Checkpoint Systems Misses Estimates

Checkpoint Systems

(CKP)

missed Wall Street's estimates in the latest fourth quarter, but the bottom line rose sharply from the year-ago period.

The company, which makes labeling, barcoding and retail security systems, reported earnings of $9.5 million, or 28 cents a share. Two analysts queried by

First Call/Thomson Financial

expected earnings of 30 cents a share. In the year-ago period, Checkpoint earned $3.2 million, or 11 cents a share.

Revenue for the quarter rose to $188.3 million from $111.6 million last year. The company expects revenue to rise 3% to 4% in 2001, though the slowing economy and volatile exchange rates could hold that number down.

Checkpoint, which is based in Thorofare, N.J., projected earnings of 95 cents to $1 a share for 2001. Analysts expect a profit of 98 cents.

In recent

New York Stock Exchange

trading, Checkpoint lost 5 cents, or 0.6%, to $9.10.