In its latest annual report submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the networking giant highlighted key competitors such as Juniper Networks, Ciena, and Lucent Technologies. Interestingly, Dell, while not previously identified as a rival in Cisco’s 2001 report, was notably absent from the list of competitors this time around.

Cisco recently informed Dell about its decision to appoint the company as a distributor for its networking equipment. This move comes as Dell ventured into the networking gear market last September and has since been expanding its product offerings. Notably, Dell also entered into a distribution partnership with Hewlett-Packard for printers in July.

The absence of Dell in Cisco’s latest annual report raised eyebrows, with the company refraining from providing an explanation for this change in their partnership status. Cisco remained tight-lipped about the development when the alteration was made public earlier in the month. The certification of Cisco’s financial results by CEO John Chambers, CFO Larry Carter, and auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers further reinforced the company’s stability.

The annual report also disclosed significant insights, including Cisco’s backlog of orders, which stood at $1.4 billion as of Sept. 9, down from $2.03 billion the previous year. Analysts had mixed reactions to this data, with some attributing the decline to market conditions while others expressed concerns about Cisco’s revenue base.

Additionally, the report highlighted that if stock options were expensed, Cisco’s net income for the year would have been reported at $373 million, a notable difference from the $1.89 billion stated. The company’s dedication to research and development was evident in its $3.4 billion expenditure in 2002, showcasing a commitment to innovation. With approximately 36,000 employees as of July 27, Cisco’s workforce distribution across various departments illustrated its operational breadth and depth.

FAQs

  1. Who are Cisco’s key competitors according to its latest annual report?

    • Cisco’s key competitors, as per its annual report, include Juniper Networks, Ciena, and Lucent Technologies.
  2. Which company did Cisco appoint as a distributor for its networking equipment?

    • Dell was appointed as a distributor for Cisco’s networking equipment, marking a significant partnership for both companies.
  3. What market did Dell enter in September last year?

    • Dell ventured into the networking gear market in September, expanding its product offerings in the tech industry.
  4. Which major company did Dell collaborate with for printer distribution in July?

    • Dell collaborated with Hewlett-Packard for printer distribution in July, showcasing its strategic partnerships in diverse sectors.
  5. Why was Dell not mentioned in Cisco’s annual report, and what was Cisco’s response to this omission?

    • Dell’s absence in Cisco’s annual report was not addressed by the company, leading to speculation about the status of their partnership.
  6. Who certified Cisco’s financial results in accordance with SEC regulations?

    • Cisco’s financial results were certified by CEO John Chambers, CFO Larry Carter, and auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, ensuring compliance and transparency.
  7. What was the value of Cisco’s backlog of orders as of Sept. 9, and how did it compare to the previous year?

    • Cisco’s backlog of orders was reported at $1.4 billion as of Sept. 9, showing a decrease from $2.03 billion in the previous year.
  8. How did analysts interpret the decline in Cisco’s backlog statistics?

    • Analysts had differing opinions on the decline in Cisco’s backlog statistics, with some attributing it to market conditions and others expressing concerns about revenue predictability.
  9. What potential impact did Cisco highlight regarding a decline in backlog levels?

    • Cisco warned that a decline in backlog levels could result in increased variability and reduced predictability in the company’s quarterly net sales and operating results.
  10. What would have been Cisco’s net income for the year if stock options had been expensed?

    • If stock options were expensed, Cisco’s net income for the year would have been $373 million, a significant variance from the reported $1.89 billion.
  11. How much did Cisco spend on research and development in 2002, and how does it compare to previous years?

    • Cisco allocated $3.4 billion towards research and development in 2002, showcasing a continued investment in innovation compared to previous years.
  12. What is the employee distribution across departments at Cisco as of July 27?

    • As of July 27, Cisco had approximately 36,000 employees distributed across departments, with 6,000 in manufacturing and service, 13,000 in engineering, 14,000 in sales and marketing, and 3,000 in finance and administration.

Summary

In conclusion, Cisco’s annual report offers valuable insights into its competitive landscape, strategic partnerships, financial performance, and operational dynamics. The company’s collaboration with key players like Dell and Hewlett-Packard reflects its commitment to fostering beneficial relationships within the industry. Despite fluctuations in backlog statistics and net income considerations, Cisco’s emphasis on research and development underscores its dedication to innovation and growth. As readers delve into the details of Cisco’s annual report, they gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s position in the market and its future outlook. For further updates and information, visit the company’s website for the latest developments and news.