Cisco Systems, Inc. (Cisco)

Overview

Global technology company that designs and sells a broad range of networking, security, collaboration, and observability technologies.
Strategy centers on securely connecting everything and embedding AI across products and portfolios.
Focused on simplifying delivery, management, and optimization of technology to maximize customer value.
Operates with a unified strategy called One Cisco, aimed at AI-ready data centers, future-proofed workplaces, and digital resilience.

Core focus on switching, routing, wireless, data center, and related hardware and software solutions.
Offerings include Catalyst and Meraki (cloud-managed), Cisco DNA for automation, analytics and security, and Cisco Silicon One-based platforms.
Data center switches (Nexus 9000), AI-ready switches (for example, N9300 series with DPUs and Hypershield integration), and internet-scale solutions for service providers and webscale customers.

Portfolio spans network security, identity and access management, SASE, and threat intelligence, detection and response.
Integrations with Splunk enhance security analytics and extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities.
Hypershield provides cloud-native, AI-powered security for AI-scale data centers.

Webex suite, collaboration devices, contact center solutions, and CPaaS (cloud communications platform) offerings.
AI and machine learning features embedded to improve productivity and collaboration experiences.

Network assurance, monitoring, and analytics; full-stack observability with Splunk Observability and AppDynamics.
Provides end-to-end visibility across networks, applications, and multi-cloud environments with AI-driven insights.

Three geographic reporting segments: Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Asia Pacific, Japan, and China (APJC).
Customer base includes enterprises, the public sector, service providers, cloud providers, and government institutions.
Sales model combines direct and indirect channels, with significant reliance on channel partners, systems integrators, service providers, distributors (two-tier distribution), and financing offerings.

Acquired Splunk in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 to strengthen security analytics and observability capabilities and integrate those capabilities with Cisco products, including XDR.
Ongoing M&A activity targets talent, technology, products, and access to new markets.
Engages in strategic alliances and joint ventures to accelerate product development and market adoption.

Relies on a network of contract manufacturers and suppliers; products are configured to meet diverse customer requirements.
Manufacturing processes emphasize ISO 9001 standards, with variable capacity arrangements and supplier/manufacturer agreements managed on an as-needed basis.

Protects technology through patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets; uses third‑party licenses for some components.
Faces risks related to IP enforcement, potential infringement claims, and dependencies on third-party licenses.

Recognized as a strong employer; ranked #3 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2025 in the U.S.
Approximately 86,200 employees worldwide as of July 26, 2025, with about 25,600 in worldwide sales and marketing.
Emphasizes employee development, well-being, and a hybrid work model in many locations.

Senior unsecured notes outstanding: approximately $24.8 billion, maturing from 2026 through 2064.
Commercial paper program: up to $15.0 billion; about $3.5 billion outstanding as of July 26, 2025.
Rating actions could impact debt and equity values.

Headquartered in San Jose, California.
Global presence with major facilities in the U.S. and international sites including Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, India, Israel, Norway, Poland, and the United Kingdom.