Who has the market share for security software?

It has dawned on me that we haven't seen posted out here who actually has the lion share of the market for security related software. Oh we see who has done good or bad in this or that test, and I have done my share of complaining about this program or that program, but I think it would be informational to know who is the king of the hill. I am not talking technical stuff, I am talking who makes the most money and provides the most units, that sort of thing. The logical question would then be why?

Thanks
Wildman

 

Just off the wall I would have to say Symantec Corporation

 

Or McAfee.

 

I read an article that puts Symantecs earnings 38% above the closest rival in the antivirus market. It didn't say who was second in this particular article.

 

Iv'e seen info that stated McAfee is number two behind Symantec but I can't recall where.

 

Maybe from the links here?

Blue

 

Yes the link in post #8 of that thread which was yours.

 

If you are really interested in how much Symantec earns read this

 

Mcafee's earnings second quarter 2005

McAfee's second quarter operating EPS of 31 cents, vs. 8 cents one year earlier, is 5 cents above our estimate. Revenues of $245 million exceeded our $237 million projection. The company cites its consumer business, which grew 69% from a year ago, and the Asia/Pacific region, which increased 53%. We are raising our 2005 operating EPS estimate to $1.23 from $1.18, and see $1.40 in 2006. With approximately $1.1 billion in cash and investments -- about $6.40 per share

 

Computer Associates :

NYSE: CA
Revenue:
$3.5 Billion in Fiscal Year 2005
Number of employees:
Approximately 15,300 as of March 31, 2005

 

When looking at some other the recent numbers in relation to other vendors, do take into account the components of Symantec unrelated to security, the same comment applies to CA.

I took a peek at one of their recent 10K filings...., they have a good balance between consumer (~51% of total net revenue, all consumer components, ~$1.3 B) and enterprise security (~ 36% of total net revenue, ~$0.9 B). The numbers quoted are for the year ending March 31, 2005.

McAfee's revenue for the same period is just under $1 B, similar 10K filing.

Blue

 

Still way more money than I will ever see

 

The question now is. Why?

Thanks
Wildman

 

Pre-instalation deals with manufacturers has to help some. Marketing and advertising (getting the brand out there). Length of time in the biz, resources, and in my opinion quality is a factor not to be discounted.

 

I am a stock market creature too and just off the top of my head I would say it was like this:
1. Symantec
2. Mcafee
3. Trend Micro
4. Computer Associates

 

I think it is Symantec, and this is why I asked this question (https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=96486)

 

The thing that amazes me is how much they make. Are these not the same companies that are warning about people not using PC security?? That complain about pirating eating profits?? And then have to compete against free PC security programs. BigC, I know that you buy a lot of AV programs, but I did not think that it was that many! LOL

Mike

 

The market share has to be between McAfee and Symantec as (a) many of their products get pre-installed on new machines, and (b) nearly every major retailer seems to sell either one or both products.