10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Apr 27, 2002

Filed May 28, 2002For Securities:CSCO

Summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. reported net sales of $4.82 billion for the third quarter of fiscal year 2002, a modest increase from $4.73 billion in the same period of the prior year. This indicates a stabilization in revenue after a period of decline. Net income for the quarter was $729 million, a significant turnaround from a net loss of $2.69 billion in the prior year's third quarter. This improvement is largely attributable to a substantial reduction in the cost of sales and operating expenses, including the absence of significant restructuring costs and inventory write-downs that impacted the prior year. The company has successfully managed its operating expenses, with R&D, Sales & Marketing, and G&A expenses all showing year-over-year decreases. The adoption of SFAS 142, ceasing the amortization of goodwill, also contributed to the improved net income. While product sales remained relatively flat, service revenue saw a healthy increase of 15%, highlighting the growing importance of Cisco's services segment. The company ended the quarter with a strong cash and investments balance of $21.1 billion, reflecting robust cash flow from operations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income turned positive at $729 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $2.69 billion in the prior year's comparable quarter.
  • 2Total net sales for the quarter were $4.82 billion, showing a slight increase of 1.9% year-over-year, indicating revenue stabilization.
  • 3Cost of sales decreased significantly by 60.1% year-over-year, driven by lower product costs and reduced inventory provisions.
  • 4Operating expenses (R&D, Sales & Marketing, G&A) were reduced by 27.4% year-over-year, reflecting cost control measures and restructuring impacts from the prior year.
  • 5Service revenue grew by 15.0% year-over-year, demonstrating the increasing contribution of the services segment to overall revenue.
  • 6The company's cash and cash equivalents and investments totaled $21.1 billion, indicating a strong liquidity position.
  • 7Cisco ceased goodwill amortization effective the beginning of fiscal 2002 due to the adoption of SFAS 142, positively impacting net income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cisco has shown a significant improvement in profitability. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 was $729 million, a substantial turnaround from a net loss of $2.69 billion in the same period of fiscal 2001. This improvement is primarily due to reduced costs and the absence of large restructuring and inventory charges seen in the prior year.

Total net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 were $4.82 billion, a slight increase of 1.9% compared to $4.73 billion in the prior year. While product sales were relatively flat, service revenue experienced a healthy 15% increase, suggesting a stabilization and a growing contribution from the services segment.

Cisco has effectively managed its expenses. Total operating expenses (Research and Development, Sales and Marketing, and General and Administrative) decreased by 27.4% year-over-year. This reduction is attributed to cost control measures, the impact of the prior year's restructuring program, and lower R&D and marketing investments.

Cisco maintains a strong financial position and liquidity. As of April 27, 2002, the company had $21.1 billion in cash and total investments. This robust liquidity is a result of strong cash flow generated from operations, partially offset by stock repurchases and capital expenditures.