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Without a doubt, cloud computing, in all its many iterations, has changed technology as dramatically as anything has over the past 30 years. Everything from storage to streaming to almost every facet of consumer interaction with business has been drastically changed, and there is little reason to think that the incredible growth that cloud computing is experiencing will change anytime soon.

With first-quarter earnings reports pouring in daily, the top cloud software stocks are getting ready to take their turn in the spotlight, and the analysts at Baird see core trends in the industry remaining solid. They remain positive as a result on cloud communications and public safety software trends.

In addition, the analysts are looking for strong first-quarter prints, and they feel that four companies in the firm’s coverage universe could beat earnings estimates. All are rated Outperform.

Bandwidth

Shares of this under-the-radar company offers solid upside potential and a less crowded trade. Bandwidth Inc. (NASDAQ: BAND) is a cloud-based communications platform-as-a-service provider (CPaaS) that enables enterprises to create, scale and operate voice or text communications services across any mobile application or connected device or enterprises.

Bandwidth’s solutions include a broad range of software application programming interface (API) for voice and text functionality and IP voice network. The company offers sophisticated and easy-to-use software APIs that allow enterprises to enhance their products and services by incorporating advanced voice and text capabilities. It also offers advanced monitoring, reporting and analytics, superior customer service, dedicated operating teams and personalized support.

The Baird price target for the stock is $80, and the consensus Wall Street target is $66.67. Shares closed Tuesday at $72.95, up almost 6% on the day. The company will report first-quarter results on May 2.

Everbridge

This is another stock that investors may not be fully aware of that has big upside potential. Everbridge Inc. (NASDAQ: EVBG) is a cloud provider of critical communications and enterprise safety applications, including emergency notification, incident management, IT alerting and secure messaging.

The core emergency mass notification system enables organizations to communicate with employees, law enforcement, suppliers and other third parties over secure, reliable infrastructure across multiple communication channels (phone, text, email) in the event of local or organization-specific disasters.

Everbridge enterprise customers use its IT Alerting solution to streamline incident response and accelerate resolution in order to reduce unplanned IT work and downtime and to increase IT efficiency. IT Alerting is leveraged as an enterprise-wide solution, helping organizations break down the silos between responder teams to ensure the quickest resolution to business disruptions.

Baird has put a $75 price target on the shares, while the consensus target was last seen at $72.91. The stock ended trading at $69.93 on Tuesday.

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RingCentral

This smaller cap company could be a great takeover target. RingCentral Inc. (NYSE: RNG) offers a cloud-based solution for business communications that replaces legacy and expensive on-premise communications systems. It is delivered as an application that follows the user regardless of device (office phone, smartphone, desktop, tablet). Features include voice, text, fax, audio conferencing and integration with document and customer relationship management systems.

For some time, Baird analysts have believed the company has multiple catalysts, including continued traction with mid/enterprise customers, increased partner traction, international expansion and continued dislocation in the industry from legacy PBX/UC vendors.

The $120 Baird price target compares with the $115.47 consensus figure. Shares closed most recently at $111.31.

Twilio

This may be the top stock to own in this fast-growing sector. Twilio Inc. (NYSE: TWLO) provides cloud communications platform that enables developers to build, scale and operate communications within software applications through the cloud as a pay-as-you-go service in the United States and internationally.

The company offers programmable communications cloud software that enables developers to embed voice, messaging, video and authentication capabilities into their applications through application programming interfaces. The company also provides use-case products, such as a two-factor authentication solution.

Baird has a $134 price objective. The consensus price target is $130.45, and shares closed at $129.27.

These four red-hot companies could be poised to beat earnings estimates. It probably makes sense to buy partial positions and wait to view the actual results. Even if the numbers come in strong, if forward guidance disappoints, that could be an issue.