Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT), Citrix Systems (Nasdaq:CTXS), Symantec (Nasdaq:SYMC), Top 2011 Software Picks of Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB)

Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT), Citrix Systems (Nasdaq:CTXS) and Symantec (Nasdaq:SYMC) were named as the top software picks of 2011 by Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB).

Deutsche says, "Our top picks for 2011 are MSFT, SYMC & CTXS. At 9x EV/FCF, we continue to believe that the downside is limited for MSFT and it could benefit from a Windows 7 enterprise refresh cycle in 2011. At 8x C2011 EV/FCF, we think expectations are low for SYMC and any improvement in execution and growth could yield solid stock performance. CTXS continues to lead the virtual desktop space and we believe that acceleration in VDI adoption could drive growth above expectations. At 19x 2011 EV/FCF, we believe the risk-reward is attractive. Risks include slowdown in IT spending."

Microsoft (MSFT) was trading at $28.44, down $0.22, or 0.75 percent, as of 12:14 PM EST. Citrix Systems (CTXS) was trading at $67.81, down $0.08, or 0.12 percent. Symantec (SYMC) was trading at $18.01, down $0.20, or 1.13 percent.