Cisco Systems is the world’s leading supplier of data-networking equipment and software. Its products include routers, switches, access equipment, and network-management software that allow data communication among dispersed computer networks. The firm has also entered newer markets, such as home networking, security devices, storage technology, and Internet-based telephony. Services account for about 16% of sales.
Cisco has the following numbers: ROE 24%; Net Margin 20%; ROA 14%; $20bn in cash & $8.6bn in free cash flow over the last 12 months; $32bn in sales up from $19bn in 02; net income of $6.5bn up from $1.9bn in 02.
Click here for the story about how Sequoia Capital found Cisco very early on in its history.
Here’s today’s chart, showing Cisco ‘itching’ to break free from the reins.
