Business News

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Completes Acquisition of SafeWord; Raises 2008 Annual Guidance to Give Effect to Acquisition

Thursday 04. September 2008 - SafeWord Positions Aladdin as a Leading Strong Authentication Provider, Harnessing Strong Market and Channel Presence Worldwide

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALDN), an information security leader specializing in authentication, software DRM and content security, today announced that it has completed the acquisition previously announced on July 30, 2008, of the Secure SafeWord product line from Secure Computing Corporation (NASDAQ: SCUR) for approximately $65 million in cash, including acquisition costs.
The Company today also raised guidance for the fiscal year 2008 to give effect to the completion of the SafeWord acquisition, as well as preliminary estimates of the performance of the Company’s core business.
“We are pleased to have completed this exciting transaction, and we expect to realize immediate benefits from the acquisition of SafeWord,” said Yanki Margalit, Chairman and CEO of Aladdin Knowledge Systems. “SafeWord adds highly reliable technology to Aladdin as well as a strong market and channel presence, enabling us to offer customers a broader range of solutions for their security needs. Additionally, we will be able to leverage SafeWord’s global presence and competitive strengths to position the Company for long-term success. We welcome SafeWord’s world-class employees, who join the rest of our hard working and innovative team in continuing to develop industry-leading technologies to support our global customers and enhance value for all of our stakeholders.”
“Today’s announcement is another important step in executing our business plan, which includes organic growth complemented by additional opportunities that further strengthen our portfolio of IT security offerings, contribute to our market share and sales, and increase Aladdin’s global brand recognition,” continued Mr. Margalit. “The Aladdin Board and management team are confident that continued execution of our strategy will enhance value for our shareholders.”
Shlomi Yanai, Vice President of the Authentication unit, added: “SafeWord adds industry-leading one-time-password authentication products to Aladdin’s suite of enterprise identity and access management solutions and contributes tremendous security knowledge and expertise to Aladdin’s team of authentication experts. Combining eToken’s and SafeWord’s personnel, technology and partnerships positions Aladdin as a leading strong authentication provider. SafeWord brings a new level of one-time-password authentication to Aladdin’s eToken brand, adding value for Aladdin’s customers by advancing the technology. Aladdin also expands the options available to SafeWord customers, who now have access to the entire line of eToken devices. We are committed to continuing to serve SafeWord customers while providing seamless integration into the Aladdin family.”
“As a long-time reseller of SafeWord, we are thrilled at the opportunity to expand our business with a company like Aladdin,” said Gordon Shevlin, Executive Vice President at Fishnet Security. “We see Aladdin’s focus on authentication solutions and proven track record of launching new products as a very positive development for the SafeWord product line.”
Aladdin and SafeWord will maintain service to SafeWord’s customers by providing continued manufacturing services, as well as sales, service and support.
Raised Annual 2008 Guidance
Based on preliminary estimates, primarily due to the effect of the completed acquisition of SafeWord, as well as the current performance of the Company’s core business, Aladdin now expects its 2008 non-GAAP revenues to be between $124 million and $132 million, compared to the previously reported GAAP range of $112 million to $120 million provided at the end of the second quarter and as compared to the $105.9 million in revenues reported for fiscal year 2007. Non-GAAP revenues include any deferred revenue valuation adjustment (currently estimated to be approximately $4.3 million) relating to the SafeWord acquisition. Aladdin expects GAAP revenues to be between $120 million and $128 million in fiscal year 2008.
Fiscal year 2008 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to increase to between $0.67 and $0.77 from between $0.48 and $0.56. Non-GAAP earnings per share guidance excludes the projected impact of stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $2.0 million, valuation adjustment on acquired deferred revenue of approximately $4.3 million and amortization of intangibles and anticipated one-time expenses related to the Company’s recent acquisitions of approximately $3.9 million. The acquisition-related adjustments are based on preliminary estimates and are subject to change pending final analysis.
The Company reported non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.20 for fiscal year 2007, which excluded stock-based compensation expense and the impact of the $2.0 million non-recurring up-front cost associated with production of video-based training.
Fiscal year 2008 GAAP diluted earnings per share is expected to decrease to between $0.00 and $0.05 from a range of $0.36 to $0.44, primarily due to the impact of accounting charges related to acquisitions. The Company reported GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.02 for fiscal year 2007.
“We are encouraged by our prospects for the remainder of 2008, due in large part to our SafeWord acquisition, which we expect to have an immediate positive impact on our earnings on a non-GAAP basis during this quarter,” Mr. Margalit added. “Our revised 2008 annual guidance validates the framework we previously provided on July 30th, the day we announced the SafeWord transaction, and affirms our expectations that SafeWord will provide Aladdin with profitable revenues and growth opportunities. With our investment plan beginning to bear fruit, together with the ongoing performance of our core business, our pipeline and current market trends, we have great confidence in our 2008 business outlook.”