Access Control
& Security Systems

Homeland security-related companies have seen a 91 percent first-quarter profit gain and a 4.1 percent profit margin gain since the Sept. 11 attacks, making them one of the fastest-maturing sectors in the market, according to the latest Barron's.

The report points to Laguna Research Partners' 11-company tool that follows Armor Holdings (symbol:AH), Check Point Software Technologies (CHKP), CompuDyne (CDCY), Identix (IDNX), Internet Security Systems (ISSX), InVision Technologies (INVN), L-3 Communications (LLL), OSI Systems (OSIS), Symantec (SYMC), Viisage Technology (VISG) and Zebra Technologies (ZBRA).

The companies all have roles in protecting airports and airlines or with access control for buildings and/or computer systems.

The stock values have risen in conjunction with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the continuing expectation of a steady stream of government revenue.

This month in Access Control

• Targeting The Customer
• Electronic Pedigrees
• One Hero Among Many
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• More from September's issue