INTRO Here's my semi-annual exercise to see if I remember why I own the stocks I own, and so I can check back and see if their stories have changed. I post in case it helps others too.

(market cap $2.3B)

F5 remains one of my best, recent picks. They make hardware and software that optimizes and scrutinizes internet and telecom data traffic. Originally their strategy was to generate all of their appropriate level 4-7 hardware and software products themselves, which created a more seamless suite of products. Recently they have included some acquisitions which always seem to drive away a few institutional investors until they've proved to be correct moves yet again.

While many people made fun of bubble type projections as a way of dealing with the drop in the market, f5 has managed to maintain such impressive revenue growth. It looks like they may have finally slowed down. I don't know if the growth is taking a breather, waiting for the next acquisition to kick in, or if they have topped out. I suspect that the growth will resume, though at a slower pace. The company is one of the best managed companies that I follow. I suspect that they will continue.

Sad to say, unless money comes from somewhere else, I'll have to sell. If I had a financial windfall, I might buy, which makes it that much tougher to let the shares go. But, bills must be paid. Sigh.

DISCLAIMER LTBH since 2000.