Summary
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) reported solid financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, demonstrating growth driven by key product categories and strategic acquisitions. Total net sales increased by 5.4% year-over-year to $12.2 billion, with product sales up 5.0% and service revenue up 7.1%. This growth was notably influenced by the acquisition of NDS Group Limited, which bolstered the Service Provider Video segment. Despite a slight decrease in product gross margin, primarily due to pricing pressures and a shift in product mix towards lower-margin offerings like Cisco Unified Computing System and Service Provider Video, overall operating income as a percentage of revenue improved due to effective expense management. Diluted earnings per share saw a significant increase of 15% compared to the prior year, reaching $0.46. This was driven by both higher net income and a reduction in outstanding shares. A notable factor contributing to the improved profitability was a substantially lower effective tax rate, largely due to foreign tax jurisdiction settlements and the reinstatement of the U.S. federal R&D tax credit. The company continues to focus on its five foundational priorities, emphasizing innovation and strategic market positioning. Cisco's balance sheet remains strong, with substantial cash and investments, enabling continued investment in R&D, strategic acquisitions, and shareholder returns through dividends and stock repurchases.
Financial Highlights
56 data points| Revenue | $12.22B |
| Cost of Revenue | $4.71B |
| Gross Profit | $7.51B |
| Operating Expenses | $4.57B |
| Operating Income | $2.94B |
| Interest Expense | $145.00M |
| Net Income | $2.48B |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.47 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.46 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 5.33B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 5.39B |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales increased by 5.4% to $12.22 billion, driven by a 5% rise in product sales and a 7.1% increase in service revenue.
- 2Acquisition of NDS Group Limited contributed significantly to the 30% growth in the Service Provider Video product category.
- 3Diluted earnings per share grew by 15% to $0.46, reflecting improved net income and a lower share count.
- 4Operating income as a percentage of revenue increased to 24.1% from 23.7% in the prior year, driven by effective expense management.
- 5The effective tax rate decreased significantly to 15.9% from 22.1% year-over-year, primarily due to tax settlements and R&D tax credit reinstatement.
- 6The company repurchased $1.61 billion in common stock under its repurchase program during the nine-month period.
- 7Total cash and cash equivalents and investments stood at $47.39 billion as of April 27, 2013, indicating a strong liquidity position.