers clients information technology staffing and consulting services, saw the biggest percentage increase in stock price. COMSYS' Managed Solutions group leverages its technology expertise, client delivery, and recruiting capabilities to deliver a suite of specialized services and solutions.