REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - January 23, 2003 - Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
The fourth quarter of 2002 showed an upward trend in the business. Net income was $64.5 million or $0.26 per share (diluted), an increase of 4% over the third quarter of 2002. Revenues for the quarter were $110.3 million, a 6% increase over the third quarter. Deferred revenues increased by $4.6 million to a total of $99.2 million. During the fourth quarter, the company generated net cash flow of $74 million, an increase from $58 million in the third quarter, bringing total net cash flow for the year to $286 million. Total cash and interest bearing investments as of December 31, 2002 was $1.3 billion.
Net income for the year was $255 million or $1.00 per share (diluted). Revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 were $427 million.
"Check Point finished the year with strong momentum in the fourth quarter," said Gil Shwed, chairman and chief executive officer of Check Point Software Technologies. "We experienced strength in all geographical areas, markets and product lines. Enormous progress was made in 2002 as we continued to grow our market lead, introduced numerous industry firsts and technological breakthroughs, established new partnerships with industry leaders and most importantly, continued to satisfy our customers."
Highlights for 2002 included:
Technology Innovations
- Active Defense - introduced a new security category with SmartDefense(tm). SmartDefense will serve as the first comprehensive intelligence solution to combat cyber attacks. Active Defense incorporates type-based attack blocking, intelligent classification of security attacks and real-time updates of security policy and handles both known and unknown network attacks.
- Application Intelligence - extended Check Point's patented Stateful Inspection with the new Application Intelligence technology that enables enforcement of corporate policy and in-depth vulnerability protection for applications such as Web Services (XML/SOAP), Peer-to-Peer applications, Instant Messaging and DNS attacks.
- Wireless Infrastructure - FireWall-1 GX(tm) - introduced the first solution to protect GPRS 2.5G and 3G wireless infrastructures from the threats of untrusted networks.
- Virtualized Systems Security - VSX(tm) - introduced multi-platform support for virtualized security system for data centers, Internet carriers and enterprises' virtual LAN (VLAN) environments.
- SecurePlatform(tm) - expanded the choice of deployment options for security services by enabling unparalleled cost of ownership and price/performance for implementing security services on open servers. Utilizes One-Click technology to enable instant deployment.
- VPN-1(r) SecureClient(tm) - expanded the market leading VPN client with integrated personal firewall with support for the Pocket PC OS on handheld PDA devices.
- Market Leadership - During the year we expanded our market leadership:
- Grew VPN/firewall market lead from 61% to 65% (IDC July, 2002, Enterprise firewall/VPN software).
- #1 Market Share for VPN/firewall appliances with 36% with "Secured by Check Point" appliances (IDC November, 2002).
- Visionary and leader in both VPN and firewall reports in the prestigious Magic Quadrant from Gartner Group (September, 2002).
- Highest levels of government security certifications: Common Criteria (EAL4), Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS 140-1) and IT Security Evaluation Criteria (ITSEC).
- #1 Performance - Independent tests by Tolly Group showed that Check Point solutions deliver 5x more performance at a fraction of the cost of competing solutions.
- Industry Accolades - Check Point continued to lead the market and win recognition within the industry, for example:
- New SmartDefense Technology won "Hot Pick" spotlight from Information Security Magazine.
- PC Magazine applauded Check Point VPN-1 SmallOffice as extremely easy to deploy with the simplest and best-designed interface.
- Forbes Magazine named Check Point the Best Performing Internet Company and featured Check Point on the cover of its March issue.
- PC Magazine gave Safe@ software solution a four-star rating for its robust firewall capabilities and ease of installation.
- CIO Magazine named CEO Gil Shwed a 2002 winner of the CIO 20/20 Vision Awards.
- CRN Magazine named President Jerry Ungerman among the Top 25 Executives in 2002.
- NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center presented a special commendation to Check Point for outstanding support in implementing Internet security solutions.
- The American Academy of Achievement bestowed its Golden Plate Award upon CEO Gil Shwed for his innovative contribution to business and technology.
- Network World magazine awarded Check Point VPN-1(r) a "World Class Winner" for client deployment and manageability, multi-platform client support and the suitability for enterprise use.
Partnerships - expanded global partnerships with more than 325 OPSEC technology partners, including over 20 appliance partners. New and expanded partnerships include:
- New "Secured by Check Point" appliances with Sun Microsystems Inc.
- Expanded range of appliance offerings with Nokia - our Premier Partner.
- New "Secured by Check Point" appliances available from IBM and Siemens.
- Shipped some of the world's highest performing security platforms through expanded partnerships with Nortel Networks and Crossbeam Systems.
- New global partnership with Hewlett-Packard.
- Continued the OPSEC momentum with the introduction of the OPSEC Manager - multi-vendor security suite management software and with over 175 "OPSEC Certified" partner products.
Mr. Shwed continued: "In 2002, Check Point managed to extend its market and technology leadership while maintaining strong financial performance and unparalleled levels of profitability. Our team continues to focus on expanding this lead with the best and broadest range of solutions for securing the internet."
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from Check Point's current expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact on revenues of economic and political uncertainties and weaknesses in various regions of the world, including the commencement or escalation of hostilities or acts of terrorism; the inclusion of network security functionality in third-party hardware or system software; any unforeseen developmental or technological difficulties with regard to Check Point's products; changes in the competitive landscape, including new competitors or the impact of competitive pricing and products; a shift in demand for products such as Check Point's; unknown factors affecting third parties with which Check Point has formed business alliances; timely availability and customer acceptance of Check Point's new and existing products, and other factors and risks discussed in Check Point's Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2001, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Check Point assumes no obligation to update information concerning its expectations.
About Check Point Software Technologies
Check Point Software Technologies is the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. It is the market leader in both the worldwide VPN and firewall markets. The company's Secure Virtual Network (SVN) architecture provides the VPN and security infrastructure that uniquely enables secure and reliable Internet communications. SVN solutions, as delivered in the company's Next Generation product family, secure business communications and resources for corporate networks, remote employees, branch offices and partner extranets. Extending the power of SVN is Check Point's Open Platform for Security (OPSEC), the industry's framework and alliance for integration and interoperability with "best-of-breed" solutions from over 325 leading companies. Check Point solutions are sold, integrated and serviced by a network of 2,500 certified partners in 149 countries. For more information, please call us at (800) 429-4391 or (650) 628-2000 or visit us on the Web at <http://www.checkpoint.com/index.html> or at <http://www.opsec.com>.
Voor meer persinformatie:
Check Point Software Technologies
Joyce Voortman
Telefoon: 0348 487 080
E-mail: jvoortman@checkpoint.com
Lammers van Toorenburg PR
Francine Loos
Telefoon: 030 656 50 70
E-mail: francine@lvtpr.nl