Topic: How To Invest

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

Article Excerpt

A: Check Point Software, $113.64, symbol CHKP on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 163.4 million; Market cap: $18.7 billion, www.checkpoint.com), designs and makes firewall security systems to protect computers and mobile devices from online attacks. The company generates 45.3% of its revenue from software updates and maintenance; 29.0% of its revenue from products and licenses; and 25.7% from software-as-a-service 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 revenues have risen steadily over the last five years, despite a rising U.S. dollar, which has hurt the contribution of its overseas sales. Overall sales have increased from $1.3 billion in 2012 to $1.7 billion in 2016. Per-share earnings have moved up steadily as well, from $2.96 in 2012 to $4.22 in 2016. The company’s revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2017, rose 7.7%, to $435.5 million from $404.3 million a year earlier. That’s mostly thanks to growing demand for its…