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Fortinet

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FY2010 Annual Report · Fortinet
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Table of Contents

(Mark One)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 FORM 10-K 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 

Or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934

 For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 001-34511
______________________________________
 FORTINET, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
______________________________________

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

1090 Kifer Road
Sunnyvale, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

77-0560389
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

94086
(Zip Code)

(408) 235-7700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value

(Title of each class)

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Name of exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Act.    Yes  

     No  

 
 
 
 
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, 

every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this 
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such 
files).    Yes  

     No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (section 229.405 of this 

chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or 
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a 
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” 
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if smaller
reporting company)

Accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  

     No  

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as of June 30, 2010, the last business day 

of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, was $590,897,232 (based on the closing price for shares of the 
registrant's common stock as reported by The NASDAQ Global Select Market for the last business day prior to that date). 
Shares of common stock held by each executive officers, director, and holder of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock 
have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily 
a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of February 17, 2011, there were 75,231,493 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated 

by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

 
FORTINET, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010

Table of Contents

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Properties

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Item 4.

Removed and Reserved

Part I

Part II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Item 9B.

Other Information

Part III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Part IV

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ITEM 1.

Business

Overview

Part I

We provide network security solutions that are designed to address the fundamental problems of an increasingly 
bandwidth-intensive network environment and a more sophisticated information technology (“IT”) threat landscape. Through our 
products and subscription services, we provide broad, integrated and high performance protection against dynamic security threats 
while simplifying the IT security infrastructure for enterprises, service providers and government entities worldwide. Our flagship 
Unified Threat Management ("UTM") solution consists of our FortiGate appliance products that provide a broad array of security 
and networking functions, including firewall, VPN, antivirus, intrusion prevention, application control, Web filtering, antispam, 
wireless controller, and WAN acceleration. Our FortiGate appliances, from the FortiGate-50 for small businesses and branch 
offices to the FortiGate-5000 series for large enterprises and service providers, are based on our proprietary technology platform. 
This platform includes our FortiASICs, which are specifically designed for accelerated processing of security and networking 
functions, and our FortiOS operating system, which provides the foundation for all of our security functions. Our FortiGuard 
security subscription services provide end-customers with access to dynamic updates to our antivirus, application control, intrusion 
prevention, Web filtering and antispam functionality based on intelligence gathered by our dedicated FortiGuard Labs team. By 
combining multiple proprietary security and networking functions with our purpose-built FortiASIC and FortiOS, our FortiGate 
UTM solution delivers broad protection against dynamic security threats while reducing the operational burden and costs 
associated with managing multiple point products.

We complement our FortiGate product line with a family of FortiManager appliances, which enable end-customers to 
manage the system configuration and security functions of multiple FortiGate appliances from a centralized console, as well as 
FortiAnalyzer appliances, which enable collection, analysis and archiving of content and log data generated by our products. We 
also offer other appliances and software that provide additional protection, such as: (i) FortiMail, a family of multi-featured, high 
performance messaging security appliances, (ii) FortiDB, a family of appliances that provide centrally managed database-specific 
security, (iii) FortiClient, a software product that provides endpoint security for desktops, laptops and mobile devices and that is 
primarily used in conjunction with our FortiGate appliances, (iv) FortiWeb, a family of appliances that provide security for Web-
based applications, (v) FortiAP, a family of secure wireless access points, (vi) FortiScan, an appliance designed to provide endpoint 
vulnerability assessment and remediation, (vii) FortiSwitch, a family of Ethernet switches, and (viii) FortiBridge, a family of 
bypass appliances to help ensure network availability.

In October 2010 we began shipping virtual appliances for the FortiGate and FortiManager product lines. The new virtual 
appliances help secure network infrastructures with the same functionality as the traditional physical appliances in their respective 
product lines. They can be used in conjunction with traditional Fortinet appliances (such as FortiGate, FortiManager, and 
FortiAnalyzer) to help ensure the visibility, management, and protection of physical and virtual environments. 

As of December 31, 2010, we had shipped over 675,000 appliances to more than 5,000 channel partners and 100,000 end-

customers worldwide, including a majority of the 2010 Fortune Global 100.

We were incorporated in Delaware in November 2000. Our principal executive office is located at 1090 Kifer Road, 

Sunnyvale, California 94086 and our telephone number at that location is (408) 235-7700.

Technology and Architecture

Our proprietary FortiASIC, hardware architecture, FortiOS operating system and associated security and networking 

functions combine to form a platform that integrates security features and enables our products to perform sophisticated security 
processing for networks with high throughput requirements.

FortiASIC

Our FortiASIC family of ASICs is comprised of three lines of processors: FortiASIC content processor, or CP, the 
FortiASIC network processor, or NP, and the FortiASIC system-on-a-chip, or SOC. These custom ASICs are designed to enhance 
the sophisticated security processing capabilities implemented in software by accelerating the computation-intensive tasks such as 
firewall policy enforcement or IPS anomaly detection. This architecture provides the flexibility of implementing accelerated 
processing of new threat detection without requiring a new ASIC release. The FortiASIC CP is currently included in most of our 
entry-level and all of our mid-range and high-end FortiGate appliances. The FortiASIC NP is currently included in some of our 
mid-range and high-end FortiGate appliances, delivering further accelerated firewall and VPN performance. The FortiASIC SOC 

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is currently included in our entry-level FortiGate-60C and FortiWiFi-60C appliances.

FortiOS

FortiOS provides the foundation for the operation of all FortiGate appliances, from the core kernel functions to the 

security processing feature sets. FortiOS provides multiple layers of security including a hardened kernel layer providing 
protection for the FortiGate system, a network security layer providing security for end-customers’ network infrastructures, and 
application content protection providing security for end-customers’ workstations and applications. FortiOS directs the operations 
of processors and ASICs as well as providing system management functions such as command-line and graphical user interfaces. 
We make available updates to the FortiOS through our FortiCare support services. FortiOS also enables advanced, integrated 
routing and switching, allowing end-customers to deploy FortiGate devices within a wide variety of networks, as well as providing 
a direct replacement solution option for legacy switching and routing equipment. The FortiOS implements a suite of commonly 
used routing protocols as well as address translation technologies allowing the FortiGate appliance to integrate and operate in a 
wide variety of network environments. Additional features include Virtual Domain, or VDOM, capabilities and traffic queuing and 
shaping enabling administrators to set the appropriate configurations and policies that meet their infrastructure needs. FortiOS also 
provides capabilities for logging of traffic for forensic analysis purposes which are particularly important for regulatory 
compliance initiatives like PCI DSS. FortiOS’s packet classification, queue disciplines, policy enforcement, congestion 
management, and other traffic optimization functionality are designed to help control network traffic in order to optimize 
performance.

Our FortiOS incorporates the following seven core security and networking technologies:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Firewall. Our firewall technology delivers high performance network and application firewalling, including the 
ability to enforce policies based on application behavior and content. Our technology identifies traffic patterns 
independent of port or protocol used, and links them to the use of specific applications, enabling visibility and 
control over application behavior (explained in more detail below). By coupling application intelligence with 
firewall technology, the FortiGate platform is able to deliver real-time security with integrated application 
content level inspection, thereby simplifying security deployments.

Virtual Private Network. Our advanced VPN technology provides secure communications between multiple 
networks and hosts, through both secure socket layer, or SSL, and IPsec VPN technologies, leveraging our 
custom FortiASIC to provide hardware acceleration for high-performance communications and data privacy. 

Antivirus. Our antivirus technology provides protection against malware, including viruses, spyware and trojans. 

Intrusion Prevention System. Our IPS technology provides protection against current and emerging network level 
threats. 

Web Filtering. Our Web filtering automation technology works in concert with our research team to collect, 
analyze and categorize websites to provide real-time protection through website ratings and categorization. Our 
Web filtering technology is a pro-active defense feature that identifies known locations of malware and blocks 
access to these malicious sources. 

Antispam. We employ a variety of antispam techniques to detect and block spam. These techniques include a 
hosted service performing algorithmic validations of messages against known spam messages, sophisticated 
reputation service designed to evaluate and track valid email sources and destinations, intelligent image scanning 
to evaluate the validity of images and dynamic heuristic rules to allow messages to be evaluated based on content 
within each message. 

WAN Acceleration. Our storage-enabled and storage-ready FortiGate appliances provide the ability to accelerate 
network traffic across the wide area network by implementing a combination of application content caching and 
protocol optimization techniques. 

In addition to the seven core security and networking functions mentioned above, we also incorporate additional 

technologies within FortiGate appliances that differentiate our UTM solution, including:

•

Application Control. Our application control technology provides the ability to define granular network-based 
application policies giving end-customers additional control over application access. 

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•

•

•

•

•

Data Leakage Prevention (DLP). Our DLP technology provides the ability to define rules based on corporate 
policies, and consequently detect and prevent confidential data from being distributed outside of the corporate 
network. 

Traffic optimization. Our traffic optimization technology combines quality of service techniques with traffic 
shaping to provide better service to selected network traffic based on customer policies without causing 
interruptions to other traffic.

SSL inspection. Our SSL inspection technology provides the ability to decrypt SSL application content for 
processing by the FortiOS. The ability to inspect encrypted SSL content enables our customers to ensure 
protection from malware that would be otherwise hidden from traditional security products, and enforce the full 
complement of security and networking features available within FortiOS.

Vulnerability Management. Our vulnerability management technology enables the FortiGate platform to perform 
network scans to discover systems on a network, identity vulnerabilities and recommend steps for remediation. 
The FortiGate devices can store the results of the scans locally, or send the results from multiple FortiGate 
devices to a central FortiAnalyzer for aggregation and analysis.

Wireless Controller. Our wireless controller technology provides the ability to deploy FortiAP wireless access 
points to create a secure wireless network. FortiAP access points tunnel all wireless traffic to FortiGate or 
FortiWiFi platforms, enabling end-customers to use a single security platform to manage all wired and wireless 
network traffic.

Products

Our core product offerings consist of our FortiGate UTM appliance family, along with our FortiManager central 

management appliance and FortiAnalyzer central logging and reporting appliance, both of which are typically purchased to 
complement a large FortiGate deployment.

FortiGate

Our flagship FortiGate appliances offer a set of security and networking functions, including firewall, VPN, antivirus, 
intrusion prevention, application controls, Web filtering, antispam and WAN acceleration. All FortiGate appliances are based on 
our proprietary operating system, FortiOS, and substantially all FortiGate models include our proprietary FortiASICs to accelerate 
content and network security features implemented within FortiOS. FortiGate appliances can be centrally managed through both 
embedded Web-based and command line interfaces, as well as through FortiManager which provides a central management 
architecture for thousands of FortiGate appliances.

By combining multiple network security functions in our purpose-built security platform, the FortiGate provides high 

quality protection capabilities and deployment flexibility while reducing the operational burden and costs associated with 
managing multiple point products. Through FortiGuard security subscription services, our products enable end-customers to add 
security functionality as required by their evolving business needs and the changing threat landscape. By purchasing FortiGuard 
security subscription services, end-customers obtain coverage and access to regular updates for antivirus, application control, IPS, 
Web filtering and antispam functions for their FortiGate appliances. With over 30 models in the FortiGate product line, FortiGate is 
designed to address security requirements for small-to-mid sized businesses, remote offices, large enterprises, and service 
providers.

Each FortiGate appliance runs our FortiOS operating system, and substantially all include our FortiASIC CP. The 

significant differences between each model are the performance and scalability targets each model is designed to meet, while the 
security features and associated services offered are common throughout all models.

The FortiGate-30 through -100 series models are designed for perimeter protection for small- to mid-sized businesses, 

remote offices of large distributed organizations and as customer premises equipment for service providers. Optional wireless 
LAN, or WLAN, integration is available for the FortiGate-50, -60 and -80 models, marketed as FortiWiFi, delivering additional 
network access and security for wireless environments.

The FortiGate-200 through -800 series models are designed for perimeter deployment in mid-sized to large enterprise 

networks. These products offer increased capacity and scalability designed to provide high network performance while delivering 
the same broad security suite as all FortiGate models. Additionally, the FortiGate-310 and -620 models provide hardware 

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modularity, allowing end-customers the flexibility to customize solutions to their requirements.

The FortiGate-1000 through -5000 series models deliver high performance and scalable network security functionality for 
perimeter, data center and core deployment in large enterprise and service provider networks. Additionally, most of these products 
provide hardware modularity, allowing end-customers the flexibility to customize solutions to their requirements. Products within 
the FortiGate-3000 and -5000 series leverage Advanced Mezzanine Card, or AMC, industry standards for hardware modularization 
to support the advanced networking requirements of large enterprises and service providers, including high-speed networking, 
WAN connectivity, and network attached storage connectivity. The FortiGate-3950B series also leverages our proprietary Fortinet 
Mezzanine Card, or FMC, that provides hardware modularity to give end-customers the ability to add additional firewall and/or 
intrusion prevention performance as their network security needs evolve. The FortiGate-5000 series is also compatible with the 
Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture, or ATCA, standard, resulting in a flexible hardware platform for system 
modularity. This modularization gives end-customers the ability to deploy an initial FortiGate configuration with room to grow as 
their network security needs evolve. The inclusion of network load balancing and advanced switching functionality provides 
additional flexibility in how end-customers utilize the FortiGate modules within the FortiGate chassis. In addition, our 
FortiGate-5000 series ATCA blades can be utilized in other third-party vendors’ industry standard ATCA chassis, allowing 
FortiGate platforms to be deployed into a much wider range of network solutions. Our FortiGate-5000 series appliances offer 
modular, chassis-based architecture based on the ATCA and AMC industry standards. We brand a subset of our FortiGate-3000 and 
-5000 series products as FortiCarrier to reflect products specifically targeting a subset of service providers. These products add 
incremental security, networking and management functionality often utilized in service provider deployments.

FortiGate System Virtualization (VDOM)

In addition to providing network and content level security, FortiOS also offers system virtualization capabilities—the 
ability to “divide” a security appliance into multiple separately provisioned and managed instances. This capability is currently 
deployed in substantially all of our FortiGate products as our virtual domain, or VDOM, feature, where administrators have the 
ability to segment a single FortiGate appliance platform into multiple FortiGate instances. Network security system virtualization, 
using our VDOM feature, provides isolation between each virtual system, giving administrators flexibility in configuration and 
traffic management capabilities for each virtual instance. 

Fortinet Management and Analysis Appliances

Our FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer appliances are typically sold in conjunction with a large FortiGate deployment.

FortiManager

Our FortiManager appliances provide a central management solution for our FortiGate appliances, including the wide 

variety of network and security features offered within FortiOS. One FortiManager appliance is capable of effectively managing 
thousands of FortiGate units, and also provides central management for FortiClient software. FortiManager facilitates the 
coordination of policy-based provisioning, device configuration and operating system revision management, as well as network 
security monitoring and device control.

FortiAnalyzer

Our FortiAnalyzer appliances are network logging, analyzing, and reporting appliances that securely aggregate content 

and log data from our FortiGate devices and other Fortinet products as well as third-party devices to enable network logging, 
analysis and reporting. Additional functions such as vulnerability assessments and traffic analysis provide additional value for 
customers seeking to control and monitor their network infrastructure and security policies. A full range of content and log data, 
including traffic, event, virus, attack, Web content, and email data may be archived, filtered and mined for compliance or historical 
analysis purposes. The appliance comes with a suite of standard reports as well as the ability to customize reports.

Additional Fortinet Solutions

We also offer other appliances and software that protect our end-customers from security threats to other critical areas in 

the enterprise, such as messaging, Web-based applications and databases, and employees’ computers or mobile devices.

FortiMail

Our FortiMail appliances provide protection against threats conveyed by messaging applications, including blended 

threats such as a coordinated, single attack comprised of spam, viruses and worms. These systems offer flexibility to support a 

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variety of existing deployments with minimal change to existing infrastructure. The FortiMail systems utilize a customized 
operating system designed to inspect and clean both inbound and outbound email traffic. FortiMail detects security threats through 
sophisticated antispam, antivirus and anti-malware engines. Additional functionality designed to eliminate deployment barriers and 
increase system value includes email routing, system virtualization, and archiving.

FortiDB

Our FortiDB appliance provides a comprehensive solution for database security assessment, identifying potential 
vulnerabilities that otherwise could be exploited by attackers. This solution is able to discover databases within a network 
infrastructure allowing administrators to confirm known databases and identify potentially harmful unknown or unauthorized 
databases. The ability to evaluate and report on database software and database server vulnerabilities provides the database 
administrator with a comprehensive list of security concerns and recommended actions to remediate them ensuring a security-
hardened database environment.

FortiClient

Our FortiClient product is an endpoint software solution designed to be used in connection with our FortiGate appliances 

to provide security features for enterprise computers and mobile devices. The feature set includes personal firewall, IPsec VPN, 
antivirus, Web filtering, WAN acceleration, DLP and antispam. FortiClient is supported by FortiGuard security subscription 
services to help ensure endpoints are protected on a real-time basis against current and emerging threats. FortiClient software is 
available for Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Vista, Microsoft Windows Mobile and Symbian operating systems.

FortiWeb

Our FortiWeb appliances provide Web application firewalls and networking features designed to protect, balance, and 
accelerate Web applications. The FortiWeb is designed for medium and large enterprises, cloud service providers and consumer 
Internet and e-commerce companies, and can significantly reduce the deployment time and complexities of introducing Web 
applications. The FortiWeb applies our industry leading threat research to protect Web application servers, improving the security 
of confidential information and aiding in legislative and PCI DSS compliance. FortiWeb goes beyond traditional Web application 
firewalls to provide XML security enforcement, application acceleration, and server load balancing.

FortiScan

Our FortiScan appliance provides endpoint vulnerability management, inventory (asset and software) industry compliance 

evaluation, patch management and remediation, auditing and reporting. These tasks are important for enterprises to assess and 
ensure the defensive capabilities of their endpoints. The ability to provide agent-less and agent-based vulnerability assessment 
allows for flexibility in deployment with minimal impact on endpoint configurations. Additionally, administrators are able to 
remediate vulnerabilities found within endpoints from a central location without user participation simplifying security and 
compliance initiatives.

FortiBridge

Our FortiBridge bypass appliances ensure availability of network resources in the event of power loss or failure of 

Fortinet and third-party devices. This function enables organizations that have already deployed high availability security 
infrastructure (where a system fails over to either an active or standby unit) to provide additional protection of network 
connectivity. FortiBridge appliances preserve network availability in the event of a power failure or a device malfunction, 
bypassing the device altogether with a fail-open solution.

FortiSwitch

Our FortiSwitch Ethernet switches provide Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switching with 10-Gigabit Ethernet uplinks for large, 

high-performance network, and power over Ethernet (POE) support for small offices and remote offices that have deployed 
wireless-enabled devices. These features enable a wide range of network environments to take advantage of Fortinet's high-speed, 
low latency switching technology.

FortiAP

Our FortiAP wireless access points provide secure WiFi client access. FortiAPs tunnel all wireless traffic to a FortiGate or 

FortiWiFi via the integrated wireless controller technology in FortiOS. FortiGate or FortiWiFi platforms provide centralized 

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management of multiple FortiAP access points. This product allows organizations to deploy a broad, integrated security solution 
for all wireless and wired traffic. 

Services

FortiGuard Security Subscription Services

Security requirements are dynamic due to the constantly changing nature of threats. Using automated processes, our 

FortiGuard Labs team, comprised of over 100 professionals, identifies emerging threats, collects threat samples, and replicates, 
reviews and characterizes attacks. Based on this research, we develop updates for virus signatures, attack definitions, scanning 
engines, and other security solution components to distribute to end-customers through our FortiGuard global distribution network. 
Our FortiGuard security subscription services are designed to allow us to quickly deliver new threat detection capabilities to end-
customers worldwide as new threats evolve. End-customers purchase FortiGuard security subscription services in advance, 
typically for a one-year term, to obtain coverage and access to regular updates for antivirus, application control, intrusion 
prevention, Web filtering, and antispam functions for our FortiGate appliances; antivirus, Web filtering and antispam functions for 
our FortiClient software; antivirus and antispam functions for our FortiMail appliances; vulnerability management for our 
FortiAnalyzer and FortiScan appliances, database functions for our FortiDB appliance, and web functions for our FortiWeb 
appliances. We provide FortiGuard services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

FortiCare Technical Support Services

Our FortiCare services are our technical support services for the software, firmware and hardware in our products. In 

addition to our standard support service offering, we offer a premium service that offers faster response times and dedicated 
support oriented towards major accounts.

For our standard technical support offering for our products, channel partners often provide first level support to the end-

customer, especially for small and mid-sized end-customers, and we typically provide second and third level support to our end-
customers. We also provide knowledge management tools and customer self-help portals to help augment our support capabilities 
in an efficient and scalable manner. We provide technical support to partners and end-customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
through regional technical support managers located worldwide. 

Training Services

We offer training services to our end-customers and channel partners, through our training department and authorized 

training partners. We have also implemented a training certification program to ensure an understanding of our products and 
services. As of December 31, 2010, more than 20,000 individuals have participated in our training programs.

Professional Services

We offer professional services to end-customers primarily for large implementations where expert technical resources are 

required. Our professional services consultants help in the design of deployments of our products and work closely with end-
customer engineers, managers and other project team members to implement our products according to design, utilizing network 
analysis tools, attack simulation software and scripts.

Customers

We sell our security solutions through channel partners to end-customers of various sizes—from small businesses to large 
enterprises and service providers—and across a variety of industries including telecommunications, government, financial services, 
retail, education, technology, healthcare and manufacturing. An end-customer deployment may involve one of our appliances or 
thousands, depending on our end-customers’ size and security requirements. As of December 31, 2010, we had shipped over 
675,000 appliances to more than 5,000 channel partners and 100,000 end-customers worldwide, including a majority of the 2010 
Fortune Global 100.

During fiscal 2009 and 2008, one channel partner, Alternative Technology, Inc., a subsidiary of Arrow Electronics, Inc., 
accounted for approximately 12% of total revenue. During fiscal 2010, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of total 
revenue.

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Sales and Marketing

We primarily sell our products and services directly to distributors who sell to resellers and service providers, who, in 

turn, sell to our end-customers. In certain cases, we sell directly to government focused resellers, very large service providers and 
major systems integrator partners who have large purchasing power and unique customer deployment demands. As of 
December 31, 2010, our distribution channel program had more than 5,000 channel partners worldwide. We work with many of the 
world’s leading technology distributors, including Arrow Electronics, Inc., Ingram Micro Inc. and Tech Data Corporation.

We support our channel partners with a team of experienced channel account managers, sales professionals and sales 

engineers who provide business planning, joint marketing strategy, and pre-sales and operational sales support. Additionally, our 
sales team often helps drive and support large enterprise and service provider sales through a direct touch model. Our sales 
professionals and engineers typically work alongside our channel partners and directly engage with end-customers to address their 
unique security and deployment requirements. Our sales cycle for an initial end-customer purchase typically ranges from three to 
six months but can be longer especially for large enterprises, service providers and government customers. To support our broadly 
dispersed global channel and end-customer base, we have sales offices in over 30 countries around the world.

Our marketing strategy is focused on building our brand and driving end-customer demand for our security solutions. We 
execute this strategy by leveraging a combination of internal marketing professionals and a network of regional and global channel 
partners. Our internal marketing organization is responsible for branding, product marketing, channel marketing and sales support 
programs. We focus our resources on programs, tools and activities that can be leveraged by partners worldwide to extend our 
marketing reach, such as sales tools and collateral, product awards and technical certifications, training, regional seminars and 
conferences, webinars and various other demand-generation activities.

Manufacturing and Suppliers

We outsource the manufacturing of our security appliance products to a variety of contract manufacturers and original 
design manufacturers. Our current manufacturing partners include Flextronics International Ltd., Micro Star International, Ltd., 
Creation Technologies, Inc. and a number of additional Taiwan-based manufacturers. We submit purchase orders to our contract 
manufacturers that describe the type and quantities of our products to be manufactured, the delivery date and other delivery terms. 
Once our products are manufactured, they are sent to either our headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, or to our logistics partner in 
Taoyuan City, Taiwan, where accessory packaging and quality-control testing are performed. We use one third-party logistics 
provider that accounted for a material portion of our shipments in fiscal 2009 and in fiscal 2010. We believe that outsourcing our 
manufacturing and a substantial portion of our logistics enables us to conserve capital, better adjust manufacturing volumes to 
meet changes in demand and more quickly deliver products, while allowing us to focus resources on our core competencies. Our 
proprietary FortiASIC, which is the key to the performance of our appliances, is fabricated by contract manufacturers in foundries 
operated by UMC and TSMC. Faraday (using UMC’s foundry) and K-Micro (using TSMC’s foundry) manufacture our ASICs on a 
purchase order basis. Accordingly, they are not obligated to continue to fulfill our supply requirements, and the prices we are 
charged for the fabrication of our ASICs could be increased on short notice.

The components included in our products are sourced from various suppliers by us or more frequently by our contract 

manufacturers. Some of the components important to our business, including central processing units from Intel, AMD, RMI and 
VIA and network chips from Broadcom, Marvell and Intel, are available from a limited or sole source of supply.

We have no long-term contracts related to the manufacturing of our ASICs or other components that guarantee any 

capacity or pricing terms.

Research and Development

We focus our research and development efforts on developing new products and systems, and adding new features to 

existing products and systems. Our development strategy is to identify features, products and systems for both software and 
hardware that are, or are expected to be, needed by our end-customers. Our success in designing, developing, manufacturing and 
selling new or enhanced products will depend on a variety of factors, including the identification of market demand for new 
products, product selection, timely implementation of product design and development, product performance, effective 
manufacturing and assembly processes and sales and marketing.

As of December 31, 2010, our research and development organization had headcount of 428 people predominantly in 

Canada, China, and the United States. Our research and development expense in fiscal 2010 was $49.8 million, in fiscal 2009 was 
$42.2 million and in fiscal 2008 was $37.0 million.

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Intellectual Property

We rely primarily on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual 

provisions to protect our technology. As of December 31, 2010, we had 55 issued U.S. patents, 11 issued Chinese patents, 1 issued 
Japanese patent, 94 patent applications pending for examination in the United States and 19 patent applications pending for 
examination in China. We also license software from third parties for integration into our products, including open source software 
and other software available on commercially reasonable terms.

Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or 
obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. We generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, 
consultants, vendors and customers, and generally limit access to and distribution of our proprietary information. However, we 
cannot assure you that the steps taken by us will prevent misappropriation of our technology. In addition, the laws of some foreign 
countries do not protect our proprietary rights to as great an extent as the laws of the United States, and many foreign countries do 
not enforce these laws as diligently as government agencies and private parties in the United States.

Our industry is characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and frequent claims and related litigation 

regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. In particular, leading companies in the networking industry have extensive 
patent portfolios. From time-to-time, third parties, including certain of these leading companies, have asserted and may assert 
patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights against us, our channel partners or our end-customers. Successful 
claims of infringement by a third party could prevent us from distributing certain products or performing certain services or require 
us to pay substantial damages (including treble damages if we are found to have willfully infringed patents or copyrights), royalties 
or other fees. Even if third parties may offer a license to their technology, the terms of any offered license may not be acceptable 
and the failure to obtain a license or the costs associated with any license could cause our business, operating results or financial 
condition to be materially and adversely affected. We typically indemnify our end-customers, distributors and certain resellers 
against claims that our products infringe the intellectual property of third parties.

Competition

The markets for our products are extremely competitive and are characterized by rapid technological change. The 

principal competitive factors in our markets include the following:

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product performance, features, effectiveness, interoperability and reliability;

technological expertise;

price of products and services and total cost of ownership;

brand recognition;

customer service and support;

sales and distribution capabilities;

compliance with industry standards and certifications;

size and financial stability of operations; and

breadth of product line.

Our competitors include networking companies such as Cisco Systems, Inc., and Juniper Networks, Inc., security vendors 
such as Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., McAfee Inc. (pending acquisition by Intel, Inc.), and SonicWALL, Inc. (acquired 
by Thoma Bravo), and other point solution security vendors.

We believe we compete favorably based on our products’ performance, reliability and breadth, and our ability to add and 

integrate new networking and security features and based on our technological expertise. Several competitors are significantly 
larger, have greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution, customer support and other resources, are more established than 
we are, and have significantly better brand recognition. Some of these larger competitors have substantially broader product 
offerings and leverage their relationships based on other products or incorporate functionality into existing products in a manner 
that discourages users from purchasing our products. Based in part on these competitive pressures, we may lower prices or attempt 

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to add incremental features and functionality.

Conditions in our markets could change rapidly and significantly as a result of technological advancements or continuing 

market consolidation. The development and market acceptance of alternative technologies could decrease the demand for our 
products or render them obsolete. Our competitors may introduce products that are less costly, provide superior performance or 
achieve greater market acceptance than our products. In addition, our larger competitors often have broader product lines and 
market focus, are in a better position to withstand any significant reduction in capital spending by end-customers in these markets, 
and will therefore not be as susceptible to downturns in a particular market. The above competitive pressures are likely to continue 
to impact our business. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future, and competition may harm our business.

Employees

As of December 31, 2010, our total headcount was 1,336 people including payrolled contractors. We had 428 in research 

and development, 486 in sales and marketing, 283 in services and support, 31 in manufacturing operations, and 108 in a general 
and administrative capacity. As of December 31, 2010, our headcount was 314 people in the United States, 430 in Canada, 83 in 
France, 216 in China and 293 in other countries.

None of our U.S. employees are represented by a labor union with respect to his or her employment with us; however, our 

employees in France, Spain and Italy are represented by collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced any work 
stoppages, and we consider our relations with our employees to be good.

Available Information

Our web site is located at www.fortinet.com, and our investor relations web site is located at http://investor.fortinet.com. 
The information posted on our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-
K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to 
Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on our investor relations 
web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. You may also 
access all of our public filings through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Further, a copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is 
located at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the 
Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

We webcast our earnings calls and certain events we participate in or host with members of the investment community on 

our investor relations web site. Additionally, we provide notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial 
performance, including SEC filings, investor events, press and earnings releases, as part of our investor relations web site. The 
contents of these web sites are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this report or in any other report or document we 
file.

ITEM 1A. 

Risk Factors

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks and all 

other information contained in this 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before 
investing in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and 
uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, also may become important factors that 
affect us. If any of the following risks materialize, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be 
materially harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your 
investment.

Risks Related to Our Business 

Our quarterly operating results are likely to vary significantly and be unpredictable.

Our operating results have historically varied from period to period, and we expect that they will continue to do so as a 

result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control and may be difficult to predict, including:

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the level of demand for our products and services; 

the timing of channel partner and end-customer orders;

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the timing of shipments, which may depend on many factors such as inventory levels and logistics, our ability 
to ship new products on schedule and accurately forecast inventory requirements, and potential delays in the 
manufacturing process;

the mix of products sold, the mix of revenue between products and services and the degree to which products 
and services are bundled and sold together for a package price;

the budgeting cycles and purchasing practices of our channel partners and end-customers;

seasonal buying patterns of our end-customers;

the timing of revenue recognition for our sales, which may be affected by both the mix of sales by our “sell-
in” versus our “sell-through” channel partners, and by the extent to which we bring on new distributors;

the accuracy and timing of point of sale reporting by our sell-through distributors, which impacts our ability 
to recognize revenue;

the level of perceived threats to network security, which may fluctuate from period to period;

changes in end-customer, distributor or reseller requirements or market needs;

changes in the growth rate of the network security or UTM markets;

the timing and success of new product and service introductions by us or our competitors or any other change 
in the competitive landscape of our industry, including consolidation among our competitors or end-
customers;

deferral of orders from end-customers in anticipation of new products or product enhancements announced 
by us or our competitors;

decisions by potential end-customers to purchase network security solutions from larger, more established 
security vendors or from their primary network equipment vendors;

price competition;

changes in customer renewal rates for our services;

changes in the length of services contracts sold;

insolvency or credit difficulties confronting our customers, affecting their ability to purchase or pay for our 
products and services;

any disruption in our channel or termination of our relationship with important channel partners;

insolvency or credit difficulties confronting our key suppliers, which could disrupt our supply chain;

general economic conditions, both domestically and in our foreign markets;

future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies; and

increases or decreases in our expenses caused by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as a 
significant portion of our expenses are incurred and paid in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

Any one of the factors above or the cumulative effect of some of the factors referred to above may result in significant 
fluctuations in our quarterly financial and other operating results, including fluctuations in our key metrics. This variability and 
unpredictability could result in our failing to meet our internal operating plan or the expectations of securities analysts or 
investors for any period. If we fail to meet or exceed such expectations for these or any other reasons, the market price of our 
shares could fall substantially and we could face costly lawsuits, including securities class action suits. In addition, a significant 
percentage of our operating expenses are fixed in nature and based on forecasted revenue trends. Accordingly, in the event of 

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revenue shortfalls, we are generally unable to mitigate the negative impact on margins in the short term.

Reliance on a concentration of shipments at the end of the quarter could cause our revenue to fall below expected levels.

As a result of customer-buying patterns and the efforts of our sales force and channel partners to meet or exceed 
quarterly quotas, historically we have received a substantial portion of a quarter's sales orders and generated a substantial 
portion of a quarter's revenue during the last two weeks or last days of the quarter. If expected revenue at the end of any quarter 
is delayed for any reason, including the failure of anticipated purchase orders to materialize, our or our logistics partners' 
inability to ship products prior to quarter-end to fulfill purchase orders received near the end of the quarter, our failure to 
manage inventory to meet demand, our inability to release new products on schedule, any failure of our systems related to order 
review and processing, or any delays in shipments based on trade compliance requirements, our revenue for that quarter could 
fall below our expectations or those of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in our stock price.

We rely significantly on revenue from subscription and support services which may decline, and, because we recognize 
revenue from subscriptions and support services over the term of the relevant service period, downturns or upturns in sales 
are not immediately reflected in full in our operating results.

Services revenue accounts for a significant portion of our revenue, comprising 53.0% of total revenue for fiscal 2010, 

55.2% of total revenue for fiscal 2009, and 49.7% of total revenue for fiscal 2008. Sales of new or renewal subscription and 
services contracts may decline and fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including end-customers' level of satisfaction 
with our products and services, the prices of our products and services, the prices of products and services offered by our 
competitors or reductions in our customers' spending levels. If our sales of new or renewal subscription and services contracts 
decline, our revenue and revenue growth may decline and our business will suffer. In addition we recognize subscription and 
service revenue monthly over the term of the relevant service period, which is typically one year but has been as long as five 
years. As a result, much of the revenue we report each quarter is the recognition of deferred revenue from subscription and 
services contracts entered into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscription or service 
contracts in any one quarter will not be fully reflected in revenue in that quarter, but will negatively affect our revenue in future 
quarters. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in new or renewed sales of our subscriptions or services is not 
reflected in full in our results of operations until future periods. Our subscription and service revenue also makes it difficult for 
us to rapidly increase our revenue through additional service sales in any period, as revenue from new and renewal service 
contracts must be recognized over the applicable service period. Furthermore increases in the average term of services contracts 
would result in revenue for services contracts being recognized over longer periods of time. 

Managing inventory of our products and product components is complex. Insufficient inventory may result in lost sales 
opportunities or delayed revenue, while excess inventory may harm our gross margins.

Our channel partners may increase orders during periods of product shortages, cancel orders if their inventory is too 
high, return product or take advantage of price protection (if any), or delay orders in anticipation of new products. They also 
may adjust their orders in response to the supply of our products and the products of our competitors that are available to them 
and in response to seasonal fluctuations in end-customer demand. Furthermore if the time required to manufacture certain 
products or ship products increases for any reason, this could result in inventory shortfalls. Management of our inventory is 
further complicated by the significant number of different products and models that we sell.

In addition, for those channel partners that have rights of return, inventory held by such channel partners affects our 

results of operations. Our inventory management systems and related supply chain visibility tools may be inadequate to enable 
us to effectively manage inventory. Inventory management remains an area of focus as we balance the need to maintain 
inventory levels that are sufficient to ensure competitive lead times against the risk of inventory obsolescence because of 
rapidly changing technology and customer requirements. If we ultimately determine that we have excess inventory, we may 
have to reduce our prices and write-down inventory, which in turn could result in lower gross margins. Alternatively, 
insufficient inventory levels, which we experienced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, may lead to shortages that result in 
delayed revenue or loss of sales opportunities altogether as potential end-customers turn to competitors' products that are 
readily available. If we are unable to effectively manage our inventory and that of our distribution partners, our results of 
operations could be adversely affected.

We rely on third-party channel partners to generate substantially all of our revenue. If our partners fail to perform, our 
ability to sell our products and services will be limited, and, if we fail to optimize our channel partner model going forward, 
our operating results will be harmed.

Substantially all of our revenue is generated through sales by our channel partners, which include distributors and 

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resellers. We depend upon our channel partners to generate sales opportunities and manage the sales process. To the extent our 
channel partners are unsuccessful in selling our products, or we are unable to enter into arrangements with, and retain a 
sufficient number of high quality channel partners in each of the regions in which we sell products, and keep them motivated to 
sell our products, our ability to sell our products and operating results will be harmed. The termination of our relationship with 
any significant channel partner may also adversely impact our sales and operating results.

We provide sales channel partners with specific programs to assist them in selling our products, but there can be no 

assurance that these programs will be effective. In addition, our channel partners may be unsuccessful in marketing, selling and 
supporting our products and services. Our channel partners generally do not have minimum purchase requirements. They may 
also market, sell and support products and services that are competitive with ours, and may devote more resources to the 
marketing, sales and support of such products. They may have incentives to promote our competitors' products to the detriment 
of our own. They may cease selling our products altogether. We cannot assure you that we will retain these channel partners or 
that we will be able to secure additional or replacement partners. The loss of one or more of our significant channel partners or 
the failure to obtain and ship a number of large orders each quarter through them could harm our operating results. In addition, 
any new sales channel partner will require extensive training and may take several months or more to achieve productivity. Our 
channel partner sales structure could subject us to lawsuits, potential liability and reputational harm if, for example, any of our 
channel partners misrepresent the functionality of our products or services to end-customers or our channel partners violate 
laws or our corporate policies. If we fail to manage existing sales channels, our business will be seriously harmed.

If we are not successful in continuing to execute our strategy to increase our sales to larger end-customers, our results of 
operations may suffer.

An important part of our growth strategy is to increase sales of our products to large enterprises, service providers and 

government entities. Sales to enterprises, service providers and government entities involve risks that may not be present (or 
that are present to a lesser extent) with sales to small-to-mid-sized entities. These risks include:

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increased competition from larger competitors, such as Cisco Systems, Inc., Check Point Software 
Technologies Ltd., McAfee, Inc. (pending acquisition by Intel, Inc.), and Juniper Networks, Inc., that 
traditionally target enterprises, service providers and government entities and that may already have purchase 
commitments from those end-customers;

increased purchasing power and leverage held by large end-customers in negotiating contractual 
arrangements with us;

more stringent requirements in our support service contracts, including stricter support response times, and 
increased penalties for any failure to meet support requirements; and

longer sales cycles and the associated risk that substantial time and resources may be spent on a potential 
end-customer who elects not to purchase our products and services.

Large enterprises, service providers and government entities often undertake a significant evaluation process that 

results in a lengthy sales cycle, in some cases over 12 months. Although we have a channel sales model, our sales 
representatives typically engage in direct interaction with our distributors and resellers in connection with sales to larger end-
customers. Due to the lengthy nature, the size and scope, and stringent requirements of these evaluations, we typically provide 
evaluation products to these customers. We may spend substantial time, effort and money in our sales efforts without being 
successful in producing any sales. If we are unsuccessful in converting these evaluations into sales, we may experience an 
increased inventory of used products and potentially increased write-offs. In addition, product purchases by enterprises, service 
providers and government entities are frequently subject to budget constraints, multiple approvals, and unplanned 
administrative, processing and other delays. Finally, enterprise, service providers and government entities typically have longer 
implementation cycles; require greater product functionality and scalability and a broader range of services, including design 
services; demand that vendors take on a larger share of risks; sometimes require acceptance provisions that can lead to a delay 
in revenue recognition; and expect greater payment flexibility from vendors. All these factors can add further risk to business 
conducted with these customers. If sales expected from a large end-customer for a particular quarter are not realized in that 
quarter or at all, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

The average sales prices of our products may decrease, which may reduce our gross profits and adversely impact our 
financial results and the trading price of our common stock.

The average sales prices for our products may decline for a variety of reasons, including competitive pricing pressures, 

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discounts we offer, a change in our mix of products, anticipation of the introduction of new products or promotional programs. 
Competition continues to increase in the market segments in which we participate and we expect competition to further 
increase in the future, thereby leading to increased pricing pressures. Larger competitors with more diverse product offerings 
may reduce the price of products that compete with ours in order to promote the sale of other products or may bundle them with 
other products. Additionally, although we price our products and services worldwide in U.S. dollars, currency fluctuations in 
certain countries and regions may negatively impact actual prices that partners and customers are willing to pay in those 
countries and regions. Furthermore, we anticipate that the average sales prices and gross profits for our products will decrease 
over product life cycles. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in developing and introducing new offerings with 
enhanced functionality on a timely basis, or that our product offerings, if introduced, will enable us to maintain our prices and 
gross profits at levels that will allow us to maintain profitability. 

Defects or vulnerabilities in our products or services, the failure of our products or services to prevent a virus or security 
breach, or misuse of our products could harm our reputation and divert resources.

Because our products and services are complex, they have contained and may contain defects or errors that are not 

detected until after their commercial release and deployment by our customers. Defects or vulnerabilities may impede or block 
network traffic or cause our products or services to be vulnerable to electronic break-ins or cause them to fail to help secure 
networks. Because the techniques used by computer hackers to access or sabotage networks change frequently and generally 
are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques. In addition, defects or 
errors in our FortiGuard subscription updates or our FortiGate appliances could result in a failure of our FortiGuard services to 
effectively update end-customers' FortiGate appliances and thereby leave customers vulnerable to attacks. Furthermore, our 
solutions may also fail to detect or prevent viruses, worms or similar threats due to a number of reasons such as the evolving 
nature of such threats and the continual emergence of new threats that we may fail to add to our FortiGuard databases in time to 
protect our end-customers' networks. Our FortiGuard or FortiCare data centers and networks may also experience technical 
failures and downtime, and may fail to distribute appropriate updates, or fail to meet the increased requirements of a growing 
customer base. Any such technical failure, downtime, or failures in general may temporarily or permanently expose our end-
customers' networks, leaving their networks unprotected against the latest security threats.

An actual or perceived security breach or infection of the network of one of our end-customers, regardless of whether 

the breach is attributable to the failure of our products or services to prevent the security breach, could adversely affect the 
market's perception of our security products. We may not be able to correct any security flaws or vulnerabilities promptly, or at 
all. Our products may also be misused by end-customers or third parties who obtain access to our products. For example, our 
products could be used to censor private access to certain information on the Internet. Such use of our products for censorship 
could result in negative press coverage and negatively affect our reputation, even if we take reasonable measures to prevent any 
improper shipment of our products or if our products are provided by an unauthorized third-party. Any defects, errors or 
vulnerabilities in our products, or misuse of our products, could result in:

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expenditure of significant financial and product development resources in efforts to analyze, correct, 
eliminate or work-around errors or defects or to address and eliminate vulnerabilities;

loss of existing or potential end-customers or channel partners;

delayed or lost revenue;

delay or failure to attain market acceptance;

negative publicity, which will harm our reputation; and

litigation, regulatory inquiries or investigations that may be costly and harm our reputation.

Our business and operations have experienced rapid growth, and if we do not appropriately manage any future growth, or 
are unable to improve our systems and processes, our operating results will be negatively affected.

We have a high volume business that has grown over the last several years. We rely heavily on information technology 

systems to help manage critical functions such as order processing, revenue recognition, financial forecasts, inventory and 
supply chain management and trade compliance reviews. However, we have been slow to adopt and implement certain 
automated functions, like Electronic Data Interchange, which could have a negative impact on our business. For example, a 
large part of our order processing relies on the manual processing of emails internally and from our customers. Combined with 
the fact that we may receive a majority of our orders in the last few weeks of any given quarter, a significant interruption in our 

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email service or other systems could result in delayed order fulfillment and decreased revenue for that quarter. To manage any 
future growth effectively, we must continue to improve and expand our information technology and financial infrastructure, 
operating and administrative systems and controls, and continue to manage headcount, capital and processes in an efficient 
manner. We may not be able to successfully implement improvements to these systems and processes in a timely or efficient 
manner. In addition, our systems and processes may not prevent or detect all errors, omissions or fraud. Our failure to improve 
our systems and processes, or their failure to operate in the intended manner, may result in our inability to manage the growth 
of our business and to accurately forecast our revenue, expenses and earnings, or to prevent certain losses. Our productivity and 
the quality of our products and services may be adversely affected if we do not integrate and train our new employees quickly 
and effectively. Any future growth would add complexity to our organization and require effective coordination throughout our 
organization. Failure to manage any future growth effectively could result in increased costs and harm our results of operations. 

We have a history of losses and may not maintain profitability, and our revenue growth may not continue.

We have incurred net losses in most fiscal years since our inception, including net losses of $21.8 million in fiscal 

2007, $5.3 million in fiscal 2006, $14.2 million in fiscal 2005 and $59.0 million in fiscal 2004. As a result, we had an 
accumulated deficit of $18.7 million at December 31, 2010. Although we were profitable in fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010, we 
may not be able to sustain profitability in future periods if we fail to increase revenue or deferred revenue, manage our cost 
structure, or are subject to unanticipated liabilities. Revenue growth may slow or revenue may decline for a number of possible 
reasons, including slowing demand for our products or services, increasing competition, a decrease in the growth of our overall 
market, or if we fail for any reason to continue to capitalize on growth opportunities. Any failure by us to maintain profitability 
and continue our revenue growth could cause the price of our common stock to materially decline.

If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies are based on assumptions that change or prove to 
be incorrect, our operating results could fall below expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in 
our stock price.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and 
accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be 
reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations” in this Form 10-K, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets 
and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our operating results may be adversely affected if our 
assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our operating results to 
fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in our stock price. Significant assumptions 
and estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements include those related to revenue recognition, stock-based 
compensation, valuation of inventory, warranty liabilities, and accounting for income taxes.

We offer retroactive price protection to certain of our major distributors, and if we fail to balance their inventory with end-
customer demand for our products, our allowance for price protection may be inadequate, which could adversely affect our 
results of operations.

We provide certain of our major distributors with price protection rights for inventories of our products held by them. 

If we reduce the list price of our products, certain distributors receive refunds or credits from us that reduce the price of such 
products held in their inventory based upon the new list price. Future credits for price protection will depend on the percentage 
of our price reductions for the products in inventory and our ability to manage the levels of our major distributors' inventories. 
If future price protection adjustments are higher than expected, our future results of operations could be materially and 
adversely affected.

If we are unable to hire, retain and motivate qualified personnel, our business will suffer.

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to attract and retain highly skilled personnel. The loss of 

the services of any of our key personnel, the inability to attract or retain qualified personnel, or delays in hiring required 
personnel, particularly in engineering and sales, may seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. 
We have experienced turnover in our management-level personnel. None of our key employees has an employment agreement 
for a specific term, and any of our employees may terminate their employment at any time. Our ability to continue to attract 
and retain highly skilled personnel will be critical to our future success. Competition for highly skilled personnel is frequently 
intense, especially in the locations where we have a substantial presence and need for highly-skilled personnel: the San 
Francisco Bay Area, Vancouver, Canada and Beijing, China. A large portion of our employee base is substantially vested in 
significant stock option grants, and the ability to exercise those options and sell their stock may result in a larger than normal 

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turnover rate. We may not be successful in attracting, assimilating or retaining qualified personnel to fulfill our current or future 
needs. Also, to the extent we hire personnel from competitors, we may be subject to allegations that they have been improperly 
solicited or divulged proprietary or other confidential information.

We are dependent on the continued services and performance of our senior management, the loss of any of whom could 
adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our future performance depends on the continued services and continuing contributions of our senior management to 

execute on our business plan, and to identify and pursue new opportunities and product innovations. The loss of services of 
senior management, particularly Ken Xie, our Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Xie, our Co-
founder, Vice President of Engineering and Chief Technical Officer, and Ken Goldman, our Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer, could significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our development and strategic objectives. In addition, key 
personnel may be distracted by activities unrelated to our business. The loss of the services, or distraction, of our senior 
management for any reason could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Adverse economic conditions or reduced information technology spending may adversely impact our business. 

Our business depends on the overall demand for information technology and on the economic health of our current 

and prospective customers. In addition, the purchase of our products is often discretionary and may involve a significant 
commitment of capital and other resources. Weak global economic conditions, weak economic conditions in certain 
geographies, or a reduction in information technology spending regardless of macro-economic conditions, could adversely 
impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in a number of ways, including longer sales cycles, lower 
prices for our products and services, higher default rates among our distributors, reduced unit sales and lower or no growth. 

Because we depend on several third-party manufacturers to build our products, we are susceptible to manufacturing delays 
that could prevent us from shipping customer orders on time, if at all, and may result in the loss of sales and customers.

We outsource the manufacturing of our security appliance products to a variety of contract manufacturing partners and 

original design manufacturing partners.

Our reliance on our third-party manufacturers reduces our control over the manufacturing process, exposing us to 

risks, including reduced control over quality assurance, product costs and product supply and timing. Any manufacturing 
disruption by our third-party manufacturers could impair our ability to fulfill orders. If we are unable to manage our 
relationships with these third-party manufacturers effectively, or if these third-party manufacturers experience delays, increased 
manufacturing lead-times, disruptions, capacity constraints or quality control problems in their manufacturing operations, or 
fail to meet our future requirements for timely delivery, our ability to ship products to our customers could be impaired and our 
business would be seriously harmed.

These manufacturers fulfill our supply requirements on the basis of individual purchase orders. We have no long-term 

contracts or arrangements with certain of our third-party manufacturers that guarantee capacity, the continuation of particular 
payment terms or the extension of credit limits. Accordingly, they are not obligated to continue to fulfill our supply 
requirements, and the prices we are charged for manufacturing services could be increased on short notice. If we are required to 
change third-party manufacturers, our ability to meet our scheduled product deliveries to our customers would be adversely 
affected, which could cause the loss of sales and existing or potential customers, delayed revenue or an increase in our costs 
which could adversely affect our gross margins. Our individual product lines are generally manufactured by only one 
manufacturing partner. Any production interruptions for any reason, such as a natural disaster, epidemic, capacity shortages, or 
quality problems, at one of our manufacturing partners would severely affect sales of our product lines manufactured by that 
manufacturing partner.

Our proprietary FortiASIC, which is the key to the performance of our appliances, is fabricated by contract 

manufacturers in foundries operated by UMC and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, or TSMC. Faraday 
(using UMC's foundry) and K-Micro (using TSMC's foundry) manufacture our ASICs on a purchase order basis, and these 
foundries do not guarantee any capacity and could reject orders from either Faraday or K-Micro or try to increase pricing. 
Accordingly, the foundries are not obligated to continue to fulfill our supply requirements, and due to the long lead time that a 
new foundry would require, we could suffer temporary or long term inventory shortages of our FortiASIC as well as increased 
costs. Our suppliers may also prioritize orders by other companies that order higher volumes of products. If any of these 
suppliers materially delays its supply of ASICs or specific product models to us, or requires us to find an alternate supplier and 
we are not able to do so on a timely and reasonable basis, or if these foundries materially increase their prices for fabrication of 
our ASICs or specific product models, our business would be harmed.

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In addition, our reliance on third-party manufacturers and foundries limits our control over environmental regulatory 
requirements such as the hazardous substance content of our products and therefore our ability to ensure compliance with the 
EU RoHS and other similar laws. See “If we fail to comply with environmental requirements, our business, financial condition, 
operating results and reputation could be adversely affected” for information on the effects of the failure to comply with these 
laws.

Because some of the key components in our products come from limited sources of supply, we are susceptible to supply 
shortages or supply changes, which could disrupt or delay our scheduled product deliveries to our customers and may result 
in the loss of sales and customers.

We and our contract manufacturers currently purchase several key parts and components used in the manufacture of 

our products from limited sources of supply. We are therefore subject to the risk of shortages in the supply of these components 
and the risk that component suppliers discontinue or modify components used in our products. We have faced component 
shortages in the past. Certain of our limited source components for particular appliances and suppliers of those components 
include: specific types of central processing units from Intel Corporation, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., RMI Corporation and 
VIA Technologies, Inc. and network chips from Broadcom Corporation, Marvell Technology Group Ltd. and Intel. The 
introduction by component suppliers of new versions of their products, particularly if not anticipated by us or our contract 
manufacturers, could require us to expend significant resources to incorporate these new components into our products. In 
addition, if these suppliers were to discontinue production of a necessary part or component, we would be required to expend 
significant resources and time in locating and integrating replacement parts or components from another vendor. Qualifying 
additional suppliers for limited source parts or components can be time-consuming and expensive.

Our manufacturing partners have experienced increasing lead times for the purchase of components incorporated into 

our products. Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers involves several additional risks, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required parts or components when required;

financial or other difficulties faced by our suppliers;

infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property;

price increases;

failure of a component to meet environmental or other regulatory requirements;

failure to meet delivery obligations in a timely fashion; and

failure in component quality.

The occurrence of any of these would be disruptive to us and could seriously harm our business. Any interruption or 

delay in the supply of any of these parts or components, or the inability to obtain these parts or components from alternate 
sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, would harm our ability to meet our scheduled product 
deliveries to our distributors, resellers and end-customers. This could harm our relationships with our channel partners and end-
customers and could cause delays in shipment of our products and adversely affect our results of operations.

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could negatively affect our financial condition and results 
of operations.

Our sales contracts are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and therefore substantially all of our revenue is not 

subject to foreign currency risk. However, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar could increase the real cost of our products to our 
customers outside of the United States, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In 
addition, a majority of our operating expenses are incurred outside the United States, are denominated in foreign currencies, 
and are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly changes in the Euro and 
Canadian dollar. Although we have been hedging currency exposures relating to certain balance sheet accounts 
and have recently entered into cashflow hedges relating to certain operating expenses incurred outside of the United States, if 
we stop hedging against any of these risks or if our attempts to hedge against these currency exposures are not successful, our 
financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

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We generate a majority of revenue from sales to distributors, resellers and end-customers outside of the United States, and 
we are therefore subject to a number of risks associated with international sales and operations.

We market and sell our products throughout the world and have established sales offices in many parts of the world. 

Therefore, we are subject to risks associated with having worldwide operations. We are also subject to a number of risks 
typically associated with international sales and operations, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

economic or political instability in foreign markets;

greater difficulty in enforcing contracts, accounts receivable collection and longer collection periods;

changes in regulatory requirements;

difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations;

the uncertainty of protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;

costs of compliance with foreign policies, laws and regulations and the risks and costs of non-compliance 
with such policies, laws and regulations;

costs of complying with U.S. laws and regulations for foreign operations, including the Foreign Corrupt 
Practices Act, import and export control laws, tariffs, trade barriers, and economic sanctions;

other regulatory or contractual limitations on our ability to sell our products in certain foreign markets, and 
the risks and costs of non-compliance;

heightened risks of unfair or corrupt business practices in certain geographies and of improper or fraudulent 
sales arrangements that may impact financial results and result in restatements of financial statements and 
irregularities in financial statements;

the potential for political unrest, terrorism, hostilities or war;

management communication and integration problems resulting from cultural differences and geographic 
dispersion; and

multiple and possibly overlapping tax structures.

Product and service sales may be subject to foreign governmental regulations, which vary substantially from country 

to country. Further, we may be unable to keep up-to-date with changes in government requirements as they change from time to 
time. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in adverse affects to our business. In many foreign countries it is 
common for others to engage in business practices that are prohibited by our internal policies and procedures or U.S. 
regulations applicable to us. Although we implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws 
and policies, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, contractors, channel partners and agents will comply with 
these laws and policies. Violations of laws or key control policies by our employees, contractors, channel partners or agents 
could result in delays in revenue recognition, financial reporting misstatements, fines, penalties, or the prohibition of the 
importation or exportation of our products and services and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of 
operations.

We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could subject us to liability or impair our ability to compete 
in international markets.

Certain of our products are subject to U.S. export controls and may be exported outside the U.S. only with the required 

export license or through an export license exception, because we incorporate encryption technology into our products. If we 
were to fail to comply with U.S. export licensing, U.S. Customs regulations, U.S. economic sanctions and other laws, we could 
be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties, including fines for the company and incarceration for responsible 
employees and managers, and the possible loss of export or import privileges. In addition, if our channel partners fail to obtain 
appropriate import, export or re-export licenses or permits, we may also be adversely affected, through reputational harm and 
penalties. Obtaining the necessary export license for a particular sale may be time-consuming, and may result in the delay or 
loss of sales opportunities.

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Furthermore, U.S. export control laws and economic sanctions prohibit the shipment of certain products to U.S. 

embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments and persons. Even though we take precautions to prevent our product from 
being shipped to U.S. sanctions targets, our products could be shipped to those targets by our channel partners, despite such 
precautions. Any such shipment could have negative consequences including government investigations and penalties and in 
reputational harm. In addition, various countries regulate the import of certain encryption technology, including import 
permitting/licensing requirements, and have enacted laws that could limit our ability to distribute our products or could limit 
our customers' ability to implement our products in those countries. Changes in our products or changes in export and import 
regulations may create delays in the introduction of our products in international markets, prevent our customers with 
international operations from deploying our products globally or, in some cases, prevent the export or import of our products to 
certain countries, governments or persons altogether. Any change in export or import regulations, economic sanctions or related 
legislation, shift in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or change in the countries, governments, persons or 
technologies targeted by such regulations, could result in decreased use of our products by, or in our decreased ability to export 
or sell our products to, existing or potential customers with international operations. Any decreased use of our products or 
limitation on our ability to export or sell our products would likely adversely affect our business, financial condition and results 
of operations.

If we fail to comply with environmental requirements, our business, financial condition, operating results and reputation 
could be adversely affected.

We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations including laws governing the hazardous material content 
of our products and laws relating to the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The laws and regulations to which we 
are subject include the European Union, or EU, RoHS and the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) 
Directive as well as the implementing legislation of the EU member states. Similar laws and regulations have been passed or 
are pending in China, South Korea, Norway and Japan and may be enacted in other regions, including in the United States and 
we are, or may in the future be, subject to these laws and regulations.

The EU RoHS and the similar laws of other jurisdictions ban the use of certain hazardous materials such as lead, 

mercury and cadmium in the manufacture of electrical equipment, including our products. We have incurred costs to comply 
with these laws, including research and development costs, costs associated with assuring the supply of compliant components 
and costs associated with writing off noncompliant inventory. We expect to incur more of these costs in the future. With respect 
to the EU RoHS, we and our competitors rely on an exemption for lead in network infrastructure equipment. It is possible this 
exemption will be revoked in the near future. If revoked, if there are other changes to these laws (or their interpretation) or if 
new similar laws are passed in other jurisdictions, we may be required to reengineer our products to use components 
compatible with these regulations. This reengineering and component substitution could result in additional costs to us or 
disrupt our operations or logistics.

The EU has also adopted the WEEE Directive, which requires electronic goods producers to be responsible for the 

collection, recycling and treatment of such products. Although currently our EU International channel partners are responsible 
for the requirements of this directive as the importer of record in most of the European countries in which we sell our products, 
changes in interpretation of the regulations may cause us to incur costs or have additional regulatory requirements in the future 
to meet in order to comply with this directive, or with any similar laws adopted in other jurisdictions.

Our failure to comply with these and future environmental rules and regulations could result in reduced sales of our 

products, increased costs, substantial product inventory write-offs, reputational damage, penalties and other sanctions.

A portion of our revenue is generated by sales to government entities, which are subject to a number of challenges and risks.

Sales to U.S. and foreign federal, state and local governmental agency end-customers have accounted for a portion of 
our revenue in past periods, and we may in the future increase sales to government entities. Sales into government entities are 
subject to a number of risks. Selling to government entities can be highly competitive, expensive and time consuming, often 
requiring significant upfront time and expense without any assurance that we will win a sale. Government demand and payment 
for our products and services may be impacted by public sector budgetary cycles and funding authorizations, with funding 
reductions or delays adversely affecting public sector demand for our products. Most of our sales to government entities have 
been made indirectly through our distribution channel. Government entities may have contractual or other legal rights to 
terminate contracts with our distributors and resellers for convenience or due to a default, and any such termination may 
adversely impact our future results of operations. For example, if the distributor receives a significant portion of its revenue 
from sales to such governmental entity, the financial health of the distributor could be substantially harmed, which could 
negatively affect our future sales to such distributor. Governments routinely investigate and audit government contractors' 

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administrative processes, and any unfavorable audit could result in the government refusing to continue buying our products 
and services, a reduction of revenue or fines or civil or criminal liability if the audit uncovers improper or illegal activities. Any 
such penalties could adversely impact our results of operations in a material way. Finally, for purchases by the U.S. 
government, the government may require certain products to be manufactured in the United States and other high cost 
manufacturing locations, and we may not manufacture all products in locations that meet the requirements of the U.S. 
government.

False detection of viruses or security breaches or false identification of spam or spyware could adversely affect our business.

Our antivirus and our intrusion prevention services may falsely detect viruses or other threats that do not actually 

exist. This risk is heightened by the inclusion of a “heuristics” feature in our products, which attempts to identify viruses and 
other threats not based on any known signatures but based on characteristics or anomalies that may indicate that a particular 
item is a threat. When our end-customers enable the heuristics feature in our products, the risk of falsely identifying viruses and 
other threats significantly increases. These false positives, while typical in the industry, may impair the perceived reliability of 
our products and may therefore adversely impact market acceptance of our products. Also, our antispam and antispyware 
services may falsely identify emails or programs as unwanted spam or potentially unwanted programs, or alternatively fail to 
properly identify unwanted emails or programs, particularly as spam emails or spyware are often designed to circumvent 
antispam or spyware products. Parties whose emails or programs are blocked by our products may seek redress against us for 
labeling them as spammers or spyware, or for interfering with their business. In addition, false identification of emails or 
programs as unwanted spam or potentially unwanted programs may reduce the adoption of our products. If our system restricts 
important files or applications based on falsely identifying them as malware or some other item that should be restricted, this 
could adversely affect end-customers' systems and cause material system failures. Any such false identification of important 
files or applications could result in negative publicity, loss of end-customers and sales, increased costs to remedy any problem, 
and costly litigation.

If our internal network system is compromised by computer hackers, public perception of our products and services will be 
harmed.

We will not succeed unless the marketplace is confident that we provide effective network security protection. 
Because we provide network security products, we may be a more attractive target for attacks by computer hackers. Although 
we have not experienced significant damages from unauthorized access by a third-party of our internal network, if an actual or 
perceived breach of network security occurs in our internal systems it could adversely affect the market perception of our 
products and services. In addition, such a security breach could impair our ability to operate our business, including our ability 
to provide subscription and support services to our end-customers. If this happens, our revenue could decline and our business 
could suffer.

Our ability to sell our products is dependent on the quality of our technical support services, and our failure to offer high 
quality technical support services would have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.

Once our products are deployed within our end-customers' networks, our end-customers depend on our technical 
support services, as well as the support of our channel partners, to resolve any issues relating to our products. If we or our 
channel partners do not effectively assist our customers in deploying our products, succeed in helping our customers quickly 
resolve post-deployment issues, and provide effective ongoing support, our ability to sell additional products and services to 
existing customers would be adversely affected and our reputation with potential customers could be damaged. Many 
enterprise, service provider and government entity end-customers require higher levels of support than smaller end-customers. 
If we fail to meet the requirements of the larger end-customers, it may be more difficult to execute on our strategy to increase 
our penetration with larger end-customers.

As a result, our failure to maintain high quality support services would have a material adverse effect on our business, 

financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in our provision for income taxes or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income tax returns could 
adversely affect our results. 

Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely affected by several factors, many of 

which are outside of our control, including:

•

earnings being lower than anticipated in countries that have lower tax rates and higher than anticipated in 
countries that have higher tax rates;

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•

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•

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•

changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;

expiration of, or lapses in the research and development tax credit laws;

transfer pricing adjustments including the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany research and 
development and legal structure;

an increase in non-deductible expenses for tax purposes, including certain stock-based compensation 
expense, write-offs of acquired in-process research and development, and impairment of goodwill;

tax costs related to intercompany realignments;

tax assessments resulting from income tax audits or any related tax interest or penalties that could 
significantly affect our income tax provision for the period in which the settlement take place;

a change in our decision to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings;

changes in accounting principles; or

changes in tax laws and regulations including possible changes in the United States to the taxation of 
earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, and the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, or the 
foreign tax credit rules, or changes to the United States income tax rate, which would necessitate a 
revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Significant judgment is required to determine the recognition and measurement attribute prescribed in ASC 740-10 

(formerly referred to as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty 
in Income Taxes-an interpretation of SFAS No. 109 (FIN 48)). In addition, ASC 740-10 applies to all income tax positions, 
including the potential recovery of previously paid taxes, which if settled unfavorably could adversely impact our provision for 
income taxes or additional paid-in capital. Further, as a result of certain of our ongoing employment and capital investment 
actions and commitments, our income in certain countries is subject to reduced tax rates and in some cases is wholly exempt 
from tax. Our failure to meet these commitments could adversely impact our provision for income taxes. In addition, we are 
subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We 
regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our 
provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance that the outcomes from these continuous examinations will not have an 
adverse effect on our results of operations.

Although we released our entire valuation allowance in fiscal 2009, we may in the future be required to establish a 

new valuation allowance. We will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset by evaluating 
both positive and negative evidence that may exist.

 We are currently under audit by the Canada Revenue Agency for fiscal years 2006-2009 associated with our 

international transactions.  The California Franchise Tax Board has notified us of their intent to examine our fiscal 2008 and 
2009 California tax returns. The scope of the California Franchise Tax Board examinations is unclear at this time.

If the ultimate determination of income taxes assessed under the current Canadian or California audits or under audits 
being conducted, or to be conducted, in any of the other tax jurisdictions in which we operate results in an amount in excess of 
the tax provision we have recorded or reserved for, our operating results, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely 
affected.

Forecasting our estimated annual effective tax rate is complex and subject to uncertainty, and there may be material 
differences between our forecasted and actual tax rates.

Forecasts of our income tax position and effective tax rate are complex and subject to uncertainty because our income 
tax position for each year combines the effects of a mix of profits earned and losses incurred by us in various tax jurisdictions 
with a broad range of income tax rates, as well as changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the impact of 
various accounting rules and changes to these rules and tax laws, the results of examinations by various tax authorities, and the 
impact of any acquisition, business combination or other reorganization or financing transaction. To forecast our global tax rate, 
we estimate our pre-tax profits and losses by jurisdiction and forecast our tax expense by jurisdiction. If the mix of profits and 

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losses, our ability to use tax credits, or effective tax rates by jurisdiction is different than those estimated, our actual tax rate 
could be materially different than forecasted, which could have a material impact on our results of business, financial condition 
and results of operations.

As a multinational corporation, we conduct our business in many countries and are subject to taxation in many 

jurisdictions. The taxation of our business is subject to the application of multiple and sometimes conflicting tax laws and 
regulations as well as multinational tax conventions. Our effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the geographic distribution 
of our worldwide earnings or losses, the tax regulations and tax holidays in each geographic region, the availability of tax 
credits and carryforwards, and the effectiveness of our tax planning strategies. The application of tax laws and regulations is 
subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment and uncertainty. Tax laws themselves are subject to change as a result of 
changes in fiscal policy, changes in legislation, and the evolution of regulations and court rulings. Consequently, taxing 
authorities may impose tax assessments or judgments against us that could materially impact our tax liability and/or our 
effective income tax rate.

In addition, we may be subject to examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax 

authorities. If tax authorities challenge the relative mix of U.S. and international income, our future effective income tax rates 
could be adversely affected. While we regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes from such examinations and the 
adequacy of our provision for income taxes, there can be no assurance that such provision is sufficient and that a determination 
by a tax authority will not have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our inability to acquire and integrate other businesses, products or technologies could seriously harm our competitive 
position.

In order to remain competitive, we may seek to acquire additional businesses, products, or technologies and 
intellectual property, such as patents. If we identify an appropriate acquisition candidate, we may not be successful in 
negotiating the terms of the acquisition, financing the acquisition, or effectively integrating the acquired business, product, 
technology or intellectual property into our existing business and operations. We may have difficulty incorporating acquired 
technologies, intellectual property or products with our existing product lines and maintaining uniform standards, controls, 
procedures and policies. Our due diligence may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other shortcomings or 
challenges of an acquired business, product or technology, including issues with intellectual property, product quality or 
product architecture, regulatory compliance practices, revenue recognition or other accounting practices or employee or 
customer issues. In addition, any acquisitions we are able to complete may not be accretive to earnings and may not result in 
any synergies or other benefits we had expected to achieve, which could result in write-offs that could be substantial. Further, 
completing a potential acquisition and integrating acquired businesses, products, technologies or intellectual property will 
significantly divert management time and resources.

Our business is subject to the risks of warranty claims, product returns, product liability and product defects.

Our products are very complex and, despite testing prior to their release, have contained and may contain undetected 

defects or errors, especially when first introduced or when new versions are released. For example, one of our high-end product 
models has been experiencing a defect in limited deployments. Product errors have affected the performance of our products 
and could delay the development or release of new products or new versions of products, adversely affect our reputation and 
our end-customers' willingness to buy products from us, and adversely affect market acceptance or perception of our products. 
Any such errors or delays in releasing new products or new versions of products or allegations of unsatisfactory performance 
could cause us to lose revenue or market share, increase our service costs, cause us to incur substantial costs in redesigning the 
products, cause us to lose significant end-customers, subject us to liability for damages and divert our resources from other 
tasks, any one of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our 
products must successfully interoperate with products from other vendors. As a result, when problems occur in a network, it 
may be difficult to identify the sources of these problems. The occurrence of hardware and software errors, whether or not 
caused by our products, could delay or reduce market acceptance of our products, and have an adverse effect on our business 
and financial performance, and any necessary revisions may cause us to incur significant expenses. The occurrence of any such 
problems could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Although we have limitation of liability provisions in our standard terms and conditions of sale, they may not fully or 
effectively protect us from claims as a result of federal, state or local laws or ordinances or unfavorable judicial decisions in the 
United States or other countries. The sale and support of our products also entail the risk of product liability claims. We 
maintain insurance to protect against certain claims associated with the use of our products, but our insurance coverage may not 
adequately cover any claim asserted against us. In addition, even claims that ultimately are unsuccessful could result in our 
expenditure of funds in litigation and divert management's time and other resources.

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Our business is subject to the risks of earthquakes, fire, power outages, floods and other catastrophic events, and to 
interruption by manmade problems such as terrorism.

A significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, fire, a flood, or significant power outage could have a material 
adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Our corporate headquarters are located in the San 
Francisco Bay Area, a region known for seismic activity. In addition, natural disasters could affect our manufacturing vendors 
or logistics providers' ability to perform services such as manufacturing products on a timely basis and assisting with shipments 
on a timely basis. For example, our primary international logistics provider is located in Taiwan which is an area known for 
typhoons. In the event our or our service providers' information technology systems or manufacturing or logistics abilities are 
hindered by any of the events discussed above, shipments could be delayed, resulting in missing financial targets, such as 
revenue and shipment targets, for a particular quarter. In addition, acts of terrorism and other geo-political unrest could cause 
disruptions in our business or the business of our manufacturers, logistics providers, partners, or end-customers or the economy 
as a whole. Given our typical concentration of sales at each quarter end, any disruption in the business of our manufacturers, 
logistics providers, partners or end-customers that impacts sales at the end of our quarter could have a significant adverse 
impact on our quarterly results. All of the aforementioned risks may be augmented if the disaster recovery plans for us and our 
suppliers prove to be inadequate. To the extent that any of the above results in delays or cancellations of customer orders, or the 
delay in the manufacture, deployment or shipment of our products, our business, financial condition and results of operations 
would be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Our Industry

The network security market is rapidly evolving and the complex technology incorporated in our products makes them 
difficult to develop. If we do not accurately predict, prepare for and respond promptly to technological and market 
developments and changing end-customer needs, our competitive position and prospects will be harmed.

The network security market is expected to continue to evolve rapidly. Moreover, many of our end-customers operate 

in markets characterized by rapidly changing technologies and business plans, which require them to add numerous network 
access points and adapt increasingly complex enterprise networks, incorporating a variety of hardware, software applications, 
operating systems and networking protocols. In addition, computer hackers and others who try to attack networks employ 
increasingly sophisticated techniques to gain access to and attack systems and networks. The technology in our products is 
especially complex because it needs to effectively identify and respond to new and increasingly sophisticated methods of 
attack, while minimizing the impact on network performance. Additionally, some of our new products and enhancements may 
require us to develop new hardware architectures and ASICs that involve complex, expensive and time consuming research and 
development processes. Although the market expects rapid introduction of new products or product enhancements to respond to 
new threats, the development of these products is difficult and the timetable for commercial release and availability is uncertain 
and there can be long time periods between releases and availability of new products. We have in the past and may in the future 
experience unanticipated delays in the availability of new products and services and fail to meet previously announced 
timetables for such availability. For example, in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we released a new model within our FortiGate 
product line and, after its initial release, we detected errors in the product that required us to redesign certain aspects of the 
product which delayed the availability of the product for one quarter and delayed our recognition of revenue from large orders 
that included such product until the following quarter when the product became available. If we do not quickly respond to the 
rapidly changing and rigorous needs of our end-customers by developing and releasing and making available on a timely basis 
new products and services or enhancements that can respond adequately to new security threats, our competitive position and 
business prospects will be harmed.

Our URL database for our Web filtering service may fail to keep pace with the rapid growth of URLs and may not categorize 
websites in accordance with our end-customers' expectations.

The success of our Web filtering service depends on the breadth and accuracy of our URL database. Although our 

URL database currently catalogs millions of unique URLs, it contains only a portion of the URLs for all of the websites that are 
available on the Internet. In addition, the total number of URLs and software applications is growing rapidly, and we expect 
this rapid growth to continue in the future. Accordingly, we must identify and categorize content for our security risk categories 
at an extremely rapid rate. Our database and technologies may not be able to keep pace with the growth in the number of 
websites, especially the growing amount of content utilizing foreign languages and the increasing sophistication of malicious 
code and the delivery mechanisms associated with spyware, phishing and other hazards associated with the Internet. Further, 
the ongoing evolution of the Internet and computing environments will require us to continually improve the functionality, 
features and reliability of our Web filtering function. Any failure of our databases to keep pace with the rapid growth and 
technological change of the Internet will impair the market acceptance of our products, which in turn will harm our business, 

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financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, our Web filtering service may not be successful in accurately categorizing Internet and application content 

to meet our end-customers' expectations. We rely upon a combination of automated filtering technology and human review to 
categorize websites and software applications in our proprietary databases. Our end-customers may not agree with our 
determinations that particular URLs should be included or not included in specific categories of our databases. In addition, it is 
possible that our filtering processes may place material that is objectionable or that presents a security risk in categories that are 
generally unrestricted by our users' Internet and computer access policies, which could result in such material not being blocked 
from the network. Conversely, we may miscategorize websites such that access is denied to websites containing information 
that is important or valuable to our customers. Any miscategorization could result in customer dissatisfaction and harm our 
reputation. Any failure to effectively categorize and filter websites according to our end-customers' and channel partners' 
expectations will impair the growth of our business.

If our new products and product enhancements do not achieve sufficient market acceptance, our results of operations and 
competitive position will suffer.

We spend substantial amounts of time and money to research and develop new products and enhanced versions of our 

existing products to incorporate additional features, improved functionality or other enhancements in order to meet our 
customers' rapidly evolving demands for network security in our highly competitive industry. When we develop a new product 
or an enhanced version of an existing product, we typically incur expenses and expend resources upfront to market, promote 
and sell the new offering. Therefore, when we develop and introduce new or enhanced products, they must achieve high levels 
of market acceptance in order to justify the amount of our investment in developing and bringing them to market.

Our new products or product enhancements could fail to attain sufficient market acceptance for many reasons, 

including:

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•

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•

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delays in releasing our new products or enhancements to the market;

failure to accurately predict market demand in terms of product functionality and to supply products that meet 
this demand in a timely fashion;

failure of our sales force and partners to focus on selling new products;

inability to interoperate effectively with the networks or applications of our prospective end-customers;

inability to protect against new types of attacks or techniques used by hackers;

defects, errors or failures;

negative publicity about their performance or effectiveness;

introduction or anticipated introduction of competing products by our competitors;

poor business conditions for our end-customers, causing them to delay IT purchases;

easing of regulatory requirements around security; and

reluctance of customers to purchase products incorporating open source software.

If our new products or enhancements do not achieve adequate acceptance in the market, our competitive position will 

be impaired, our revenue will be diminished and the effect on our operating results may be particularly acute because of the 
significant research, development, marketing, sales and other expenses we incurred in connection with the new product or 
enhancement.

Unless we continue to develop better market awareness of our company and our products, our revenue may not continue to 
grow.

We are a relatively new entrant in the network security market and we believe that we have not yet established 
sufficient market awareness of our participation in that market. Market awareness of our capabilities and products is essential to 

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our continued growth and our success in all of our markets, particularly for the large enterprise, service provider and 
government entities markets. If our marketing programs are not successful in creating market awareness of our company and 
products, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected, and we will not be able to 
achieve sustained growth.

Demand for Unified Threat Management products may be limited by market perception that UTM products are inferior to 
network security solutions from multiple vendors.

Sales of most of our products depend on increased demand for UTM products. If the UTM market fails to grow as we 
anticipate, our business will be seriously harmed. Target customers may view UTM “all-in-one” solutions as inferior to security 
solutions from multiple vendors because of, among other things, their perception that UTM products provide security functions 
from only a single vendor and do not allow users to choose “best-of-breed” defenses from among the wide range of dedicated 
security applications available. Target customers might also perceive that, by combining multiple security functions into a 
single platform, UTM solutions create a “single point of failure” in their networks, which means that an error, vulnerability or 
failure of the UTM product may place the entire network at risk. In addition, the market perception that UTM solutions may be 
suitable only for small and medium sized businesses because UTM lacks the performance capabilities and functionality of other 
solutions may harm our sales to large enterprise, service provider, and government entity end-customers. If the foregoing 
concerns and perceptions become prevalent, even if there is no factual basis for these concerns and perceptions, or if other 
issues arise with the UTM market in general, demand for UTM products could be severely limited, which would limit our 
growth and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further a successful and publicized targeted attack 
against us or another well known UTM vendor exposing a “single point of failure” could significantly increase these concerns 
and perceptions and may harm our business and results of operations.

We face intense competition in our market, especially from larger, better-known companies, and we may lack sufficient 
financial or other resources to maintain or improve our competitive position.

The market for network security products is intensely competitive and we expect competition to intensify in the future. 

Our competitors include networking companies such as Cisco Systems, Inc. and Juniper Networks, Inc., security vendors such 
as Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., McAfee, Inc. (pending acquisition by Intel, Inc.), and SonicWALL, Inc. (acquired 
by Thoma Bravo), and other point solution security vendors.

Many of our existing and potential competitors enjoy substantial competitive advantages such as:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

greater name recognition and longer operating histories;

larger sales and marketing budgets and resources;

broader distribution and established relationships with distribution partners and end-customers;

access to larger customer bases;

greater customer support resources;

greater resources to make acquisitions;

lower labor and development costs; and

substantially greater financial, technical and other resources.

In addition, some of our larger competitors have substantially broader product offerings and leverage their 
relationships based on other products or incorporate functionality into existing products in a manner that discourages users 
from purchasing our products. These larger competitors often have broader product lines and market focus, are in a better 
position to withstand any significant reduction in capital spending by end-customers in these markets, and will therefore not be 
as susceptible to downturns in a particular market. Also, many of our smaller competitors that specialize in providing protection 
from a single type of network security threat are often able to deliver these specialized network security products to the market 
more quickly than we can. Some of our smaller competitors are using third-party chips designed to accelerate performance. 
Conditions in our markets could change rapidly and significantly as a result of technological advancements or continuing 
market consolidation. Our current and potential competitors may also establish cooperative relationships among themselves or 
with third parties that may further enhance their resources. In addition, current or potential competitors may be acquired by 

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third parties with greater available resources, such as Juniper's acquisition of NetScreen Technologies, Inc., Intel's pending 
acquisition of McAfee and Check Point's acquisition of Nokia's security appliance business. As a result of such acquisitions, 
our current or potential competitors might be able to adapt more quickly to new technologies and customer needs, devote 
greater resources to the promotion or sale of their products and services, initiate or withstand substantial price competition, take 
advantage of acquisition or other opportunities more readily or develop and expand their product and service offerings more 
quickly than we do. In addition, our competitors may bundle products and services competitive with ours with other products 
and services. Customers may accept these bundled products and services rather than separately purchasing our products and 
services. Due to budget constraints or economic downturns, organizations may be more willing to incrementally add solutions 
to their existing network security infrastructure from competitors than to replace it with our solutions. These competitive 
pressures in our market or our failure to compete effectively may result in price reductions, fewer customer orders, reduced 
revenue and gross margins and loss of market share.

If functionality similar to that offered by our products is incorporated into existing network infrastructure products, 
organizations may decide against adding our appliances to their network, which would have an adverse effect on our 
business.

Large, well-established providers of networking equipment such as Cisco Systems, Inc. and Juniper Networks, Inc. 
offer, and may continue to introduce, network security features that compete with our products, either in stand-alone security 
products or as additional features in their network infrastructure products. The inclusion of, or the announcement of an intent to 
include, functionality perceived to be similar to that offered by our security solutions in networking products that are already 
generally accepted as necessary components of network architecture may have an adverse effect on our ability to market and 
sell our products. Furthermore, even if the functionality offered by network infrastructure providers is more limited than our 
products, a significant number of customers may elect to accept such limited functionality in lieu of adding appliances from an 
additional vendor such as us. Many organizations have invested substantial personnel and financial resources to design and 
operate their networks and have established deep relationships with other providers of networking products, which may make 
them reluctant to add new components to their networks, particularly from other vendors such as us. In addition, an 
organization's existing vendors or new vendors with a broad product offering may be able to offer concessions that we are not 
able to match because we currently offer only network security products and have fewer resources than many of our 
competitors. If organizations are reluctant to add additional network infrastructure from new vendors or otherwise decide to 
work with their existing vendors, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

Our proprietary rights may be difficult to enforce, which could enable others to copy or use aspects of our products without 
compensating us.

We rely primarily on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual 

provisions to protect our technology. We purchased most of our issued U.S. patents and many of our pending U.S. patent 
applications from other entities. Valid patents may not issue from our pending applications, and the claims eventually allowed 
on any patents may not be sufficiently broad to protect our technology or products. Any issued patents may be challenged, 
invalidated or circumvented, and any rights granted under these patents may not actually provide adequate defensive protection 
or competitive advantages to us. Patent applications in the United States are typically not published until 18 months after filing, 
or, in some cases, not at all, and publications of discoveries in industry-related literature lag behind actual discoveries. We 
cannot be certain that we were the first to make the inventions claimed in our pending patent applications or that we were the 
first to file for patent protection. Additionally, the process of obtaining patent protection is expensive and time-consuming, and 
we may not be able to prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. In 
addition, recent changes to the patent laws in the United States may bring into question the validity of certain software patents. 
As a result, we may not be able to obtain adequate patent protection or effectively enforce our issued patents.

Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products 
or obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. We generally enter into confidentiality or license agreements with 
our employees, consultants, vendors and customers, and generally limit access to and distribution of our proprietary 
information. However, we cannot assure you that the steps taken by us will prevent misappropriation of our technology. 
Policing unauthorized use of our technology or products is difficult. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not 
protect our proprietary rights to as great an extent as the laws of the United States, and many foreign countries do not enforce 
these laws as diligently as government agencies and private parties in the United States. From time-to-time, legal action by us 
may be necessary to enforce our patents and other intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the 
validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Such litigation 
could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect our business, operating results and 

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financial condition. If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights (including aspects of our software and products protected 
other than by patent rights), we may find ourselves at a competitive disadvantage to others who need not incur the additional 
expense, time and effort required to create the innovative products that have enabled us to be successful to date.

Our products contain third-party open source software components, and failure to comply with the terms of the underlying 
open source software licenses could restrict our ability to sell our products.

Our products contain software modules licensed to us by third-party authors under “open source” licenses, including 

the GNU Public License (GPL), the GNU Lesser Public License (LGPL), the BSD License, the Apache License and others. 
From time-to-time, there have been claims against companies that distribute or use open source software in their products and 
services, asserting that open source software infringes the claimants' intellectual property rights. We could be subject to suits by 
parties claiming infringement of intellectual property rights in what we believe to be licensed open source software. Use and 
distribution of open source software may entail greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source 
licensors generally do not provide warranties or other contractual protections regarding infringement claims or the quality of 
the code. Some open source licenses contain requirements that we make available source code for modifications or derivative 
works we create based upon the type of open source software we use. If we combine our proprietary software with open source 
software in a certain manner, we could, under certain open source licenses, be required to release the source code of our 
proprietary software to the public. This would allow our competitors to create similar products with lower development effort 
and time and ultimately could result in a loss of product sales for us.

Although we monitor our use of open source software to avoid subjecting our products to conditions we do not intend, 
the terms of many open source licenses have not been interpreted by United States courts, and there is a risk that these licenses 
could be construed in a way that could impose unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to commercialize our 
products. In this event, we could be required to seek licenses from third parties to continue offering our products, to make 
generally available, in source code form, our proprietary code, to re-engineer our products, or to discontinue the sale of our 
products if re-engineering could not be accomplished on a timely basis, any of which could adversely affect our business, 
operating results and financial condition.

Claims by others that we infringe their proprietary technology could harm our business.

Patent and other intellectual property disputes are common in the network security industry. Third parties have 
asserted and may in the future assert claims of infringement of intellectual property rights against us. They may also assert such 
claims against our end-customers or channel partners whom we typically indemnify against claims that our products infringe 
the intellectual property rights of third parties. As the number of products and competitors in our market increases and overlaps 
occur, infringement claims may increase. Any claim of infringement by a third-party, even those without merit, could cause us 
to incur substantial costs defending against the claim and could distract our management from our business. In addition, future 
litigation may involve patent holding companies or other adverse patent owners who have no relevant product revenue and 
against whom our own patents may therefore provide little or no deterrence or protection.

Although third parties may offer a license to their technology, the terms of any offered license may not be acceptable 

and the failure to obtain a license or the costs associated with any license could cause our business, financial condition and 
results of operations to be materially and adversely affected. In addition, some licenses may be non-exclusive, and therefore our 
competitors may have access to the same technology licensed to us.

Alternatively, we may be required to develop non-infringing technology, which could require significant time, effort 

and expense and may ultimately not be successful. Furthermore, a successful claimant could secure a judgment or we may 
agree to a settlement that prevents us from distributing certain products or performing certain services or that requires us to pay 
substantial damages (including treble damages if we are found to have willfully infringed such claimant's patents or 
copyrights), royalties or other fees. Any of these events could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of 
operations.

We have been involved in patent disputes in the past, are currently involved in several patent disputes, and likely will 

be involved in additional disputes in the future. In May 2004, Trend Micro Incorporated filed a complaint against us alleging 
that we infringed a Trend Micro patent related to antivirus software. The International Trade Commission, or ITC, subsequently 
instituted an investigation which resulted in an exclusion order and a cease and desist order prohibiting us from selling a broad 
array of our products in the United States. In January 2006, we settled the lawsuit with Trend Micro, and subsequently the ITC 
terminated its action and rescinded the orders. Pursuant to the settlement and license agreement, we initially paid Trend Micro 
$15.0 million. The settlement and license agreement provides for additional quarterly royalty payments, not expected to exceed 
1% of our total revenue each quarter, through 2015. In November 2008, we filed a complaint against Trend Micro in the United 

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States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging, among other claims, that the patents that are the basis for 
the ongoing royalty payments are invalid and consequently that we have no contractual obligation to pay the royalties. Trend 
Micro moved to dismiss the case, and, in June 2009, the court dismissed the case without prejudice on procedural grounds, and 
we appealed the dismissal in July 2009. Based on the dispute, we ceased paying royalties under the settlement and license 
agreement. In August 2009, Trend Micro filed a complaint against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for Santa 
Clara County alleging breach of contract and seeking a declaratory judgment that we are obligated to make certain royalty 
payments to Trend Micro. In December 2009, we withdrew our appeal of the June 2009 dismissal by the United States District 
Court for the Northern District of California and filed a new complaint against Trend Micro in the United States District Court 
for the Northern District of California alleging, among other claims, that the patents that are the basis for the ongoing royalty 
payments are invalid and consequently that we have no contractual obligation to pay the royalties. In February 2010, Trend 
Micro filed demurrers in the state Superior Court action regarding Fortinet's affirmative defenses that Fortinet has no obligation 
to pay royalties because the Trend Micro patents are invalid or unenforceable. In March 2010, Trend Micro filed a motion to 
dismiss our new complaint that we filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In May 2010, 
the state Superior Court denied Trend Micro's demurrer in its entirety. Also in May 2010, the United States District Court for 
the Northern District of California denied Trend Micro's motion to dismiss without prejudice and stayed the action before that 
court pending the conclusion of the state Superior Court action. In January 2011, in response to petitions for re-examination we 
filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO"), the PTO issued an initial office action that Trend Micro's patents at 
issue were invalid. In January 2011, we filed a motion to stay the Superior Court case pending final resolution at the PTO. Our 
motion to stay is currently pending. At this stage it is not possible to predict the outcome. An adverse outcome in this dispute 
could result in accelerated royalty payments and additional damages.

As discussed in "Item 3-Legal Proceedings," from time to time we are subject to lawsuits claiming patent infringement 
and there are lawsuits claiming patent infringement currently pending. If we are unsuccessful in defending any such claims, our 
operating results and financial condition and results may be materially and adversely affected. For example, we may be 
required to pay substantial damages and could be prevented from selling certain of our products. In addition to the lawsuits 
described in "Legal Proceedings," several other non-practicing patent holding companies have sent us letters proposing that we 
license certain of their patents, and, given this and the proliferation of lawsuits in our industry and other similar industries by 
both non-practicing entities and operating entities, we expect that we will be sued for patent infringement in the future, 
regardless of the merits of any such lawsuits. The cost to defend such lawsuits and any adverse result in such lawsuits could 
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We rely on the availability of third-party licenses.

Many of our products include software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties. It may be necessary in 

the future to renew licenses relating to various aspects of these products or to seek new licenses for existing or new products. 
There can be no assurance that the necessary licenses would be available on acceptable terms, if at all. The inability to obtain 
certain licenses or other rights or to obtain such licenses or rights on favorable terms, or the need to engage in litigation 
regarding these matters, could result in delays in product releases until equivalent technology can be identified, licensed or 
developed, if at all, and integrated into our products and may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, 
and financial condition. Moreover, the inclusion in our products of software or other intellectual property licensed from third 
parties on a nonexclusive basis could limit our ability to differentiate our products from those of our competitors.

Risks Related to Ownership of our Common Stock

As a public company, we are subject to compliance initiatives that will require substantial time from our management and 
result in significantly increased costs that may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well 
as other rules implemented by the SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market, impose various requirements on public companies, 
including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. These and proposed corporate governance laws and regulations 
under consideration may further increase our compliance costs. If compliance with these various legal and regulatory 
requirements diverts our management's attention from other business concerns, it could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we assess the 
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting annually and disclosure controls and procedures quarterly. We 
completed our evaluation of our internal controls over financial reporting for fiscal 2010 as required by Section 404 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Although our assessment, testing and evaluation resulted in our conclusion that as of December 
31, 2010, our internal controls over financial reporting were effective, we cannot predict the outcome of our testing in future 
periods. If our internal controls or disclosure controls are ineffective in future periods, our business and reputation could be 
harmed. We may incur additional expenses and commitment of management's time in connection with further evaluations, both 

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of which could materially increase our operating expenses and accordingly reduce our operating results.

Changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse unexpected fluctuations and affect our reported results of 
operations. 

A change in accounting standards or practices and varying interpretations of existing accounting pronouncements, 

such as changes to standards related to revenue recognition recently adopted by the FASB, the increased use of fair value 
measure, the recent proposed change to revenue recognition, lease accounting, financial instrument accounting standards, and 
the potential requirement that U.S. registrants prepare financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”), could have a significant effect on our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business. 

If securities or industry analysts stop publishing research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, 
our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry 
analysts publish about us or our business. If we do not maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts 
who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would 
likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, 
demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

The trading price of our common stock is likely to be volatile.

The market price of our common stock is subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, the risk 

factors described in this periodic report, and other factors such as rumors or fluctuations in the valuation of companies 
perceived by investors to be comparable to us.

Furthermore, the stock markets have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to 

affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or 
disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as 
general economic, political, and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rate changes or international currency 
fluctuations, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

In the past, many companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to 

securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us 
could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention from other business concerns, which could seriously 
harm our business.

Our failure to raise additional capital or generate the significant capital necessary to expand our operations and invest in 
new products could reduce our ability to compete and could harm our business.

We expect that our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least 
the next twelve months. After that, we may need to raise additional funds, and we may not be able to obtain additional debt or 
equity financing on favorable terms, if at all. If we raise additional equity financing, our stockholders may experience 
significant dilution of their ownership interests and the per-share value of our common stock could decline. Furthermore, if we 
engage in debt financing, the holders of debt would have priority over the holders of common stock and we may be required to 
accept terms that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness. We may also be required to take other actions that would 
otherwise be in the interests of the stockholders and force us to maintain specified liquidity or other ratios, any of which could 
harm our business, operating results and financial condition. If we need additional capital and cannot raise it on acceptable 
terms, we may not be able to, among other things:

•

•

•

•

•

develop or enhance our products and services;

continue to expand our sales and marketing and research and development organizations;

acquire complementary technologies, products or businesses;

expand operations, in the United States or internationally;

hire, train and retain employees; or

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•

respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated working capital requirements.

Our failure to do any of these things could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Concentration of ownership among our existing executive officers, directors and their affiliates may prevent new investors 
from influencing significant corporate decisions.

As of February 17, 2011, our executive officers, directors and their affiliates beneficially owned, in the aggregate, 

approximately 21.1% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these stockholders are able to exercise a significant level 
of control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our certificate of 
incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions. This control could have the effect of delaying or preventing a 
change of control of our company or changes in management and will make the approval of certain transactions difficult or 
impossible without the support of these stockholders.

Anti-takeover provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, 
could impair a takeover attempt.

Our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering 
more difficult, delaying or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our board of directors. Our corporate governance 
documents include provisions:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

creating a classified board of directors whose members serve staggered three-year terms; 

authorizing “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by the board without stockholder approval 
and may contain voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to our common stock;

limiting the liability of, and providing indemnification to, our directors and officers;

limiting the ability of our stockholders to call and bring business before special meetings;

requiring advance notice of stockholder proposals for business to be conducted at meetings of our 
stockholders and for nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors;

controlling the procedures for the conduct and scheduling of board and stockholder meetings; and

providing the board of directors with the express power to postpone previously scheduled annual meetings 
and to cancel previously scheduled special meetings.

These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our 

management.

As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware 

General Corporation law, which prevents some stockholders holding more than 15% of our outstanding common stock from 
engaging in certain business combinations without approval of the holders of a substantial majority of all of our outstanding 
common stock.

Any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring 
a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock, 
and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.

ITEM 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. 

Properties

Our corporate headquarters are located at 1090 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale, California in an office consisting of 
approximately 107,000 square feet. The lease for this office expires in September 2013. We sublease approximately 23,000 

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square feet of this space pursuant to a sublease that expires in December 2011.

In addition to our headquarters, we lease approximately 14,000 square feet of data center space and a total of 

approximately 69,000 square feet of office space in several buildings in Burnaby, Canada under various leases that expire 
between January 2012 and July 2015, approximately 16,000 square feet of office space in Ottawa, Canada under a lease that 
expires in February 2014, approximately 19,000 square feet of office space in Sophia, France under a lease that expires 
in December 2013, and approximately 26,000 square feet of office space in Beijing, China under a lease that expires in 
August 2011. We also lease sales and support offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, 
Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi 
Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. We believe 
that our existing properties are in good condition and are sufficient and suitable for the conduct of our business.

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ITEM 3. 

Legal Proceedings

In August 2009, Trend Micro Incorporated (“Trend Micro”) filed a complaint against us in the Superior Court of the 

State of California for Santa Clara County alleging breach of contract and seeking a declaratory judgment that we are obligated 
to make certain royalty payments to Trend Micro pursuant to a settlement and license agreement entered into in January 2006. 
We maintain that the patents that are the basis for the royalty payments are invalid and consequently that we have no 
contractual obligation to pay the royalties. We filed an action in the Northern District of California that is stayed pending the 
resolution of the state court action. We have continued to accrue expense based on the quarterly royalties provided for in the 
settlement and license agreement. In January 2011, in response to petitions for re-examination we filed with the U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office (“PTO”), the PTO issued an initial office action that the Trend Micro patents allegedly forming the basis for 
the royalty payments are invalid. In January 2011, we filed a motion to stay the state court case pending final resolution at the 
PTO. Our motion to stay is currently pending. 

In January 2009, we filed a complaint against Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (“PAN”) in the United States District Court for 

the Northern District of California alleging, among other claims, patent infringement. In November 2010, we filed a second 
complaint against PAN in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging infringement of three 
additional patents. On January 20, 2011, we entered into a settlement and patent license agreement with PAN pursuant to which 
we agreed to license certain asserted patents and certain related patents in return for an up-front payment by PAN and ongoing 
quarterly payments over three years. The parties also agreed upon a three year covenant not to sue for patent related claims. 

In August 2009, Enhanced Security Research, LLC and Security Research Holdings LLC (collectively “ESR”), a non-

practicing entity, filed a complaint against us in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging 
infringement by us and other defendants of two patents. In June 2010, the Court granted our motion to stay pending the 
outcome of reexamination proceedings on both asserted patents. There is a related action that was dismissed by the Court, and 
that dismissal has been appealed by ESR to the Federal Circuit. 

In July 2010, Network Protection Sciences, LLC, a non-practicing entity, filed a complaint in the United States 
District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging patent infringement by us and other defendants. Currently the case is in 
the early stages.

In September 2010, WordCheck Tech, LLC ("WordCheck"), a non-practicing entity, filed a complaint in the United 
States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging patent infringement by us and numerous other defendants. In 
January 2011, we entered a settlement and license agreement with WordCheck pursuant to which WordCheck dismissed the 
litigation against us in return for an immaterial payment by us to WordCheck.

In April 2010, an individual, a former stockholder of Fortinet, filed a class action lawsuit against us in the Superior 

Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles alleging violation of various California Corporations' Code 
sections and related tort claims alleging misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty regarding the 2009 repurchase by 
Fortinet of shares of its stock while we were a privately-held company. In September 2010, the Court granted our motion to 
transfer the case to the California Superior Court for Santa Clara County.

In addition to the above matters, we are subject to other litigation in the ordinary course of business. The results of 
legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. If we do not prevail in any of these legal matters, our operating results 
may be materially affected. At this time, we are unable to estimate the financial impact these actions will likely have on us.

ITEM 4. 

(Removed and Reserved)

Part II

ITEM 5. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FTNT” since our initial 

public offering on November 18, 2009. Prior to that time, there was no public market of our common stock. The following 
table sets forth, for the time periods indicated, the high and low closing sales price of our common stock as reported on The 
NASDAQ Global Select Market.

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Holders of Record

Fourth Quarter 2010
Third Quarter 2010
Second Quarter 2010
First Quarter 2010
Fourth Quarter 2009 (from November 18, 2009)

High ($)
33.46
25.21
18.63
20.11
18.36

Low ($)
24.08
16.00
15.00
15.69
16.55

As of February 17, 2011, there were 131 holders of record of our common stock. A substantially greater number of 

holders of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held by banks, brokers and other 
financial institutions.

Dividends

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We intend to retain all available funds and any 
future earnings to support the operation of and to finance the growth and development of our business. We do not anticipate 
paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the 
discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general 
business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

Stock Performance Graph

This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference into any filing of Fortinet under the Securities Act of 
1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

The following graph shows a comparison from November 18, 2009 through December 31, 2010, of the cumulative 

total return for our common stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the NASDAQ Computer Index. Such returns are based 
on historical results and are not intended to suggest future performance. Data for The NASDAQ Composite Index and The 
NASDAQ Computer Index assume reinvestment of dividends. We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital 
stock nor do we anticipate paying any such cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

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Table of Contents

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Fortinet, Inc., The NASDAQ Composite Index and
The NASDAQ Computer Index

_______________________
* $100 invested on 11/18/09 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. 

Sales of Unregistered Securities

In October 2010, we issued 83,546 shares of our common stock in connection with a net exercise of a warrant to 
purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $7.47 per share.  We believe this transaction was 
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance on Section 4(2) thereof, as a 
transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering. 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

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Table of Contents

ITEM 6. 

Selected Financial Data

You should read the following selected consolidated historical financial data below in conjunction with the section 

titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated 
financial statements, related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The 
selected financial data in this section is not intended to replace the financial statements and is qualified in its entirety by the 
consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We made the decision in the first quarter of 2009 to change our financial reporting periods from a fiscal to calendar 
basis. This change was implemented in the third quarter of 2009 upon completion of required system changes. Accordingly, 
commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we began operating and reporting financial results on a calendar quarter and 
year basis. Our third quarter of fiscal 2009 ended on September 30, 2009, and our fiscal year 2009 ended on December 31, 
2009. This transition had the effect of increasing the number of days in our twelve months ended December 31, 2009 by four 
days. In 2005, we adopted a fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31 of each year. Our 2006, 2007 and 2008 
fiscal years ended on December 31, 2006, December 30, 2007 and December 28, 2008, respectively. Prior to the third quarter 
of fiscal 2009, our interim fiscal quarters ended on the Sunday closest to March 31, June 30 and September 30 of each year.

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

Revenue:

Product

Services

Ratable product and services

Total revenue

Cost of revenue:

Product (2)

Services (2)

Ratable product and services

Total cost of revenue

Gross profit

Product

Services

Ratable product and services

Total gross profit

Operating expenses:

Research and development (2)

Sales and marketing (2)

General and administrative (2)

Total operating expenses

Operating income (loss)

Interest income

Other income (expense), net

Income (loss) before income taxes

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) per share (3)  

:

Basic

Diluted

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

Fiscal Year (1)

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

($ amounts in 000's, except per share amounts)

135,140

172,046

17,510

324,696

51,944

26,967

6,295

85,206

83,196

145,079

11,215

239,490

49,801

111,968

22,380

184,149

55,341

1,815

(815)

56,341

15,096

41,245

0.59

0.53

70,363

78,203

98,686

139,172

14,257

252,115

42,166

22,265

5,544

69,975

56,520

116,907

8,713

182,140

42,195

96,291

18,320

156,806

25,334

1,981

198

27,513
(32,666)
60,179

1.93

0.78

26,334

65,219

94,587

105,292

11,912

211,791

41,397

19,441

4,634

65,472

53,190

85,851

7,278

146,319

37,035

87,717

16,640

141,392

4,927

2,614

1,710

9,251

1,888

7,363

0.02

0.02

20,017

26,642

70,131

74,152

11,083

59,469

39,590

24,407

155,366

123,466

35,948

15,941

4,763

56,652

34,183

58,211

6,320

98,714

27,588

72,159

20,544

120,291
(21,577)
3,507
(1,991)
(20,061)
1,781
(21,842)

(1.13)
(1.13)

19,276

19,276

24,166

9,496

7,302

40,964

35,303

30,094

17,105

82,502

21,446

54,056

12,997

88,499
(5,997)
2,376
(503)
(4,124)
1,220
(5,344)

(0.28)
(0.28)

18,861

18,861

________________________
(1)

Our fiscal years ended on December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, December 28, 2008, December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

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(2)

Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:

Cost of product revenue

Cost of services revenue

Research and development

Sales and marketing

General and administrative

Total stock-based compensation

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

($ amounts in 000's)

101

929

2,339

3,810

2,136

9,315

102

658

1,963

3,020

1,718

7,461

67

400

1,049

2,512

1,271

5,299

553

416

1,452

3,928

2,983

9,332

99

52

135

354

414

1,054

(3)

Amounts related to 2008 have been corrected. See Note 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

Working capital

Total assets

Convertible preferred stock

Common stock including treasury stock and
additional paid-in capital

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

As of Fiscal Year End

($ amounts in 000's)

387,460

201,776

545,422

—

249,000

232,454

260,314

161,652

387,213

—

201,340

142,452

124,190

38,193

199,105

94,368

90,161

12,862

145,192

94,368

64,041

12,399

109,311

94,368

20,854
(5,229)

13,438
(18,925)

4,087
(7,217)

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ITEM 7. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within 

the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These 
statements include, among other things, statements concerning our expectations regarding:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the continued realization of efficiency gains in our sales and marketing organization as well as efficiency 
gains in our overall headcount measured by revenue per employee;

growth in our high-end business and further penetration in certain verticals;

the significance of stock compensation as an expense;

the proportion of our revenue that consists of our product and service revenues and future trends with respect 
to service revenue as we renew existing services contracts and expands our customer base;

our royalty payments to Trend Micro;

the impact of our product innovation strategy;

trends in product revenues, costs of services revenue, service gross margin and overall gross margin;

trends in our operating expenses, including personnel costs, research and development expense, sales and 
marketing expense and general and administrative expense;

investments in research and development and sales and marketing staff to address market opportunities and 
to position ourselves for future growth;

the impact of seasonality on our business;

the sufficiency of our existing cash and cash equivalents to meet our cash needs for at least the next 12 
months; and

the impact of inflation and foreign currency exchange rates;

as well as other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition and prospects and business strategies. 

These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ 
materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences 
include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, in particular, the risks discussed under 
the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and those discussed in other documents we file 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any 
revision to these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue 
reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Business Overview

We provide network security solutions, which enable broad, integrated and high performance protection against 

dynamic security threats while simplifying the IT security infrastructure for enterprises, service providers and government 
entities worldwide. As of December 31, 2010, we had shipped over 675,000 appliances to more than 5,000 channel partners 
and to more than 100,000 end-customers worldwide, including a majority of the 2010 Fortune Global 100.

Our core UTM product line of FortiGate appliances ships with a set of security and networking capabilities, including 

firewall, VPN, antivirus, intrusion prevention, application control, Web filtering, antispam and WAN acceleration 
functionality. We derive a substantial majority of product sales from our FortiGate appliances, which range from the 
FortiGate-30, designed for small businesses and branch offices, to the FortiGate-5000 series for large enterprises and service 
providers. Our UTM solution also includes our FortiGuard security subscription services, which end-customers can subscribe 
to in order to obtain access to dynamic updates to the antivirus, intrusion prevention, Web filtering and antispam functionality 
included in our appliances. End-customers can also choose to purchase FortiCare technical support services for our products. 
We complement our core FortiGate product line with other appliances and software that offer additional protection from 

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security threats to other critical areas of the enterprise, such as messaging, Web-based traffic and databases, and employee 
computers or handheld devices. Sales of these complimentary products have grown in recent quarters, although these products 
still represent less than 10% of our total revenue. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we began shipping virtual appliances 
for our FortiGate and FortiManager product lines, which help secure the end-customer's "cloud-based" network infrastructures 
with the same functionality as the traditional physical appliance in their respective product lines. 

Fiscal 2010 was our first full year as a public company, following our initial public offering in November 2009. We 
believe the greater visibility and brand recognition derived from being a public company, combined with success in selling to 
the enterprise and service provider customers and new product introductions, served as contributors to the acceleration in our 
business during fiscal 2010.  Sales of FortiGate products have generally been balanced across entry-level (FortiGate-30 to -100 
series), mid-range (FortiGate-200 to -800 series) and high-end (FortiGate-1000 to -5000 series) models with each product 
category representing approximately one-third of FortiGate sales, with some degree of variability from year to year and 
between quarters. During fiscal 2010 we executed well against our strategy to grow the high-end segment of our business, 
consisting of sales to large enterprises, service providers and telecommunications companies. The percentage of our FortiGate 
related billings from the high-end category increased to 34% in fiscal 2010 from 30% in fiscal 2009, while the entry-level 
category decreased from 38% to 35%, and the mid-range category remained relatively flat over the same period.

We also believe continued product innovation has strengthened our technology advantage as evidenced by the 

introduction of several noteworthy new FortiGate appliance models such as the FG-60C, FG-3040B, and FG-3950B. During 
fiscal 2010 we also made a significant investment in our salesforce to expand our global presence both geographically as well 
as by industry segment. We believe these factors have allowed us to penetrate into larger enterprise and service provider 
accounts as evidenced by the increase in the number of deals involving sales greater than $100,000 and a substantial increase in 
the number of deals greater than $250,000 and $500,000 compared to fiscal 2009.

Continuing to grow our enterprise and high-end business will remain a strategic priority in fiscal 2011, as we continue 
to focus on further penetrating the financial services, healthcare, federal government and service provider verticals, which tend 
to purchase our mid-range and high-end products.  Though we are a global, geographically diversified business, with 62% of 
our total revenue generated outside of the Americas region in fiscal 2010, we see opportunities to further expand our 
geographic presence across all regions. We intend to continue to invest in sales and research and development staff to address 
these opportunities. 

Billings, a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as total revenue plus the change in deferred revenue (further 
described under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures"), were $375.4 million, an increase of 33% compared to fiscal 2009. Total 
revenue was $324.7 million for fiscal 2010, an increase of 29% compared to fiscal 2009. Product revenue was $135.1 million, 
an increase of 37% compared to fiscal 2009, and a greater percentage of total revenue (42% in fiscal 2010, compared to 39% in 
fiscal 2009). A factor in the product revenue growth was the introduction of new products over the past year, including some 
non-FortiGate products. Services revenue in fiscal 2010 was $172.0 million, an increase of 24% compared to fiscal 2009. 
Services revenue is important to our future revenue and profitability as it provides a source of recurring revenue for us, 
representing 53% and 55% of total revenue for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. Ratable product and services revenue in 
fiscal 2010 was $17.5 million, an increase of 23% compared to fiscal 2009. 

For fiscal 2010, $124.0 million, or 38%, of our total revenue was generated from the Americas, representing an 

increase of 34% from fiscal 2009. Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") generated $121.6 million, or 38%, of our total 
revenue during fiscal 2010, representing an increase of 27% from fiscal 2009. Asia Pacific and Japan ("APAC") generated 
$79.1 million, or 24%, of our total revenue during fiscal 2010, representing an increase of 24% from fiscal 2009. 

In fiscal 2010, we experienced increased leverage from our prior investments in our sales and marketing organization, 
combined with our continued focus on effectively managing related expenses, as evidenced by the fact that sales and marketing 
expenses increased 16% from fiscal 2009, while our revenue increased 29% from fiscal 2009 (as discussed under "Results of 
Operations" below). We are also seeing improvements in productivity and efficiencies in our overall headcount as our 
annualized fiscal 2010 revenue per employee, defined as revenue divided by average headcount, reached $254,000, up from 
$217,000 for fiscal 2009. Although headcount increased during fiscal 2010 from 1,223 at the end of fiscal 2009 to 1,336, our 
pace of hiring was slower than originally targeted for fiscal 2010, as it was a challenge to hire qualified sales and technical staff 
as quickly as we had anticipated due in part to the competitive landscape, the degree of specialized security expertise required, 
and increased turnover as the business climate improved within our industry.

Our Business Model

Our sales strategy is based on a distribution model whereby we primarily sell our products and services directly to 

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distributors who sell to resellers and service providers, who, in turn, sell to our end-customers. In certain cases, we sell directly 
to government-focused resellers, large service providers and major systems integrators, who have significant purchasing power 
and unique customer deployment requirements. Typically, FortiGuard security subscription services and FortiCare technical 
support services are purchased along with our appliances. We invoice at the time of our sale for the total price of the products 
and subscription and support services, and the invoice generally becomes payable within 30 to 90 days. We generally recognize 
product revenue up-front but defer revenue for the sale of new and renewal subscription and support services contracts. We 
recognize the related services revenue over the service period, which is typically one year from the date the end-customer 
registers for these services (the date on which the services can first be used by the customer); although, it could be longer as we 
are experiencing growth in sales of multi-year support and subscription contracts. Sales of new and renewal services increase 
our deferred revenue balance, which contributes significantly to our positive cash flow from operations.

Key Metrics

We monitor the key financial metrics set forth below to help us evaluate growth trends, establish budgets, measure the 

effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts and assess operational efficiencies. Our total deferred revenue increased by 
$50.7 million from $201.9 million at December 31, 2009 to $252.6 million at December 31, 2010. Revenue recognized plus the 
change in deferred revenue from the beginning to the end of the period is a useful metric that management identifies as billings. 
Billings for services drive deferred revenue, which is an important indicator of the health and visibility of our business, and has 
historically represented a majority of the revenue that we recognize in a typical quarter. We also ended fiscal 2010 with $387.5 
million in cash, cash equivalents and investments and have had positive cash flow from operations every fiscal year since 2005. 
We discuss revenue, gross margin, and the components of operating income and margin below under “Components of 
Operating Results,” and we discuss our cash, cash equivalents, and investments under “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” 
Deferred revenue and cash flow from operations are discussed immediately below the following table.

2010

Fiscal Year or as of Fiscal Year End
2009 (3)
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

Revenue

Gross margin
Operating income (1)
Operating margin
Total deferred revenue
Increase in total deferred revenue
Cash, cash equivalents and investments
Cash provided by operating activities
Free cash flow (2)
___________________
(1)   Includes:

Stock-based compensation expense:

Non-cash asset acquisition related write-offs:

324,696

252,115

211,791

73.8%

55,341

17.0%

252,631
50,701
387,460
103,383
99,607

72.2%

25,334

10.0%

201,930
30,313
260,314
61,971
57,382

69.1%
4,927

2.3%

171,617
40,362
124,190
37,686
34,888

9,315

—

7,461

2,387

5,299

—

The non-cash acquisition related write-offs are expenses for intangible assets that have no future value.

(2)   Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure, which we define as cash flow from operations minus capital expenditures, as further

        described below.

(3)   Commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we began operating and reporting financial results on a calendar quarter and year basis.

       Our third quarter of fiscal 2009 ended on September 30, 2009, and our fiscal 2009 ended on December 31, 2009. The impact of the reporting

       period change had the effect of increasing the number of days in the 12 month period ended December 31, 2009 by four days.

Deferred revenue. Our deferred revenue consists of amounts that have been invoiced but that have not yet been 

recognized as revenue. The majority of our deferred revenue balance consists of the unamortized portion of services revenue 
from subscription and support service contracts. We monitor our deferred revenue balance because it represents a significant 
portion of revenue to be recognized in future periods. 

Cash provided by operating activities. We monitor cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our overall 

business performance. Our cash provided by operating activities is driven in large part by advance payments for both new and 

39

 
 
    
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renewal contracts for subscription and support services. Monitoring cash provided by operating activities enables us to analyze 
our financial performance without the non-cash effects of certain items such as depreciation, amortization and stock-based 
compensation expenses, thereby allowing us to better understand and manage the cash needs of our business. Our cash 
provided by operating activities was $103.4 million in fiscal 2010, $62.0 million in fiscal 2009, and $37.7 million in fiscal 
2008. In fiscal 2010, free cash flow (a non-GAAP financial measure, described under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below) 
was $99.6 million, compared to $57.4 million in fiscal 2009 and $34.9 million in fiscal 2008.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we consider certain 
financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, including non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP income 
from operations and non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP free 
cash flow. These non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by GAAP and are 
not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Non-GAAP gross margin is gross margin as 
reported on our consolidated statements of operations, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense, which is a 
non-cash charge, and for fiscal 2009 only, non-cash asset acquisition related write-offs. Non-GAAP income from operations is 
operating income, as reported on our consolidated statements of operations, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation 
expense and for fiscal 2009 only, non-cash asset acquisition related write-offs. The non-cash asset acquisition related write-offs 
that we exclude from our fiscal 2009 non-GAAP financial measures are charges for intangible assets that have no future value, 
but these charges do not include amortization related to the intangible assets that provide an ongoing benefit to our recurring 
operations. Non-GAAP operating margin is non-GAAP income from operations divided by revenue. Non-GAAP operating 
expenses exclude the impact of stock-based compensation expense. Non-GAAP net income is net income plus stock-based 
compensation expense and non-cash asset acquisition related write-offs, less the related tax effects. Free cash flow, an 
alternative non-GAAP measure of liquidity, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally in analyzing our financial results and believe they are useful to 

investors, as a supplement to GAAP measures, in evaluating our ongoing operational performance and enhancing an overall 
understanding of our past financial performance, as they help illustrate underlying trends in our business that could otherwise 
be masked by the effect of the expenses that we exclude in these non-GAAP financial measures. Furthermore, we use many of 
these measures to establish budgets and operational goals for managing our business and evaluating our performance. We also 
believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in comparing our 
recurring core business operating results over multiple periods with other companies in our industry, many of which present 
similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial 
information prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to the use of these non-GAAP 
financial measures versus the nearest GAAP equivalent of these financial measures. First, these non-GAAP financial measures 
exclude certain recurring, non-cash charges, namely, stock-based compensation expense. Stock-based compensation has been, 
and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense in our business and is an important part of our 
employees' compensation that reflects their performance. Second, the expenses that we exclude in our calculation of these non-
GAAP financial measures may differ from the expenses, if any, that our peer companies may exclude when they report their 
results of operations. We compensate for these limitations by providing the nearest GAAP equivalents of these non-GAAP 
financial measures and describing these GAAP equivalents in our Results of Operations below.

The following tables reconcile GAAP gross margin, income from operations, operating margin, certain operating 
expenses and net income as reported on our consolidated statements of operations to non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP 
income from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, certain non-GAAP operating expenses and non-GAAP net income for 
fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008. For fiscal 2010, both GAAP and non-GAAP results below include approximately $1.3 million of 
payroll tax expense resulting from the exercise of employee stock options during the year. Payroll tax expense associated with 
stock option exercises during fiscal 2009 and 2008 was immaterial.

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Table of Contents

2010

Fiscal Year
2009

2008

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

($ amounts in 000's)

Total revenue

GAAP gross profit and margin

Stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash asset acquisition related
write-offs

Non-GAAP gross profit and margin
GAAP income from operations and margin

Stock-based compensation expense:

Cost of revenue
Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative
Total stock-based compensation
Non-cash asset acquisition related write-
offs

Non-GAAP income from operations and
margin

324,696

239,490
1,030

—
240,520
55,341

1,030
2,339
3,810
2,136
9,315

—

252,115

182,140
760

2,387
185,287
25,334

760
1,963
3,020
1,718
7,461

2,387

73.8
0.3

—
74.1
17.0

0.3
0.9
1.2
0.4
2.8

—

211,791

146,319
467

—
146,786
4,927

467
1,049
2,512
1,271
5,299

—

72.2
0.3

0.9
73.4
10.0

0.3
0.8
1.2
0.7
3.0

0.9

64,656

19.8

35,182

13.9

10,226

69.1
0.2

—
69.3
2.3

0.2
0.5
1.2
0.6
2.5

—

4.8

Operating Expenses:

Research and development expenses:
GAAP research and development
expenses
Stock-based compensation
Non-GAAP research and development
expenses

Sales and marketing expenses:

GAAP sales and marketing expenses
Stock-based compensation
Non-GAAP sales and marketing
expenses

General and administrative expenses:
GAAP general and administrative
expenses
Stock-based compensation
Non-GAAP general and administrative
expenses

Total operating expenses:

GAAP operating expenses
Stock-based compensation
Non-GAAP operating expenses

2010

Fiscal Year
2009

2008

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

($ amounts in 000's)

49,801
(2,339)

15.3
(0.9)

42,195
(1,963)

16.7
(0.8)

37,035
(1,049)

47,462

14.4

40,232

15.9

35,986

111,968
(3,810)
108,158

22,380
(2,136)

20,244

184,149
(8,285)
175,864

34.5
(1.2)
33.3

96,291
(3,020)
93,271

38.2
(1.2)
37.0

87,717
(2,512)
85,205

6.9
(0.4)

18,320
(1,718)

7.3
(0.7)

16,640
(1,271)

6.5

16,602

6.6

15,369

56.7
(2.5)
54.2

156,806
(6,701)
150,105

62.2
(2.7)
59.5

141,392
(4,832)
136,560

17.5
(0.5)

17.0

41.4
(1.2)
40.2

7.9
(0.6)

7.3

66.8
(2.3)
64.5

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Table of Contents

Fiscal Year
2009
($ and share amounts in 000's, except per share amounts)

2008

2010

Net Income:

GAAP net income

Stock-based compensation expense (1)
Non-cash asset acquisition related write-offs (1)
Provision for income taxes (2)
Non-GAAP income before provision for income taxes
Tax effects related to non-GAAP adjustments (3)

Non-GAAP net income

Non-GAAP net income per share - diluted

Shares used in per share calculation - diluted

41,245
9,315
—
15,096
65,656
(21,010)
44,646

0.57

78,203

60,179
7,461
2,387
(32,666)
37,361
(6,877)
30,484

0.47

65,219

7,363
5,299
—
1,888
14,550
(2,948)
11,602

0.17

67,122

____________________
(1)

(2)

(3)

Stock-based compensation expense and non-cash asset acquisition related write-offs are added back to GAAP net income to reconcile to non-GAAP 
income before taxes.
Provision for income taxes is our GAAP provision that must be added to GAAP net income to reconcile to non-GAAP income before taxes. The 
provision for fiscal 2009 included a $37.8 million tax benefit from the reversal of our valuation allowance.
We used a 32% effective tax rate in fiscal 2010 to calculate non-GAAP net income for fiscal 2010. The 32% effective tax rate reflects the exclusion 
of GAAP based stock option benefits, as well as the reinstated Federal R&D Credit. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was 18% which reflects 
only our foreign tax provision as our US operations had net operating losses to offset any taxable income. 

Billings:
Revenue

Increase in deferred revenue

Total billings (Non-GAAP)

Cash Flow:
Net cash provided by operating activities

Less purchases of property and equipment

Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities

Components of Operating Results

Revenue

2010

Fiscal Year
2009
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

324,696
50,701
375,397

252,115
30,313
282,428

211,791
40,363
252,154

2010

Fiscal Year
2009
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

103,383
(3,776)
99,607

(283,710)

34,019

61,971
(4,589)
57,382

13,757

78,049

37,686
(2,798)
34,888

(53,706)

2,117

We derive our revenue from sales of our products and subscription and support services. In fiscal 2010, we recognized 

our revenue in accordance with the guidance in ASC 985-605-25 (formerly referred to as Statement of Position, or SOP 97-2, 
Software Revenue Recognition and SOP 98-9, Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, With Respect to 
Certain Transactions) which is discussed in further detail in “—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Revenue 
Recognition” below. According to ASC 985-605-25, revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 
delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collection is probable.

Our total revenue is comprised of the following:

•

Product revenue. Product revenue is generated from sales of our appliances and software. The substantial 

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majority of our product revenue has been generated by our FortiGate line of appliances and we do not expect 
this to change in the foreseeable future. Product revenue also includes revenue derived from sales of 
FortiManager and, FortiAnalyzer, as well as some of our other products. We generally recognize revenue for 
products sold to distributors under the “sell-in” method upon shipment to the distributor and, for “sell-
through” distributors, upon sale to their end-customer. As a percentage of total revenue, we expect our 
product revenue may vary from quarter-to-quarter based on seasonal and cyclical factors discussed below 
under “—Quarterly Results of Operations” but generally may remain at relatively comparable levels.

Services revenue. Services revenue is generated primarily from FortiCare technical support services for 
software updates, maintenance releases and patches, Internet access to technical content, telephone and 
Internet access to technical support personnel, and FortiGuard security subscription services related to 
antivirus, intrusion prevention, Web filtering and antispam updates. We recognize revenue from subscription 
and support services over the service performance period. Our typical contractual support and subscription 
term is one year from the date of registration. We also generate a small portion of our revenue from 
professional services and training services and we recognize this revenue upon completion of the project. As 
a percentage of total revenue, we expect our services revenue to remain at relatively comparable levels.

Ratable product and services revenue. Ratable product and services revenue is generated from sales of our 
products and services in cases where the fair value of the services being provided cannot be segregated from 
the value of the entire sale. In these cases, the value of the entire sale is deferred and recognized ratably over 
the life of the service performance period. See “—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Revenue 
Recognition.” In fiscal 2009 and 2010, ratable product and service revenue represented approximately 5% to 
6% of total revenue.

•

•

Our total cost of revenue is comprised of the following:

•

•

•

Cost of product revenue. A substantial majority of the cost of product revenue consists of third-party 
manufacturing costs. Our cost of product revenue also includes product testing costs, write-offs for excess 
and obsolete inventory, royalty payments, amortization and any impairment of applicable acquired intangible 
assets, warranty costs, shipping and allocated facilities costs, stock-based compensation costs, and personnel 
costs associated with logistics and quality control. Personnel costs include cash-based personnel costs such as 
salaries, benefits and bonuses. Royalties reflect amounts related to Trend Micro since 2006, which Trend 
Micro claims are owed through 2015, as discussed in “Item 3 - Legal Proceedings.” For fiscal 2009 and 2010, 
this royalty represented approximately 1% of total revenue and we do not expect this percentage to increase 
substantially in the foreseeable future.

Cost of services revenue. Cost of services revenue is primarily comprised of cash-based personnel costs 
associated with our FortiGuard Labs team and our technical support, professional services and training teams, 
as well as depreciation, supplies, data center, data communications, facility-related costs and stock-based 
compensation costs. We expect our cost of services revenue will increase as we continue to invest in 
subscription and support services to meet the needs of our growing customer base.

Cost of ratable product and services revenue. Cost of ratable product and services revenue is comprised 
primarily of deferred product costs and services-related costs.

Gross profit. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue, or gross margin, has been and will continue to be affected by a 
variety of factors, including the average sales price of our products, any excess inventory write-offs, manufacturing costs, the 
mix of products sold and the mix of revenue between products and services. We believe our overall gross margin for the near 
term will remain at comparable levels or decline modestly compared to that achieved in fiscal 2010.

Services revenue has historically increased as a percentage of total revenue since inception, and this trend has had a 
positive effect on our total gross margin given the higher services gross margins compared to product gross margins. We have 
generally maintained consistent services gross margins in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010. 

Operating expenses. Our operating expenses consist of research and development, sales and marketing and general 
and administrative expenses. Personnel costs are the most significant component of operating expenses and consist of cash-
based personnel costs such as salaries, benefits, bonuses and, with regard to the sales and marketing expense, sales 
commissions. They also include non-cash charges, specifically, stock-based compensation. We expect personnel costs to 
continue to increase in absolute dollars as we hire new employees.

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•

•

•

Research and development. Research and development expense consists primarily of cash-based personnel 
costs. Additional research and development expenses include ASIC and system prototypes and certification-
related expenses, depreciation of capital equipment, facility-related expenses and stock-based compensation 
expenses. The majority of our research and development is focused on both software development and the 
ongoing development of our hardware platform. We record all research and development expenses as 
incurred, except for capital equipment which is depreciated over time. Our development teams are primarily 
located in Canada, China, and the United States. We expect our spending for research and development to 
increase in absolute dollars and may increase modestly as a percentage of total revenue compared to fiscal 
2010 results.

Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expense is the largest component of our operating expenses and 
primarily consists of cash-based personnel costs including salary, benefits and commissions. Additional sales 
and marketing expenses include stock-based compensation, promotional and other marketing expenses, 
travel, depreciation of capital equipment and facility-related expenses. We intend to hire additional personnel 
focused on sales and marketing and expand our sales and marketing efforts worldwide in order to increase 
our presence in new geographic markets and enterprise verticals, add new customers and increase penetration 
within our existing customer base. Accordingly, we expect sales and marketing expenses to increase in 
absolute dollars and to continue to be our largest operating expense.

General and administrative. General and administrative expense consists of cash-based personnel costs as 
well as professional fees, stock-based compensation, depreciation of capital equipment and software, and 
facility-related expenses. General and administrative personnel include our executive, finance, human 
resources, information technology and legal organizations. Our professional fees principally consist of 
outside legal, auditing, accounting, information technology and other consulting costs. We expect that general 
and administrative expense will increase in absolute dollars as we hire additional personnel, make 
improvements to our information technology infrastructure, and defend our intellectual property. 

Interest income. Interest income consists of income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and investments. We have 
historically invested our cash in money market funds, commercial paper, corporate debt securities and U.S. government debt 
securities.

Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net consists primarily of foreign exchange and related hedging 

gains and losses. Foreign exchange gains and losses relate to foreign currency exchange re-measurement. The hedging gains 
and losses are related to our settled balance sheet hedges.

Provision for income taxes. We are subject to tax in the United States as well as other tax jurisdictions or countries in 

which we conduct business. Earnings from our non-U.S. activities are subject to income taxes in the local country which are 
generally lower than U.S. tax rates, and may be subject to current U.S. income taxes. Our effective tax rates differ from the 
U.S. statutory rate primarily due to foreign income subject to different tax rates than the U.S., research and development tax 
credits (particularly the recently reinstated U.S. Federal Research and Development Tax Credit), withholding taxes, 
nondeductible compensation and expenses and adjustments related to our intercompany transfer pricing.

The income tax provision for fiscal 2010 was comprised primarily of domestic income taxes, foreign income taxes and 

withholding taxes. The 2010 effective tax rate was impacted by the inclusion of stock option benefits, which affected the 
transfer pricing calculations between some of our foreign subsidiaries as well as the reinstated U.S. Federal Research and 
Development Tax Credit. The income tax provision for fiscal 2009 reflected a tax benefit related to the release of the valuation 
allowance, which resulted in the recognition of deferred tax assets. For periods beginning in 2010, as a result of fully reversing 
our valuation allowance, we expect that our effective tax rate will approximate the U.S. federal statutory tax rates plus the 
impact of state taxes, research and development tax credits (when applicable), withholding tax, nondeductible compensation 
and adjustments related to intercompany transfer pricing.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial 

statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These principles require us to make estimates and 
judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, cash flow and related disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities. Our estimates include those related to revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, 
valuation of inventory, warranty liabilities and accounting for income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and 
on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these 

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estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and our actual results, our future financial 
statements will be affected.

We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 1 to the financial statements 
included in this 10-K, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, we 
believe these are the most critical to fully understand and evaluate our financial condition and results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenue from sales of products, including appliances and software, and services, including subscription, 

support and other services. Our appliances include operating system software that is integrated into the appliance hardware and 
is deemed essential to its functionality. As a result, we account for revenue in accordance with ASC 985-605 and all related 
interpretations. See “—Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the notes to the consolidated financial statements” for a 
discussion of new revenue recognition standards that we will be required to adopt for fiscal 2011. We are still assessing the 
impact of the new standards and have not reflected in this annual report any impact such standards may have on our 
consolidated financial statements.

No revenue can be recognized until all of the following criteria have been met:

•

•

•

•

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. Binding contracts or purchase orders are generally used to 
determine the existence of an arrangement.

Delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs when we fulfill an order and title and risk of loss has been transferred 
or upon delivery of the service contract registration code.

The fee is fixed or determinable. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment 
terms associated with the transaction. In the event payment terms differ from our standard business practices, 
the fees are deemed to be not fixed or determinable and revenue is recognized when the payments become 
due, provided the remaining criteria for revenue recognition have been met.

Collectability is probable. We assess collectability based primarily on creditworthiness as determined by 
credit checks and analysis, as well as payment history. Payment terms generally range from 30 to 90 days 
from invoice date.

For arrangements that include customer acceptance criteria, no revenue is recognized prior to acceptance. We 
recognize product revenue on sales to distributors that have no rights of return and end-customers upon shipment of the 
appliance, once all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. We also make sales through distributors under agreements 
that allow for rights of return. We recognize product revenue on sales made through such distributors upon sale by the 
distributor to the end-customer, at which time rights of return generally lapse. Substantially all of our products have been sold 
in combination with subscription or support services. Subscription services provide access to our antivirus, intrusion 
prevention, Web filtering, and antispam functionality. Support services include rights to unspecified software upgrades, 
maintenance releases and patches, telephone and Internet access to technical support personnel, and hardware support.

We commence our subscription and support services on the date the customer registers the appliance. The customer is 

then entitled to service for the stated contractual period beginning on the registration date.

We use the residual method to recognize revenue when an arrangement includes one or more elements to be delivered 
at a future date and vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the fair value of all undelivered elements exists. Under the 
residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the contract fee is 
recognized as product revenue. In cases where VSOE of fair value of the undelivered elements does not exist, typically for 
subscription and support services, revenue for the entire arrangement is recognized ratably over the performance period of the 
undelivered elements. Revenue related to these arrangements is included in ratable product and services revenue in the 
accompanying consolidated statements of operations. VSOE of fair value for elements of an arrangement is based upon the 
pricing for those services when sold separately. Revenue for professional services and training is recognized upon completion 
of the related services.

We offer certain sales incentives to channel partners. Additionally, in limited circumstances we may permit end-
customers, distributors and resellers to return our products, subject to varying limitations, for a refund within a reasonably short 
period from the date of purchase. We reduce revenue for estimates of sales returns and allowances. We estimate and record 
reserves for these sales incentives and sales returns based on our historical experience. In each accounting period, we must 

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make judgments and estimates of sales incentives and potential future sales returns related to current period revenue. These 
estimates affect our net revenue line item on our consolidated statement of operations and affect our net accounts receivable, 
deferred revenue or accrued liabilities line items on our consolidated balance sheet. Historically, there have been no significant 
adjustments to these estimates related to prior periods.

At December 31, 2010, our allowance for sales returns was $2.0 million compared to $5.0 million at December 31, 

2009. The decrease was the result of improved efficiency in processing sales incentives through the system at period end. If our 
allowance for sales returns was to increase by 10%, or $0.2 million, our net revenue would decrease by $0.2 million for fiscal 
2010.

Stock-Based Compensation

Employees. We have accounted for stock-based awards to employees in accordance with ASC 718 (SFAS 123R), 

which requires compensation expense related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, to be measured 
and recognized in the financial statements based on a determination of the fair value of the stock options. The grant date fair 
value is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) pricing model. For all employee stock options, we 
recognize expense over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. Our option pricing model requires the input 
of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, expected term, and forfeiture rate. Any changes 
in these highly subjective assumptions significantly impact stock-based compensation expense.

Non-employees. During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 we issued to non-employees in exchange for services, options to 

purchase shares of common stock. These options vest over periods of up to 48 months, and in accordance with ASC 505-50 
(formerly referred to as Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 96-18), we accounted for these options as variable 
awards. The options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Valuation of Inventory

Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market, after we give appropriate 

consideration to obsolescence and inventory in excess of anticipated future demand. In assessing the ultimate recoverability of 
inventory, we are required to make estimates regarding future customer demand, the timing of new product introductions, 
economic trends and market conditions. If the actual product demand is significantly lower than forecasted, we could be 
required to record additional inventory write-downs which would be charged to cost of product revenue. Any write-downs 
could have an adverse impact on our gross margins and profitability. 

Warranty Liabilities

We generally provide a one-year warranty on hardware products and a 90-day warranty on software. A provision for 
estimated future costs related to warranty activities is charged to cost of product revenue based upon historical product failure 
rates and historical costs incurred in correcting product failures. If we experience an increase in warranty claims compared with 
our historical experience, or if the cost of servicing warranty claims is greater than expected, our gross margin could be 
adversely affected.

Accounting for Income Taxes

We record income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and 

liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax 
returns. In estimating future tax consequences, generally all expected future events other than enactments or changes in the tax 
law or rates are considered. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount 
expected to be realized.

We operate in various tax jurisdictions and are subject to audit by various tax authorities. We provide for tax 
contingencies whenever it is deemed more likely than not that a tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been incurred 
for events such as tax claims or changes in tax laws. Tax contingencies are based upon their technical merits, relevant tax law 
and the specific facts and circumstances as of each reporting period. Changes in facts and circumstances could result in 
material changes to the amounts recorded for such tax contingencies.

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740-10 (FIN 48), which defines the confidence level 

that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. ASC 740-10 requires that the tax effects of a 
position be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting 

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date. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic 
adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.

As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our taxes in each 
of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We estimate actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences 
resulting from differing treatment of items, such as accruals and allowances not currently deductible for tax purposes. These 
differences result in deferred tax assets, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets. In general, deferred tax assets 
represent future tax benefits to be received when certain expenses previously recognized in our consolidated statements of 
operations become deductible expenses under applicable income tax laws, or loss or credit carryforwards are utilized.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some 

portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the 
generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 we concluded that it was more likely than not that we would be able to realize the benefit of our 
deferred tax assets in the future. We based this conclusion on historical and projected operating performance, as well as our 
expectation that our operations will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize the tax benefits associated 
with the deferred tax assets. As a result, we released all of the valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets. We will 
continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset by evaluating both positive and negative 
evidence that may exist. Any adjustment to the net deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be recorded in the income 
statement for the period that the adjustment is determined to be required.

We make estimates and judgments about our future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are consistent 

with our plans and estimates. Should the actual amounts differ from our estimates, the amount of our tax expense and liabilities 
could be materially impacted.

Results of Operations

The following tables set forth our results of operations for the periods presented and as a percentage of our total 

revenue for those periods. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of financial results 
to be achieved in future periods.

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Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Revenue

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total revenue
Cost of revenue

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total cost of revenues
Gross profit

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total gross profit
Operating expenses

Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative

Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest income
Other income (expense), net
Income before income taxes
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Net income

2010

Fiscal Year (1)

2009 (2)
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

135,140
172,046
17,510
324,696

51,944
26,967
6,295
85,206

83,196
145,079
11,215
239,490

49,801
111,968
22,380
184,149
55,341
1,815
(815)
56,341
15,096
41,245

98,686
139,172
14,257
252,115

42,166
22,265
5,544
69,975

56,520
116,907
8,713
182,140

42,195
96,291
18,320
156,806
25,334
1,981
198
27,513
(32,666)
60,179

94,587
105,292
11,912
211,791

41,397
19,441
4,634
65,472

53,190
85,851
7,278
146,319

37,035
87,717
16,640
141,392
4,927
2,614
1,710
9,251
1,888
7,363

____________________
(1)
(2)

Our fiscal years ended on December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008.
Commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we began operating and reporting financial results on a calendar quarter and year 
basis. This change in period end had the effect of increasing the number of days in fiscal 2009 by four days.

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Revenue

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total revenue
Total cost of revenue
Total gross profit
Operating expenses

Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative

Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest income
Other income (expense), net
Income before provision for income taxes
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Net income

Fiscal Years 2010 and 2009 

Revenue

2010

Fiscal Year
2009
(as % of revenue)

2008

41.6
53.0
5.4
100.0
26.2
73.8

15.3
34.6
6.9
56.8
17.0
0.7
(0.2)
17.5
4.6
12.9

39.1
55.2
5.7
100.0
27.8
72.2

16.7
38.2
7.3
62.2
10.0
0.8
0.1
10.9
(13.0)
23.9

44.7
49.7
5.6
100.0
30.9
69.1

17.5
41.4
7.9
66.8
2.3
1.3
0.8
4.4
0.9
3.5

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

135,140
172,046
17,510
324,696

123,961
121,604
79,131
324,696

41.6
53.0
5.4
100.0

38.2
37.5
24.3
100.0

98,686
139,172
14,257
252,115

92,621
95,886
63,608
252,115

39.1
55.2
5.7
100.0

36.7
38.1
25.2
100.0

36,454
32,874
3,253
72,581

31,340
25,718
15,523
72,581

36.9
23.6
22.8
28.8

33.8
26.8
24.4
28.8

Revenue:

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total revenue
Revenue by Geography:

Americas
EMEA
APAC
Total revenue

Total revenue increased $72.6 million, or 28.8%, in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. The Americas region 
contributed the largest portion of this growth. Product revenue increased $36.5 million, or 36.9%, compared to fiscal 2009. The 
increase in product revenue was primarily driven by higher product sales volume across all regions. When looking at the mix of 
product revenue, there was a greater mix of our high-end products due to increased sales to enterprise and service provider 
customers as evidenced by a 79% increase in the number of $500,000+ deals in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Services 
revenue increased $32.9 million, or 23.6%, in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 due to the recognition of revenue from our 
growing deferred revenue balance consisting of subscription and support contracts sold to a larger customer base and our 
increased focus on contract renewals. The growth in services revenue tends to lag growth in billings and product revenue due to 
amortization of revenue over the service period. The growth in ratable product and services revenue was due to a slight 
decrease in the weighted-average service period as a result of a decrease in the average contractual term of support contracts for 
arrangements in which we recognized product and services revenue ratably.

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Cost of revenue and gross margin

Cost of revenue:

Product

Services

Ratable product and services

Total cost of revenue

Gross margin (%):

Product

Services

Ratable product and services

Total gross margin

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

51,944

26,967

6,295

85,206

61.6

84.3

64.0

73.8

42,166

22,265

5,544

69,975

57.3

84.0

61.1

72.2

9,778

4,702

751

15,231

4.3

0.3

2.9

1.6

23.2

21.1

13.5

21.8

Total gross margin increased 1.6 percentage points in fiscal 2010 primarily due to improved product margins in fiscal 

2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Product gross margin increased 4.3 percentage points in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 
primarily due to a greater mix of our high-end products and the absence of asset acquisition related write-offs compared to a 
$2.4 million write-off in fiscal 2009. From time to time, we have experienced sales of previously reserved inventory. During 
fiscal 2010, we experienced a positive impact of 0.7 percentage points due to the sale of fully reserved inventory compared to a 
positive impact of 1.1 percentage points in fiscal 2009. Services gross margin was relatively flat as we continued to make 
investments in our Americas support, professional services and FortiGuard global security research organizations. Services cost 
increased by $4.7 million primarily due to a $2.9 million increase in cash-based personnel costs related to headcount increases. 
Travel, depreciation and other expenses increased a combined $0.8 million. In addition, occupancy-related costs increased $0.7 
million and stock-based compensation increased $0.3 million. Ratable product and services gross margin increased 2.9 
percentage points as a result of leverage achieved from cost reductions with respect to overhead. 

Operating Expenses

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

Operating expenses:

Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative

Total operating expenses

Research and development expense

49,801
111,968
22,380
184,149

15.3
34.5
6.9
56.7

42,195
96,291
18,320
156,806

16.7
38.2
7.3
62.2

7,606
15,677
4,060
27,343

18.0
16.3
22.2
17.4

Research and development expense increased $7.6 million, or 18.0%, in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 primarily 

due to an increase of $5.2 million in cash-based personnel costs as a result of increased headcount to support continued 
enhancements of our products, higher occupancy-related costs of $1.7 million due to a move into a new office facility in 
Vancouver with significantly increased square footage, plus early termination and moving costs, an increase of $0.4 million in 
stock-based compensation expense, and an increase of $0.3 million in product development related expenses, such as non-
recurring engineering (NRE), testing and certifications. A 10% increase in the Canadian dollar exchange rate against the US 
dollar also significantly contributed to the increase in research and development expenses.

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Sales and marketing expense

Sales and marketing expense increased $15.7 million, or 16.3%, in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 as we 
continued to increase our sales headcount in order to expand our global footprint. The increase consisted of cash-based 
personnel costs of $14.5 million as a result of increased headcount, a $1.3 million increase in travel as a result of our overall 
sales growth of 29% and particularly sales growth in the Americas of 34%, a $0.8 million increase in stock-based compensation 
expense, and a $0.2 million increase in professional services. These increases were partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in 
marketing-related expenses. As a percentage of revenue, sales and marketing expenses decreased 3.7 percentage points due to 
the leverage we are achieving from the investment in our salesforce during the past year, as evidenced by revenue growth of 
29% exceeding sales and marketing expenses growth of 16%. 

General and administrative expense

In fiscal 2010, general and administrative expense increased $4.1 million, or 22.2%, compared to fiscal 2009. The 

increase was primarily due to a $1.8 million increase in legal expenses to support various patent litigation matters and a $0.6 
million increase in accounting-related expenses due to being a public company. In addition, cash-based personnel costs 
increased $1.3 million and stock-based compensation expense increased $0.4 million.

Interest income and other income (expense), net

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

Interest income
Other income (expense), net

1,815
(815)

1,981
198

(166)
(1,013)

(8.4)
(511.6)

The $0.2 million decrease in interest income in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 was due to lower interest rates 

earned, despite higher balances of cash, cash equivalents and investments. The change in other income (expense), net for fiscal 
2010 when compared to fiscal 2009 was the result of foreign exchange losses in fiscal 2010 due to the weakening of the U.S. 
dollar against the Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, and Japanese Yen.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

$ Change

% Change

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Effective tax rate (%)

15,096
26.8

_________________________
*not meaningful

($ amounts in 000's)
(32,666)
(118.7)

47,762

*
*

Our effective tax rate was 26.8% for fiscal 2010, compared with an effective tax rate of negative 118.7% for fiscal 
2009. The provision for income taxes for fiscal 2010 is comprised primarily of federal, state and foreign income taxes. The 
2010 effective tax rate is impacted by the inclusion of stock option benefits, which affected the transfer pricing calculations 
between some of our foreign subsidiaries, as well as the reinstated U.S. Federal Research and Development Tax Credit. The 
increase in the provision for income taxes for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 reflected the release of the valuation 
allowance against our net deferred tax assets in fiscal 2009. We generated pretax income in fiscal 2009 and 2008. As a result of 
this positive earnings trend and projected future taxable income, we reversed approximately $44.2 million of deferred tax asset 
valuation allowance in fiscal 2009 after having determined that it was more likely than not that our deferred tax assets would be 
realized. This reversal resulted in recognition of an income tax benefit totaling $37.8 million. Our estimates of future taxable 
income represent critical accounting estimates because such estimates are subject to change and a downward adjustment could 
have a significant impact on future earnings. Furthermore, we continue to evaluate our net deferred tax asset position, in 
regards to the likelihood of realization of our deferred tax assets.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fiscal Years 2009 and 2008 

Revenue

Revenue:

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total revenue
Revenue by Geography:

Americas
EMEA
APAC
Total revenue

Fiscal Year

2009

2008

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

98,686
139,172
14,257
252,115

92,621
95,886
63,608
252,115

39.1
55.2
5.7
100.0

36.7
38.1
25.2
100.0

94,587
105,292
11,912
211,791

75,367
79,755
56,669
211,791

44.7
49.7
5.6
100.0

35.6
37.7
26.7
100.0

4,099
33,880
2,345
40,324

17,254
16,131
6,939
40,324

4.3
32.2
19.7
19.0

22.9
20.2
12.2
19.0

Total revenue increased $40.3 million, or 19.0%, in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, primarily due to growth in 
services revenue. The Americas and EMEA regions contributed the largest portion of this growth. Product revenue increased 
$4.1 million, or 4.3%, compared to fiscal 2008. The increase in product revenue was primarily driven by higher product sales 
volume, predominantly in the Americas region, as we expanded our distributor base to include those that focus on high volume 
sales of entry-level products. While there were no material price changes between the periods, the shift in product mix towards 
our entry-level products had the effect of decreasing our average sales price. Services revenue increased $33.9 million, or 
32.2%, in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 due to recognition of revenue from our growing deferred revenue balance 
consisting of subscription and support contracts sold to a larger customer base. The increase in services revenue also reflects 
additional services revenue amortization of approximately $1.6 million due to our reporting period transition discussed above. 
The growth in ratable product and services revenue was due to a slight decrease in the weighted-average service period over 
which such revenue was recognized, due to a decrease in the average contractual term of support contracts for arrangements in 
which we recognized product and services revenue ratably over the performance period.

Cost of revenue and gross margin

Cost of revenue:

Product

Services

Ratable product and services

Total cost of revenue

Gross margin (%):

Product

Services

Ratable product and services

Total gross margin

Fiscal Year

2009

2008

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

42,166

22,265

5,544

69,975

57.3

84.0

61.1
72.2

41,397

19,441

4,634

65,472

56.2

81.5

61.1
69.1

769

2,824

910

4,503

1.1

2.5

—
3.1

1.9

14.5

19.6

6.9

Total gross margin increased 3.1 percentage points in fiscal 2009 primarily due to improved product and service 
margins and a higher mix of services revenue in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. Product gross margin increased 1.1 
percentage points in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to lower warranty-related return costs which resulted in 
a savings of $3.2 million, partially offset by $2.4 million of asset acquisition related write-offs. The 2.5 percentage point 

52

 
 
 
 
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increase in services gross margin was primarily due to growth in services revenue resulting from a larger customer base to 
leverage our support cost structure. Services cost increased $2.8 million primarily due to $2.0 million of higher cash-based 
personnel costs related to headcount increases in our professional services and training teams and an increase of $0.3 million in 
stock-based compensation expense. Ratable product and services gross margin was unchanged in the period.

Operating expenses

Fiscal Year

2009

2008

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

Amount ($)

% of
Revenue

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

Operating expenses:

Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative

Total operating expenses

Research and development expense

42,195
96,291
18,320
156,806

16.7
38.2
7.3
62.2

37,035
87,717
16,640
141,392

17.5
41.4
7.9
66.8

5,160
8,574
1,680
15,414

13.9
9.8
10.1
10.9

Research and development expense increased $5.2 million, or 13.9%, in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, 
primarily due to an increase of $3.7 million in cash-based personnel costs as a result of increased headcount to support 
continued enhancements of our products. We also had an increase of $0.9 million in stock-based compensation expense, an 
increase of $0.2 million in depreciation expense and $0.2 million in supplies and other expenses.

Sales and marketing expense

Sales and marketing expense increased $8.6 million, or 9.8%, in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, primarily due to 

increased cash-based personnel costs of $5.4 million based on increased headcount primarily in the U.S., a $1.3 million 
increase in promotional and other marketing-related expenses, a $0.4 million increase in travel, a $0.4 million increase in 
depreciation costs, and a $0.5 million increase in stock-based compensation expense, offset by a $0.5 million decrease in rent 
and occupancy-related expenses. As a percentage of revenue, sales and marketing expenses decreased 3.2 percentage points.

General and administrative expense

In fiscal 2009, general and administrative expense increased $1.7 million, or 10.1%, compared to fiscal 2008. The 
increase was primarily due to a $0.9 million increase in external legal services, a $0.5 million increase in accounting-related 
services, a $0.5 million increase in rent and occupancy-related expenses and a $0.4 million increase in stock-based 
compensation expense. These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in computer related supplies and a $0.2 
million decrease in travel expenses.

Interest income and other income (expense), net

Interest income

Other income (expense), net

Fiscal Year

2009

2008

$ Change

% Change

1,981

198

($ amounts in 000's)

2,614

1,710

(633)
(1,512)

(24.2)
(88.4)

The $0.6 million decrease in interest income in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was due to lower interest rates 
earned, despite higher balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The change in other income (expense), 
net for fiscal 2009 was the result of a stronger U.S. dollar compared to the Euro, British Pound and the Canadian dollar in 2008 
when compared to 2009.

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Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

Effective tax rate (%)

_________________________
*not meaningful

Fiscal Year

2009

2008

$ Change

% Change

($ amounts in 000's)

(32,666)

(118.7)

1,888

20.4

(34,554)

*

*

Our effective tax rate was negative 118.7% for fiscal 2009, compared to an effective tax rate of 20.4% for fiscal 2008. 

The provision for income taxes for fiscal 2009 is comprised primarily of federal, state and foreign income taxes as well as the 
release of the valuation allowance. The decrease in the provision for income taxes for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was 
attributable to the release of the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. We generated pretax income in fiscal 
2009 and 2008. As a result of this positive earnings trend and projected future taxable income, we reversed approximately 
$44.2 million of deferred tax asset valuation allowance in fiscal 2009 after having determined that it was more likely than not 
that our deferred tax assets would be realized. This reversal resulted in recognition of an income tax benefit totaling $37.8 
million. 

Quarterly Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our unaudited quarterly statements of operations data for the last eight fiscal quarters. 

The information for each of these quarters has been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual financial statements 
included elsewhere in this annual report and, in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments, which includes only 
normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods. This data should 
be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual 
report. These quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of our operating results for any future period.

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Consolidated Statements of
Operations Data:
Revenue:

Product
Services
Ratable product and
services
Total revenue
Cost of revenue:
Product (2)
Services (2)
Ratable product and
services
Total cost of revenue
Total gross profit
Operating expenses:
Research and 
development (2)
Sales and marketing (2)
General and 
administrative (2)

Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest income
Other income (expense), net

Income before income taxes
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes
Net income
Net income (loss) per share 
attributable to common 
stockholders (3):
Basic
Diluted

Mar 29,
2009

Jun 28,
2009

Three Months Ended
Mar 31,
Dec 31,
2010
2009

Sept 30,
2009 (1)
($ amounts in 000's, except per share amounts)

Jun 30,
2010

19,326
31,573

3,295
54,194

8,305
5,048

1,301
14,654
39,540

9,876

21,763

4,672
36,311
3,229
714
494

4,437

663
3,774

24,451
33,473

3,421
61,345

10,316
5,357

1,306
16,979
44,366

10,534

24,341

4,516
39,391
4,975
535
(282)

5,228

652
4,576

25,550
36,712

3,602
65,864

10,428
5,550

1,455
17,433
48,431

10,797

23,468

4,490
38,755
9,676
428
(64)
10,040

29,359
37,414

3,939
70,712

13,117
6,310

1,482
20,909
49,803

10,988

26,719

4,642
42,349
7,454
304
50

7,808

27,110
38,625

4,060
69,795

11,314
6,468

1,593
19,375
50,420

11,934

26,723

5,059
43,716
6,704
268
(250)
6,722

2,151
7,889

(36,132)
43,940

2,504
4,218

31,037
40,964

4,330
76,331

11,822
6,818

1,525
20,165
56,166

12,676

27,777

5,933
46,386
9,780
399
87

10,266

3,397
6,869

Sept 30,
2010

Dec 31,
2010

35,913
44,527

4,531
84,971

13,263
6,565

1,615
21,443
63,528

12,389

26,987

5,993
45,369
18,159
514
(402)
18,271

4,254
14,017

41,080
47,930

4,589
93,599

15,545
7,116

1,562
24,223
69,376

12,802

30,481

5,395
48,678
20,698
634
(250)
21,082

4,941
16,141

(0.07)
(0.07)

—
—

0.11
0.10

1.02
0.62

0.06
0.06

0.10
0.09

0.20
0.18

0.22
0.20

_____________________________
(1)

Our transition to a calendar year and quarters beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 had the effect of increasing the number of days in fiscal 
2009 by four days relative to fiscal 2010.

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Table of Contents

(2)

Includes stock-based compensation expense and asset acquisition related write-offs as follows:

Three Months Ended

Mar 29,
2009

Jun 28,
2009

Sept 30,
2009

Dec 31,
2009

Mar 31,
2010

Jun 30,
2010

Sept 30,
2010

Dec 31,
2010

24

124

378

644

27

172

498

692

($ amounts in 000's)

25

169

516

767

26

193

571

917

24

208

554

866

26

234

587

897

380

1,550

404

1,793

459

1,936

475

2,182

496

2,148

520

2,264

26

242

600

1,017

549

2,434

25

245

598

1,030

571

2,469

—

631

93

1,663

—

—

—

—

1,550

2,424

2,029

3,845

2,148

2,264

2,434

2,469

Cost of product revenue

Cost of services revenue

Research and
development

Sales and marketing

General and
administrative

Total stock-based compensation

Asset acquisition related
write-offs

Total stock based compensation
and asset acquisition related
write-offs

_______________________________________________
(3)

See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality, Cyclicality and Quarterly Revenue Trends

Our quarterly results reflect seasonality in the sale of our products, subscriptions and services. In general, a pattern of 

increased customer buying at year-end has positively impacted sales activity in the fourth quarter. In the first quarter we 
generally experience lower sequential billings and product revenues, which results in lower product revenue. Our product 
revenue in the third quarter can be negatively affected by reduced economic activity in Europe during the summer months. 
During fiscal 2010, the growth in the Americas during the third quarter more than offset the slight decline in Europe, but this 
may not always be the case. Similarly, our gross margins and operating income have been affected by these historical trends 
because expenses are relatively fixed in the near-term. Although these seasonal factors are common in the technology sector, 
historical patterns should not be considered a reliable indicator of our future sales activity or performance. On a quarterly basis, 
we have usually generated the majority of our product revenue in the final month of each quarter and a significant amount in 
the last two weeks of a quarter. We believe this is due to customer buying patterns typical in this industry.

Our total quarterly revenue over the past twelve quarters has increased sequentially in every quarter except for the first 

quarters of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009. We believe these declines in the first and third quarters of fiscal 2010 are based on 
seasonality as discussed above, which particularly impacts our product revenue. Product revenue in all of the quarters of fiscal 
2010 was higher as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2009, which we believe was due in part to the investments made in 
our sales organization and improvements in overall corporate IT spending. 

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Consolidated Statements of
Operations Data:
Revenue:

Product
Services
Ratable product and
services
Total revenue

As a percentage of revenue:
Revenue (%):
Product
Services
Ratable product and
services
Total revenue

Quarterly Gross Margin Trend

Mar 29,
2009

Jun 28,
2009

Sept 30,
2009

Three Months Ended
Mar 31,
Dec 31,
2010
2009

($ amounts in 000's)

Jun 30,
2010

Sept 30,
2010

Dec 31,
2010

19,326
31,573

3,295
54,194

24,451
33,473

3,421
61,345

25,550
36,712

3,602
65,864

29,359
37,414

3,939
70,712

27,110
38,625

4,060
69,795

31,037
40,964

4,330
76,331

35,913
44,527

4,531
84,971

41,080
47,930

4,589
93,599

35.7
58.3

6.0
100.0

39.9
54.6

5.5
100.0

38.8
55.7

5.5
100.0

41.5
52.9

5.6
100.0

38.8
55.3

5.9
100.0

40.7
53.7

5.6
100.0

42.3
52.4

5.3
100.0

43.9
51.2

4.9
100.0

Gross margin has fluctuated on a quarterly basis primarily due to shifts in the mix of sales between products and 

services, types of products sold and the average selling prices of our products. Product gross margins in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal 2009 decreased due to asset acquisition related costs of $1.7 million. Services gross margins have increased or remained 
relatively flat, with minor fluctuations, from the first quarter of fiscal 2009 through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 due to 
higher revenue and a larger customer base over which to spread related costs. We experienced a slight decrease in services 
gross margins during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and first two quarters of fiscal 2010 due to an increase in headcount as 
we invested in support personnel.

Mar 29,
2009

Jun 28,
2009

Sept 30,
2009

Three Months Ended
Mar 31,
Dec 31,
2010
2009

Jun 30,
2010

Sept 30,
2010

Dec 31,
2010

Gross Margin by
Component of Revenue:
Gross margin (%):
Product
Services
Ratable product and
services
Total gross margin

57.0
84.0

60.5
73.0

57.8
84.0

61.8
72.3

59.2
84.9

59.6
73.5

55.3
83.1

62.4
70.4

58.3
83.3

60.8
72.2

61.9
83.4

64.8
73.6

63.1
85.3

64.4
74.8

62.2
85.2

66.0
74.1

Mar 29,
2009

Jun 28,
2009

Sept 30,
2009

Three Months Ended
Mar 31,
Dec 31,
2010
2009

Jun 30,
2010

Sept 30,
2010

Dec 31,
2010

Reconciliation of GAAP to
non-GAAP gross margin:
GAAP Gross margin (%):
Stock-based
compensation
Asset acquisition-
related write-offs

Non-GAAP gross margin

73.0

0.3

—
73.3

72.3

0.3

1.0
73.6

70.4

0.3

2.4
73.1

72.2

0.4

—
72.6

73.6

0.3

—
73.9

74.8

0.3

—
75.1

74.1

0.3

—
74.4

73.5

0.3

0.1
73.9

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

Working capital

Cash provided by operating activities
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

2010

As of Fiscal Year End
2009
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

66,859
320,601
387,460

201,776

212,458
47,856
260,314

161,652

56,571
67,619
124,190

38,193

2010

Fiscal Year
2009
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

103,383
(283,710)
34,019
709
(145,599)

61,971
13,757
78,049
2,110
155,887

37,686
(53,706)
2,117
(937)
(14,840)

At December 31, 2010, our cash, cash equivalents, and investments of $387.5 million were held for working-capital 

purposes and were invested primarily in money market funds, commercial paper, corporate debt securities and U.S. government 
debt securities. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. We believe that our existing cash and cash 
equivalents will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. Our future capital 
requirements will depend on many factors including our growth rate, the timing and extent of spending to support development 
efforts, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, the introduction of new and enhanced products and services offerings, 
the costs to ensure access to adequate manufacturing capacity and the continuing market acceptance of our products. In the 
event that additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us or at 
all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when desired, our business, operating results and financial condition would be 
adversely affected.

Net income
Adjustments for non-cash charges (1)
Net income before non-cash charges
Increase in deferred revenue
Increase (decrease) in income tax payable and deferred tax assets, net
Increase in accrued payroll and compensation
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, net
Increase in accounts receivable
Increase in inventories
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets, net
(Increase) decrease in deferred cost of revenues
Net cash provided by operating activities

2010

Fiscal Year
2009
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

41,245
16,593
57,838
50,701
11,739
5,465
4,800
(17,784)
(5,946)
(3,794)
364
103,383

60,179
(15,166)
45,013
30,313
(6,996)
630
5,203
(8,508)
(2,012)
(609)
(1,063)
61,971

7,363
9,574
16,937
40,363
(1,936)
5,030
(2,644)
(18,350)
(189)
(294)
(1,231)
37,686

____________________
(1)

Non-cash charges primarily consist of stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, write-off of intangible assets, gain on 
disposal of fixed assets, amortization of investment premiums, excess tax benefit from employee stock option plans, and reversal of the valuation in 
fiscal 2009.

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Operating Activities

In fiscal 2010, operating activities provided $103.4 million in cash as a result of our strong performance primarily 

driven by billings growth, profitability, and the ability to successfully manage our working capital. Net income was $41.2 
million, increased by non-cash adjustments of $16.6 million and sources of cash of $73.1 million partially offset by uses of 
cash of $27.5 million. Non-cash adjustments consist of stock-based compensation expense of $9.3 million, amortization of 
investment premiums of $7.3 million, and depreciation and amortization of $5.7 million, partially offset by an excess tax 
benefit from employee stock option plans of $5.7 million. Sources of cash were related to a $50.7 million increase in deferred 
revenue which was attributable primarily to increased sales of our subscription and support services, which have yet to be 
recognized in income, an $11.7 million increase in income tax payable and deferred tax assets, due to our continued 
profitability and timing of tax payments (cash paid for taxes was $2.5 million), a $5.5 million increase in accrued payroll and 
compensation primarily related to increased headcount and employer taxes related to the exercise of stock options, a $4.8 
million increase in accrued liabilities and accounts payable, related to timing of payments, and a $0.4 million decrease in 
deferred cost of revenues. Uses of cash were related to a $17.8 million increase in accounts receivable due to the overall growth 
of our business with days sales outstanding remaining flat (70 days), a $5.9 million increase in inventory primarily to support 
new product releases in the latter part of the year combined with the overall growth of our business, and a $3.8 million increase 
in prepaid expenses and other assets. Days sales outstanding is calculated as the ratio of ending accounts receivable, net of 
allowances, divided by average daily sales for the preceding 90 days.

In fiscal 2009, operating activities provided $62.0 million in cash as a result of net income of $60.2 million, decreased 
by non-cash adjustments of $15.2 million, increased by sources of cash of $36.1 million, and partially offset by uses of cash of 
$19.2 million. Non-cash adjustments consist of a tax benefit from the release of our valuation allowance of $30.2 million and 
excess tax benefit from employee stock option plans of $1.6 million, offset by stock-based compensation of $7.5 million, 
depreciation and amortization of $5.9 million, write-off of intangible assets of $2.4 million, and amortization of investment 
premiums of $0.8 million. Sources of cash were related to a $30.3 million increase in deferred revenue which was attributable 
primarily to increased sales of our subscription and support services, a $5.2 million increase in accounts payable and accrued 
liabilities due to timing of payments, and a $0.6 million increase in accrued payroll and compensation primarily related to 
increased headcount. Uses of cash were related to an $8.5 million increase in accounts receivable due to the overall growth of 
our business with days sales outstanding remaining flat (69 days), a $7.0 million decrease in income tax payable and deferred 
tax assets, a $2.0 million increase in inventory, a $1.1 million increase in deferred cost of revenues and a $0.6 million increase 
in prepaid expenses and other assets.

   In fiscal 2008, operating activities provided $37.7 million in cash as a result of net income of $7.4 million, increased 

by non-cash adjustments of $9.6 million, sources of cash of $45.4 million, partially offset by uses of cash of $24.6 million. 
Non-cash adjustments consist of stock-based compensation expense of $5.3 million and depreciation and amortization costs of 
$4.3 million. Sources of cash were related to a $40.4 million increase in deferred revenue, which was attributable to increased 
sales of our subscription and support services, and a $5.0 million increase in accrued payroll and compensation primarily 
related to increased headcount. Uses of cash were related to a $18.4 million increase in accounts receivable due to the overall 
growth of our business and a 13 day increase (from 57 to 70 days) in days sales outstanding due to slower customer payments, 
a $2.6 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, related to timing of payments, a $1.9 million decrease in 
income tax payable and deferred tax assets, a $1.2 million increase in deferred cost of revenues related to the increase in ratable 
products and services deferred revenue, a $0.3 million increase in prepaid expenses and other assets, and a $0.2 million 
increase in inventory.

Investing Activities

In fiscal 2010, our investing activities consisted primarily of purchases and sales of investments, and to a much lesser 
extent, capital expenditures. The $283.7 million of cash used by investing activities was due to net purchases of investments of 
$280.0 million reflecting primarily the transfer of funds from money market to corporate bonds, agency notes and commercial 
paper during the period. This was offset by $3.8 million used for capital expenditures. 

In fiscal 2009, our investing activities consisted primarily of purchases and sales of investments associated with our 
investment balances and capital expenditures. The $13.8 million of cash provided by investing activities was due primarily to 
net maturities of short-term investments of $18.9 million. Additionally, we used cash of $4.6 million for capital expenditures 
and $0.5 million for the purchase of certain technology assets.

In fiscal 2008, the $53.7 million of cash used in investing activities was due primarily to $48.8 million in net 
purchases of investments. Additionally, we used cash of $2.8 million for capital expenditures, $1.0 million for the purchase of 
assets from IPLocks and $1.0 million for the purchase of certain other technology assets.

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Financing Activities

In fiscal 2010, our financing activities resulted in net cash provided of $34.0 million as a result of receiving proceeds 
of $29.1 million from the exercise of stock options and warrants to purchase our common stock and an excess tax benefit from 
employee stock option plans of $5.8 million related to option exercises, partially offset by $0.9 million of issuance costs paid in 
connection with our initial public offering, which had been accrued as of December 31, 2009.

 In fiscal 2009, our financing activities resulted in net cash provided of $78.0 million as a result of receiving proceeds 
of $91.5 million, net of issuance costs paid of $3.3 million, from the sale of common stock in connection with our initial public 
offering in November 2009. In addition, we received proceeds of $4.0 million from the exercise of stock options and warrants 
to purchase our common stock and had an in excess tax benefit from employee stock option plans of $1.6 million, all partially 
offset by $15.8 million related to the repurchase of our preferred and common stock in the first half of fiscal 2009. 

In fiscal 2008, our financing activities related to proceeds of $2.1 million, as a result of exercises of stock options to 

purchase our common stock. 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010:

Operating leases (1)

Purchase commitments (2)

Royalty commitments (3)

Total (4)

Payments Due by Period

Total

Less Than
1 Year

1-3
Years

4-5
Years

More Than
5 Years

20,438

18,566

4,000

43,004

($ amounts in 000's)

7,493

18,566

1,000

27,059

11,636

—

2,500

14,136

1,309

—

500

1,809

—

—

—

—

________________________
(1)
(2)
(3)

Consists of contractual obligations from non-cancelable office space under operating leases.
Consists of minimum purchase commitments with independent contract manufacturers.
Consists of minimum royalties claimed by Trend Micro pursuant to the January 2006 settlement and license agreement between Trend and Fortinet, 
which are subject to dispute. See “Item 3—Legal Proceedings.” We have accrued a total payment including interest of $4.3 million as of 
December 31, 2010, related to amounts under the settlement and license agreement with Trend Micro which have not been paid pursuant to the 
dispute.
No amounts related to ASC 740-10 (FIN 48) are included. As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately $11.2 million of tax liabilities, 
including interest, related to uncertain tax positions. Because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding the settlement of these liabilities, we are 
unable to estimate the years in which future cash outflows may occur.

(4)

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial 

partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities that would have been established for the purpose of 
facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for recent accounting pronouncements that could have an 

effect on us.

ITEM 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Fluctuation Risk

The primary objectives of our investment activities are to preserve principal, provide liquidity and maximize income 

without significantly increasing risk. Some of the securities we invest in are subject to market risk. This means that a change in 
prevailing interest rates may cause the principal amount of the investment to fluctuate. To minimize this risk, we maintain our 
portfolio of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of securities, including commercial paper, money 
market funds, government and corporate debt securities and certificates of deposit. The risk associated with fluctuating interest 

60

 
 
 
 
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rates is limited to our investment portfolio. A 10% decrease in interest rates in 2010, 2009 and 2008 would have resulted in a 
decrease in our interest income of approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Our sales contracts are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and therefore substantially all of our revenue is not 

subject to foreign currency translation risk. However, a substantial portion of our operating expenses incurred outside the U.S. 
are denominated in foreign currencies and are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, 
particularly changes in the Canadian Dollar (CAD), Euro (EUR), British Pound (GBP), and  Japanese Yen (JPY). To help 
protect against significant fluctuations in the value and the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in currency 
exchange rates, we engage in foreign currency risk management activities to hedge balance sheet items denominated in EUR, 
GBP, and CAD, and occasionally to hedge future forecasted cash outflows denominated in EUR. We do not use these contracts 
for speculative or trading purposes. All of the derivative instruments are with high quality financial institutions and we monitor 
the creditworthiness of these parties. These contracts typically have maturities between one and three months. We account for 
our hedges under ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging. We record changes in the fair value of forward exchange contracts related 
to balance sheet accounts as other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses resulting 
from settled forward exchange contracts related to future forecasted cash outflows are recorded in operating expenses in the 
consolidated statement of operations, in the same period the hedged items occur. Gains or losses resulting from unsettled 
forward exchange contracts related to future forecasted cash outflows are recorded in other comprehensive income in the 
consolidated balance sheet. We recognized an expense of $0.8 million in other income (expense), net in fiscal 2010 due to 
foreign currency transaction losses.

Our hedging activities are intended to reduce, but not eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate movements. As 
our hedging activities are relatively short-term in nature, long-term material changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the 
EUR, GBP, CAD, or JPY could adversely impact our operating expenses in the future. 

Inflation Risk

Our monetary assets, consisting primarily of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, are not affected 

significantly by inflation because they are short-term. We believe the impact of inflation on replacement costs of equipment, 
furniture and leasehold improvements will not materially affect our operations. The rate of inflation, however, affects our cost 
of revenue and expenses, such as those for employee compensation, which may not be readily recoverable in the price of 
products and services offered by us.

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ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

63

64

65

66

67

68

The supplementary financial information required by this Item 8 is included in Item 7 under the caption “Quarterly Results of 
Operations.”

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Fortinet, Inc.
Sunnyvale, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fortinet, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as 

of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and 
comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also 
included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement 
schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial 
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that 
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 

Fortinet Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for 
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic 
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in 
Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial 
reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

San Jose, California
February 24, 2011 

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Table of Contents

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:

FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

$

66,859
246,651

$

72,336
13,517
8,158
8,849
3,788
420,158
7,056
37,443
5,543
73,950
1,272
545,422

12,761
16,303
19,670
169,648
218,382
82,983
11,603
312,968

$

$

212,458
47,856

54,551
10,649
9,652
3,100
3,951
342,217
6,387
31,671
5,743
—
1,195
387,213

10,987
15,050
13,991
140,537
180,565
61,393
2,803
244,761

75
251,920
(2,995)
2,181
(18,727)
232,454
545,422

$

67
204,268
(2,995)
1,084
(59,972)
142,452
387,213

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $303 and $367 at
December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
Inventory
Deferred tax asset
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deferred cost of revenues
Total current assets

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net
DEFERRED TAX ASSET—Non-current
DEFERRED COST OF REVENUES
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
OTHER ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued payroll and compensation
Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

DEFERRED REVENUE—Non-current
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Total liabilities

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $0.001 par value — 300,000 shares authorized; 75,085 and 67,517 shares
issued and 74,381 and 66,813 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010 and December 31,
2009, respectively

Additional paid-in-capital
Treasury stock
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated deficit

Total stockholders’ equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

64

$

$

$

 
 
Table of Contents

FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

REVENUE:

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total revenue

COST OF REVENUE:

Product
Services
Ratable product and services

Total cost of revenue

GROSS PROFIT:
Product
Services
Ratable product and services
Total gross profit

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative

Total operating expenses

OPERATING INCOME
INTEREST INCOME
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)—Net
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES
NET INCOME
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders
(Note 7):

Basic
Diluted

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

Basic
Diluted

$

$

$
$

$

135,140
172,046
17,510
324,696

$

98,686
139,172
14,257
252,115

51,944
26,967
6,295
85,206

83,196
145,079
11,215
239,490

49,801
111,968
22,380
184,149
55,341
1,815
(815)
56,341
15,096
41,245

0.59
0.53

70,363
78,203

$

$
$

42,166
22,265
5,544
69,975

56,520
116,907
8,713
182,140

42,195
96,291
18,320
156,806
25,334
1,981
198
27,513
(32,666)
60,179

1.93
0.78

26,334
65,219

$

$
$

94,587
105,292
11,912
211,791

41,397
19,441
4,634
65,472

53,190
85,851
7,278
146,319

37,035
87,717
16,640
141,392
4,927
2,614
1,710
9,251
1,888
7,363

0.02
0.02

20,017
26,642

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

65

 
 
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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 
(in thousands)

Convertible
Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-In-
Capital

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)

Accumulated
Deficit

Total
Stockholders’
Equity
(Deficit)

Comprehensive
Income (loss)

BALANCE—December 30, 2007

40,480

$ 94,368

19,277

$

Exercise of stock options

Stock-based compensation

Net unrealized gain on investments—net of taxes

Net change in cumulative translation adjustments

Net income

Comprehensive income

BALANCE—December 28, 2008

Repurchase of convertible preferred shares

Repurchase of common shares

Convertible preferred shares converted to common
shares in connection with initial public offering

Proceeds from initial public offering, net of issuance
costs

Exercise of warrants

Exercise of stock options

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

Warrants issued

Stock-based compensation

Excess tax benefit from employee stock option plans

Net unrealized gain on investments—net of taxes

Net change in cumulative translation adjustments

Net income

Comprehensive income

BALANCE—December 31, 2009

Exercise of stock options and warrants

Stock-based compensation

Excess tax benefit from employee stock option plans

Net unrealized gain on investments - net of taxes

Net unrealized gain on derivatives qualifying as
cash flow hedges

Net change in cumulative translation adjustments

Net income

Comprehensive income

BALANCE—December 31, 2010

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,443

—

—

—

—

—

40,480

94,368

20,720

(3,004)

(3,183)

—

—

—

—

(37,476)

(91,185)

37,476

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7,657

150

1,414

100

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

67,517

7,568

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

75,085

$

20

1

—

—

—

—

—

21

—

—

37

8

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

67

8

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

75

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(704)

(2,995)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(704)

(2,995)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

13,418

$

783

$

2,116

5,299

—

—

—

—

20,833

(9,585)

—

91,148

87,380

1,875

2,695

162

725

7,461

1,574

—

—

—

—

204,268

29,102

9,315

9,235

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

65
(1,148)
—

—
(300)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(33)
1,417

—

—

1,084

—

—

—

98

74

925

—

—

(704)

$ (2,995)

$

251,920

$

2,181

$

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

66

(18,925)
2,117

5,299

65
(1,148)
7,363

—
(5,229)
(12,768)
(2,995)

—

87,388

1,875

2,696

162

725

7,461

1,574

(33)
1,417

$

$

$

60,179

—

$

142,452

29,110

9,315

9,235

98

74

925

41,245

(127,514)
—

$

—

—

—

7,363

—
(120,151)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

60,179

—
(59,972)
—

—

—

—

—

—

41,245

—
(18,727)

—

$

$

232,454

65
(1,148)
7,363

6,280

(33)
1,417

60,179

61,563

98

74

925

41,245

42,342

 
 
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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

$

41,245

$

60,179

$

7,363

Depreciation and amortization

Write-off of intangible assets

Gain on disposal of fixed assets

Amortization of investment premiums

Stock-based compensation

Excess tax benefit from employee stock option plans

Income tax benefit from release of valuation allowance

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable—net

Inventory

Deferred tax assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Deferred cost of revenues

Other assets

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

Accrued payroll and compensation

Deferred revenue

Income taxes payable

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Net cash provided by operating activities

Purchase of investments

Maturities and sales of investments

Purchase of property and equipment

Payments made in connection with asset acquisition, net

Change in restricted cash

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants

Proceeds from initial public offering

Offering costs paid in connection with initial public offering

Repurchase of convertible preferred shares

Repurchase of common shares

Excess tax benefit from employee stock option plans

Net cash provided by financing activities

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid for taxes

NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Purchase of property and equipment not yet paid

Accrued offering costs not yet paid

5,696

—

14

7,349

9,315

(5,781)

—

(17,784)

(5,946)

(4,278)

(3,849)

364

55

2,437

2,363

5,465

50,701

16,017

103,383

(416,376)

136,380

(3,776)

—

62

(283,710)

29,110

—

(872)

—

—

5,781

34,019

709

(145,599)

212,458

66,859

2,483

135

—

$

$

$

$

5,935

2,387

—

836

7,461

(1,574)

(30,211)

(8,508)

(2,012)

(9,578)

(190)

(1,063)

(419)

3,046

2,157

630

30,313

2,582

61,971

(137,231)

156,126

(4,589)

(549)

—

13,757

3,978

91,565

(3,305)

(12,768)

(2,995)

1,574

78,049

2,110

155,887

56,571

212,458

4,746

849

872

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,234

—

—

41

5,299

—

—

(18,350)

(189)

205

(214)

(1,231)

(80)

(1,864)

(780)

5,030

40,363

(2,141)

37,686

(80,588)

31,742

(2,798)

(2,000)

(62)

(53,706)

2,117

—

—

—

—

—

2,117

(937)

(14,840)

71,411

56,571

3,615

67

—

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

67

 
 
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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

1. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business—Fortinet, Inc. (“Fortinet”) was incorporated in Delaware in November 2000 and is a leading provider of 

network security appliances and UTM network security solutions to enterprises, service providers and government entities 
worldwide. Fortinet’s solutions are designed to integrate multiple levels of security protection, including firewall, virtual 
private networking, antivirus, intrusion prevention, web filtering, antispam and WAN acceleration.

Initial Public Offering—In November 2009, we completed our initial public offering, whereby 14,375,000 million 

shares of common stock were sold to the public at a price of $12.50 per share. We sold 7,656,683 shares of common stock and 
selling shareholders sold 6,718,317 common shares. We received $87.4 million in net proceeds, comprising of gross proceeds 
from shares issued by us in the initial public offering of $95.7 million plus an administrative fee reimbursement of $1.7 million, 
offset by underwriting discount of $6.7 million and total offering costs of $3.3 million. Upon the closing of the initial public 
offering, all shares of convertible preferred stock outstanding automatically converted into 37,476,035 shares of common stock.

Basis of Presentation and Preparation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Fortinet and 
its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”). All intercompany transactions and balances 
have been eliminated in consolidation. Beginning 2005 fiscal year, we adopted a 52- to 53-week year ending on the Sunday 
closest to December 31 of each year. Commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we began operating and reporting 
financial results on a calendar quarter and year basis. Our 2009 fiscal year ended on December 31, 2009. Fiscal 2010 and 2009 
were comprised of 365 days and 368 days, respectively.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of 
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such management estimates include implicit service periods for revenue 
recognition, litigation and settlement costs and other loss contingencies, sales returns and allowances, reserve for bad debt, 
inventory write-offs, reserve for warranty costs, valuation of deferred tax assets, and tangible and intangible assets. We base our 
estimates on historical experience and also on assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Actual results could differ from 
those estimates.

Certain Significant Risks and Uncertainties—We are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could have a 

material adverse effect on our future financial position or results of operations, such as the following: changes in level of 
demand for our products and services, seasonality, the timing of new product introductions, price and sales competition and our 
ability to adapt to changing market conditions and dynamics, changes in the expenses caused, for example, by fluctuations in 
foreign currency exchange rates, management of inventory, internal control over financial reporting, market acceptance of our 
new products and services, demand for UTM products and services in general, failure of our channel partners to perform, the 
quality of our products and services, general economic conditions, challenges in doing business outside of the United States of 
America, changes in customer relationships, litigation, or claims against us based on intellectual property, patent, product 
regulatory or other factors (Note 9), product obsolescence, and our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

We rely on sole suppliers and independent contract manufacturers for certain of our components and one third-party 

logistics company for certain distribution of our products. The inability of any of these parties to fulfill our supply and logistics 
requirements could negatively impact our future operating results.

Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily 
of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents in fixed 
income securities with major financial institutions, which our management assesses to be of high credit quality, in order to limit 
the exposure of each investment. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits.

Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable in general is diversified due to the number of different entities 
comprising our customer base and their location throughout the world. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers 
and generally do not require collateral on accounts receivable. We maintain reserves for estimated potential credit losses.

At December 31, 2010, no single distributor customer accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable. At 

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

December 31, 2009, one distributor customer accounted for 15% of net accounts receivable.

During fiscal 2010, no single distributor customer accounted for more than 10% of total net revenues. During fiscal 

2009 and fiscal 2008, one distributor customer accounted for 12% of total net revenues for each fiscal year.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value—We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and 

non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. 
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements approximate the fair 
value for accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation, and other current liabilities.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)—ASC 220 (formerly referred to as SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive 

Income) establishes standards for the reporting and displaying of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive 
income includes certain changes in equity from non-owner sources that are excluded from net income. Specifically, cumulative 
foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, and unrealized gains 
and losses on derivatives are included in comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. 

Foreign Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the 
exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and revenue and expenses are translated using average exchange rates during 
the period. The resulting foreign translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). 
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) of $(0.8) million, $0.1 million and $1.4 million, are included in other income 
(expense), net for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Available-for-sale Investments—We consider all highly liquid investments, purchased 

with original maturities of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on-hand, 
balances with banks, and highly liquid investments in money market funds, commercial paper, government securities, 
certificates of deposit, and corporate debt securities.

We classify our investments as available-for-sale at the time of purchase since it is our intent that these investments are 

available for current operations, and include these investments on our balance sheet as either short-term or long-term 
investments depending on their maturity at the time of purchase. Investments with original maturities greater than three months 
that mature less than one year from the consolidated balance sheet date are classified as short-term investments. Investments 
with maturities greater than one year from the consolidated balance sheet date are classified as long-term investments.

Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. We 
consult with our investment managers and consider available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential 
impairment of our investments on a quarterly basis. If the cost of an individual investment exceeds its fair value, we evaluate, 
among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and our intent 
and ability to hold the investment. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge 
is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

For debt securities in an unrealized loss position which are deemed to be other-than-temporary, the difference between 

the security's then-current amortized cost basis and fair value is separated into (i) the amount of the impairment related to the 
credit loss (i.e., the credit loss component) and (ii) the amount of the impairment related to all other factors (i.e., the non-credit 
loss component). The credit loss component is recognized in earnings. The non-credit loss component is recognized in 
accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Inventory—Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market, after we give 

appropriate consideration to obsolescence and inventory in excess of anticipated future demand. In assessing the ultimate 
recoverability of inventory, we are required to make estimates regarding future customer demand, the timing of new product 
introductions, economic trends and market conditions. If the actual product demand is significantly lower than forecasted, we 
could be required to record additional inventory write-downs, which could have an adverse impact on our gross margins and 
profitability.

Deferred Cost of Revenues—Deferred cost of revenues represent the unamortized cost of products associated with 

ratable products and services revenue, which is based upon the actual cost of the hardware sold and is recognized over the 
service periods of the arrangements. Deferred cost of revenue associated with short-term deferred revenue is classified as short-

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

term and deferred cost of revenue associated with long-term deferred revenue is classified as long-term.

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-

line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally one to three years. Evaluation units are transferred from 
inventory at cost and are amortized over one year from the date of transfer. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the 
shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the lease term.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—We evaluate events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying 

amounts of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in 
circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets 
will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the future undiscounted cash flows is less 
than the carrying amount of those assets, we record an impairment charge in the period in which we make the determination. If 
such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying 
amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Deferred Revenue—Deferred revenue consists of amounts that have been invoiced but that have not yet been 

recognized as revenue.

Income Taxes—We record income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of 

deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial 
statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, generally all expected future events other than enactments or 
changes in the tax law or rates are considered. We assess the likelihood that some portion or all of our deferred tax assets will 
be recovered from future taxable income within the respective jurisdictions, and to the extent we believe that recovery does not 
meet the “more-likely-than-not” standard, based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date, we establish a valuation 
allowance. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require 
periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.

We operate in various tax jurisdictions and are subject to audit by various tax authorities. We provide for tax 
contingencies whenever it is deemed more likely than not that a tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been incurred 
for events such as tax claims or changes in tax laws. Tax contingencies are based upon their technical merits, relevant tax law 
and the specific facts and circumstances as of each reporting period. Changes in facts and circumstances could result in 
material changes to the amounts recorded for such tax contingencies.

Stock-Based Compensation—We apply ASC 718 (formerly referred to as SFAS No. 123R) to our stock option 
grants, which requires compensation expense related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, to be 
measured and recognized in the financial statements based on fair value. Under ASC 718, the fair value of each option award is 
estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Advertising Expense—Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and is included in operating expenses in the 

accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Our advertising expenses were not significant for any periods presented.

Research and Development Costs—Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Software Development Costs—The costs to develop software have not been capitalized as we believe our current 

software development process is essentially completed concurrent with the establishment of technological feasibility.

Revenue Recognition—We derive revenue from sales of products, including appliances and software, and services, 
including subscription, support and other services. Our appliances include operating system software that is integrated into the 
appliance hardware and is deemed essential to its functionality. As a result, we account for revenue in accordance with ASC 
985-605 (formerly referred to as Statement of Position 97-2 (SOP 97-2) Software Revenue Recognition), and all related 
interpretations.

No revenue can be recognized until all of the following criteria have been met:

•

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. Binding contracts or purchase orders are generally used to 
determine the existence of an arrangement.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

•

•

•

Delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs when we fulfill an order and title and risk of loss has been transferred 
or upon delivery of the service contract registration code.

The fee is fixed or determinable. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment 
terms associated with the transaction. In the event payment terms differ from our standard business practices, 
the fees are deemed to be not fixed or determinable and revenue is recognized when the payments become 
due, provided the remaining criteria for revenue recognition have been met.

Collectability is probable. We assess collectability based primarily on creditworthiness as determined by 
credit checks and analysis, as well as payment history. Payment terms generally range from 30 to 90 days 
from invoice date.

For arrangements which include customer acceptance criteria, no revenue is recognized prior to acceptance. We 

recognize product revenue on sales to distributors that have no right of return and end-customers upon shipment of the 
appliance, once all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. We also make sales through distributors under agreements 
that allow for rights of returns. We recognize product revenue on sales made through such distributors upon sale by the 
distributor to the end-customer, at which time the rights of return lapse. Substantially all of our products have been sold in 
combination with services which consist of subscriptions and/or support. Subscription services provide access to our antivirus, 
intrusion prevention, web filtering, and anti-spam functionality. Support services include rights to unspecified software 
upgrades, maintenance releases and patches, telephone and Internet access to technical support personnel, and hardware 
support.

We commence our subscription and support services on the date the customer registers the appliance. The customer is 

then entitled to service for the stated contractual period beginning on the registration date.

We use the residual method to recognize revenue when an arrangement includes one or more elements to be delivered 

at a future date and VSOE of the fair value of all undelivered elements exists. Under the residual method, the fair value of the 
undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the contract fee is recognized as product revenue. In cases where 
VSOE of fair value of the undelivered elements does not exist (typically due to a lack of VSOE on the subscription and support 
services for that specific arrangement), revenue for the entire arrangement is recognized ratably over the performance period of 
the undelivered elements. Revenue related to these arrangements is included in ratable product and services revenue in the 
accompanying consolidated statements of operations. VSOE of fair value for elements of an arrangement is based upon the 
pricing for those services when sold separately. Revenue for professional services and training is recognized upon completion 
of the related services.

We offer certain sales incentives to channel partners. We reduce revenue for estimates of sales returns and allowances. 

Additionally, in limited circumstances we may permit end-customers, distributors and resellers to return our products, subject 
to varying limitations, for a refund within a reasonably short period from the date of purchase. We estimate and record reserves 
for sales incentives and sales returns based on historical experience.

Accounts Receivable—Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of allowances for doubtful 

accounts and reserves for sales returns and allowances. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the 
collectability of customer accounts. We regularly review the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, 
credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances and current economic conditions that may affect a customer's ability to 
pay. The reserve for sales returns and allowances is based on specific criteria including agreements to provide rebates and other 
factors known at the time, as well as estimates of the amount of goods shipped that will be returned. To determine the adequacy 
of the reserves for sales returns and allowances, we analyze historical experience of actual rebates and returns as well as current 
product return information.

Warranties—We generally provide a one-year warranty on hardware products and a 90-day warranty on software. A 
provision for estimated future costs related to warranty activities is recorded as a component of cost of product revenues when 
the product revenues are recognized, based upon historical product failure rates and historical costs incurred in correcting 
product failures. In the event we change our warranty reserve estimates, the resulting charge against future cost of sales or 
reversal of previously recorded charges may materially affect our gross margins and operating results.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

Accrued warranty activities are summarized as follows ($ amounts in 000's):

Accrued warranty balance—beginning of the period
Warranty costs incurred
Provision for warranty for the year
Accruals related to changes in estimates
Accrued warranty balance—end of the period

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

2,257
(1,337)
1,069
(111)
1,878

2,882
(1,502)
1,169
(292)
2,257

1,744
(1,030)
2,252
(84)
2,882

Foreign Currency Derivatives—Our sales contracts are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and therefore 
substantially all of our revenue is not subject to foreign currency translation risk. However, a substantial portion of our 
operating expenses incurred outside the U.S. are denominated in foreign currencies and are subject to fluctuations due to 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly changes in the CAD, EUR, GBP, and JPY. To help protect against 
significant fluctuations in value and the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in currency exchange rates, we 
engage in foreign currency risk management activities to hedge balance sheet items denominated in EUR, GBP, and CAD, and 
occasionally to hedge future forecasted cash outflows denominated in EUR. We do not use these contracts for speculative or 
trading purposes. All of the derivative instruments are with high quality financial institutions and we monitor the 
creditworthiness of these parties. These contracts typically have maturities between one and three months. We account for our 
hedges under ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging. We record changes in the fair value of forward exchange contracts related to 
balance sheet accounts as other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. Gains or losses resulting 
from settled forward exchange contracts related to future forecasted cash outflows are recorded in operating expenses in the 
consolidated statement of operations, in the same period the hedged item occurs. Gains or losses resulting from unsettled 
forward exchange contracts related to future forecasted cash outflows are recorded in other comprehensive income in the 
consolidated balance sheet.

Additionally, independent of any hedging activities, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may cause us to 

recognize transaction gains and losses in our consolidated statements of operations. Our hedging activities are intended to 
reduce, but not eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate movements. As our hedging activities are relatively short-term 
in nature, long-term material changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the EUR, GBP, CAD or JPY could adversely impact 
our operating expenses in the future. 

The notional amount of forward exchange contracts to hedge cash flows associated with operating expenses and 

balance sheet accounts as of December 31, 2010 was (amounts in 000's): 

To hedge operating cash outflows:
Currency
EUR

To hedge balance sheet accounts:
Currency
EUR
GBP
CAD

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Buy/Sell

Notional

Buy

2,900

Buy
Buy
Buy

5,012
1,074
10,272

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued revised guidance on disclosures related to 
fair value measurements. This guidance requires new disclosures about significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements with respect to Level 3 measurements. The guidance 
also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value. The new 
disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2010, except for the 
disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements, which will be effective for us 
in the first quarter of 2011. The adoption of the relevant disclosures related to transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 in the 
quarter did not have a material impact on our financial statements and we do not expect the additional disclosures that are 
required beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In September 2009, the EITF reached a consensus on ASC 605-25 (formerly referred to as EITF 08-1, Revenue 
Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables). ASC 605-25 eliminates the criterion for objective and reliable evidence of fair value 
for the undelivered products or services. Instead, revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into 
separate units of accounting if the deliverables meet both of the following criteria:

•

•

The delivered items have value to the customer on a standalone basis

If the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered items, delivery or performance 
of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor.

ASC 605-25 eliminates the use of the residual method of allocation and requires, instead, that arrangement 
consideration be allocated, at the inception of the arrangement, to all deliverables based on their relative selling price (i.e., the 
relative selling price method). When applying the relative selling price method, a hierarchy is used for estimating the selling 
price for each of the deliverables. The hierarchy establishes that the method for determining estimated selling price should be 
chosen in the following order of priority:

•

•

•

VSOE of the selling price;

Third-party evidence (TPE) of the selling price – prices of the vendor’s or any competitor’s largely 
interchangeable products or services, in standalone sales to similarly situated customers; and

Best estimate of the selling price.

In September 2009, the FASB reached a consensus on ASC 985-605 (formerly referred to as EITF 09-3, Certain
 Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements). Arrangements to sell joint hardware and software products where the 
software and non-software components function together to deliver the product's essential functionality will no longer be 
scoped into software accounting rules, but will be subject to non-software multiple element accounting guidance (ASC 
605-25). ASC 985-605 and ASC 605-25 provide a list of items to consider when determining whether the software and non-
software components function together to deliver a product's essential functionality. ASC 985-605 must be adopted for 
arrangements entered into beginning January 1, 2011, and may be early-adopted. We will adopt ASC 985-605 and ASC 605-25 
in the first quarter of 2011, and are currently evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements. 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE

The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities ($ amounts in 000's):

December 31, 2010

Amortized
Cost

Unrealized
Gains

Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. government and agency securities

Corporate debt securities

Commercial paper

Municipal bonds

Term deposits

51,989

213,237

38,914

11,069

5,263

Total available-for-sale securities

320,472

—

159

5

11

—

175

(46)
—

—

—

—
(46)

51,943

213,396

38,919

11,080

5,263

320,601

December 31, 2009

Amortized
Cost

Unrealized
Gains

Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Available-for-sale securities:

U.S. government and agency securities

Corporate debt securities

Commercial paper

Municipal bonds

Total available-for-sale securities

2,000

27,279

3,983

14,561

47,823

—

44

—

—

44

(2)
—

—
(9)
(11)

1,998

27,323

3,983

14,552

47,856

The contractual maturities of our investments are as follows ($ amounts in 000's):

Due within one year
Due after one year
Total

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

246,651
73,950
320,601

47,856
—
47,856

Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included as a 

separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit) and in total comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on 
available-for-sale securities are included in other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations.

Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities were not significant in any period presented.

Fair Value Accounting—We apply ASC 820 which establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to 

fair value measurement. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for 

the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full 
term of the financial instruments.

Level 3—Inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair 

value. The inputs require significant management judgment or estimation.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

The valuation techniques we use to measure the fair value of money market funds were derived from quoted prices in 

active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of all other financial 
instruments, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, were valued based on quoted market prices or model 
driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

We classify investments within Level 1 if quoted prices are available in active markets.

We classify items in Level 2 if the investments are valued using quoted prices for identical assets in markets that are 
not active, using quoted prices for similar assets in an active market, or using model-based valuation techniques for which all 
significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full 
term of the assets.

The following table presents the fair value of our financial assets as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 

using the ASC 820 input categories:

December 31, 2010

December 31, 2009

Assets:

U.S. government and agency securities
Corporate debt securities
Commercial paper
Municipal bonds
Term deposits
Money market funds
Foreign currency contracts

Total
Reported as:

Cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Long-term investments

Total

Aggregate
Fair
Value

51,943
213,396
52,415
11,080
5,263
7,078
74
341,249

20,574
246,651
74
73,950

341,249

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets For
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Remaining
Inputs
(Level 2)

—
—
—
—
5,263
7,078
—
12,341

51,943
213,396
52,415
11,080
—
—
74
328,908

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets For
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Remaining
Inputs
(Level 2)

—
—
—
—
—
179,444
—
179,444

1,998
27,323
3,983
14,552
—
—
—
47,856

Aggregate
Fair
Value

1,998
27,323
3,983
14,552
—
179,444
—
227,300

179,444
47,856
—
—

227,300

Subsequent to the issuance of the 2009 consolidated financial statements, we determined that $41,875 of securities 
should be classified as Level 2 investments (rather than Level 1 corporate debt investments as originally classified) as such 
investments are not actively traded. Accordingly, we have corrected the classification of corporate debt securities from Level 1 
to Level 2 in the table of fair value measurements as of December 31, 2009. In addition, we also identified that municipal 
bonds were previously included within corporate debt securities as of December 31, 2009. We have corrected the presentation 
by including municipal bonds as a separate category of investments in the fair value table.

We did not hold financial assets or liabilities which were recorded at fair value using inputs in the Level 3 category as 

of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

3. INVENTORY

Inventory consisted of the following ($ amounts in 000's):

Raw materials

Finished goods

Inventory

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

2,593

10,924

13,517

1,904

8,745

10,649

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net

Property and equipment consisted of the following ($ amounts in 000's):

Evaluation units
Computer equipment and software
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements and tooling

Total property and equipment

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Property and equipment—net

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

10,607
9,561
1,087
4,548
25,803
(18,747)
7,056

8,449
8,827
1,191
4,134
22,601
(16,214)
6,387

Depreciation expense was $5.7 million, $5.0 million and $4.3 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

5. ACQUISITIONS

On June 10, 2008, we completed the acquisition of certain technology assets of IPLocks, Inc. (IPLocks), a privately-

held company that provides database security and compliance solutions, for a cash payment of $1.0 million. The total purchase 
of the transaction was allocated to IPLocks’ tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on 
their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation resulted in purchased net tangible 
assets of approximately $153,000 and purchased identifiable intangible assets of approximately $847,000. Identifiable 
intangible assets consist of purchased software and technology. The fair value assigned to identifiable intangible assets acquired 
is determined using the income approach, which discounts expected future cash flows to present value using estimates and 
assumptions determined by us. Purchased identifiable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over three years. 
In the third quarter of 2009, we performed an impairment analysis and determined that the purchased technology assets were 
impaired. As a result, we wrote off the remaining net book value of $444,000 associated with these assets. The write-off is 
included in cost of product revenue in our consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2009.

6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

On July 7, 2009, we acquired certain technology and fixed assets for $0.9 million in cash. We allocated $428,000 to 

tangible assets and $472,000 to purchased technology assets. The purchased technology assets were being amortized on a 
straight-line basis over the estimated life of the technology. In the fourth quarter of 2009, we performed an impairment 
analysis and determined that the purchased technology assets were impaired. As a result, we wrote off the remaining net book 
value of $185,000 associated with these assets. The write-off is included in cost of product revenue in our consolidated 
statements of operations for fiscal 2009.

On October 23, 2008, we acquired certain technology assets for a warrant to purchase 120,000 shares of our common 
stock at an exercise price of $7.47 per share. The warrant expires on October 23, 2011, and was only exercisable subsequent to 
the closing of an initial public offering of securities by us. Upon the completion of our initial public offering in November 
2009, we recognized the fair value of this warrant as consideration for the purchase of the acquired technology. We allocated 
the entire purchase price of $723,000 to the purchased technology assets. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we performed an 
impairment analysis and determined that the purchased technology assets were impaired. As a result, we wrote off the net book 
value of $723,000 associated with these assets. The write-off is included in cost of product revenue in our consolidated 
statements of operations for fiscal 2009. The warrant remained outstanding as of December 31, 2009. The warrant was 
exercised during the fourth quarter of 2010.

On September 22, 2008, we acquired certain technology and fixed assets for a cash payment of $1.0 million and the 

issuance of a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.47 per share. The warrant 
expires on September 22, 2011 and was only exercisable subsequent to the closing of an initial public offering of securities by 
us. We allocated $119,000 to the tangible assets and $881,000 to the purchased technology assets. The purchased technology 
assets were being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of three years. In the second quarter of 2009, we 
performed an impairment analysis and determined that the purchased technology assets were impaired. As a result, we wrote 
off the remaining net book value of $280,000 associated with these assets, net of escrow reimbursement received of 
$351,000. The write-off is included in cost of product revenue in our consolidated statements of operation for fiscal 2009. Upon 
the completion of our initial public offering in November 2009, we recognized the fair value of this warrant of $755,000 as 
additional expense in cost of product revenue. The warrant was exercised in connection with our initial public offering.

7. INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-

average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net 
income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, plus the dilutive 
effects of convertible preferred stock on an if-converted basis plus the dilutive effects of stock options.

Net income per share information for fiscal 2009 gives effect to the repurchase of convertible preferred shares (Note 

10). The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid for such preferred stock over the carrying value of the preferred stock 
represents a return to the preferred stockholders and is treated in a manner similar to the treatment of dividends paid to the 
holders of preferred stock in the computation of earnings per share. As a result, the premium paid is subtracted from net income 
attributable to common stockholders in determining earnings per share. 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

In November 2009, all of our outstanding convertible preferred stock converted into common stock in connection with 
our initial public offering. For periods that ended prior to such conversion, net income per share information is computed using 
the two-class method. The convertible preferred shares were entitled to receive annual non-cumulative dividends of $0.02, 
$0.05, $0.12, $0.12 and $0.30 per share for Series A, B, C, D, and E, respectively, payable prior and in preference to holders of 
common stock. After the payment of such dividends, convertible preferred shares were further entitled to receive a 
proportionate amount of any dividends paid on common stock on an if-converted basis. As a result of such dividend rights, the 
convertible preferred shares are considered to be participating securities. Under the two-class method of computing earnings 
per share, net income attributable to common stockholders is computed by an adjustment to subtract from net income the 
portion of current year earnings that the preferred stockholders would have been entitled to receive pursuant to their dividend 
rights had all of the year’s earnings been distributed. No such adjustment to earnings is made during periods with a net loss, as 
the holders of the convertible preferred shares had no obligation to fund losses. 

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share 

follows ($ and share amounts in 000's, except per share amounts):

Numerator:

Net income

Premium paid on repurchase of convertible preferred shares

Income allocated to participating securities

Net income attributable to common stockholders-basic

Undistributed earnings reallocated to common stock

Net income attributable to common stockholders-diluted

Denominator:

Basic shares:

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

41,245

—

—

41,245

—

41,245

60,179
(9,266)
—

50,913

—

50,913

7,363

—
(6,910)
453

90

543

Weighted-average common shares outstanding-basic

70,363

26,334

20,017

Diluted shares:

Weighted-average common shares outstanding-basic

70,363

26,334

20,017

Effect of potentially dilutive securities:

Employee stock options

Warrants to purchase common stock

Convertible preferred stock

7,762

78

—

5,871

19

32,995

6,613

12

—

Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net income per share

78,203

65,219

26,642

Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:

Basic

Diluted

0.59

0.53

1.93

0.78

0.02

0.02

Net income has been allocated to the common and preferred stock based on their respective rights to share in 

dividends.

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

The following outstanding options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share 

applicable to common stockholders for the periods presented, as their effect would have been antidilutive (in 000's):

Options to purchase common stock

8. DEFERRED REVENUES

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

1,503

4,584

5,010

Deferred revenues consisted of the following ($ amounts in 000's):

Product
Services
Ratable products and services
Total deferred revenues
Reported As:

Short-term
Long-term
Total deferred revenues

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

4,466
219,022
29,143
252,631

169,648
82,983
252,631

4,141
168,314
29,475
201,930

140,537
61,393
201,930

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases and Minimum Royalties—We lease our facilities under various noncancelable operating leases, which expire 

through the year 2015. Rent expense was $7.0 million, $6.1 million and $4.9 million for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, 
respectively. Rent expense is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the lease.

We entered into a Settlement and Patent License Agreement with Trend Micro in January 2006 (see "Litigation" 

below). The aggregate future noncancelable minimum rental payments on operating leases and minimum royalties payable if 
we continued paying under the Trend Micro Settlement and License Agreement as of December 31, 2010 are as follows ($ 
amounts in 000's):

Fiscal Years:

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015

Total

Rental
Payment

Royalty (1)

7,493
5,337
4,031
2,268
1,309
20,438

1,000
1,000
1,000
500
500
4,000

(1)      Consists of minimum royalties claimed by Trend Micro pursuant to the January 2006 settlement and license agreement between Trend Micro and 
Fortinet, which are subject to dispute (see "Litigation" below). The settlement and license agreement provides for additional quarterly royalty payments, not 
expected to exceed 1% of our total revenue each quarter, through 2015. We have accrued a total payment including interest of $4.3 million as of December 31, 
2010, related to amounts under the settlement and license agreement with Trend Micro which have not been paid pursuant to the dispute.

Contract Manufacturer Commitments—Our independent contract manufacturers procure components and build our 

products based on our forecasts. These forecasts are based on estimates of future demand for our products, which are in turn 
based on historical trends and an analysis from our sales and marketing organizations, adjusted for overall market conditions. In 
order to reduce manufacturing lead times and plan for adequate component supply, we may issue purchase orders to some of 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

our independent contract manufacturers which may not be cancelable. As of December 31, 2010, we had $18.6 million of open 
purchase orders with our independent contract manufacturers that may not be cancelable.

Litigation—In August 2009, Trend Micro Incorporated (“Trend Micro”) filed a complaint against us in the Superior 
Court of the State of California for Santa Clara County alleging breach of contract and seeking a declaratory judgment that we 
are obligated to make certain royalty payments to Trend Micro pursuant to a settlement and license agreement entered into in 
January 2006. We maintain that the patents that are the basis for the royalty payments are invalid and consequently that we 
have no contractual obligation to pay the royalties,. We filed an action in the Northern District of California that is stayed 
pending the resolution of the state court action. We have continued to accrue expense based on the quarterly royalties provided 
for in the settlement and license agreement. In January 2011, in response to petitions for re-examination we filed with the U.S. 
Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”), the PTO issued an initial office action that the Trend Micro patents allegedly forming 
the basis for the royalty payments are invalid. In January 2011, we filed a motion to stay the state court case pending final 
resolution at the PTO. Our motion to stay is currently pending. We cannot currently predict the outcome of this dispute nor 
determine the amount or a reasonable range of potential loss, if any.

In January 2009, we filed a complaint against Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (“PAN”) in the United States District Court for 

the Northern District of California alleging, among other claims, patent infringement. In November 2010, we filed a second 
complaint against PAN in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging infringement of three 
additional patents. On January 20, 2011, we entered into a settlement and patent license agreement with PAN pursuant to which 
we agreed to license certain asserted patents and certain related patents in return for an up-front payment by PAN and ongoing 
quarterly payments over three years. The parties also agreed upon a three year covenant not to sue for patent related claims. 

In August 2009, Enhanced Security Research, LLC and Security Research Holdings LLC (collectively “ESR”), a non-

practicing entity, filed a complaint against us in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging 
infringement by us and other defendants of two patents. In June 2010, the Court granted our motion to stay pending the 
outcome of reexamination proceedings on both asserted patents. There is a related action that was dismissed by the Court, and 
that dismissal has been appealed by ESR to the Federal Circuit. We cannot currently predict the outcome of this dispute nor 
determine the amount or a reasonable range of potential loss, if any.

In July 2010, Network Protection Sciences, LLC, a non-practicing entity, filed a complaint in the United States 
District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging patent infringement by us and other defendants. Currently the case is in 
the early stages. We cannot currently predict the outcome of this dispute nor determine the amount or a reasonable range of 
potential loss, if any.

In September 2010, WordCheck Tech, LLC ("WordCheck"), a non-practicing entity, filed a complaint in the United 
States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging patent infringement by us and numerous other defendants. In 
January 2011, we entered a settlement and license agreement with WordCheck pursuant to which WordCheck dismissed the 
litigation against us in return for an immaterial payment by us to WordCheck. 

In April 2010, an individual, a former stockholder of Fortinet, filed a class action lawsuit against us in the Superior 

Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles alleging violation of various California Corporations' Code 
sections and related tort claims alleging misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty regarding the 2009 repurchase by 
Fortinet of shares of its stock while we were a privately-held company. In September 2010, the Court granted our motion to 
transfer the case to the California Superior Court for Santa Clara County. We cannot currently predict the outcome of this 
dispute nor determine the amount or a reasonable range of potential loss, if any.

In addition to the above matters, we are subject to other litigation in the ordinary course of business. The results of 
legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. If we do not prevail in any of these legal matters, our operating results 
may be materially affected. At this time, we are unable to estimate the financial impact these actions will likely have on us.

Indemnification—Under the indemnification provisions of our standard sales contracts, we agree to defend our 

customers against third-party claims asserting infringement of certain intellectual property rights, which may include patents, 
copyrights, trademarks, or trade secrets, and to pay judgments entered on such claims. Our exposure under these 
indemnification provisions is generally limited to the total amount paid by our customer under the agreement. However, certain 
agreements include indemnification provisions that could potentially expose us to losses in excess of the amount received under 
the agreement. To date, there have been no claims under such indemnification provisions.

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Shares Reserved for Issuance—At December 31, 2010, we had reserved shares of common stock for 

issuance as follows (in 000's):

Reserved under stock option plans

18,790

Warrants—In conjunction with an agreement to purchase certain technology assets (Note 6), we issued a warrant to 

purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.47 per share. The warrant was exercised during the 
fourth quarter of 2010.

Convertible Preferred Stock—In connection with the initial public offering, our authorized and outstanding 

convertible preferred stock was converted into common stock as of December 31, 2009. Authorized and outstanding 
convertible preferred stock was as follows as of December 28, 2008 ($ and share amounts in 000's):

Series A
Series B
Series C
Series D
Series E
Total

Authorized
Shares

Outstanding
Shares

Amount

4,000
5,000
6,000
15,000
10,500
40,500

4,000
5,000
6,000
15,000
10,480
40,480

900
2,794
8,689
28,663
53,322
94,368

Stock Repurchase—While we were a privately-held company, during the first six months of fiscal 2009, our Board of 

Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization. This repurchase authorization allowed us to repurchase up to $20.0 
million of our convertible preferred and common stock at $4.25 per share through June 17, 2009. This repurchase authorization 
expressly excluded our board members and senior management. We repurchased 704,632 shares of common stock and 
3,004,165 shares of convertible preferred stock for a total consideration of $15.7 million.

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

11. STOCK PLANS

2000 Stock Plan—During 2000, we adopted the 2000 Stock Option Plan (the Plan), which includes both incentive 

and non-statutory stock options. Under the Plan, we may grant options to purchase up to 21,500,000 shares of common stock to 
employees, directors and other service providers at prices not less than the fair market value at date of grant for incentive stock 
options and not less than 85% of fair market value for non-statutory options. Options granted to a person who, at the time of the 
grant, owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock shall be at no less than 110% of the fair market value and 
expire five years from the date of grant. All other options generally have a contractual term of 10 years. Options generally vest 
over four years.

2008 Stock Plan—On January 28, 2008, our Board of Directors approved the 2008 Stock Plan (the 2008 Plan) and 
French Sub-Plan, which includes both incentive and non-statutory stock options. The maximum aggregate number of shares 
which may be subject to options and sold under the 2008 Plan and the French Sub-Plan is 5,000,000 shares, plus any shares 
that, as of the date of stockholder approval of the 2008 Plan, have been reserved but not issued under the 2000 Plan or shares 
subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the 2000 Plan that expire or otherwise terminate without having been 
exercised in full or that are forfeited to or repurchased by us.

Under the 2008 Plan and the French Sub-Plan, we may grant options to employees, directors and other service 

providers. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to an employee, who at the time of grant, owns stock representing 
more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the 
fair market value per share on the date of grant and expire five years from the date of grant, and options granted to any other 
employee, the per share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant. In the 
case of a nonstatutory stock option and options granted to other service providers, the per share exercise price shall be no less 
than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.

2009 Equity Incentive Plan—On November 17, 2009, our Board of Directors approved the 2009 Equity Incentive 

Plan (the 2009 Plan) and French Sub-Plan, which includes awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, 
restricted stock units, and performance units or performance shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be 
issued under the Plan is 9,000,000 shares, plus any shares subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the 2008 
Stock Plan and the Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Plan that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in 
full and shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2008 Stock Plan and the Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Plan 
that are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, with the maximum number of shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to 
such terminations, forfeitures and repurchases not to exceed 21,000,000 shares. The shares may be authorized, but unissued or 
reacquired common stock. The number of shares available for issuance under the 2009 Plan will be increased on the first day of 
each fiscal year beginning with the 2011 fiscal year, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 7,000,000 shares, (ii) five percent 
(5%) of the outstanding shares on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year, or (iii) such number of shares 
determined by the Board.

Under the 2009 Plan and the French Sub-Plan, we may grant awards to employees, directors and other service 

providers. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to an employee who, at the time of the grant, owns stock 
representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the fair 
market value per share on the date of grant and expire five years from the date of grant, and options granted to any other 
employee, the per share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant. In the 
case of a non statutory stock option and options granted to other service providers, the per share exercise price shall be no less 
than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant. Options granted to individuals owning less than 10% of the 
total combined voting power of all classes of stock generally have a contractual term of seven years and options generally vest 
over four years.

Stock-based compensation under ASC 718—Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance to ASC 718, 

which requires compensation costs related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, to be recognized in 
the financial statements based on fair value. Under ASC 718, the fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date 
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We determined weighted-average valuation assumptions as follows:

Valuation method—We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

Expected Term—The expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

As we do not have sufficient historical experience for determining the expected term of the stock option awards granted, we 
have based our expected term on the simplified method available under ASC 718-10 (formerly referred to as Staff Accounting 
Bulletin 110).

Expected Volatility—The computation of expected volatility for the periods presented includes the historical and 
implied stock volatility of comparable companies from a representative peer group selected based on industry and market 
capitalization data and to a lesser extent, our weighted historical volatility following our IPO in November 2009.

Fair Value of Common Stock—The fair value of the shares of common stock that underlie the stock options we have 
granted has historically been determined by our board of directors. Because there has been no public market for our common 
stock, prior to our initial public offering in November 2009, our board has determined the fair value of our common stock at the 
time of grant of the option by considering a number of objective and subjective factors, our sales of preferred stock to unrelated 
third parties, our operating and financial performance, the lack of liquidity of our capital stock and trends in the broader 
network security and computer networking market.

Risk-Free Interest Rate—We base the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation model on the implied 

yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term.

Expected Dividend—The expected dividend weighted-average assumption is based on our current expectations about 

our anticipated dividend policy.

The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions relating to our stock options as follows:

Expected term in years
Volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Dividend rate (%)

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

4.6
38 – 43
1.1 – 2.4
—

4.5 – 4.6
43 – 52
1.3 – 2.3
—

4.5 – 4.6
44 – 47
2.3 – 3.3
—

Stock-based compensation expense is included in costs and expenses as follows ($ amounts in 000's):

Cost of product revenue
Cost of services revenue
Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative
Total stock-based compensation

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

101
929
2,339
3,810
2,136
9,315

102
658
1,963
3,020
1,718
7,461

67
400
1,049
2,512
1,271
5,299

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

A summary of the option activity under our stock plans and changes during the reporting periods are presented below 

(in 000's, except per share amounts):

Balance—December 30, 2007 (9,111 shares were vested at
a weighted-average exercise price of $1.46 per share)

Additional shares authorized
Granted (weighted-average fair value of $2.46 per
share)

Forfeited

Exercised (aggregate intrinsic value of $7,119)

Balance—December 28, 2008 (9,125 shares were vested
at a weighted-average exercise price of $2.26 per share)

Additional shares authorized

Granted (weighted-average fair value of $2.86 per
share)

Forfeited

Exercised (aggregate intrinsic value of $10,490)

Balance—December 31, 2009 (10,252 shares were vested
at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.32 per share)

Granted (weighted-average fair value of $7.18 per
share)
Forfeited

Exercised (aggregate intrinsic value of $117,934)
Balance—December 31, 2010

Options vested and expected to vest—December 31, 2010

Options exercisable—December 31, 2010

Shares
Available
for Grant

Number
of Shares

4,645

12,580

5,000

—

(7,232)
2,635

—

5,048

6,887

(4,203)
1,317

—

7,232
(2,635)
(1,444)

15,733

—

4,203
(1,317)
(1,414)

9,049

17,205

(2,416)
912

—

7,545

2,416
(912)
(7,464)
11,245

10,952

6,006

Options Outstanding

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price ($)

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($)

1.86

—

7.47

3.95

1.47

4.12

—

7.99

6.71

1.91

5.05

19.40

11.11

3.89

8.42

8.26

4.79

4.77

4.16

263,855

165,530

At December 31, 2010, total compensation cost related to unvested stock-based awards granted to employees under 

our stock plans but not yet recognized was $25.8 million, net of estimated forfeitures. This cost is expected to be amortized on 
a straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of 2.40 years. Future option grants will increase the amount of 
compensation expense to be recorded in these periods.

The total fair value of awards vested under our stock plans was $8.5 million, $5.5 million and $3.8 million for fiscal 

2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

Additional information regarding options outstanding as of December 31, 2010, is as follows:

Exercise Prices ($)

Number
Outstanding

0.05–1.95
2.15–7.44
7.47
7.68–12.5
16.86
17.17
17.98
30.56
0.05–30.56

2,175
775
5,538
566
1,193
189
452
357
11,245

Options Outstanding
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price ($)

Options Exercisable

Number
Exercisable

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price ($)

3.45
5.21
4.58
5.53
6.11
6.36
6.59
6.84
4.80

1.33
3.33
7.47
9.56
16.86
17.17
17.98
30.56
8.42

2,175
662
3,012
132
18
—
7
—
6,006

1.33
2.63
7.47
9.26
16.86
—
17.98
—
4.79

Non-employees—During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, we issued to non-employees in exchange for services, options 

to purchase 11,030, 13,000 and 29,000 shares of common stock, respectively, at a range of exercise prices from $7.47 to $30.56 
per share. These options vest over periods of up to 48 months, and in accordance with ASC 505-50 (formerly referred to as 
Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other Than Employees for 
Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services), we accounted for these options as variable awards. The options 
were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Expected term, in years
Volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Dividend yield (%)

12. INCOME TAXES

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

4.4 – 6.8
38 – 43
1.1 – 2.4
—

5.2 – 7.5
43 – 52
1.3 – 2.3
—

6.0 – 8.5
44 – 51
2.3 – 3.6
—

The pre-tax book income for the periods ended is as follows ($ amounts in 000's):

Domestic
Foreign
Total Pre-Tax Book Income

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

December 28,
2008

50,556
5,785
56,341

22,667
4,846
27,513

(65)
9,316
9,251

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

The provision for income taxes for the periods ended is as follows ($ amounts in 000's):

Current:

Federal
State
Foreign

Total current

Deferred:

Federal
State
Foreign

Total deferred

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

December 28,
2008

10,633
(82)
9,298
19,849

(4,119)
(626)
(8)
(4,753)
15,096

4,882
1,003
1,173
7,058

(35,331)
(3,850)
(543)
(39,724)
(32,666)

1,332
589
(243)
1,678

—
—
210
210
1,888

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate as 

follows ($ amounts in 000's):

Tax at federal statutory tax rate
Stock-based compensation expense
State taxes—net of federal benefit
Research and development credit
Foreign income taxed at different rates
Other
Change in valuation allowance
Total provision for income taxes

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

December 28,
2008

19,719
(2,308)
(1,098)
(948)
(1,066)
797
—
15,096

9,629
1,311
821
(356)
(1,064)
1,202
(44,209)
(32,666)

3,237
1,049
573
(199)
(3,047)
721
(446)
1,888

Significant permanent differences arise from the portion of stock-based compensation expense that is not expected to 

generate a tax deduction, such as stock compensation expense on stock option grants to certain foreign employees, offset by the 
actual tax benefits in the current periods from disqualifying dispositions of shares held by our U.S. employees. For stock 
options exercised by our U.S. employees, we receive an income tax benefit calculated as the difference between the fair market 
value of the stock issued at the time of the exercise and the option price, tax effected. Due to this, our income taxes payable 
have been reduced by the tax benefits from employee stock plan awards. The income tax benefits for fiscal 2010 and 2009 
associated with dispositions from employee stock transactions of $9.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, were recognized 
as additional paid-in capital. Amounts prior to fiscal 2009 were not material.

As of December 31, 2010, we did not recognize deferred tax assets relating to excess tax benefits for stock-based 

compensation deductions of $9.5 million, of which $5.5 million related to net operating losses and $4.0 million related to tax 
credits. Unrecognized deferred tax benefits will be accounted for as a credit to additional paid-in-capital when realized through 
a reduction in income taxes payable.

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets as of each of the 

years ended are presented below ($ amount in 000's):

Deferred tax assets:

Net operating loss carryforward
Deferred revenue
Nondeductible reserves and accruals
Depreciation and amortization
General business credit carryforward
Stock-based compensation
Other

Total deferred tax assets

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

1,920
25,173
10,990
2,029
1,243
4,225
21
45,601

3,144
21,915
9,607
1,412
1,574
3,655
16
41,323

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion 

or all of our deferred tax assets will be realized. This realization is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income 
during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management concluded that it is more likely than 
not that we would be able to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets in the future. 

As of December 31, 2010, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $15.1 million 

and $37.5 million, respectively. The federal and state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in the year 2031 and 
2012, respectively. The Internal Revenue Service imposes significant restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss tax 
credit carryforwards. Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards to offset any future taxable income may be subject 
to limitations if equity transactions occur that would result in a change of ownership. As of December 31, 2010, we have tax 
credit carryforwards available to offset our future federal and state taxes of approximately $1.7 million and $2.1 million, 
respectively. The federal tax credits begin to expire in 2027. The state credits carry forward indefinitely.

The Company's policy with respect to its undistributed foreign subsidiaries' earnings is to consider those earnings to 

be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no related provision of U.S. federal and state income taxes has been provided. Upon 
distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an 
adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes in the various foreign countries. At December 31, 2010 we have not 
recorded U.S. income tax on approximately $19.4 million of foreign earnings that are deemed to be permanently reinvested 
overseas. 

At December 31, 2010, we had $12.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which, if recognized, $11.0 million 
would favorably affect our effective tax rate. Our policy is to include accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax 
benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2010, accrued interest and penalties were $0.2 million. As of December 
31, 2009, accrued interest and penalties were not significant.

The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows ($ amounts in 000's):

Balance, beginning of year

Increases for tax positions related to the current year
Increases for tax positions related to the prior year

Balance, end of year

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

3,387
8,696
—
12,083

1,952
440
995
3,387

1,928
24
—
1,952

As of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, $11.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of the amounts 
reflected above were recorded as a liability and included in other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. 

As of December 31, 2010, there were no unrecognized tax benefits that we expect would change significantly over the 

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

next 12 months.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. As we have 

net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, the statute of limitations is open for all tax years. 
Generally, we are no longer subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years prior to 2005.

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

We have established a 401(k) tax-deferred savings plan (the 401(k) Plan) which permits participants to make 

contributions by salary deduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are responsible for 
administrative costs of the 401(k) Plan and have made no contributions to the 401(k) Plan since inception.

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

14. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, we paid compensation of $166,000 and $142,000, respectively, to two employees 

who are directly related to a former board member. This individual ceased being a board member as of October 2009.

In February 2008, we entered into a 23-month non-cancelable facility lease agreement, determined to be an arm's 

length transaction, with an entity affiliated with one of our former board members. Under the terms of the agreement, in 2008, 
we paid approximately $284,000 for tenant improvements and $316,000 for a refundable deposit. For fiscal 2009 and fiscal 
2008 we paid $917,000 and $757,000, respectively, for office rent and operating expenses. The lease expired on December 31, 
2009.

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FORTINET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 28, 2008 

15. SEGMENT INFORMATION

ASC 280 (formerly referred to as SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related 

Information), establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments. Operating segments are defined as 
components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief 
operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision 
maker is our chief executive officer. Our chief executive officer reviews financial information presented on a consolidated 
basis, accompanied by information about revenue by geographic region for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating 
financial performance. We have one business activity, and there are no segment managers who are held accountable for 
operations, operating results and plans for levels or components below the consolidated unit level. Accordingly, we are 
considered to be in a single reportable segment and operating unit structure.

Revenue by geographic region is based on the billing address of the customer. The following tables set forth revenue, 

interest income and property and equipment by geographic region ($ amounts in 000's):

Revenue
Americas

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific and Japan

Total revenue

Interest Income
Americas

EMEA

APAC

Total interest income

Property and Equipment
Americas

EMEA

APAC

Total property and equipment—net

Fiscal Year

2010

2009

2008

123,961

121,604

79,131

324,696

92,621

95,886

63,608

252,115

Fiscal Year

75,367

79,755

56,669

211,791

2010

2009

2008

1,798

14

3

1,815

1,953

27

1

1,981

2,596

15

3

2,614

December 31,
2010

December 31,
2009

5,585

616

855

7,056

4,988

504

895

6,387

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ITEM 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A. 

Controls and Procedures

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as 

defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our 
internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that 
our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010. Management reviewed the results of its 
assessment with our Audit Committee. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2010 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report, 
which appears in this Item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the 

effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as 
of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The evaluation included certain internal control areas in 
which we have made and are continuing to make changes to improve and enhance controls. In designing and evaluating the 
disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and 
operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of 
disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to 
apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls 
and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file 
or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in 
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our 
management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions 
regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter that have 

materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of 
Fortinet, Inc. 
Sunnyvale, California 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Fortinet, Inc. and subsidiaries' (the “Company”) as of 

December 31, 2010 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective 
internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, 
included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 

States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective 
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding 
of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design 
and operating effectiveness of internal control based on that risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered 
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's 

principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's 
board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the 
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of 
the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or 

improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a 
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future 
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 

States), the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended 
December 31, 2010, of the Company and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those 
financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule. 

/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Jose, California 
February 24, 2011 

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ITEM 9B. 

Other Information

None.

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ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Officers and Directors

Part III

Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Fortinet’s definitive proxy statement with 
respect to our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year 
covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.

As part of our system of corporate governance, our board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and 

ethics. The code applies to all of our employees, officers (including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, 
principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions), agents and representatives, including our 
independent directors and consultants, who are not employees of the Company, with regard to their Fortinet-related activities. 
Our code of business conduct and ethics is available on our website at www.fortinet.com under “About Us—Investor Relations
—Corporate Governance.” We will post on this section of our website any amendment to our code of business conduct and 
ethics, as well as any waivers of our code of business conduct and ethics, that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the 
SEC or the NASDAQ Stock Market.

ITEM 11. 

Executive Compensation

Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Fortinet’s definitive proxy statement with 
respect to our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year 
covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Fortinet’s definitive proxy statement with 
respect to our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year 
covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Fortinet’s definitive proxy statement with 
respect to our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year 
covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 14. 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Fortinet’s definitive proxy statement with 
respect to our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year 
covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:

Part IV

1.

2.

Financial Statements: The information concerning Fortinet’s financial statements and the Report of 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm required by this Item 15(a)(1) is incorporated by reference 
herein to the section of this Form 10-K in Item 8, titled “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Financial Statement Schedule: The following financial statement schedule of Fortinet, Inc., for the fiscal 
years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, is filed as part of this Form 10-
K and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Fortinet, Inc.

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

Beginning balance
Charged to costs and expenses
Bad debt write-offs
Ending balance

Fiscal Year

2010

2009
($ amounts in 000's)

2008

367
8
(72)
303

318
161
(112)
367

384
191
(257)
318

Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required or the information 

required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

3.

 Exhibits: See Item 15(b) below. We have filed, or incorporated into this 10-K by reference, the exhibits listed 
on the accompanying Index to Exhibits immediately following the signature page of this Form 10-K.

(b) Exhibits:

The exhibit list in the Index to Exhibits immediately following the signature page of this Form 10-K is incorporated 

herein by reference as the list of exhibits required by this Item 15(b).

(c) Financial Statement Schedules: See Item 15(a) above.

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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 25, 2011.

SIGNATURES

FORTINET, INC.

By:

/s/    Ken Goldman        

Ken Goldman, Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and 

appoints Ken Xie and Ken Goldman, jointly and severally, his attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any 
and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and 
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all 
that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/    Ken Xie        

Ken Xie

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

February 25, 2011

/s/    Ken Goldman        

Ken Goldman

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

February 25, 2011

/s/    Michael Xie        

Chief Technical Officer and Director

February 25, 2011

Michael Xie

/s/    Pehong Chen        

Director

Pehong Chen

/s/    Hong Liang Lu        

Director

Hong Liang Lu

/s/    Greg Myers        

Director

Greg Myers

/s/    Christopher B. Paisley        

Director

Christopher B. Paisley

February 25, 2011

February 25, 2011

February 25, 2011

February 25, 2011

/s/    John Walecka        

Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and Director

February 25, 2011

John Walecka

97

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Exhibit
Number

EXHIBIT INDEX

Description

Incorporated by reference herein

Form

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

10.1†

10.2†

10.3†

10.4†

10.5†*

10.6†

10.7†

10.8†

10.9†

10.10†

10.11†

10.12†

Date

August 10, 2009

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

Amended and Restated Bylaws

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Specimen common stock certificate of the Company

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

November 2, 2009

Third Amended and Restated Investors Rights
Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2004, between the
Company and certain holders of the Company’s capital
stock named therein

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Forms of Indemnification Agreement between the
Company and its directors and officers

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

2000 Stock Plan and forms of agreement thereunder

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

2008 Stock Plan and forms of agreement thereunder

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

2009 Equity Incentive Plan and forms of restricted stock
unit award and restricted stock agreement thereunder

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Forms of stock option agreement under 2009 Equity
Incentive Plan

Separation and Change of Control Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 2009, between the Company and Ken Xie

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Separation and Change of Control Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 2009, between the Company and Michael
Xie

Separation and Change of Control Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 2009, between the Company and Ken
Goldman

Separation and Change of Control Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 2009, between the Company and John
Whittle

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Offer Letter, dated as of August 31, 2007, by and
between the Company and Ken Goldman

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Offer Letter, dated as of August 31, 2007, by and
between the Company and John Whittle

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

Form of Change of Control Agreement between the
Company and its non-executive officers

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 333-161190)

August 10, 2009

10.13

Fortinet, Inc. Bonus Plan

Current Report on Form 8-K

21.1

List of subsidiaries

Registration Statement on Form S-l, as amended (File
No. 001-34511)

January 26, 2010

August 10, 2009

23.1*

24.1*

31.1*

31.2*

32.1*

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm

Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference to the
signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

________________________________

†      Indicates management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
*   Filed herewith.

98