10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jan 25, 2003

Filed February 24, 2003For Securities:CSCO

Summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) reported its financial results for the fiscal quarter and six months ended January 25, 2003. Total net sales for the quarter were $4.71 billion, a slight decrease of 2.1% compared to the same period last year. For the six-month period, net sales increased by 3.2% to $9.56 billion. Net income for the quarter reached $991 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, a significant improvement from $660 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter. This demonstrates growing profitability despite a slight dip in revenue, suggesting effective cost management and improving gross margins. The company continues to repurchase its stock, reflecting confidence in its financial position and a commitment to shareholder returns.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales for the three months ended January 25, 2003 were $4.71 billion, a decrease of 2.1% year-over-year.
  • 2Net income for the three months ended January 25, 2003 was $991 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, an increase from $660 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the prior year.
  • 3Gross margin for the quarter improved significantly to 70.4% from 61.7% in the prior year quarter, driven by product gross margin expansion.
  • 4Research and development expenses decreased by 4.2% to $826 million, and sales and marketing expenses decreased by 9.0% to $975 million year-over-year for the quarter.
  • 5The company repurchased approximately $2.6 billion of common stock during the first six months of fiscal 2003.
  • 6Cash and cash equivalents and total investments stood at $21.2 billion as of January 25, 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the fiscal quarter ended January 25, 2003, Cisco reported total net sales of $4.71 billion, a slight decrease of 2.1% compared to $4.82 billion in the same quarter of the previous year. For the six-month period, net sales increased by 3.2% to $9.56 billion from $9.26 billion in the prior year period. While quarterly sales declined slightly, the six-month trend shows modest overall growth.

Cisco demonstrated strong profitability improvement. Net income for the three months ended January 25, 2003, was $991 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, a substantial increase from $660 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. This suggests effective cost controls and improved operational efficiency.

Cisco maintained a strong liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents and total investments amounting to $21.2 billion as of January 25, 2003. During the first six months of fiscal 2003, the company generated $2.4 billion in cash from operations but used $2.6 billion for stock repurchases, leading to a net decrease in cash. The company continues to actively repurchase its stock, signaling confidence in its financial health.

The company is subject to shareholder class action and derivative lawsuits related to past alleged misstatements. Cisco believes these claims are without merit and intends to defend them vigorously. Management does not expect the ultimate resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.