β€’
Oct 24, 2020

Cisco Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Cisco's first quarter results reflected a decrease in revenue and earnings per share compared to the previous year, but showed signs of improvement amidst pandemic-related challenges.

Key Takeaways

Cisco reported a decrease in revenue by 9% year-over-year, with total revenue reaching $11.9 billion. GAAP earnings per share decreased by 25% to $0.51, while non-GAAP EPS decreased by 10% to $0.76. The company is focusing on software offerings and subscriptions to transform its business, with a 10% growth in remaining performance obligations.

Total revenue decreased by 9% year-over-year to $11.9 billion.

GAAP EPS decreased by 25% year-over-year to $0.51.

Non-GAAP EPS decreased by 10% year-over-year to $0.76.

Cash flow from operating activities increased by 14% year-over-year to $4.1 billion.

Total Revenue
$11.9B
Previous year: $13.2B
-9.3%
EPS
$0.76
Previous year: $0.84
-9.5%
Gross Margin (GAAP)
63.6%
Gross Margin (Non-GAAP)
65.8%
Operating Margin (GAAP)
21.5%
Gross Profit
$7.58B
Previous year: $8.46B
-10.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$10.8B
Previous year: $8.59B
+26.0%
Free Cash Flow
$3.93B
Previous year: $3.39B
+16.0%
Total Assets
$95B
Previous year: $92.5B
+2.7%

Cisco

Cisco

Cisco Revenue by Segment

Cisco Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Cisco expects a revenue decline of 0% to 2% year-over-year for Q2 FY 2021. The non-GAAP EPS is expected to be in the range of $0.74 to $0.76, with a GAAP EPS estimate of $0.55 to $0.60.

Positive Outlook

  • Non-GAAP gross margin rate is expected to be between 64% and 65%.
  • Non-GAAP operating margin rate is expected to be between 32% and 33%.
  • Non-GAAP tax provision rate is expected to be 19%.

Challenges Ahead

  • Revenue is expected to decline by 0% to 2% year-over-year.
  • GAAP gross margin rate is expected to be between 62% and 63%.
  • GAAP operating margin rate is expected to be between 24.5% and 25.5%.
  • Restructuring plan may result in pretax charges of approximately $900 million.
  • Future acquisitions/divestitures, asset impairments, restructurings and significant tax matters or other events, may impact guidance.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income