10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jan 26, 2002

Filed March 11, 2002For Securities:CSCO

Summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) reported its financial results for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2002, ending January 26, 2002. The company experienced a significant year-over-year decline in net sales, primarily driven by a sharp decrease in product revenue due to unfavorable economic conditions and reduced capital spending in the networking industry. While product sales were down, service revenue showed a notable increase, indicating a potential shift in revenue mix. Despite the top-line challenges, Cisco has been actively managing its cost structure. Operating expenses, including R&D, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses, decreased in absolute terms compared to the prior year, largely due to restructuring efforts and cost control measures. The company also adopted SFAS 142, ceasing the amortization of goodwill, which is a positive for reported earnings, though the impact on cash flow is nil. Investors should note the continued focus on operational efficiency and managing the business through a challenging economic environment.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the six months ended January 26, 2002, decreased by 30.2% to $9.26 billion compared to $13.27 billion in the prior year period, primarily due to a 35.9% drop in product revenue.
  • 2Service revenue increased by 22.8% for the six months ended January 26, 2002, to $1.59 billion, indicating growth in recurring revenue streams.
  • 3Operating expenses (R&D, Sales & Marketing, G&A) saw significant reductions in absolute terms, reflecting cost control measures and restructuring efforts.
  • 4The company adopted SFAS 142, ceasing goodwill amortization from the beginning of fiscal year 2002, which positively impacts net income compared to prior periods.
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents, along with total investments, increased to $21.0 billion, demonstrating strong liquidity and financial flexibility.
  • 6The company repurchased approximately 40 million shares of common stock for $601 million during the first six months of fiscal 2002 under its authorized repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the significant decline in net sales is a substantial decrease in product revenue, which fell by 35.9% for the six months ended January 26, 2002. This is attributed to unfavorable economic conditions and reduced capital spending within the networking industry.

Cisco has implemented cost control measures and restructuring programs, leading to a decrease in operating expenses (R&D, Sales & Marketing, G&A) in absolute dollar terms compared to the prior year. These efforts aim to improve efficiency and adapt to the challenging economic environment.

Cisco early-adopted SFAS 142 at the beginning of fiscal year 2002, which requires goodwill to be tested for impairment rather than amortized. This change means Cisco has ceased amortizing goodwill, which had a favorable impact on net income compared to prior periods where amortization expenses were recognized, although it does not affect cash flow.

Service revenue has shown strong growth, increasing by 22.8% for the six months ended January 26, 2002. This growth, driven by a larger installed base of networking equipment, indicates a positive trend for recurring revenue streams and contributes to diversifying Cisco's revenue sources amidst a challenging product sales environment.