Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat: I’m looking to invest in cybersecurity: What is your opinion of Check Point Software? Any better ideas? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

A: Check Point Software, $100.77, symbol CHKP on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 163.4 million; Market cap: $16.5 billion, www.checkpoint.com), designs and makes firewall security systems to protect computers and mobile devices from online attacks. The company generates 44.0% of its revenue from software updates and maintenance; 30.1% of its revenue from products and licenses; and 25.9% from security subscriptions. Check Point first sold shares to the public at $14.00 a share and began trading on Nasdaq on June 29, 1996. The company’s revenue has risen steadily over the last five years. Overall sales have increased from $1.39 billion in 2013 to $1.85 billion in 2017. Per-share earnings have moved up steadily as well from $3.27 in 2013 to $4.82 in 2017. For the three months ended December 31, 2017, the company’s revenue rose 4.0%, to $506.0 million from $486.7 million a year earlier. Earnings, excluding one-time items, increased by 4.9%, to $259.2 million from $222.0 million. Per-share earnings rose 8.2%, to $1.58 from $1.46, on…