10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Apr 30, 2005

Filed May 27, 2005For Securities:CSCO

Summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. reported solid financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal year 2005, demonstrating continued growth in net sales, net income, and earnings per share compared to the prior year. The company experienced a notable increase in net sales across its geographic segments, driven by strong performance in the Americas and EMEA regions. Product sales saw an upward trend, with significant contributions from switches and advanced technologies, while service revenue also grew, reflecting an expanding installed base. Despite a slight decline in gross margins, attributed to changes in product mix and pricing pressures, Cisco managed to improve operating expense control, with expenses as a percentage of net sales continuing to decline. The company generated robust cash flows from operations and maintained a substantial cash and investment balance. Significant stock repurchases continued during the period, underscoring a commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Cisco's ongoing investments in research and development and strategic acquisitions further highlight its focus on innovation and market expansion.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales increased by 10.1% to $6.19 billion for the third quarter and by 13.0% to $18.22 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2005, compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2Net income for the third quarter rose to $1.41 billion ($0.21 per diluted share), a significant increase from $1.21 billion ($0.17 per diluted share) in the prior year's third quarter.
  • 3Gross margins saw a slight decrease to 66.8% for the quarter and 67.0% for the nine months, impacted by product mix, pricing, and increased service investments.
  • 4Operating income grew to $1.82 billion for the quarter, up from $1.55 billion in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 5The company repurchased approximately $7.7 billion of common stock during the first nine months of fiscal 2005, demonstrating a strong commitment to capital return.
  • 6Cash and cash equivalents and total investments stood at $16.15 billion as of April 30, 2005, providing ample liquidity.
  • 7Cisco completed several strategic acquisitions during the nine months ended April 30, 2005, investing $1.22 billion to expand its technology portfolio and market reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the third quarter of fiscal 2005, Cisco Systems reported total net sales of $6.187 billion, an increase of 10.1% compared to $5.620 billion in the same period of fiscal 2004. Product sales grew 9.7% to $5.189 billion, while service revenue increased 12.1% to $998 million.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2005, net income was $1.405 billion, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared to $1.211 billion, or $0.17 per diluted share, in the prior year's third quarter. The nine-month period showed net income of $4.201 billion, or $0.63 per diluted share, up from $3.021 billion, or $0.43 per diluted share, in the comparable period of fiscal 2004. Operating income increased to $1.818 billion for the quarter.

As of April 30, 2005, Cisco Systems held $2.641 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $13.508 billion in total investments, bringing the combined total to $16.149 billion. This robust liquidity position provides financial flexibility for operations, investments, and strategic initiatives.

Cisco continued its strategy of strategic acquisitions, completing several during the nine months ended April 30, 2005, for a total consideration of $1.22 billion. The company also actively engaged in share repurchases, spending $7.7 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 to repurchase common stock.