Cisco , the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate, today reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year results for the period ended July 25, 2009. Cisco reported fourth quarter net sales of $8.5 billion, net income on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis of $1.1 billion or $0.19 per share, and non-GAAP net income of $1.8 billion or $0.31 per share.

"Cisco delivered very solid quarterly and annual results in a challenging economic environment, as we continued our focus on disciplined execution and our customers' success," said John Chambers, chairman and chief executive officer, Cisco. "We are confident in our strategic position in both existing and thirty adjacent markets. We saw a number of positive signs this quarter in the economy and in our business, especially comparing our sequential quarter-over-quarter order trends. If we continue to see these positive order trends for the next one to two quarters, we believe there is a good chance we will look back and see that the tipping point occurred in our business in Q4."

Chambers continued, "Cisco's goal is transformational: to become a next-generation company and continue to enhance our market position by executing on our growth opportunities. We see the network truly becoming the platform for innovation and new business models which are enabled by collaboration technologies."

* GAAP net income and GAAP earnings per share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and for fiscal year 2009 include a tax charge of $174 million or $0.03 per share and a charge for enhanced early retirement benefits of $138 million or $0.02 per share. A reconciliation between net income on a GAAP basis and non-GAAP net income is provided in the table on page 7.

Cisco will discuss fourth quarter and fiscal year 2009 results and business outlook on a conference call and webcast at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time today. Call information and related charts are available at http://www.cisco.com/go/investors.

Other Financial Highlights

    * Cash flows from operations were $2.0 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with $3.5 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, and compared with $2.0 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Cash flows from operations were $9.9 billion for fiscal 2009, compared with $12.1 billion for fiscal 2008.
    * Cash and cash equivalents and investments were $35.0 billion at the end of fiscal 2009, compared with $26.2 billion at the end of fiscal 2008, and compared with $33.6 billion at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
    * Deferred revenue was $9.4 billion at the end of fiscal 2009, compared with $8.9 billion at the end of fiscal 2008, and compared with $8.8 billion at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
    * During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, Cisco repurchased 42 million shares of common stock at an average price of $19.02 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $800 million. During fiscal 2009, Cisco repurchased 202 million shares of common stock at an average price of $17.89 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $3.6 billion. As of July 25, 2009, Cisco had repurchased and retired 2.8 billion shares of Cisco common stock at an average price of $20.41 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $57.2 billion since the inception of the stock repurchase program. The remaining authorized repurchase amount as of July 25, 2009 was $4.8 billion with no termination date.
    * Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable (DSO) at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 were 34 days, compared with 34 days at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, and compared with 27 days at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
    * Inventory turns on a GAAP basis were 11.7 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with 11.9 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, and compared with 11.0 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Non-GAAP inventory turns were 11.3 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with 11.6 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, and compared with 10.7 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

      "Today's results validate that our business strategy and disciplined expense management enabled continued profitability in a tough worldwide economic environment," said Frank Calderoni, chief financial officer, Cisco. "Our strategy and execution in operational excellence, our strong financial position as evidenced by $35 billion in cash and investments, and our continued focus on innovation are delivering results."

      Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO)