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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 26, 2014

For the fiscal year ended July 30, 2011

or

¨
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____ to ____

For the transition period from            to            

Commission file number 0-18225

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

California 77-0059951

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

170 West Tasman Drive

San Jose, California

 95134-1706
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (408) 526-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class:

 

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    x  Yes    ¨o  No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    ¨o  Yes    x  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes   ¨o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    x  Yes    ¨o No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨o
Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Doo(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company ¨o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨o  Yes    x  No

Aggregate market value of registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing price of a share of the registrant’s common stock on January 28, 201124, 2014 as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date: $115,714,190,905

$114,846,004,146

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of September 8, 2011: 5,382,854,827

4, 2014: 5,099,203,169

____________________________________ 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the registrant’s 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on December 7, 2011,November 20, 2014, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated.


1

PART I

Table of Contents

PART I
Item 1. 

 

General

1

Products and Services

1

Customers and Markets

7

Sales Overview

8

Product Backlog

9

Acquisitions, Investments, and Alliances

9

Competition

10

Research and Development

11

Manufacturing

11

Patents, Intellectual Property, and Licensing

12

Employees

12

Executive Officers of the Registrant

13
Item 1A. 

 15
Item 1B. 

 33
Item 2. 

 33
Item 3. 

Item 4.
  34
PART II PART II
Item 5. 

 35
Item 6. 

 37
Item 7. 

 38
Item 7A. 

 74
Item 8. 

 77
Item 9. 

 131
Item 9A. 

 131
Item 9B. 

  131
PART III PART III
Item 10. 

 131
Item 11. 

 132
Item 12. 

 132
Item 13. 

 132
Item 14. 

  132
PART IV PART IV
Item 15. 

  133
 

135



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This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “endeavors,” “strives,” “may,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified below, under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and elsewhere herein. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.


PART I

Item 1.Business

General
General

We design, manufacture, and sell Internet Protocol (IP)-based based networking products and other productsservices related to the communications and information technology (IT) industryindustry. Our customers include businesses of all sizes, public institutions, telecommunications companies, other service providers and provide services associatedindividuals. We connect people, process, data and things with these products and their use. We provide a broad line of products for transportingthat transport data, voice, and video within buildings, across campuses, and around the world. Our productsWe are designeda key strategic partner to transform how peoplecompanies that helps them as they seek to make the most of the Internet of Everything (IoE) and connect communicate, and collaborate. Our products are installed at enterprise businesses, public institutions, telecommunications companies and other service providers, commercial businesses, and personal residences.

the unconnected.

We conduct our business globally and are managed geographically in four segments: United States and Canada, European Markets, Emerging Markets, and Asia Pacific Markets. The Emerging Markets segment consists of Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. For revenue and other information regarding these segments, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As we strive for faster decision making with greater accountability and alignment to supportmanage our emerging countries and our five foundational priorities as discussed below, beginning in fiscal 2012, we will organizebusiness by geography. Our business is organized into the following three geographic segments: The Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”)(EMEA); and Asia Pacific, Japan, and China (“APJC”)(APJC).

For revenue and other information regarding these segments, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We were incorporated in California in December 1984, and our headquarters are in San Jose, California. The mailing address of our headquarters is 170 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, California 95134-1706, and our telephone number at that location is (408) 526-4000. Our website is www.cisco.com. Through a link on the Investor Relations section of our website, we make available the following filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)(SEC): our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. All such filings are available free of charge.

Products and Services

The information posted on our website is not incorporated into this report.

As part of our business focus on the network as the platform for all forms of communications and IT, our products and services are designed to help our customers use technology to address their business imperatives

and opportunities—driving growth, improving productivity, and user experience, reducing costs, mitigating risk, and gaining a competitive advantage—advantage. We deliver networking products and solutions designed to simplify and secure customers’ network infrastructures and help them connect more effectively with their key stakeholders, including their customers, prospects, business partners, suppliers, and employees. We deliver networking products and solutions designed to simplify and secure customers’ network infrastructures. We also delivercontinually focus on delivering products and solutions that leverage the network to most effectively address market transitions and customer requirements—including intransitions. In recent periods, we have developed and delivered products and services to address the transitions driven by virtualization, cloud, software, collaboration, and video. Our products and technologies are grouped into the following categories: Switching; Next-Generation Network (NGN) Routing; Service Provider Video; Collaboration; Data Center; Wireless; Security; and Other Products. We believe that integrating multiple networkproducts and services into architectures and across our productssolutions helps our customers reduce their operational complexity, increase their agility, and reduce their total cost of network ownership. Our product offerings fall into the following categories: our core technologies, Routing and Switching; New Products; and Other Products. In addition to our product offerings, we provide a broad range of service offerings, including technical support services and advanced services. Our customer base spans virtually all types of public and private agencies and businesses, comprising enterprise businesses, service providers, commercial customers, and consumers.

Our products are used individually or as integrated offerings to connect personal and business computing devices to networks or computer networks with each other—whether they are within a building, across a campus, or around the world. Our breadth of product and service offerings across multiple technology segments enables us to offer a wide range of products and services to meet customer-specific requirements. We also provide products and services that allow customers to transition their various networks to a single multi-service data, voice, and video network, thereby enabling economies of scale.

Network architectures, built ondeveloped from our core routing and switching technologies, are evolving to accommodate the demands of increasing numbers of users, network applications, and new network-related markets. These new markets are a natural extension of our core business and have emerged as the network has become the platform for provisioning, integrating, and delivering an ever-increasing array of IT-based products and services.


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Strategy and Focus Areas
Our strategy is to deliver the integrated architectures, solutions, and outcomes to help our customers grow, manage costs, and mitigate risk. We announced a plansee our customers, in May 2011, which we began implementingalmost every industry, becoming increasingly reliant on technology—and specifically the network—to meet their business objectives and compete successfully in fiscal 2011 and expectthe market.
Our focus continues to complete in fiscal 2012,be on capitalizing on market transitions to realign our sales, services and engineering organizations in order to simplify our operating model and focus on our five foundational priorities:

Leadershipmaintain leadership in our core business (routing, switching,markets and associated services) which includes comprehensive security and mobility solutions

Collaboration

Data center virtualization and cloud

Video

Architectures for business transformation

to enter new markets where the network is foundational. We believe that focusing on these priorities willthis focus best positionpositions us to continuebecome a more relevant and trusted partner to our customers and to expand our share of our customers’ information technologyIT spending.

We are currently undergoingfocused on driving the innovation, speed, agility, and efficiencies in our company required to deliver leading technology solutions for our customers and shareholder value for our investors.

Over the last few years, we have been working to transform our business to move from selling individual products and services to selling products and services integrated into architectures and solutions, as well as to meet customers' business outcomes. As a part of this transformation, we are making changes to how we are organized and how we deliver our technology. We believe these changes enable us to better meet our customers’ requirements and help them stay ahead of market transitions.
As part of the ongoing transformation of our business, we continue to drive product transitions in our core business, and introducingincluding the introduction of next-generation products with higher price performancebetter price-performance and architectural advantages compared towith both our prior generation of products and the product offerings of our competitors. We believe that many of these product transitions are gaining momentum based on the strong year-over-year product revenue growth across these next-generation product families. We believe that our strategy and our abilityin certain of the new products, but we do continue to innovate and execute may enable us to improve our relative competitive position in manymanage through the transitions of several of our existing key product areas even in uncertain or difficult business conditionsplatforms, and therefore, maywe continue to see the impact thereof on our overall core performance. Going forward, a focus on utilizing our core products within the integrated solutions that we provide uscustomers to meet their business outcomes will be a critical part of our strategy.
In our view our routing and switching product leadership has been foundational to our success in the data center market. We initially captured the market transition to converged infrastructure, bringing together networking, compute, and storage into one integrated architecture with long-term growth opportunities. However, we believe that these newly introduced products may continue to negatively impact product gross margins, which we are currently striving to address through various initiatives including value engineering, effective supply chain management, and delivering greater customer value through offers that include hardware, software, and services.

the Unified Computing System (UCS). We continue to seekexpand the opportunity relating to capitalize on market transitions. Market transitions on which we are primarily focused include those related toUCS, including incorporating the increased role of virtualization/theUCS solution within our solutions for cloud video, collaboration, networked mobility technologies and the transition from Internet Protocol Version 4 to Internet Protocol Version 6. For example, a market in which a significant market transition is under way is the enterprise data center market, where a transition to virtualization / the cloud is rapidly evolving. There is a continued growing awareness that intelligent networks are becoming the platform for productivity improvement and global competitiveness.virtualization. We believe that disruption in the enterprise data center market is accelerating, due to changing technology trends that, we believe, depend on an intelligent network—trends such as the increasing adoption ofnetwork virtualization, the rise in scalable processing,cloud, and the adventincreased demands of cloud computingapplications. To take advantage of our position in our customers' network infrastructure, we are implementing strategies and cloud-based IT resource deployments and business models. These key terms are definedoffering strong products to address each of these major transitions, including:

Virtualization, which we refer to as follows:

Virtualization: refers to the process of aggregating the current siloed data center resources into unified, sharedcreating a virtual, or nonphysical, version of a device or resource, poolssuch as a server, storage device, network, or operating system, in such a way that can be dynamically delivered to applications on demand thus enabling the ability to move content and applications betweenusers as well as other devices and resources are able to interact with the network.

virtual resource as if it were an actual physical resource.

The cloud: referscloud, which we refer to as an information technologyIT hosting and delivery system in which resources, such as servers or software applications, are no longer tethered to a user’s physical infrastructure but instead are delivered to and consumed by the user “on demand” as an Internet-based service, whether singularly or with multiple other users simultaneously.

This virtualization

We also remain focused on continued investment in our services portfolio, tightly integrated with our product portfolio, to deliver the solutions our customers want. A few examples of new service offerings include security services, cloud and cloud-drivenmanaged services and consulting services.
Among our other areas of focus are:
Our security products, where we are seeing strong momentum as we integrate our recently acquired Sourcefire, Inc. ("Sourcefire") portfolio into an integrated security architecture
Our collaboration products, where we have recently introduced an entirely new portfolio of products designed to deliver a much richer experience at much lower price points
Our wireless products, where we are seeing strong growth of our cloud networking business, which we acquired from Meraki, Inc.
Our software offerings, where we are focused on delivering our technology and solutions via new license models by which we seek to increase our recurring revenue

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Market Transitions
We continue to seek to capitalize on market transitions as sources of future revenue opportunities as part of the continued transformation of our business, and we believe market transitions in the IT industry are occurring with greater frequency. Market transitions relating to the network are becoming, in our view, more significant as intelligent networks have moved from being a cost center issue—where the focus is on reducing network operating costs and increasing network-related productivity—to becoming a platform for revenue generation, business agility, and competitive advantage.
We believe that that the next wave of dramatic Internet growth will come through the confluence of people, process, data, and things, which we refer to as the IoE. We believe that IoE, by bringing “everything” online, will create significant opportunities for businesses, governments and other organizations to obtain greater value from networked connections. IoE is being driven by several factors.  Along with the anticipated proliferation in the number of network-connected things, we believe customers are seeing that significant technology trends and advances make it possible to realize more value from connectedness.  IoE also reflects the ability to create intelligence—and capture intelligence faster—from these connections, which is why we believe that IoE has the potential to be a pivotal market transition in the enterprise data center market is being brought about through the convergence of networking, computing, storage,that can offer significant economic and software technologies. We are seeking tosocietal benefits on a global basis. Helping our customers take advantage of IoE, in our view, requires enabling them to address several of the other major technology transitions driving the IoE, such as virtualization, application centricity, cloud, and mobility. We believe our customers need a new model for IT that addresses the requirements that these transitions place on IT. We call this market transition through, among other things, our Cisco Unified Computing Systemmodel that unifies infrastructure, platform, and Cisco Nexus product families, which are designedapplications "Fast IT." By delivering architectures and solutions based on Fast IT, we aim to integrate the previously siloed technologieshelp our customers reduce complexity, accelerate service deployment, and increase security in the enterprise data center with a unified architecture.world that is increasingly virtualized, application centric, cloud-based, and mobile.
Virtualization/Application Centricity We are also seekingfocusing on a market transition involving the move toward more programmable, flexible, and virtual networks, sometimes called software defined networking, or SDN.  This transition is focused on moving from a hardware-centric approach for networking to capitalize ona virtualized network environment that is designed to enable flexible, application-driven customization of network infrastructures. We believe the successful products and solutions in this market transition throughwill combine application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) with hardware and software elements together to meet customers’ total cost of ownership, quality, security, scalability, and experience requirements. In our view, there is no single architecture that supports all customer requirements in this area.
We believe the developmentpromise of other cloud-based product and service offerings through which we intendSDN is to enable customers to developmore open and deploy their own cloud-based ITprogrammable network infrastructure. We are addressing this opportunity with a unique strategy and set of solutions including software-as-a-service (SaaS) and other-as-a-service (XaaS) solutions.

The competitive landscape in the enterprise data center marketthat is changing. Very large, well-financed, and aggressive competitors are each bringing their own new class of productsdesigned to address this new market.the application demands transition and offers a holistic approach to the future of networking that responds automatically to the needs of applications.  We expect this competitive market trendintroduced and began shipping our Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), which delivers centralized application-driven policy automation, management, and visibility of both physical and virtual environments as a single system.  ACI is comprised of our Nexus 9000 portfolio of switches, enhanced versions of our NX-OS operating system, and the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC), which provides a central place to continue. With respectconfigure, automate, and manage an entire network, based on the needs of applications.

CloudOur Intercloud strategy seeks to this market,leverage our application centric infrastructure together with our partners to deliver, we believe, the first global open network will be the intersection of innovation through an open ecosystem and standards. We expect to see acquisitions, further industry consolidation, and new alliances among companies as they seek to serve the enterprise data center market. As we enter this next market phase, we expect that we will strengthen certain strategic alliances, compete more with certain strategic alliances and partners, and perhaps also encounter new competitors in our attempt to deliver the best solutions for our customers.

Other market transitions on which we are focusing particular attention include those related to the increased role of video, collaboration, and networked mobility technologies. The key market transitions relative to the convergence of video, collaboration, and networked mobility technologies, which we believe will drive productivity and growth in network loads, appear to be evolving even more quickly and more significantly than we had previously anticipated. Cisco TelePresence systems are one example of product offerings that have incorporated video, collaboration, and networked mobility technologies, as customers evolve their communications and business models. We are focused on simplifying and expanding the creation, distribution, and use of end-to-end video solutions for businesses and consumers.

highly secure hybrid cloud environments. We believe that customers and partners view our approach to the architectural approachcloud as differentiated and unique, recognizing that has served us well inwe offer a solution to federated, private, hybrid, and public clouds that enables them to move their cloud workloads across heterogeneous private and public clouds with the past in addressing market opportunities in the communicationsnecessary policy, security, and IT industry will be adaptable to other markets. An example of a market wheremanagement features. With our InterCloud solution, we aim to apply this approach is mobility, where growth of IP traffic on handheld devices is drivingbuild upon the need for more robust architectures, equipmentleadership we have established in the private cloud market and services in order to accommodate not only an increasing number of worldwide mobile device users, but also increased user demand for broadband-quality business network and consumer web applications to be delivered on such devices.

as a cloud infrastructure provider.

For a discussion of the risks associated with our strategy, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” including the risk factor entitled “We depend upon the development of new products and enhancements to existing products, and if we fail to predict and respond to emerging technological trends and customers’ changing needs, our operating results and market share may suffer.” For information regarding sales of our major products and services, see Note 1617 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Products and Services
Our current offerings fall into several categories:

Routing

Routing technology is fundamental to the Internet, and this technology interconnects public and private IP networks for mobile, data, voice, and video applications. Our routing products are designed to enhance the intelligence, security, reliability, scalability, and level of performance in the transmission of information and media-rich applications. We offer a broad range of routers, from core network infrastructure and mobile Internet network for service providers and enterprises to access routers for branch offices and for telecommuters and consumers at home. Key products within our routing category are the Cisco 800, 1900, 2900, and 3900 Series Integrated Services Routers as well as the Cisco Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) 1000, 5000 and 9000 Series; Cisco 7600 and 12000 Series Routers; and the Cisco Carrier Routing System (CRS), CRS-1 and CRS-3.

During fiscal 2011, we introduced enhancements to the ASR 9000 System, which complement the Cisco CRS-3 located in the core of the next-generation Internet. We believe these new enhancements will help enable compelling new experiences for consumers, new revenue opportunities for service providers, and new ways to collaborate in the workplace.

Switching

Switching is anotheran integral networking technology used in campuses, branch offices, and data centers. Switches are used within buildings in local-area networks (LANs) and across great distances in wide-area networks (WANs). Our switching products offer many forms of connectivity to end users, workstations, IP phones, wireless access points, and servers and also function as aggregators on LANs and WANs. Our switching systems employ several widely used technologies, including Ethernet, Power over Ethernet, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), Packet over Synchronous Optical Network, and Multiprotocol Label Switching. Many of our switches are designed to support an integrated set of advanced services, allowing organizations to be more efficient by using one switch for multiple networking functions rather than multiple switches to accomplish the same functions. Cisco offers a comprehensive family of Ethernet switching solutions from fixed-configurationKey product platforms within our Switching product category, in which we also include storage products, are as follows:
Fixed-Configuration SwitchesModular SwitchesStorage
Cisco Catalyst Series:Cisco Catalyst Series:Cisco MDS Series:
• Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series• Cisco Catalyst 4500-E Series• Cisco MDS 9000
• Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series• Cisco Catalyst 6500-E Series
• Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series• Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series
• Cisco Catalyst 4500-X Series
Cisco Nexus Series:Cisco Nexus Series:
• Cisco Nexus 2000 Series• Cisco Nexus 7000 Series
• Cisco Nexus 3000 Series• Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
• Cisco Nexus 5000 Series
• Cisco Nexus 6000 Series
Fixed-configuration switchesare designed to cover a range of deployments in both large enterprises as well as in small and medium-sized businesses, to modular switches for enterprises and service providers. Our fixed-configuration switches are designed to provideproviding a foundation for converged data, voice, and video services. TheyOur fixed configuration switches range from small, standalone switches to stackable models that function as a single, scalable switching unit.
Modular switches offer flexibility for enterprises, which due toare typically used by enterprise and service provider customers with large-scale network demands often needneeds. These products are designed to offer customers the flexibility and scalability to deploy numerous, concurrent intelligentas well as advanced, networking services without degrading overall network performance. Key
Fixed-configuration and modular switches also include products within oursuch as optics modules, which are shared across multiple product platforms.
Our switching categoryportfolio also includes virtual switches and related offerings. These products provide switching functionality for virtual machines and are the Cisco Catalyst 2960, 3560, 3750, 4500, 4900,designed to operate in a complementary fashion with virtual services to optimize security and 6500 Series; the Nexus 1000V, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 7000 Series switches; and Cisco Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extenders.

application behavior.

During fiscal 2011,2014, we continued to enhancesee increased market acceptance of switches we introduced in the previous fiscal year, including our fixed configurationCisco Catalyst 2960-X, Cisco Catalyst 3850 and modularCisco Catalyst 6800 Series switches. We announced our application-centric-infrastructure solution, Cisco ACI, in fiscal 2014. Cisco ACI consists of the new Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches, a Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and accompanying centralized policy management capability, a Cisco Application Virtual Switch (AVS), integrated physical and virtual infrastructure, and an open ecosystem of network, storage, management, and orchestration vendors. Key characteristics of Cisco ACI include simplified automation by an application-driven policy model, centralized visibility and vigilance with real-time application monitoring, open software flexibility for development and operations teams and ecosystem partner integration capability, and scalable performance in hardware.
Individually, our switching suite of products is designed to offer the performance and features required for nearly any deployment, from traditional small workgroups, wiring closets, and network cores to highly virtualized and converged corporate data centers. Working together with our wireless access solutions, these switches are, in our view, the building blocks of an integrated network that delivers scalable and advanced functionality solutions—protecting, optimizing, and growing as a customer’s business needs evolve.

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NGN Routing
NGN technology is fundamental to deliver key network services thatthe foundation of the Internet. This category of technologies interconnects public and private wireline and mobile networks for mobile, data, voice, and video applications. Our NGN Routing portfolio of hardware and software solutions consists primarily of physical and virtual routers and routing systems. Our solutions are designed to work withmeet the scale, reliability, and security needs of our customers. In our view, our portfolio is differentiated from those of our competitors through the advanced capabilities, which we sometimes refer to as “intelligence,” that our products provide at each layer of network infrastructure to deliver performance in the transmission of information and media-rich applications.
As to specific products, we offer a broad range of hardware and software solutions, from core network infrastructure and mobile network routing solutions for service providers and enterprises to access routers for branch offices and for telecommuters and consumers at home. Key product areas within our NGN Routing category are as follows:
High-End RoutersMidrange and Low-End RoutersOther NGN Routing
Cisco Aggregation Services Routers (ASRs):Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISRs):Optical networking products:
• Cisco ASR 901, 902, and 903 Series• Cisco 800 Series ISRCisco Cloud Services Router 1000V
• Cisco ASR 1000 Series• Cisco 1900 Series ISROther routing products
• Cisco ASR 5000 and 5500 Series• Cisco 2900 Series ISR
• Cisco ASR 9000 Series• Cisco 3900 Series ISR
Cisco Carrier Routing Systems (CRS):• Cisco ISR-AX
• Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Router
• Cisco CRS-3 Multishelf System
• Cisco CRS-X
• Cisco 7600 Series
Cisco Network Convergence System (NCS):
• Cisco NCS 2000 Series
• Cisco NCS 4000 Series
• Cisco NCS 6000 Series
Cisco Quantum Software Suite
Small cell access routers
During fiscal 2014, we continued to add new capabilities, including a new platform in our high-end routers known as the Cisco routing, security,Network Convergence System (NCS). In fiscal 2014, we also made several enhancements to our Cisco ASR series of products. We also continue to provide enhancements to our NGN Routing portfolio through our architectural approach, which consists of a programmable network at the foundation and wireless productsa services platform that connects the network to applications and services. Our solutions seek to combine silicon, systems, and software to enable video collaboration, enterprise-wide energy management,the next-generation IoE and policy-based security. In fiscal 2011, we also continuedcompelling new experiences for consumers, new revenue opportunities for service providers, and new ways to expand on the Cisco Catalyst 4500 processor module by adding a new supervisor engine and features such as Universal Power over Ethernet to power new applications such as thin clients. This supervisor engine is designed to achieve borderless network access and price-performance aggregation deployments providing increased fiber density along with hardware capabilities to support aggregation functionalities. In addition, we introduced capabilitiescollaborate in the Nexus 7000 for scale and convergence such as FabricPath and Director-class FCoE. Additionally, we completely refreshed our flagship Catalyst 6500 platform, tripling the performance, quadrupling the scalability, and adding new services to the platform.

New Productsworkplace.


5


Service Provider Video Connected Home

Our end-to-end, digital video distribution systems and digital interactive set-top boxes enable service providers and content originators to deliver entertainment, information, and communication services to consumers and businesses around the world.  These systems consistKey product areas within our Service Provider Video category are as follows:
Service Provider Video InfrastructureVideo Software and Solutions
Set-top boxes:• Content security systems
• IP set-top boxes• Digital content management products
• Digital cable set-top boxes• Digital headend products
• Digital transport adapters• Digital media network products
• Integration and customization offerings
Cable/Telecommunications Access:• Service provider video software solutions (Videoscape)
• Cable modem termination systems (CMTS)
• Hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) access network products
• Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) products
Cable modems:
• Data modems
• Embedded media terminal adapters
• Wireless gateways
During fiscal 2014, we continued to leverage technologies obtained through our fiscal 2013 acquisition of NDS Group Limited (“NDS”), a provider of video software and content security solutions. We have included all of our revenue from NDS within the Service Provider Video product category. Specifically, we have integrated NDS products and platforms deployed in network operation centers, headends, core and edge access networks, and outside plant environments, as well as in homes and businesses. Our range of set-top box product offerings includes both standard IP capable models and radio frequency models that can securely distributewith Cisco Videoscape, our comprehensive content as well as more advanced models with digital video recording options and whole home video capabilities for delivering standard definition and high definition video. We also provide cable modems, residential gateways, femtocell access points, and other products deployed in homes and businesses

Our home networking strategy aligns with Cisco’s broader visiondelivery platform designed to enable consumers to live a connected life that is more personal, social, and visual. Our products connect different devices in the household, allowing people to share Internet access, printers, storage, video, music, movies, and games throughout the home. Products include routers, adapters, gateways, switches, modems, home network management software, and other products that are designed to provide both tech-savvy and mass-market consumers with rich in-home experiences. These products are sold through select retailers, value-added resellers, online retailers, and service providers worldwide.

and media companies to deliver next-generation entertainment experiences.

Collaboration

Cisco’s

Our Collaboration portfolio integrates voice, video, data, and mobile applications on fixed and mobile networks across a wide range of devices and endpoints—fromrelated IT equipment—sometimes collectively referred to as "endpoints"—that people use to access networks, such as mobile phones, tablets, desktop and tablets to desktops, Macslaptop computers, and laptops to desktop virtualization clients. SpecificKey product areas within our Collaboration category are as follows:
Unified CommunicationsWeb-Based Collaboration OfferingsCisco TelePresence Systems
• IP phones• Cisco WebEx meeting server• Collaboration desk endpoints
• Call center and messaging products• Cisco WebEx meeting center• Collaboration room endpoints
• Call control• Immersive systems
• Software-based, IM clients• Cisco TelePresence server and video conferencing infrastructure
• Communication gateways and unified communication applications and subscriptions• Cisco TelePresence integration solutions
We include IP phones, mobile applications, customer care, web conferencing, messaging, enterprise social software andall of our revenue from WebEx within the Collaboration product category. During fiscal 2014, our collaboration offerings expanded within the Cisco TelePresence Systems. These solutions are available as softwareSystems collaboration desk endpoints category, including the Cisco Desktop Collaboration DX70 and web-based collaborativeDX80 offerings standalone devices, integrated components in Cisco routers and switches, and as hosted services in the cloud. Cisco’s strategy is towhich offer an open, interoperable architecture that enables customers to deliver a consistent collaboration experience regardless of device, content, location, or interaction style. These capabilities are critical capabilities in today’s era, which requires a collaborative workspace that is mobile, social, visual and virtual.

During fiscal 2011, Cisco introduced several new Collaboration solutions including: Cisco Quad, an enterprise social software platform; Cisco Social Miner, a social media solution for proactive customer care; Cisco TelePresence EX90 and MX200 systems designed to easily extend TelePresence to more desktops, offices and meeting spaces; Cisco Jabber, an enterprise application for presence, instant messaging, web conferencing, desktop sharing,high-definition voice and video on mobile devices, laptopscommunications, integrated collaboration, ten-point touchscreen, end-user personalization, and applications;cloud readiness. We also added room-based endpoints with our Cisco WebEx for web-based collaboration with presentations, applications, documents, integrated audioTelePresence MX700 and high quality video on tablets and desktops; and new desktop virtualization endpoints for thin client Collaboration applications.

Security

Cisco security solutions deliver network and content security systems thatMX800 offerings, which are designed to enable highly secure collaboration. Our products in thisprovide an all-in-one solution for medium to large meeting rooms. Also, within our Cisco TelePresence systems product category, span firewall, intrusion prevention, remote access, virtual private networks (VPN), unified client, web and email security and network security. Our AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client enables users to access networks with their mobile device of choice, such as laptops and smartphone-based mobile devices while allowing organizations to manage the security risks of borderless networks. Our cloud-based web security service isfor our enterprise customers we added Cisco Business Edition 7000, a stackable, modular server solution designed to provide real-time threat protection and to prevent zero-day malware from reaching corporate networks, including roaming or mobile users. We focus onconsolidate multiple collaboration applications onto a proactive, layered approach to counter both existing and emerging security threats. We provide security solutions that are designed to besingle integrated timely, comprehensive, and effective, helping to ensure holistic security for organizations worldwide. In addition, Cisco security systems include network and application policy solutions for identity services used in

data centers and collaboration services as a seriesplatform.



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Data Center
Our Data Center product category ishas been our fastest growing major product category for each of the Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances line.

Wireless

past four fiscal years. The Cisco Unified Wireless Network isComputing System (UCS) unites computing, networking, storage, management, and virtualization into a single fabric-based platform designed to unifysimplify operations and provide business agility through rapid deployment and scaling of application infrastructure. UCS is specifically designed for virtualization and automation and enables on-demand provisioning from shared pools of infrastructure across physical and virtual environments.

Key product areas within our Data Center product category are as follows:
Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS):
• Cisco UCS B-Series Blade Servers
• Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers
• Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects
• Cisco UCS Manager and Cisco UCS Central Software
• Cisco UCS Director
• Cisco UCS Invicta Series
Server Access Virtualization:
• Cisco Nexus 1000V
• Cisco Nexus 1000V InterCloud

During fiscal 2014 we expanded the network management capabilities of our Cisco UCS Central Software offerings, further enhancing Cisco UCS management capabilities to encompass thousands of servers across one or many data centers. Additionally, we continued to invest in data center infrastructure management and automation software within our Cisco UCS Director product offering. We also introduced new UCS blade and rack servers which address large-scale databases, data analytics, and business intelligence, and we also introduced the Cisco UCS Invicta Series, which aims to simplify the data center through the use of flash technology to maximize operational efficiency by improving handling of data-intensive application workloads. During fiscal 2014, Cisco UCS added flash memory to its portfolio of products as a result of our acquisition of WhipTail Technologies, Inc. ("WhipTail"), a provider of high-performance, 802.11nscalable solid-state memory systems, which occurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2014.
Our fiscal 2014 Data Center product innovations were designed to accelerate execution on our strategy, which is to enable customers to consolidate both physical and virtualized workloads—taking into account customer's unique application requirements—onto a single scalable, centrally managed, and automated system. This strategy has resulted in a portfolio of solutions designed to preserve customer choice, accelerate business initiatives, reduce risk, lower the cost of IT, and represent a comprehensive solution when deployed.
Wireless
Wireless access via wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a fast-growing technology with organizations across the globe investing to provide indoor and outdoor coverage with seamless roaming for voice, video, and data applications. We aim to deliver an optimized user experience over Wi-Fi and leverage the intelligence of the network to solve business problems. Our wireless solutions include wireless access across campus, branch, remote,points; standalone, switch-converged, and outdoor environments. Thiscloud-managed solutions; and network managed services.  Our wireless system strives to maximize flexibilitysolutions portfolio is enhanced with security and reliabilitylocation-based services via our Mobility Services Engine (MSE) solution. Our offerings provide users with its access point, controller, antenna, and integrated management products. Simplifiedsimplified management and mobile device troubleshooting are features of the platform designed to reduce operational cost. This platform delivers, through an open application programming interface (API), business-relevant mobility data, voice,cost and maximize flexibility and reliability. We are also investing in customized chipset development toward the goal of delivering innovative radio frequency (RF) product functionality; our CleanAir proactive spectrum intelligence, our ClientLink solution for mobile devices, and our VideoStream video and context-aware applications to partners and end-user customers. A current keyoptimization technology are illustrations of recent investment activity in this area.
Key product lineareas within our wireless technologyWireless category are as follows:
Cisco Aironet Series
Access point modules for 3600 Series (802.11ac, 3G, WSSI, LTE/4G) and 3700 Series
Controllers (standalone and integrated)
Meraki wireless cloud solutions

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In fiscal 2014, the Connected Mobile Experience (CMX), a Wi-Fi location data analytics platform we introduced in fiscal 2013, continued to experience positive momentum as customers seek new monetization opportunities. Our fiscal 2013 acquisitions of Meraki, Inc. (“Meraki”), a cloud-managed networking company, and ThinkSmart Technologies Limited, a specialist in Wi-Fi data location analytics, in our view bolster our Unified Access platform by providing scalable, easy-to-deploy, on-premise networking solutions that can be centrally managed from the cloud.
Security
With the IoE creating what we believe to be a potentially significant opportunity, security is a significant business concern, and we believe it is a top investment priority of our customers. More people, processes, and devices than ever before are connected to the Cisco Aironet product family.

Data Center

Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS)Internet, causing an escalation of security threats which can result in—where such security threats become actual security breaches—loss of revenue, intellectual property, and Server Virtualization formreputation. Our security portfolio of products and services is designed to offer a comprehensive solution that collects and shares intelligence with a coordinated focus on threats across the core of Cisco’s Data Center products. The UCS platform unites computing,entire attack continuum—before, during, and after an attack. These solutions include network storage access,security, web and virtualization into a cohesive system. Key products within our UCS platform are Cisco UCS B-Series Blade Servers and Cisco UCS C-Series Rack-Mount Servers supported by fabric interconnects which include our lossless FCoE interconnect switch that consolidates input/output within the system, server chassis, fabric extenders,email security, cloud web security, advanced malware protection, data center security, and network adapters.

Cisco Application Networking Services consist of a broad portfolio of application networkingadmission control and identity services. Our security solutions designed to enable secure, high performance, reliable delivery of applications within data centers and across WANs to remote and branch office users. Our solutionsservices are designed to help facilitateprotect customers from the deploymentnetwork to the cloud to the endpoint, through a network-integrated architecture.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we completed our acquisition of Sourcefire, a provider of intelligent cybersecurity solutions. Sourcefire delivers innovative, highly automated security through continuous awareness, threat detection, and deliveryprotection across its portfolio, including next-generation intrusion prevention systems, next-generation firewalls, and advanced malware protection. In fiscal 2014 we announced new solutions in advanced malware protection and network security that included integration of business applications acrossour Sourcefire products with products obtained from our fiscal 2013 acquisition of Cognitive Security. We also introduced OpenAppID, an entire organization by using technologyopen source application detection solution designed to accelerate, maximize availabilityallow customers to create, share, and implement custom application detection so they can address new application-based threats as quickly as possible.
In the fourth quarter of and secure both application traffic and computing resources. A key product within our application networking services category is Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS)fiscal 2014, we acquired ThreatGRID, Inc., a comprehensive WAN optimization solution that is enabled for SaaS-based applicationsleader in dynamic malware analysis and threat intelligence technology. ThreatGRID's private and public cloud technology combines dynamic malware analysis with analytics and actionable indicators with the Integrated Service Router G2’s Services Ready Engine.

We provide storage area networking (SAN) products for data center environments designedgoal of enabling security teams to deliver multilayer, scalable,proactively defend against and highly secure connectivity between serversquickly respond to advanced cyber attacks and storage systems, including products such as storage arrays and tape drives. These products incorporate intelligent network features, such asmalware outbreaks. With the ThreatGRID acquisition, we aim to strengthen our advanced networkthreat protection security traffic management, server virtualization, SAN consolidation and pay-as-you-grow flexibility to permit users to scale from an entry-level departmental switch to edge connectivity in enterprise SANs, and also incorporate tools that are designed to help make storing, retrieving, and protecting critical data across widely distributed environments more efficient. The Cisco MDS 9000 Series of configurable Fiber Channel fabric switches is currently the key product line within our storage area networking product category.

offering.

Other Products

Our Other Products category primarily consists of optical networking products,certain emerging technologies such as physical security and video surveillance, and digital media systems.

other networking products.

Service

In addition to our product offerings, we provide a broad range of service offerings, including technical support services and advanced services.
Technical support services help our customers ensure that ourtheir products operate efficiently, remain available, and benefit from the most up-to-date system software.and application software that we have developed. These services help customers protect their network investments, manage risk, and minimize downtime for systems running mission-critical applications. A key example of this is our Cisco Smart Services offering, which leverages the intelligence from Cisco’s millions of devices and customer connections to protect and optimize network investment for our customers and partners.
Advanced services are services that are part of a comprehensive program that is designed to providefocused on providing responsive, preventive,

and consultative support of our technologies for specific networking needs. The advanced services program supports networking devices, applications, solutions, and complete infrastructures. Our service and support strategy seeks to capitalizeis focused on capitalizing on increased globalization, and we believe this strategy, along with our architectural approach, has the potential to further differentiate us from competitors.



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Customers and Markets

Many factors influence the IT, collaboration, and networking requirements of our customers. These include the size of the organization, number and types of technology systems, geographic location, and the business applications deployed throughout the customer’s network. Our customer base is not limited to any specific industry, geography, or market segment. In each of the past three fiscal years, no single customer has accounted for 10 percent10% or more of our net sales.revenue. Our customers primarily operate in the following markets: enterprise, service provider, commercial, and consumer.

public sector.

Enterprise
Enterprise

Enterprise businesses are large regional, national, or global organizations with multiple locations or branch offices and typically employ 1,000 or more employees. Many enterprise businesses have unique IT, collaboration, and networking needs within a multi-vendormultivendor environment. Our enterprise customers also include public sector entities and governments. We strive to take advantage of the network-as-a-platform strategy to integrate business processes with technology architectures to assist customer growth. We offer service and support packages, financing, and managed network services, primarily through our service provider partners. We sell these products through a network of third-party application and technology vendors and channel partners.

partners, as well as selling directly to these customers.

Service Providers

Service providers offer data, voice, video, and mobile/wireless services to businesses, governments, utilities, and consumers worldwide. They include regional, national, and international wireline carriers, as well as Internet, cable, and wireless providers. We also group media, broadcast, and content-providerscontent providers within our service provider market, as the lines in the telecommunications industry continue to blur between traditional network-based services and content-based and application-based services. Service providers use a variety of our routing and switching, optical, security, video, connected home, mobility, and network management products, systems, and services for their own networks. In addition, many service providers use Cisco data center, virtualization, and collaboration technologies to offer managed or Internet-based services to their business customers. These technologies include Cisco Unified Communications and call center products and applications, Cisco WebEx collaboration tools, and Cisco TelePresence systems products, as well as other video and security products and systems that can be incorporated into network-attached data centers. Compared with other customers, service providers are more likely to require network design, deployment, and support services because of the scale and complexity of their networks, which requirements are addressed, we believe, by our architectural approach.

Commercial

Generally, we define commercial businesses as companies with fewer than 1,000 employees. The larger, or midmarket, customers within the commercial market are served by a combination of our direct salesforce and our channel partners. These customers typically require the latest advanced technologies that our enterprise customers demand, but with less complexity. Small businesses, or companies with fewer than 100 employees, require information technologies and communication products that are easy to configure, install, and maintain. These smaller companies within the commercial market are primarily served by our channel partners.

Public Sector
Consumer

Our consumer customers are individuals who use thePublic sector entities include federal governments, state and local governments, as well as educational institution customers. Many public sector entities have unique IT, collaboration, and networking needs within a multivendor environment. We sell to public sector entities through a network at home, or while away from home, for personal useof third-party application and technology vendors and channel partners, as well as selling directly to enjoy a broad range of entertainment, communications, and information experiences. Cisco’s primary

strategy for serving the consumer market is through its service provider customers, and to a lesser extent through major consumer channels, including through both traditional and online retailers, through our website, and through value added resellers.

these customers.

Sales Overview

As of the end of fiscal 2011,2014, our worldwide sales and marketing departmentdepartments consisted of approximately 25,89824,740 employees, including managers, sales representatives, and technical support personnel. We have field sales offices in approximately 9594 countries, and we sell our products and services both directly and through a variety of channels with support from our salesforce. A substantial portion of our products and services is sold through our channel partners, and the remainder is sold through direct sales. Our channel partners include systems integrators, service providers, other resellers, distributors, and retail partners.

distributors.

Systems integrators and service providers typically sell directly to end users and often provide system installation, technical support, professional services, and other support services in addition to network equipment sales. Systems integrators also typically integrate our products into an overall solution. Some service providers are also systems integrators.

Distributors hold inventory and typically sell to systems integrators, service providers, and other resellers. In addition, home networking products are generally sold through distributors and retail partners. We refer to sales through distributors and retail partners as our two-tier system of sales to the end customer. Revenue from distributors and retail partners generally is recognized based on a sell-through method using information provided by them. These distributors and retail partners are generally given business terms that allow them to return a portion of inventory, receive credits for changes in selling prices, and participate in various cooperative marketing programs.

For information regarding risks related to our channels, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” including the risk factors entitled “Disruption of or changes in our distribution model could harm our sales and margins” and “Our inventory management relating to our sales to our two-tier distribution channel is complex, and excess inventory may harm our gross margins.”


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For information regarding risks relating to our international operations, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” including the risk factors entitled “Our operating results may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions and the uncertain geopolitical environment”; “Entrance into new or developing markets exposes us to additional competition and will likely increase demands on our service and support operations”; “Due to the global nature of our operations, political or economic changes or other factors in a specific country or region could harm our operating results and financial condition”; “We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows”; and “Man-made problems such as computer viruses or terrorism may disrupt our operations and harm our operating results”,results,” among others.

Our service offerings complement our products through a range of consulting, technical, project, quality, and software maintenance services, including 24-hour online and telephone support through technical assistance centers.

Financing Arrangements
We provide financing arrangements such as leases, financed service contracts, and loans, for certain qualified customers to build, maintain, and upgrade their networks. We believe customer financing is a competitive factor in obtaining business, particularly in serving customers involved in significant infrastructure projects. Leases include sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases. We also provide certain qualified customers with the option of financing long-term service contracts, which primarily relate to technical support services and typically range from one to three years. Our loan financing arrangements may include not only financing for the acquisition of our products and services, but also may provide additional funds for other costs associated with network installation and integration of our products and services. following:
Leases:
• Sales-type
• Direct financing
• Operating
Loans
Financed service contracts
For additional information regarding these financing arrangements, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Product Backlog

Our product backlog at July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the last day of our 2011 fiscal year,2014, was approximately $4.3$5.4 billion, compared with product backlog of approximately $4.1$4.9 billion at July 31, 2010,27, 2013, the last day of our 2010 fiscal year.2013. The product backlog includes orders confirmed for products scheduled to be shipped within 90 days to customers with approved credit status. Because of the generally short cycle between order and shipment and occasional customer changes in delivery schedules or cancellation of orders (which are made without significant penalty), we do not believe that our product backlog, as of any particular date, is necessarily indicative of actual net product salesrevenue for any future period.

Acquisitions, Investments, and Alliances

The markets in which we compete require a wide variety of technologies, products, and capabilities. Our growth strategy is based on the three components of innovation, which we sometimes refer to as our “build, buy, and partner” approach. The foregoing is a way of describing how we strive to innovate: we can internally develop, or build, our own innovative solutions; we can acquire, or buy, companies with innovative technologies; and we can partner with companies to jointly develop and/or resell product technologies and innovations. The combination of technological complexity and rapid change within our markets makes it difficult for a single company to develop all of the technological solutions that it desires to offer within its family of products and services. We work to broaden the range of products and services we deliver to customers in target markets through acquisitions, investments, and alliances. WeTo summarize, we employ the following strategies to address the need for new or enhanced networking and communications products and services:

Developing new technologies and products internally

Acquiring all or parts of other companies

Entering into joint-developmentjoint development efforts with other companies

Reselling other companies’ products

Acquisitions

We have acquired many companies, and we expect to make future acquisitions. Mergers and acquisitions of high-technology companies are inherently risky, especially if the acquired company has yet to ship a product. No assurance can be given that our previous or future acquisitions will be successful or will not materially adversely affect our financial condition or operating results. Prior acquisitions have resulted in a wide range of outcomes, from successful introduction of new products and technologies to an inability to do so. The risks associated with acquisitions are more fully discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” including the risk

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factor entitled “We have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions that could disrupt our operations and harm our operating results.”

Investments in Privately Held Companies

We make investments in privately held companies that develop technology or provide services that are complementary to our products or that provide strategic value. The risks associated with these investments are more fully discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” including the risk factor entitled “We are exposed to fluctuations in the market values of our portfolio investments and in interest rates; impairment of our investments could harm our earnings.”

Strategic Alliances

We pursue strategic alliances with other companies in areas where collaboration can produce industry advancement and acceleration of new markets. The objectives and goals of a strategic alliance can include one or more of the following: technology exchange, product development, joint sales and marketing, or new-marketnew market creation. Currently,Companies with which we have, or recently had, strategic alliances with include the following:
Accenture Ltd; AT&T Inc.; Cap Gemini S.A.; Citrix Systems, Inc.; EMC Corporation; Fujitsu Limited; Intel Corporation; International Business Machines Corporation; Italtel SpA; Johnson Controls Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; NetApp, Inc.; Nokia Corporation; Nokia Siemens Networks; Oracle Corporation; Red Hat, Inc.; SAP AG; Sprint Nextel Corporation; Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.; VCE Company, LLC (“VCE”); VMware, Inc.; Wipro Limited; Xerox Corporation; and others.
Companies with which we have strategic alliances in some areas may be competitors in other areas.areas, and in our view this trend may increase. The risks associated with our strategic alliances are more fully

discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” including the risk factor entitled “If we do not successfully manage our strategic alliances, we may not realize the expected benefits from such alliances, and we may experience increased competition or delays in product development.”

Competition

We compete in the networking and communications equipment markets, providing products and services for transporting data, voice, and video traffic across intranets, extranets, and the Internet. These markets are characterized by rapid change, converging technologies, and a migration to networking and communications solutions that offer relative advantages. These market factors represent both an opportunity and a competitive threat to us. We compete with numerous vendors in each product category. The overall number of our competitors providing niche product solutions may increase. Also, the identity and composition of competitors may change as we increase our activity in our New Productsnew product markets. As we continue to expand globally, we may see new competition in different geographic regions. In particular, we have experienced price-focused competition from competitors in Asia, especially from China, and we anticipate this will continue.

Our competitors include Alcatel-Lucent; Amazon Web Services LLC; Arista Networks, Inc.; ARRIS Group, Inc.; Aruba Networks, Inc.; Avaya Inc.; Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.; Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.; Citrix Systems, Inc.; Dell Inc.; D-Link Corporation; LM Ericsson Telephone Company; Extreme Networks, Inc.; F5 Networks, Inc.; FireEye, Inc.; Fortinet, Inc.; Hewlett-Packard Company; Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; International Business Machines Corporation; Juniper Networks, Inc.; LogMeIn, Inc.; Meru Networks, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc.; Motorola Solutions, Inc.; NETGEAR,Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Polycom, Inc.; Riverbed Technology, Inc.; andRuckus Wireless, Inc.; Symantec Corporation; and VMware, Inc.; among others.

Some of these companies compete across many of our product lines, while others are primarily focused in a specific product area. Barriers to entry are relatively low, and new ventures to create products that do or could compete with our products are regularly formed. In addition, some of our competitors may have greater resources, including technical and engineering resources, than we do. As we expand into new markets, we will face competition not only from our existing competitors but also from other competitors, including existing companies with strong technological, marketing, and sales positions in those markets. We also sometimes face competition from resellers and distributors of our products. Companies with whomwhich we have strategic alliances in some areas may be competitors in other areas.areas, and in our view this trend may increase. For example, the enterprise data center is undergoing a fundamental transformation arising from the convergence of technologies, including computing, networking, storage, and software, that previously were siloed.segregated within the data center. Due to several factors, including the availability of highly scalable and general purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits offering advanced services, standards basedstandards-based protocols, cloud computing, and virtualization, the convergence of technologies within the enterprise data center is spanning multiple, previously independent, technology segments. Also, some of our current and potential competitors for enterprise data center business have made acquisitions, or announced new strategic alliances, designed to position them to provide end-to-end technology solutions for the enterprise data center. As a result of all of these developments, we face greater competition in the development and sale of enterprise data center technologies, including competition from entities that are among our long-term strategic alliance partners. Companies that are strategic alliance partners in some areas of our business may acquire or form alliances with our competitors, thereby reducing their business with us.


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The principal competitive factors in the markets in which we presently compete and may compete in the future include:

The ability to provide a broad range of networking and communications products and services

Product performance

Price

The ability to introduce new products, including products with price-performance advantages

The ability to reduce production costs

The ability to provide value-added features such as security, reliability, and investment protection

Conformance to standards

Market presence

The ability to provide financing

Disruptive technology shifts and new business models

We also face competition from customers to which we license or supply technology and suppliers from which we transfer technology. The inherent nature of networking requires interoperability. As such,Therefore, we must cooperate and at the same time compete with many companies. Any inability to effectively manage these complicated relationships with customers, suppliers, and strategic alliance partners could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition and accordingly affect our chances of success.

Research and Development

We regularly seek to introduce new products and features to address the requirements of our markets. We allocate our research and development budget among routers, switches, new products,our product categories, which consist of Switching, NGN Routing, Service Provider Video, Collaboration, Wireless, Data Center, Security, and other productOther Product technologies, for this purpose. Our research and development expenditures were $5.8$6.3 billion $5.3, $5.9 billion, and $5.2$5.5 billion in fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively. These expenditures are applied generally to all product areas, with specific areas of focus being identified from time to time. Recent areas of increased focus are tied to our foundational priorities and include, but are not limited to, our core routing and switching products, Cisco TelePresence systemscollaboration, and products andrelated to the Cisco Unified Computing System.data center. Our expenditures for research and development costs were expensed as incurred.

The industry in which we compete is subject to rapid technological developments, evolving standards, changes in customer requirements, and new product introductions and enhancements. As a result, our success depends in part upon our ability, on a cost-effective and timely basis, to continue to enhance our existing products and to develop and introduce new products that improve performance and reduce total cost of ownership. To achieve these objectives, our management and engineering personnel work with customers to identify and respond to customer needs, as well as with other innovators of internetworking products, including universities, laboratories, and corporations. We also expect to continue to make acquisitions and investments, where appropriate, to provide us with access to new technologies. We intend to continue developing products that meet key industry standards and to support important protocol standards as they emerge, such as IP versionVersion 6. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop products to address new customer requirements and technological changes or that those products will achieve market acceptance.

Manufacturing

We rely on contract manufacturers for substantially all of our manufacturing needs. We presently use a variety of independent third-party companies to provide services related to printed-circuit board assembly, in-circuit test, product repair, and product assembly. Proprietary software on electronically programmable memory chips is used to configure products that meet customer requirements and to maintain quality control and security. The manufacturing process enables us to configure the hardware and software in unique combinations to meet a wide variety of individual customer requirements. The manufacturing process uses automated testing equipment and burn-in procedures, as well as comprehensive inspection, testing, and statistical process controls, which are designed to help ensure the quality and reliability of our products. The manufacturing processes and procedures are generally certified to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 or ISO 9003 standards.

Our arrangements with contract manufacturers generally provide for quality, cost, and delivery requirements, as well as manufacturing process terms, such as continuity of supply; inventory management; flexibility regarding

capacity, quality, and cost management; oversight of manufacturing; and conditions for use of our intellectual property. We have not entered into any significant long-term contracts with any manufacturing service provider. We generally have the option to renew arrangements on an as-needed basis, primarily annually.basis. These arrangements generally do not commit us to purchase any particular amount or any quantities beyond certain amounts covered by orders or forecasts that we submit covering discrete periods of time, defined as less than one year.

Although we employ an outsourced manufacturing strategy, as


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Table of July 30, 2011 we operated manufacturing facilities in Juarez, Mexico for the manufacture of set-top boxes. We have entered into an agreement to sell these manufacturing operations to a contract manufacturer, consistent with our strategic objective of simplifying our operating model. The transaction is expected to be completed in fiscal 2012.

Contents


Patents, Intellectual Property, and Licensing

We seek to establish and maintain our proprietary rights in our technology and products through the use of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secret laws. We have a program to file applications for and obtain patents, copyrights, and trademarks in the United States and in selected foreign countries where we believe filing for such protection is appropriate. We also seek to maintain our trade secrets and confidential information by nondisclosure policies and through the use of appropriate confidentiality agreements. We have obtained a substantial number of patents and trademarks in the United States and in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that the rights obtained can be successfully enforced against infringing products in every jurisdiction. Although we believe the protection afforded by our patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets has value, the rapidly changing technology in the networking industry and uncertainties in the legal process make our future success dependent primarily on the innovative skills, technological expertise, and management abilities of our employees rather than on the protection afforded by patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws.

Many of our products are designed to include software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties. While it may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of our products, we believe, based upon past experience and standard industry practice, that such licenses generally could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that the necessary licenses would be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Our inability to obtain certain licenses or other rights or to obtain such licenses or rights on favorable terms, or the need to engage in litigation regarding these matters, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Moreover, inclusion in our products of software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties on a nonexclusive basis can limit our ability to protect our proprietary rights in our products.

The industry in which we compete is characterized by rapidly changing technology, a large number of patents, and frequent claims and related litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. There can be no assurance that our patents and other proprietary rights will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented; that others will not assert intellectual property rights to technologies that are relevant to us; or that our rights will give us a competitive advantage. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The risks associated with patents and intellectual property are more fully discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” including the risk factors entitled “Our proprietary rights may prove difficult to enforce,” “We may be found to infringe on intellectual property rights of others,” and “We rely on the availability of third-party licenses.”

Employees
Employees are summarized as follows:
July 26, 2014
Employees by geography:
United States36,725
Rest of world37,317
Total74,042
Employees by line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Cost of sales (1)
16,348
Research and development25,837
Sales and marketing24,740
General and administrative7,117
Total74,042
Employees(1)

AsCost of July 30, 2011, we employed approximately 71,825 employees, including approximately 18,368 in servicesales includes manufacturing support, services, and manufacturing, approximately 21,112 in engineering, approximately 25,898 in sales and marketing, and

approximately 6,447 in general and administration. Approximately 37,300 employees are in locations within the United States. We expect our headcount to decrease in the near term as part of targeted cost-cutting initiatives, which include the workforce reduction announced in July 2011. Additionally, we also expect our headcount in fiscal 2012 to decrease by approximately 5,000 employees upon the completion in fiscal 2012 of the sale of our Juarez, Mexico manufacturing operations.

training.

We consider the relationships with our employees to be positive. Competition for technical personnel in the industry in which we compete is intense. We believe that our future success depends in part on our continued ability to hire, assimilate, and retain qualified personnel. To date, we believe that we have been successful in recruiting qualified employees, but there is no assurance that we will continue to be successful in the future.


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Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table shows the name, age, and position as of August 31, 20112014 of each of our executive officers:

Name

 

Age

 

Position

with the Company

Frank A. Calderoni

 5457 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Calderoni joined Cisco in May 2004 as Vice President, Worldwide Sales Finance. In June 2007, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions Finance. He was appointed to his current position effective in February 2008. From March 2002 until he joined Cisco, Mr. Calderoni served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of QLogic Corporation, a supplier of storage networking solutions. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of SanDisk Corporation from February 2000 to February 2002. Prior to that, he was employed by IBM Corporation where he held a number of executive positions.

John T. Chambers

 6265 

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Mr. Chambers has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 1995, as Chairman of the Board of Directors since November 2006 and as a member of the Board of Directors since November 1993. Mr. Chambers also served as President from January 31, 1995 to November 2006. He joined Cisco as Senior Vice President in January 1991 and was promoted to Executive Vice President in June 1994. Mr. Chambers was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer as of January 31, 1995. Before joining Cisco, he was employed by Wang Laboratories, Inc. for eight years, where, in his last role, he was the Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations.

Mark Chandler

 5558 

Senior Vice President, Legal Services, General Counsel and Secretary,

Mr. Chandler joined Cisco in July 1996, upon Cisco’s acquisition of StrataCom, Inc., where he served as General Counsel. He served as Cisco’s Managing Attorney for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from December 1996 until June 1999; as Director, Worldwide Legal Operations from June 1999 until February 2001; and was promoted to Vice President, Worldwide Legal Services in February 2001. In October 2001, he was promoted to Vice President, Legal Services and General Counsel and in May 2003, he was also appointed Secretary. In February 2006, he was promoted to Senior Vice President. Before joining StrataCom, he had served as Vice President, Corporate Development and General Counsel of Maxtor Corporation.

Chief Compliance Officer

Name

Blair Christie
 

Age

42
 

Position

Blair Christie

39

Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Worldwide Government Affairs

Ms. Christie joined Cisco in August 1999 as part of Cisco’s Investor Relations team. From April 2000 through December 2003, Ms. Christie held a number of managerial positions within Cisco’s Investor Relations function. In January 2004, Ms. Christie was promoted to Vice President, Investor Relations.In June 2006, Ms. Christie was appointed to Vice President, Global Corporate Communications. In January 2008, Ms. Christie was promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Communications. In January 2011, Ms. Christie was appointed to her current position.

Wim Elfrink

59

Executive Vice President, Emerging Solutions and Chief Globalisation Officer

Mr. Elfrink joined Cisco in 1997 as Vice President of Customer Advocacy in Europe. In November 2000 he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Customer Advocacy and took over global responsibility for the function. Mr. Elfrink was appointed Chief Globalisation Officer in December 2006 and moved to Bangalore, India to establish Cisco’s Globalisation Centre East. In August 2007 he was named Executive Vice President. In February 2011, Mr. Elfrink was appointed to his current position and as of August 2011 he has relocated to San Jose, California.

Robert W. Lloyd

55

Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations

Mr. Lloyd joined Cisco in November 1994 as General Manager of Cisco Canada. In October 1998, he was promoted to Vice President, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa); in February 2001, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, EMEA; and in July 2005, Mr. Lloyd was appointed Senior Vice President, US, Canada and Japan. In April 2009, he was promoted to his current position.

Gary B. Moore

 62 

Executive Vice President, Industry Solutions and Chief Globalisation Officer

Robert W. Lloyd58President, Development and Sales
Gary B. Moore65President and Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Moore joined Cisco in October 2001 as Senior Vice President, Advanced Services. In August 2007, he also assumed responsibility as co-lead of Cisco Services. In May 2010, he was promoted to

Pankaj Patel60Executive Vice President Cisco Services. In February 2011, Mr. Moore was appointed to his current position. Immediately before joining Cisco, Mr. Moore served for approximately two years as chief executive officer of Netigy Corporation, a network consulting company. Prior to that, he was employed by Electronic Data Systems where he held a number of executive positions.

and Chief Development Officer, Global Engineering

Randy Pond

Charles H. Robbins
 5748 

Executive Vice President, Operations, Processes and Systems

Mr. Pond joined Cisco in September 1993. In 1994, Mr. Pond assumed leadership of Cisco’s Supply/Demand group. In 1994, he was appointed Director of Manufacturing Operations. He was promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing in 1995. In January 2000, Mr. Pond was promoted to Senior Vice President of West Coast and Asia operations. He was promoted to Senior Vice President, Worldwide ManufacturingField Operations and Logistics in June 2001. In August 2003, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations, Processes and Systems, and he was named Executive Vice President in August 2007. Before joining Cisco, Mr. Pond held the position of Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President of Operations at Crescendo Communications.

Mr. Calderoni joined Cisco in May 2004 as Vice President, Worldwide Sales Finance. In June 2007, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions Finance. He was appointed to his current position effective in February 2008. From March 2002 until he joined Cisco, Mr. Calderoni served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of QLogic Corporation, a supplier of storage networking solutions. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of SanDisk Corporation from February 2000 to February 2002. Prior to that, he was employed by IBM Corporation, where he held a number of executive positions. Mr. Calderoni also serves on the Board of Directors of Adobe Systems Incorporated and Nimble Storage, Inc.
Mr. Chambers has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 1995, as Chairman of the Board of Directors since November 2006, and as a member of the Board of Directors since November 1993. Mr. Chambers also served as President from January 31, 1995 to November 2006. He joined Cisco as Senior Vice President in January 1991 and was promoted to Executive Vice President in June 1994. Mr. Chambers was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer as of January 31, 1995. Before joining Cisco, he was employed by Wang Laboratories, Inc. for eight years, where, in his last role, he was the Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations.
Mr. Chandler joined Cisco in July 1996, upon Cisco’s acquisition of StrataCom, Inc., where he served as General Counsel. He served as Cisco’s Managing Attorney for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from December 1996 until June 1999; as Director, Worldwide Legal Operations from June 1999 until February 2001; and was promoted to Vice President, Worldwide Legal Services in February 2001. In October 2001, he was promoted to Vice President, Legal Services and General Counsel, and in May 2003, he was also appointed Secretary. In February 2006, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, and in May 2012 was appointed Chief Compliance Officer. Before joining StrataCom, he had served as Vice President, Corporate Development and General Counsel of Maxtor Corporation.
Ms. Christie joined Cisco in August 1999 as part of Cisco’s Investor Relations team. From April 2000 through December 2003, Ms. Christie held a number of managerial positions within Cisco’s Investor Relations function. In January 2004, Ms. Christie was promoted to Vice President, Investor Relations. In June 2006, Ms. Christie was appointed to Vice President, Global Corporate Communications. In January 2008, Ms. Christie was promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Communications. In January 2011, Ms. Christie was appointed to her current position.
Mr. Elfrink joined Cisco in 1997 as Vice President of Cisco Services in Europe. In November 2000, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Cisco Services and took over global responsibility for the function, relocating to San Jose, California. Mr. Elfrink was appointed Chief Globalisation Officer in December 2006 and moved to Bangalore, India to establish Cisco’s Globalisation Centre East. In August 2007, he was named Executive Vice President. In February 2011, Mr. Elfrink was appointed to his current position, in which heheads three of Cisco’s global initiatives: Cisco’s Industry Solutions Group, the Emerging Countries initiatives, and Cisco’s globalisation strategy.
Mr. Lloyd joined Cisco in November 1994 as General Manager of Cisco Canada. In October 1998, he was promoted to Vice President, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa); in February 2001, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, EMEA; and in July 2005, Mr. Lloyd was appointed Senior Vice President, U.S., Canada, and Japan. In April 2009, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations. In October 2012, Mr. Lloyd was appointed to his current position.

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Mr. Moore joined Cisco in October 2001 as Senior Vice President, Advanced Services. In August 2007, he also assumed responsibility as co-lead of Cisco Services. In May 2010, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Cisco Services, and in February 2011, he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In October 2012, Mr. Moore was appointed to his current position. Immediately before joining Cisco, Mr. Moore served for approximately two years as chief executive officer of Netigy Corporation, a network consulting company. Prior to that, he was employed by Electronic Data Systems, where he held a number of senior executive positions.
Mr. Patel joined Cisco in July 1996 upon Cisco’s acquisition of StrataCom, Inc., serving from July 1996 through September 1999 as a Senior Director of Engineering. From November 1999 through January 2003, he served as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Redback Networks Inc., a networking equipment provider later acquired by Ericsson. In January 2003, Mr. Patel rejoined Cisco as Vice President and General Manager, Cable Business Unit, and was promoted to Senior Vice President in July 2005. In January 2006, Mr. Patel was named Senior Vice President and General Manager, Service Provider Business and, additionally, in May 2011 became co-leader of Engineering. In June 2012, Mr. Patel assumed the leadership of Engineering. In August 2012, Mr. Patel was promoted to his current position.
Mr. Robbinsjoined Cisco in December 1997, from which time until March 2002 he held a number of managerial positions within Cisco’s sales organization. Mr. Robbins was promoted to Vice President in March 2002, assuming leadership of Cisco’s U.S. channel sales organization. Additionally, in July 2005 he assumed leadership of Cisco’s Canada channel sales organization. In December 2007, Mr. Robbins was promoted to Senior Vice President, U.S. Commercial, and in August 2009 he was appointed Senior Vice President, U.S. Enterprise, Commercial and Canada. In July 2011, Mr. Robbins was named Senior Vice President, Americas. In October 2012, Mr. Robbins was promoted to his current position.



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Table of Contents

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Set forth below and elsewhere in this report and in other documents we file with the SEC are descriptions of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE IN FUTURE PERIODS, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR STOCK PRICE

Our operating results have been in the past, and will continue to be, subject to quarterly and annual fluctuations as a result of numerous factors, some of which may contribute to more pronounced fluctuations in an uncertain global economic environment. These factors include:

Fluctuations in demand for our products and services, especially with respect to telecommunications service providers and Internet businesses, in part due to changes in the global economic environment

Fluctuations in demand for our products and services, especially with respect to telecommunications service providers and Internet businesses, in part due to changes in the global economic environment

Changes in sales and implementation cycles for our products and reduced visibility into our customers’ spending plans and associated revenue

Changes in sales and implementation cycles for our products and reduced visibility into our customers’ spending plans and associated revenue

Our ability to maintain appropriate inventory levels and purchase commitments

Our ability to maintain appropriate inventory levels and purchase commitments

Price and product competition in the communications and networking industries, which can change rapidly due to technological innovation and different business models from various geographic regions

Price and product competition in the communications and networking industries, which can change rapidly due to technological innovation and different business models from various geographic regions

The overall movement toward industry consolidation among both our competitors and our customers

The overall movement toward industry consolidation among both our competitors and our customers

The introduction and market acceptance of new technologies and products and our success in new and evolving markets, including in our newer product categories such as data center and collaboration and in emerging technologies, as well as the adoption of new standards

New business models for our offerings, such as other-as-a-service (XaaS), where costs are borne up front  while revenue is recognized over time
Variations in sales channels, product costs, or mix of products sold
The timing, size, and mix of orders from customers
Manufacturing and customer lead times
Fluctuations in our gross margins, and the factors that contribute to such fluctuations, as described below
The ability of our customers, channel partners, contract manufacturers and suppliers to obtain financing or to fund capital expenditures, especially during a period of global credit market disruption or in the event of customer, channel partner, contract manufacturer or supplier financial problems
Share-based compensation expense
Actual events, circumstances, outcomes, and amounts differing from judgments, assumptions, and estimates used in determining the values of certain assets (including the amounts of related valuation allowances), liabilities, and other items reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements
How well we execute on our strategy and operating plans and the impact of changes in our business model that could result in significant restructuring charges
Our ability to achieve targeted cost reductions
Benefits anticipated from our investments in engineering, sales and manufacturing activities
Changes in tax laws or accounting rules, or interpretations thereof

16

Table of new technologies and products and our success in new and evolving markets, including in our New Products category and emerging technologies, as well as the adoption of new standards

Contents


Variations in sales channels, product costs, or mix of products sold

The timing, size, and mix of orders from customers

Manufacturing and customer lead times

Fluctuations in our gross margins, and the factors that contribute to such fluctuations, as described below

The ability of our customers, channel partners, contract manufacturers and suppliers to obtain financing or to fund capital expenditures, especially during a period of global credit market disruption or in the event of customer, channel partner, contract manufacturer or supplier financial problems

Share-based compensation expense

Actual events, circumstances, outcomes, and amounts differing from judgments, assumptions, and estimates used in determining the values of certain assets (including the amounts of related valuation allowances), liabilities, and other items reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements

How well we execute on our strategy and operating plans and the impact of changes in our business model that could result in significant restructuring charges

Our ability to achieve targeted cost reductions

Benefits anticipated from our investments in engineering, sales and manufacturing activities

Changes in tax laws or regulations or accounting rules

As a consequence, operating results for a particular future period are difficult to predict, and, therefore, prior results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods. Any of the foregoing factors, or any other factors discussed elsewhere herein, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition that could adversely affect our stock price.

OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY UNFAVORABLE ECONOMIC AND MARKET CONDITIONS AND THE UNCERTAIN GEOPOLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

Challenging economic conditions worldwide have from time to time contributed, and may continue to contribute, to slowdowns in the communications and networking industries at large, as well as in specific segments and markets in which we operate, resulting in:

Reduced demand for our products as a result of continued constraints on IT-related capital spending by our customers, particularly service providers, and other customer markets as well
Increased price competition for our products, not only from our competitors but also as a consequence of customers disposing of unutilized products
Risk of excess and obsolete inventories
Risk of supply constraints
Risk of excess facilities and manufacturing capacity
Higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue and higher interest expense
The global macroeconomic environment and other customer markets as well

Increased price competition for our products, not onlyrecovery from our competitors but also as a consequence of customers disposing of unutilized products

Risk of excessthe downturn has been challenging and obsolete inventories

Risk of supply constraints

Risk of excess facilities and manufacturing capacity

Higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue and higher interest expense

inconsistent. Instability in the global credit markets, the impact of uncertainty regarding the U.S. federal budget including the recent European economic and financial turmoil related to sovereign debt issueseffect of the sequestration beginning in certain countries,2013, global central bank monetary policy, the instability in the geopolitical environment in many parts of the world and other disruptions such as changes in energy costs, may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions. The world has recently experienced a global macroeconomic downturn, and ifIf global economic and market conditions, or economic conditions in key markets, remain uncertain or deteriorate further, we may experience material impacts on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Our operating results in one or more segments may also be affected by uncertain or changing economic conditions particularly germane to that segment or to particular customer markets within that segment. For example, duringsales in several of our emerging countries decreased in recent periods, including fiscal 20112014, and we experiencedexpect that this weakness will continue for at least several quarters.
In addition, reports of certain intelligence gathering methods of the U.S. government could affect customers’ perception of the products of IT companies which design and continuemanufacture products in the United States. Trust and confidence in us as an IT supplier is critical to see a decreasethe development and growth of our markets. Impairment of that trust, or foreign regulatory actions taken in spending byresponse to reports of certain intelligence gathering methods of the U.S. government, could affect the demand for our public sectorproducts from customers in almost every developed market aroundoutside of the world.

United States and could have an adverse effect on our operating results.

WE HAVE BEEN INVESTING AND EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO INVEST IN PRIORITIES, INCLUDING OUR FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITIES,KEY GROWTH AREAS AS WELL AS MAINTAINING LEADERSHIP IN ROUTING, SWITCHING AND SERVICES, AND IF THE RETURN ON THESE INVESTMENTS IS LOWER OR DEVELOPS MORE SLOWLY THAN WE EXPECT, OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY BE HARMED

We have been realigningexpect to realign and are dedicatingdedicate resources to focus on certain priorities,into key growth areas, such as data center virtualization, software, security, and cloud, while also focusing on maintaining leadership in our core routing, switching and services, including security and mobility solutions; collaboration; data center virtualization and cloud; video; and architectures for business transformation.services. However, the return on our investments in such priorities may be lower, or may develop more slowly, than we expect. If we do not achieve the benefits anticipated from these investments (including if our selection of areas for investment does not play out as we expect), or if the achievement of these benefits is delayed, our operating results may be adversely affected.

OUR REVENUE FOR A PARTICULAR PERIOD IS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT, AND A SHORTFALL IN REVENUE MAY HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS

As a result of a variety of factors discussed in this report, our revenue for a particular quarter is difficult to predict, especially in light of the recenta challenging and inconsistent global economic downturnmacroeconomic environment and related market uncertainty.
Our net salesrevenue may grow at a slower rate than in past periods, or may decline which occurredas it did in fiscal 2009.2014 on a year-over-year basis. Our ability to meet financial expectations could also be adversely affected if the nonlinear sales pattern seen in some of our past quarters

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Table of Contents

recurs in future periods. We have experienced periods of time during which shipments have exceeded net bookings or manufacturing issues have delayed shipments, leading to nonlinearity in shipping patterns. In addition to making it difficult to predict revenue for a particular period, nonlinearity in shipping can increase costs, because irregular shipment patterns result in periods of underutilized capacity and periods in which

overtime expenses may be incurred, as well as in potential additional inventory management-related costs. In addition, to the extent that manufacturing issues and any related component shortages result in delayed shipments in the future, and particularly in periods in which we and our contract manufacturers are operating at higher levels of capacity, it is possible that revenue for a quarter could be adversely affected if such matters occur and are not remediated within the same quarter.

The timing of large orders can also have a significant effect on our business and operating results from quarter to quarter, primarily in the United States and in emerging countries. From time to time, we receive large orders that have a significant effect on our operating results in the period in which the order is recognized as revenue. The timing of such orders is difficult to predict, and the timing of revenue recognition from such orders may affect period to period changes in net sales.revenue. As a result, our operating results could vary materially from quarter to quarter based on the receipt of such orders and their ultimate recognition as revenue.

Inventory management remains an area of focus. We have experienced longer than normal lead times on several of our products in fiscal 2010. This was attributable in part to increasing demand driven by the improvement in our overall markets, and similar to what has happened in the industry, the longer than normal lead time extensions also stemmed from supplier constraints based upon their labor and other actions taken during the global economic downturn. We continue to see challenges at some of our component suppliers. Additionally, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 resulted in industry wide component supply constraints. Longer manufacturing lead times in the past which have caused some customers to place the same order multiple times within our various sales channels and to cancel the duplicative orders upon receipt of the product, or to place orders with other vendors with shorter manufacturing lead times. Such multiple ordering (along with other factors) or risk of order cancellation may cause difficulty in predicting our salesrevenue and, as a result, could impair our ability to manage parts inventory effectively. In addition, our efforts to improve manufacturing lead-time performance may result in corresponding reductions in order backlog. A decline in backlog levels could result in more variability and less predictability in our quarter-to-quarter net salesrevenue and operating results. In addition, when facing component supply-related challenges, we have increased our efforts in procuring components in order to meet customer expectations which in turn contribute to an increase in purchase commitments. Increases in our purchase commitments to shorten lead times could also lead to excess and obsolete inventory charges if the demand for our products is less than our expectations.

We plan our operating expense levels based primarily on forecasted revenue levels. These expenses and the impact of long-term commitments are relatively fixed in the short term. A shortfall in revenue could lead to operating results being below expectations because we may not be able to quickly reduce these fixed expenses in response to short-term business changes.

Any of the above factors could have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial results.

WE EXPECT GROSS MARGIN TO VARY OVER TIME, AND OUR LEVEL OF PRODUCT GROSS MARGIN MAY NOT BE SUSTAINABLE

Our level of product gross margins declined in prior periods, including fiscal 20112014, and may continue to decline and be adversely affected by numerous factors, including:

Changes in customer, geographic, or product mix, including mix of configurations within each product group
Introduction of new products, including products with price-performance advantages, and new business models for our offerings such as XaaS
Our ability to reduce production costs
Entry into new markets or growth in lower margin markets, including markets with different pricing and cost structures, through acquisitions or internal development
Sales discounts
Increases in material, labor or other manufacturing-related costs, which could be significant especially during periods of supply constraints
Excess inventory and inventory holding charges
Obsolescence charges
Changes in shipment volume
The timing of revenue recognition and revenue deferrals

18

Table of configurations within each product group

Contents


Introduction of new products, including products with price-performance advantages

Increased cost, loss of cost savings or dilution of savings due to changes in component pricing or charges incurred due to inventory holding periods if parts ordering does not correctly anticipate product demand or if the financial health of either contract manufacturers or suppliers deteriorates

Our ability to reduce production costs

Lower than expected benefits from value engineering

Entry into new markets or growth in lower margin markets, including markets with different pricing and cost structures, through acquisitions or internal development

Increased price competition, including competitors from Asia, especially from China

Sales discounts

Changes in distribution channels

Increases in material, labor or other manufacturing-related costs, which could be significant especially during periods of supply constraints

Increased warranty costs

Excess inventory and inventory holding charges

Increased amortization of purchased intangible assets, especially from acquisitions

Obsolescence charges

How well we execute on our strategy and operating plans

Changes in shipment volume

The timing of revenue recognition and revenue deferrals

Increased cost, loss of cost savings or dilution of savings due to changes in component pricing or charges incurred due to inventory holding periods if parts ordering does not correctly anticipate product demand or if the financial health of either contract manufacturers or suppliers deteriorates

Lower than expected benefits from value engineering

Increased price competition, including competitors from Asia, especially from China

Changes in distribution channels

Increased warranty costs

How well we execute on our strategy and operating plans

Changes in service gross margin may result from various factors such as changes in the mix between technical support services and advanced services, as well as the timing of technical support service contract initiations and renewals and the addition of personnel and other resources to support higher levels of service business in future periods.

SALES TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER MARKET ARE ESPECIALLY VOLATILE, AND WEAKNESS IN SALES ORDERS FROM THIS INDUSTRY MAY HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Sales to the service provider market have been characterized by large and sporadic purchases, especially relating to our router sales and sales of certain products in our New Products category,newer product categories such as Data Center, Collaboration, and Service Provider Video, in addition to longer sales cycles. InAt various times in the past including fiscal 2014, we have experienced significant weakness in sales to service providers, sometimes lasting over certain extended periods of time as market conditions have fluctuated. We expect that the weakness we experienced in fiscal 2014 will continue for at least several quarters. Sales activity in this industry depends upon the stage of completion of expanding network infrastructures; the availability of funding; and the extent to which service providers are affected by regulatory, economic, and business conditions in the country of operations. Weakness in orders from this industry, including as a result of any slowdown in capital expenditures by service providers (which may be more prevalent during a global economic downturn or periods of economic uncertainty), could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. For example, during fiscal 2009, we experienced a slowdown in service provider capital expenditures globally, and in fiscal 2011 we experienced a slowdown in certain segments of this market, including in capital expenditures by some service provider customers and in sales of our traditional cable set-top boxes in our United States and Canada segment. Such slowdowns may continue or recur in future periods. Orders from this industry could decline for many reasons other than the competitiveness of our products and services within their respective markets. For example, in the past, many of our service provider customers have been materially and adversely affected by slowdowns in the general economy, by overcapacity, by changes in the service provider market, by regulatory developments, and by constraints on capital availability, resulting in business failures and substantial reductions in spending and expansion plans. These conditions have materially harmed our business and operating results in the past, and some of these or other conditions in the service provider market could affect our business and operating results in any future period. Finally, service provider customers typically have longer implementation cycles; require a broader range of services, including design services; demand that vendors take on a larger share of risks; often require acceptance provisions, which can lead to a delay in revenue recognition; and expect financing from vendors. All these factors can add further risk to business conducted with service providers.

DISRUPTION OF OR CHANGES IN OUR DISTRIBUTION MODEL COULD HARM OUR SALES AND MARGINS

If we fail to manage distribution of our products and services properly, or if our distributors’ financial condition or operations weaken, our revenue and gross margins could be adversely affected.

A substantial portion of our products and services is sold through our channel partners, and the remainder is sold through direct sales. Our channel partners include systems integrators, service providers, other resellers, distributors, and retail partners.distributors. Systems integrators and service providers typically sell directly to end users and often provide system installation, technical support, professional services, and other support services in addition to network equipment sales. Systems integrators also typically integrate our products into an overall solution, and a number of service providers are also systems integrators. Distributors stock inventory and typically sell to systems integrators, service providers, and other resellers. In addition, home networking products are generally sold through distributors and retail partners. We refer to sales through distributors and retail partners as our two-tier system of sales to the end customer. Revenue from distributors and retail partnersis generally is recognized based on a sell-through method using information provided by them. These distributors and retail partners are generally given business terms that allow them to return a portion of inventory, receive credits for changes in selling prices, and participate in various cooperative marketing programs. If sales through indirect channels increase, this may lead to greater difficulty in forecasting the mix of our products and, to a degree, the timing of orders from our customers.


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Historically, we have seen fluctuations in our gross margins based on changes in the balance of our distribution channels. Although variability to date has not been significant, there can be no assurance that changes in the balance of our distribution model in future periods would not have an adverse effect on our gross margins and profitability.

Some factors could result in disruption of or changes in our distribution model, which could harm our sales and margins, including the following:

We compete with some of our channel partners, including through our direct sales, which may lead these channel partners to use other suppliers that do not directly sell their own products or otherwise compete with them

We compete with some of our channel partners, including through our direct sales, which may lead these channel partners to use other suppliers that do not directly sell their own products or otherwise compete with them

Some of our channel partners may demand that we absorb a greater share of the risks that their customers may ask them to bear

Some of our channel partners may demand that we absorb a greater share of the risks that their customers may ask them to bear

Some of our channel partners may have insufficient financial resources and may not be able to withstand changes and challenges in business conditions

Some of our channel partners may have insufficient financial resources and may not be able to withstand changes and challenges in business conditions

Revenue from indirect sales could suffer if our distributors’ financial condition or operations weaken

Revenue from indirect sales could suffer if our distributors’ financial condition or operations weaken

In addition, we depend on our channel partners globally to comply with applicable regulatory requirements. To the extent that they fail to do so, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Further, sales of our products outside of agreed territories can result in disruption to our distribution channels.

THE MARKETS IN WHICH WE COMPETE ARE INTENSELY COMPETITIVE, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ACHIEVEMENT OF REVENUE GROWTH

The markets in which we compete are characterized by rapid change, converging technologies, and a migration to networking and communications solutions that offer relative advantages. These market factors represent a competitive threat to us. We compete with numerous vendors in each product category. The overall number of our competitors providing niche product solutions may increase. Also, the identity and composition of competitors may change as we increase our activity in markets for our New Productsnewer product categories such as data center and collaboration and in our priorities. key growth areas. For example, as products related to network programmability, such as software-defined-networking products, become more prevalent, we expect to face increased competition from companies who develop networking products based on commoditized hardware, referred to as "white box" hardware, to the extent customers decide to purchase those product offerings instead of ours. In addition, the growth in demand for technology delivered as a service enables new competitors to enter the market.
As we continue to expand globally, we may see new competition in different geographic regions. In particular, we have

experienced price-focused competition from competitors in Asia, especially from China, and we anticipate this will continue. For information regarding our competitors, see the section entitled “Competition” contained inItem 1. BusinessBusiness of this report.

Some of our competitors compete across many of our product lines, while others are primarily focused in a specific product area. Barriers to entry are relatively low, and new ventures to create products that do or could compete with our products are regularly formed. In addition, some of our competitors may have greater resources, including technical and engineering resources, than we do. As we expand into new markets, we will face competition not only from our existing competitors but also from other competitors, including existing companies with strong technological, marketing, and sales positions in those markets. We also sometimes face competition from resellers and distributors of our products. Companies with whom we have strategic alliances in some areas may be competitors in other areas.

areas, and in our view this trend may increase.

For example, the enterprise data center is undergoing a fundamental transformation arising from the convergence of technologies, including computing, networking, storage, and software, that previously were siloed.segregated. Due to several factors, including the availability of highly scalable and general purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits offering advanced services, standards based protocols, cloud computing and virtualization, the applicationconvergence of these converging technologies within the enterprise data center is spanning multiple, previously independent, technology segments. Also, some of our current and potential competitors for enterprise data center business have made acquisitions, or announced new strategic alliances, designed to position them to provide end-to-end technology solutions for the enterprise data center. As a result of all of these developments, we face greater competition in the development and sale of enterprise data center technologies, including competition from entities that are among our long-term strategic alliance partners. Companies that are strategic alliance partners in some areas of our business may acquire or form alliances with our competitors, thereby reducing their business with us.

The principal competitive factors in the markets in which we presently compete and may compete in the future include:

The ability to provide a broad range of networking and communications products and services

20


Product performance

Price

Product performance

The ability to introduce new products, including products with price-performance advantages

Price

The ability to reduce production costs

The ability to introduce new products, including products with price-performance advantages

The ability to provide value-added features such as security, reliability, and investment protection

The ability to reduce production costs

Conformance to standards

The ability to provide value-added features such as security, reliability, and investment protection

Market presence

Conformance to standards

The ability to provide financing

Market presence

Disruptive technology shifts and new business models

The ability to provide financing

Disruptive technology shifts and new business models
We also face competition from customers to which we license or supply technology and suppliers from which we transfer technology. The inherent nature of networking requires interoperability. As such, we must cooperate and at the same time compete with many companies. Any inability to effectively manage these complicated relationships with customers, suppliers, and strategic alliance partners could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition and accordingly affect our chances of success.

OUR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT RELATING TO OUR SALES TO OUR TWO-TIER DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL IS COMPLEX, AND EXCESS INVENTORY MAY HARM OUR GROSS MARGINS

We must manage our inventory relating to sales to our distributors and retail partners effectively, because inventory held by them could affect our results of operations. Our distributors and retail partners may increase orders during periods of product shortages, cancel orders if their inventory is too high, or delay orders in anticipation of new products. They also may adjust their orders in response to the supply of our products and the products of our competitors that are available to them, and in response to seasonal fluctuations in end-user demand. Revenue to our distributors and retail partners generally is recognized based on a sell-through method using information provided by them, and they are generally given business terms that allow them to return a portion of inventory, receive credits for changes in selling price, and participate in various cooperative marketing programs. Inventory management remains an area of focus as we balance the need to maintain strategic inventory levels to ensure competitive lead times against the risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements. We continue to see challenges at some of our component suppliers and, whenWhen facing component supply-related challenges, we have increased our efforts in procuring components in order to meet customer expectations. If we ultimately determine that we have excess inventory, we may have to reduce our prices and write down inventory, which in turn could result in lower gross margins.

SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES, INCLUDING FINANCIAL PROBLEMS OF CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS OR COMPONENT SUPPLIERS, OR A SHORTAGE OF ADEQUATE COMPONENT SUPPLY OR MANUFACTURING CAPACITY THAT INCREASED OUR COSTS OR CAUSED A DELAY IN OUR ABILITY TO FULFILL ORDERS, COULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATING RESULTS, AND OUR FAILURE TO ESTIMATE CUSTOMER DEMAND PROPERLY MAY RESULT IN EXCESS OR OBSOLETE COMPONENT SUPPLY, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR GROSS MARGINS

The fact that we do not own or operate the bulk of our manufacturing facilities and that we are reliant on our extended supply chain could have an adverse impact on the supply of our products and on our business and operating results:

Any financial problems of either contract manufacturers or component suppliers could either limit supply or increase costs

Any financial problems of either contract manufacturers or component suppliers could either limit supply or increase costs

Reservation of manufacturing capacity at our contract manufacturers by other companies, inside or outside of our industry, could either limit supply or increase costs

Reservation of manufacturing capacity at our contract manufacturers by other companies, inside or outside of our industry, could either limit supply or increase costs

A reduction or interruption in supply; a significant increase in the price of one or more components; a failure to adequately authorize procurement of inventory by our contract manufacturers; a failure to appropriately cancel, reschedule, or adjust our requirements based on our business needs; or a decrease in demand for our products could materially adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition and could materially damage customer relationships. Furthermore, as a result of binding price or purchase commitments with suppliers, we may be obligated to purchase components at prices that are higher than those available

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in the current market. In the event that we become committed to purchase components at prices in excess of the current market price when the components are actually used, our gross margins could decrease. We have experienced longer than normal lead times on several of our products in fiscal 2010 and we continue to see challenges at some of our component suppliers. Additionally, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan resulted in industry wide component supply constraints.past. Although we have generally secured additional supply or taken other mitigation actions when significant disruptions have occurred, if similar situations occur in the conditions resulting from the Japan situation worsen, these conditionsfuture, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. See the risk factor above entitled “Our revenue for a particular period is difficult to predict, and a shortfall in revenue may harm our operating results.”

Our growth and ability to meet customer demands depend in part on our ability to obtain timely deliveries of parts from our suppliers and contract manufacturers. We have experienced component shortages in the past,

including shortages caused by manufacturing process issues, that have affected our operations. We may in the future experience a shortage of certain component parts as a result of our own manufacturing issues, manufacturing issues at our suppliers or contract manufacturers, capacity problems experienced by our suppliers or contract manufacturers, or strong demand in the industry for those parts. A return to growthGrowth in the economy is likely to create greater pressures on us and our suppliers to accurately project overall component demand and component demands within specific product categories and to establish optimal component levels and manufacturing capacity, especially for labor-intensive components, components for which we purchase a substantial portion of the supply, or the re-ramping of manufacturing capacity for highly complex products. For example, during fiscal 2010, we experienced longer than normal lead times on severalDuring periods of our products and we continue to see challenges at some of our component suppliers. This was attributable in part to increasing demand driven by the improvement in our overall markets, and similar to what is happening in the industry, the longer than normal lead time extensions also stemmed from supplier constraints based upon their labor and other actions taken during the global economic downturn. If shortages or delays persist or worsen, the price of these components may increase, or the components may not be available at all, and we may also encounter shortages if we do not accurately anticipate our needs. We may not be able to secure enough components at reasonable prices or of acceptable quality to build new products in a timely manner in the quantities or configurations needed. Accordingly, our revenue and gross margins could suffer until other sources can be developed. Our operating results would also be adversely affected if, anticipating greater demand than actually develops, we commit to the purchase of more components than we need, which is more likely to occur in a period of demand uncertainties such as we are currently experiencing. There can be no assurance that we will not encounter these problems in the future. Although in many cases we use standard parts and components for our products, certain components are presently available only from a single source or limited sources, and a global economic downturn and related market uncertainty could negatively impact the availability of components from one or more of these sources, especially during times such as we have recently seen when there are supplier constraints based on labor and other actions taken during economic downturns. We may not be able to diversify sources in a timely manner, which could harm our ability to deliver products to customers and seriously impact present and future sales.

We believe that we may be faced with the following challenges in the future:

New markets in which we participate may grow quickly, which may make it difficult to quickly obtain significant component capacity

New markets in which we participate may grow quickly, which may make it difficult to quickly obtain significant component capacity

As we acquire companies and new technologies, we may be dependent, at least initially, on unfamiliar supply chains or relatively small supply partners

As we acquire companies and new technologies, we may be dependent, at least initially, on unfamiliar supply chains or relatively small supply partners

We face competition for certain components that are supply-constrained, from existing competitors, and companies in other markets

We face competition for certain components that are supply-constrained, from existing competitors, and companies in other markets

Manufacturing capacity and component supply constraints could continue to be significant issues for us. We purchase components from a variety of suppliers and use several contract manufacturers to provide manufacturing services for our products. During the normal course of business, in order to improve manufacturing lead-time performance and to help ensure adequate component supply, we enter into agreements with contract manufacturers and suppliers that either allow them to procure inventory based upon criteria as defined by us or that establish the parameters defining our requirements. In certain instances, these agreements allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to firm orders being placed. When facing component supply-related challenges, we have increased our efforts in procuring components in order to meet customer expectations which in turn contributecontributes to an increase in purchase commitments. For example, the earthquake in Japan during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 resulted in industry wide component supply constraints, and approximately $300 million of our purchase commitment increase was attributable to us securing supply components as we made commitments to secure our near term supply needs. Increases in our purchase commitments to shorten lead times could also lead to excess and obsolete inventory charges if the demand for our products is less than our expectations. If we fail to anticipate customer demand properly, an oversupply of parts could result in excess or obsolete components that could adversely affect our

gross margins. For additional information regarding our purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.

Our key manufacturing facilities for Scientific-Atlanta’s products are located in Juarez, Mexico, and we may be materially and adversely affected by any prolonged disruption in the operation of these facilities. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we entered into an agreement to sell these manufacturing operations to one of our contract manufacturers.

Statements.

WE DEPEND UPON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS AND ENHANCEMENTS TO EXISTING PRODUCTS, AND IF WE FAIL TO PREDICT AND RESPOND TO EMERGING TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS AND CUSTOMERS’ CHANGING NEEDS, OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND MARKET SHARE MAY SUFFER

The markets for our products are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, new product introductions, and evolving methods of building and operating networks. Our operating results depend on our ability to develop and introduce new products into existing and emerging markets and to reduce the production costs of existing products. We believe the industry is evolving to enable personal and business process collaboration enabled by networked technologies. As such, manyMany of our strategic initiatives and investments are aimed at meeting the requirements that a network capable of multiple-party, collaborative interaction would demand, and the investments we have made and our architectural approach are designed to enable the increased

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use of the network as the platform for all forms of communications and IT. InFor example, in fiscal 2009 we launched our Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), our next-generation enterprise data center platform architected to unite computing, network, storage access and virtualization resources in a single system, which is designed to address the fundamental transformation occurring in the enterprise data center. While our Cisco Unified Computing System is one ofUCS offering remains a significant focus area for us, several priorities on whichmarket transitions are also shaping our strategies and investments.
One such market transition we are focusing resources.

on is the move towards more programmable, flexible and virtual networks. In our view, this evolution is in its very early stages, and we believe the successful products and solutions in this market will combine ASICs, hardware and software elements together. Other examples include our focus on the IoE market transition, a potentially significant transition in the IT industry, and a transition in cloud where we have announced plans to architect the Cisco Intercloud solution.

The process of developing new technology, including technology related to more programmable, flexible and virtual networks and technology related to other market transitions, including IoE and cloud, is complex and uncertain, and if we fail to accurately predict customers’ changing needs and emerging technological trends our business could be harmed. We must commit significant resources, including the investments we have been making in our priorities to developing new products before knowing whether our investments will result in products the market will accept. In particular, if our model of the evolution of networking to collaborative systems does not emerge as we believe it will, or if the industry does not evolve as we believe it will, or if our strategy for addressing this evolution is not successful, many of our strategic initiatives and investments may be of no or limited value. For example, if we do not introduce products related to network programmability, such as software-defined-networking products, in a timely fashion, or if product offerings in this market that ultimately succeed are based on technology, or an approach to technology, that differs from ours, such as, for example, networking products based on “white box” hardware, our business could be harmed. Similarly, our business could be harmed if we fail to develop, or fail to develop in a timely fashion, offerings to address other transitions, or if the offerings addressing these other transitions that ultimately succeed are based on technology, or an approach to technology, different from ours.
Furthermore, we may not execute successfully on thatour vision or strategy because of errors inchallenges with regard to product planning orand timing, technical hurdles that we fail to overcome in a timely fashion, or a lack of appropriate resources. This could result in competitors, some of which may also be our strategic alliance partners, providing those solutions before we do and loss of market share, net sales,revenue, and earnings. In addition, the growth in demand for technology delivered as a service enables new competitors to enter the market. The success of new products depends on several factors, including proper new product definition, component costs, timely completion and introduction of these products, differentiation of new products from those of our competitors, and market acceptance of these products. There can be no assurance that we will successfully identify new product opportunities, develop and bring new products to market in a timely manner, or achieve market acceptance of our products or that products and technologies developed by others will not render our products or technologies obsolete or noncompetitive. The products and technologies in our New Products categoryother product categories and those in our Other Products category that we identify as “emerging technologies”key growth areas may not prove to have the market success we anticipate, and we may not successfully identify and invest in other emerging or new products.

CHANGES IN INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND MARKET CONDITIONS COULD LEAD TO CHARGES RELATED TO DISCONTINUANCES OF CERTAIN OF OUR PRODUCTS OR BUSINESSES, AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

AND WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS OR RESTRUCTURINGS

In response to changes in industry and market conditions, we may be required to strategically realign our resources and to consider restructuring, disposing of, or otherwise exiting businesses. Any resource realignment, or decision to limit investment in or dispose of or otherwise exit businesses, may result in the recording of special charges, such as

inventory and technology-related write-offs, workforce reduction or restructuring costs, charges relating to consolidation of excess facilities, or claims from third parties who were resellers or users of discontinued products. Our estimates with respect to the useful life or ultimate recoverability of our carrying basis of assets, including purchased intangible assets, could change as a result of such assessments and decisions. Although in certain instances our supply agreements allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to firm orders being placed, our loss contingencies may include liabilities for contracts that we cannot cancel with contract manufacturers and suppliers. Further, our estimates relating to the liabilities for excess facilities are affected by changes in real estate market conditions. Additionally, we are required to perform goodwill impairment tests on an annual basis and between annual tests in certain circumstances, and future goodwill impairment tests may result in a charge to earnings.

In fiscal 2011August 2014, as part of our strategy of continuing to invest in growth, innovation and talent, while also managing costs and driving efficiencies, we announced and began implementinga restructuring activities designedplan that will impact up to lower6,000 employees, representing approximately 8 percent of our operating costs andglobal workforce. We expect to simplify our operating model and concentrate our focus on selected foundational priorities. We have incurredtake action under this plan beginning in the fourthfirst quarter of fiscal 2011 and will continue to incur in the near term significant2015. The implementation of this restructuring charges as a result of these activities. The changesplan may be disruptive to our business, model may be disruptive, and following completion of the revised model that we adoptrestructuring
plan our business may not be more efficient or effective than prior to implementation of the aspects of our business model that are being revised.plan. Our restructuring activities, including any related charges and the impact of the related headcount reductions,restructurings, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.


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OVER THE LONG TERM WE INTEND TO INVEST IN ENGINEERING, SALES, SERVICE MARKETING AND MANUFACTURINGMARKETING ACTIVITIES, AND THESE INVESTMENTS MAY ACHIEVE DELAYED, OR LOWER THAN EXPECTED, BENEFITS WHICH COULD HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS

While we intend to focus on managing our costs and expenses, over the long term, we also intend to invest in personnel and other resources related to our engineering, sales, service marketing and manufacturingmarketing functions as we realign and dedicate resources on key growth areas, such as data center virtualization, software, security, and cloud, and we also intend to focus on our foundational priorities, such asmaintaining leadership in our core routing, switching and services, including security and mobility solutions; collaboration; data center virtualization and cloud; video; and architectures for business transformation.services. We are likely to recognize the costs associated with these investments earlier than some of the anticipated benefits, and the return on these investments may be lower, or may develop more slowly, than we expect. If we do not achieve the benefits anticipated from these investments, or if the achievement of these benefits is delayed, our operating results may be adversely affected.

OUR BUSINESS SUBSTANTIALLY DEPENDS UPON THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE INTERNET AND INTERNET-BASED SYSTEMS

A substantial portion of our business and revenue depends on growth and evolution of the Internet, including the continued development of the Internet and the anticipated transition to IoE, and on the deployment of our products by customers who depend on such continued growth and evolution. To the extent that an economic slowdown or economic uncertainty and related reduction in capital spending adversely affect spending on Internet infrastructure, including spending or investment related to IoE, we could experience material harm to our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Because of the rapid introduction of new products and changing customer requirements related to matters such as cost-effectiveness and security, we believe that there could be performance problems with Internet communications in the future, which could receive a high degree of publicity and visibility. Because we are a large supplier of networking products, our business, operating results, and financial condition may be materially adversely affected, regardless of whether or not these problems are due to the performance of our own products. Such an event could also result in a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock independent of direct effects on our business.

WE HAVE MADE AND EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO MAKE ACQUISITIONS THAT COULD DISRUPT OUR OPERATIONS AND HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS

Our growth depends upon market growth, our ability to enhance our existing products, and our ability to introduce new products on a timely basis. We intend to continue to address the need to develop new products and enhance existing products through acquisitions of other companies, product lines, technologies, and personnel. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including the following:

Difficulties in integrating the operations, systems, technologies, products, and personnel of the acquired companies, particularly companies with large and widespread operations and/or complex products, such as Scientific-Atlanta, WebEx and Tandberg

Difficulties in integrating the operations, systems, technologies, products, and personnel of the acquired companies, particularly companies with large and widespread operations and/or complex products, such as Scientific-Atlanta, WebEx, Starent, Tandberg and NDS Group Limited

Diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business and the challenges of managing larger and more widespread operations resulting from acquisitions

Diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business and the challenges of managing larger and more widespread operations resulting from acquisitions

Potential difficulties in completing projects associated with in-process research and development intangibles

Potential difficulties in completing projects associated with in-process research and development intangibles

Difficulties in entering markets in which we have no or limited direct prior experience and where competitors in such markets have stronger market positions

Difficulties in entering markets in which we have no or limited direct prior experience and where competitors in such markets have stronger market positions

Initial dependence on unfamiliar supply chains or relatively small supply partners

Initial dependence on unfamiliar supply chains or relatively small supply partners

Insufficient revenue to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions

Insufficient revenue to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions

The potential loss of key employees, customers, distributors, vendors and other business partners of the companies we acquire following and continuing after announcement of acquisition plans

The potential loss of key employees, customers, distributors, vendors and other business partners of the companies we acquire following and continuing after announcement of acquisition plans

Acquisitions may also cause us to:

Issue common stock that would dilute our current shareholders’ percentage ownership

Issue common stock that would dilute our current shareholders’ percentage ownership

Use a substantial portion of our cash resources, or incur debt, as we did in fiscal 2006 when we issued and sold $6.5 billion in senior unsecured notes to fund our acquisition of Scientific-Atlanta


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Significantly increase our interest expense, leverage and debt service requirements if we incur additional debt to pay for an acquisition

Significantly increase our interest expense, leverage and debt service requirements if we incur additional debt to pay for an acquisition

Assume liabilities

Assume liabilities

Record goodwill and nonamortizable intangible assets that are subject to impairment testing on a regular basis and potential periodic impairment charges

Record goodwill and intangible assets that are subject to impairment testing on a regular basis and potential periodic impairment charges

Incur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets

Incur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets

Incur tax expenses related to the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany research and development (R&D) cost sharing arrangement and legal structure

Incur tax expenses related to the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany research and development (“R&D”) cost sharing arrangement and legal structure

Incur large and immediate write-offs and restructuring and other related expenses

Incur large and immediate write-offs and restructuring and other related expenses

Become subject to intellectual property or other litigation

Become subject to intellectual property or other litigation

Mergers and acquisitions of high-technology companies are inherently risky and subject to many factors outside of our control, and no assurance can be given that our previous or future acquisitions will be successful and will not materially adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition. Failure to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions could materially harm our business and operating results. Prior acquisitions have resulted in a wide range of outcomes, from successful introduction of new products and technologies to a failure to do so. Even when an acquired company has already developed and marketed products, there can be no assurance that product enhancements will be made in a timely fashion or that pre-acquisition due diligence will have identified all possible issues that might arise with respect to such products.

From time to time, we have made acquisitions that resulted in charges in an individual quarter. These charges may occur in any particular quarter, resulting in variability in our quarterly earnings. In addition, our effective tax rate for future periods is uncertain and could be impacted by mergers and acquisitions. Risks related to new product development also apply to acquisitions. Please see the risk factors above, including the risk factor entitled “We depend upon the development of new products and enhancements to existing products, and if we fail to predict and respond to emerging technological trends and customers’ changing needs, our operating results and market share may suffer” for additional information.

ENTRANCE INTO NEW OR DEVELOPING MARKETS EXPOSES US TO ADDITIONAL COMPETITION AND WILL LIKELY INCREASE DEMANDS ON OUR SERVICE AND SUPPORT OPERATIONS

As we focus on new market opportunities—for example, storage; wireless; security; transporting data, voice,opportunities and video traffic across the same network; and otherkey growth areas, within our New Products category, emerging technologies, and our priorities—we will increasingly compete with large telecommunications equipment suppliers as well as startup companies. Several of our competitors may have greater resources, including technical and engineering resources, than we do. Additionally, as customers in these markets complete infrastructure deployments, they may require greater levels of service, support, and financing than we have provided in the past, especially in emerging countries. Demand for these types of service, support, or financing contracts may increase in the future. There can be no assurance that we can provide products, service, support, and financing to effectively compete for these market opportunities.

Further, provision of greater levels of services, support and financing by us may result in a delay in the timing of revenue recognition. In addition, entry into other markets such as our entry into the consumer market, has subjected and will subject us to additional risks, particularly to those markets, including the effects of general market conditions and reduced consumer confidence.

For example, as we add direct selling capabilities globally to meet changing customer demands, we will face increased legal and regulatory requirements.

INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION MAY LEAD TO INCREASED COMPETITION AND MAY HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS

There has been a trend toward industry consolidation in our markets for several years. We expect this trend to continue as companies attempt to strengthen or hold their market positions in an evolving industry and as companies are acquired or are unable to continue operations. For example, some of our current and potential competitors for enterprise data center business have made acquisitions, or announced new strategic alliances, designed to position them with the ability to provide end-to-end technology solutions for the enterprise data center. Companies that are strategic alliance partners in some areas of our business may acquire or form alliances with our competitors, thereby reducing their business with us. We believe that industry consolidation may result in stronger competitors that are better able to compete as sole-source vendors for customers. This could lead to more variability in our operating results and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Furthermore, particularly in the service provider market, rapid consolidation will lead to fewer customers, with the effect that loss of a major customer could have a material impact on results not anticipated in a customer marketplace composed of more numerous participants.


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PRODUCT QUALITY PROBLEMS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED REVENUE, GROSS MARGINS, AND NET INCOME

We produce highly complex products that incorporate leading-edge technology, including both hardware and software. Software typically contains bugs that can unexpectedly interfere with expected operations. There can be no assurance that our preshipmentpre-shipment testing programs will be adequate to detect all defects, either ones in individual products or ones that could affect numerous shipments, which might interfere with customer satisfaction, reduce sales opportunities, or affect gross margins. In the past,From time to time, we have had to replace certain components and provide remediation in response to the discovery of defects or bugs in products that we had

shipped. Although the cost of such remediation has not been material in the past, thereThere can be no assurance that such a remediation, depending on the product involved, would not have a material impact. An inability to cure a product defect could result in the failure of a product line, temporary or permanent withdrawal from a product or market, damage to our reputation, inventory costs, or product reengineering expenses, any of which could have a material impact on our revenue, margins, and net income.

For example, in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $655 million related to the expected remediation costs for certain products sold in prior fiscal years containing memory components manufactured by a single supplier between 2005 and 2010.

DUE TO THE GLOBAL NATURE OF OUR OPERATIONS, POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC CHANGES OR OTHER FACTORS IN A SPECIFIC COUNTRY OR REGION COULD HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

We conduct significant sales and customer support operations in countries outside ofaround the United States andworld. As such, our growth depends in part on our increasing sales into emerging countries. We also depend on non-U.S. operations of our contract manufacturers, component suppliers and distribution partners. Although sales in several of our emerging countries decreased during thein recent global economic downturn,periods, including in fiscal 2014, several of our emerging countries generally have been relatively fast growing, and we have announced plans to expand our commitments and expectations in certain of those countries. As such, our growth dependsWe expect that the weakness we experienced in part on our increasing sales intorecent periods in several emerging countries.countries will continue for at least several quarters. Our future results could be materially adversely affected by a variety of political, economic or other factors relating to our operations inside and outside the United States, including impacts from the U.S. federal budget including the effect of the sequestration beginning in 2013; global central bank monetary policy; issues related to the political relationship between the United States and other countries which can affect the willingness of customers in those countries to purchase products from companies headquartered in the United States; and the challenging and inconsistent global macroeconomic environment, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, including, among others, the following:

The worldwide impact of the recent global economic downturn and related market uncertainty, including the recent European economic and financial turmoil related to sovereign debt issues in certain countries

Foreign currency exchange rates

Foreign currency exchange rates

Political or social unrest

Political or social unrest

Economic instability or weakness or natural disasters in a specific country or region; environmental and trade protection measures and other legal and regulatory requirements, some of which may affect our ability to import our products, to export our products from, or sell our products in various countries

Economic instability or weakness or natural disasters in a specific country or region; environmental and trade protection measures and other legal and regulatory requirements, some of which may affect our ability to import our products, to export our products from, or sell our products in various countries

Political considerations that affect service provider and government spending patterns

Political considerations that affect service provider and government spending patterns

Health or similar issues, such as a pandemic or epidemic

Health or similar issues, such as a pandemic or epidemic

Difficulties in staffing and managing international operations

Difficulties in staffing and managing international operations

Adverse tax consequences, including imposition of withholding or other taxes on our global operations

Adverse tax consequences, including imposition of withholding or other taxes on payments by subsidiaries

WE ARE EXPOSED TO THE CREDIT RISK OF SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND TO CREDIT EXPOSURES IN WEAKENED MARKETS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN MATERIAL LOSSES

Most of our sales are on an open credit basis, with typical payment terms of 30 days in the United States and, because of local customs or conditions, longer in some markets outside the United States. We monitor individual customer payment capability in granting such open credit arrangements, seek to limit such open credit to amounts we believe the customers can pay, and maintain reserves we believe are adequate to cover exposure for doubtful accounts. Beyond our open credit arrangements, we have also experienced demands for customer financing and facilitation of leasing arrangements. We expect demand for customer financing to continue, and recently we have been experiencing an increase in this demand as the credit markets have been impacted by the recentchallenging and inconsistent global economic downturn and related market uncertainty,macroeconomic environment, including increased demand from customers in certain emerging countries.

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We believe customer financing is a competitive factor in obtaining business, particularly in serving customers involved in significant infrastructure projects. Our loan financing arrangements may include not only financing the acquisition of our products and services but also providing additional funds for other costs associated with network installation and integration of our products and services.

Our exposure to the credit risks relating to our financing activities described above may increase if our customers are adversely affected by a global economic downturn or periods of economic uncertainty. Although we have programs in place that are designed to monitor and mitigate the associated risk, including monitoring of particular risks in certain geographic areas, there can be no assurance that such programs will be effective in reducing our credit risks.

In the past, there have been significant bankruptcies among customers both on open credit and with loan or lease financing arrangements, particularly among Internet businesses and service providers, causing us to incur economic or financial losses. There can be no assurance that additional losses will not be incurred. Although these losses have not been material to date, future losses, if incurred, could harm our business and have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. A portion of our sales is derived through our distributors and retail partners.distributors. These distributors and retail partners are generally given business terms that allow them to return a portion of inventory, receive credits for changes in selling prices, and participate in various cooperative marketing programs. We maintain estimated accruals and allowances for such business terms. However, distributors tend to have more limited financial resources than other resellers and end-user customers and therefore represent potential sources of increased credit risk, because they may be more likely to lack the reserve resources to meet payment obligations. Additionally, to the degree that turmoil in the credit markets makes it more difficult for some customers to obtain financing, those customers’ ability to pay could be adversely impacted, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

WE ARE EXPOSED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN THE MARKET VALUES OF OUR PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AND IN INTEREST RATES; IMPAIRMENT OF OUR INVESTMENTS COULD HARM OUR EARNINGS
We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. These securities are generally classified as available-for-sale and, consequently, are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Our portfolio includes fixed income securities and equity investments in publicly traded companies, the values of which are subject to market price volatility to the extent unhedged. If such investments suffer market price declines, as we experienced with some of our investments in the past, we may recognize in earnings the decline in the fair value of our investments below their cost basis when the decline is judged to be other than temporary. For information regarding the sensitivity of and risks associated with the market value of portfolio investments and interest rates, refer to the section titled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Our investments in private companies are subject to risk of loss of investment capital. These investments are inherently risky because the markets for the technologies or products they have under development are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We could lose our entire investment in these companies.
WE ARE EXPOSED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES THAT COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS AND CASH FLOWS

Because a significant portion of our business is conducted outside the United States, we face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve, and they could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows. Historically, our primary exposures have related to nondollar-denominated sales in Japan, Canada, and Australia and certain nondollar-denominated operating expenses and service cost of sales in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, where we sell primarily in U.S. dollars. Additionally, we have exposures to emerging market currencies, which can have extreme currency volatility. An increase in the value of the dollar could increase the real cost to our customers of our products in those markets outside the United States where we sell in dollars, and a weakened dollar could increase the cost of local operating expenses and procurement of raw materials to the extent that we must purchase components in foreign currencies.

Currently, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and options to reduce the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain foreign currency receivables, investments, and payables. In addition, we periodically hedge anticipated foreign currency cash flows. Our attempts to hedge against these risks may not be successful, resultingresult in an adverse impact on our net income.

OUR PROPRIETARY RIGHTS MAY PROVE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE

We generally rely on patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secret laws to establish and maintain proprietary rights in our technology and products. Although we have been issued numerous patents and other patent applications are currently pending, there can be no assurance that any of these patents or other proprietary rights will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented or that our rights will, in fact, provide competitive advantages to us. Furthermore, many key aspects of networking technology are governed by industrywide standards, which are usable by all market entrants. In addition, there can be no assurance that patents will be issued from pending applications or that claims allowed on any patents will be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the

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United States. The outcome of any actions taken in these foreign countries may be different than if such actions were determined under the laws of the United States. Although we are not

dependent on any individual patents or group of patents for particular segments of the business for which we compete, if we are unable to protect our proprietary rights to the totality of the features (including aspects of products protected other than by patent rights) in a market, we may find ourselves at a competitive disadvantage to others who need not incur the substantial expense, time, and effort required to create innovative products that have enabled us to be successful.

WE MAY BE FOUND TO INFRINGE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF OTHERS

Third parties, including customers, have in the past and may in the future assert claims or initiate litigation related to exclusive patent, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights to technologies and related standards that are relevant to us. These assertions have increased over time as a result of our growth and the general increase in the pace of patent claims assertions, particularly in the United States. Because of the existence of a large number of patents in the networking field, the secrecy of some pending patents, and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, it is not economically practical or even possible to determine in advance whether a product or any of its components infringes or will infringe on the patent rights of others. The asserted claims and/or initiated litigation can include claims against us or our manufacturers, suppliers, or customers, alleging infringement of their proprietary rights with respect to our existing or future products or components of those products. Regardless of the merit of these claims, they can be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and diversion of technical and management personnel, or require us to develop a non-infringing technology or enter into license agreements. Where claims are made by customers, resistance even to unmeritorious claims could damage customer relationships. There can be no assurance that licenses will be available on acceptable terms and conditions, if at all, or that our indemnification by our suppliers will be adequate to cover our costs if a claim were brought directly against us or our customers. Furthermore, because of the potential for high court awards that are not necessarily predictable, it is not unusual to find even arguably unmeritorious claims settled for significant amounts. If any infringement or other intellectual property claim made against us by any third party is successful, if we are required to indemnify a customer with respect to a claim against the customer, or if we fail to develop non-infringing technology or license the proprietary rights on commercially reasonable terms and conditions, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

For additional information regarding our indemnification obligations, see Note 12(g) to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.

Our exposure to risks associated with the use of intellectual property may be increased as a result of acquisitions, as we have a lower level of visibility into the development process with respect to such technology or the care taken to safeguard against infringement risks. Further, in the past, third parties have made infringement and similar claims after we have acquired technology that had not been asserted prior to our acquisition.

WE RELY ON THE AVAILABILITY OF THIRD-PARTY LICENSES

Many of our products are designed to include software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties. It may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of these products. There can be no assurance that the necessary licenses would be available on acceptable terms, if at all. The inability to obtain certain licenses or other rights or to obtain such licenses or rights on favorable terms, or the need to engage in litigation regarding these matters, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Moreover, the inclusion in our products of software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties on a nonexclusive basis could limit our ability to protect our proprietary rights in our products.

OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED AND DAMAGE TO OUR REPUTATION MAY OCCUR DUE TO PRODUCTION AND SALE OF COUNTERFEIT VERSIONS OF OUR PRODUCTS
As is the case with leading products around the world, our products are subject to efforts by third parties to produce counterfeit versions of our products. While we work diligently with law enforcement authorities in various countries to block the manufacture of counterfeit goods and to interdict their sale, and to detect counterfeit products in customer networks, and have succeeded in prosecuting counterfeiters and their distributors, resulting in fines, imprisonment and restitution to us, there can be no guarantee that such efforts will succeed.  While counterfeiters often aim their sales at customers who might not have otherwise purchased our products due to lack of verifiability of origin and service, such counterfeit sales, to the extent they replace otherwise legitimate sales, could adversely affect our operating results.
OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS COULD BE MATERIALLY HARMED BY UNCERTAINTIES OF REGULATION OF THE INTERNET

Currently, few laws or regulations apply directly to access or commerce on the Internet. We could be materially adversely affected by regulation of the Internet and Internet commerce in any country where we operate. Such regulations could include matters such as voice over the Internet or using IP, encryption technology, sales or other taxes on Internet product or service sales, and access charges for Internet service providers. The adoption of regulation of the

Internet and Internet commerce could decrease demand


28


for our products and, at the same time, increase the cost of selling our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

CHANGES IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION AND TARIFFS COULD HARM OUR PROSPECTS AND FUTURE SALES

Changes in telecommunications requirements, or regulatory requirements in other industries in which we operate, in the United States or other countries could affect the sales of our products. In particular, we believe that there may be future changes in U.S. telecommunications regulations that could slow the expansion of the service providers’ network infrastructures and materially adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Future changes in tariffs by regulatory agencies or application of tariff requirements to currently untariffed services could affect the sales of our products for certain classes of customers. Additionally, in the United States, our products must comply with various requirements and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission and other regulatory authorities. In countries outside of the United States, our products must meet various requirements of local telecommunications and other industry authorities. Changes in tariffs or failure by us to obtain timely approval of products could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

FAILURE TO RETAIN AND RECRUIT KEY PERSONNEL WOULD HARM OUR ABILITY TO MEET KEY OBJECTIVES

Our success has always depended in large part on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, managerial, sales, and marketing personnel. Competition for these personnel is intense, especially in the Silicon Valley area of Northern California. Stock incentive plans are designed to reward employees for their long-term contributions and provide incentives for them to remain with us. Volatility or lack of positive performance in our stock price or equity incentive awards, or changes to our overall compensation program, including our stock incentive program, resulting from the management of share dilution and share-based compensation expense or otherwise, may also adversely affect our ability to retain key employees. As a result of one or more of these factors, we may increase our hiring in geographic areas outside the United States, which could subject us to additional geopolitical and exchange rate risk. The loss of services of any of our key personnel; the inability to retain and attract qualified personnel in the future; or delays in hiring required personnel, particularly engineering and sales personnel, could make it difficult to meet key objectives, such as timely and effective product introductions. In addition, companies in our industry whose employees accept positions with competitors frequently claim that competitors have engaged in improper hiring practices. We have received these claims in the past and may receive additional claims to this effect in the future.

ADVERSE RESOLUTION OF LITIGATION OR GOVERNMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS MAY HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS OR FINANCIAL CONDITION

We are a party to lawsuits in the normal course of our business. Litigation can be expensive, lengthy, and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. For example, Brazilian authorities have investigated our Brazilian subsidiary and certain of ourits current and former employees, as well as a Brazilian importer of our products, and its affiliates and employees, relating to alleged evasion of import taxes and alleged improper transactions involving the subsidiary and the importer. Brazilian tax authorities have assessed claims against our Brazilian subsidiary based on a theory of joint liability with the Brazilian importer for import taxes, interest, and related penalties. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Brazilian federal tax authorities asserted an additional claim against our Brazilian subsidiary based on a theory of joint liability with respect to an alleged underpayment of income taxes, social taxes, interest, and penalties by a Brazilian distributor. The asserted claims by Brazilian federal tax authorities are for calendar years 2003 through 20072008 and the related asserted claims by the tax authorities from the state of Sao Paulo are for calendar years 2005 through 2007. The total asserted claims by Brazilian state and federal tax authorities aggregatedaggregate to approximately $522$389 million for the alleged evasion of import and other taxes,

approximately $860 million$1.3 billion for interest, and approximately $2.4$1.7 billion for various penalties, all determined using an exchange rate as of July 30, 2011.26, 2014. We have completed a thorough review of the mattermatters and believe the asserted tax claims against usour Brazilian subsidiary are without merit, and we intend to defendare defending the claims vigorously. While we believe there is no legal basis for ourthe alleged liability, due to the complexities and uncertainty surrounding the judicial process in Brazil and the nature of the claims asserting joint liability with the importer, we are unable to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome against usour Brazilian subsidiary and are unable to reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any. We do not expect a final judicial determination for several years. An unfavorable resolution of lawsuits or governmental investigations could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial condition. For additional information regarding certain of the matters in which we are involved, see Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” contained in Part I of this report.


29


CHANGES IN OUR PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES OR ADVERSE OUTCOMES RESULTING FROM EXAMINATION OF OUR INCOME TAX RETURNS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR RESULTS

Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries that have lower tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher tax rates; by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; by expiration of or lapses in the R&D tax credit or domestic manufacturing deduction laws; by expiration of or lapses in tax incentives; by transfer pricing adjustments, including the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany R&D cost sharing arrangement and legal structure; by tax effects of nondeductible compensation; by tax costs related to intercompany realignments; by changes in accounting principles; or by changes in tax laws and regulations, treaties, or interpretations thereof, including possible U.S. changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, or the foreign tax credit rules. Significant judgment is required to determine the recognition and measurement attribute prescribed in the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. The accounting guidanceOrganisation for uncertainty in income taxes applies to all income tax positions,Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international association of 34 countries including the potential recovery of previously paid taxes, whichUnited States, is contemplating changes to numerous long-standing tax principles. These contemplated changes, if settled unfavorably couldfinalized and adopted by countries, will increase tax uncertainty and may adversely impactaffect our provision for income taxes or additional paid-in capital.taxes. Further, as a result of certain of our ongoing employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries is subject to reduced tax rates and in some cases is wholly exempt from tax. Our failure to meet these commitments could adversely impact our provision for income taxes. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance that the outcomes from these continuous examinations will not have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS ARE ESPECIALLY SUBJECT TO THE RISKS OF EARTHQUAKES, FLOODS, AND OTHER NATURAL CATASTROPHIC EVENTS

Our corporate headquarters, including certain of our research and development operations are located in the Silicon Valley area of Northern California, a region known for seismic activity. Additionally, a certain number of our facilities are located near rivers that have experienced flooding in the past. Also certain of our suppliers and logistics centers are located in regions that have or may be affected by recent earthquake, tsunami and tsunamiflooding activity which in the past has disrupted, and in the future could continue to disrupt, the flow of components and delivery of products. A significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, a hurricane, volcano, or a flood, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

MAN-MADE PROBLEMS SUCH AS COMPUTER VIRUSES OR TERRORISM MAY DISRUPT OUR OPERATIONS AND HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS

Despite our implementation of network security measures our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Efforts to limit the ability of malicious third parties to disrupt the operations of the Internet or undermine our own security efforts may meet

with resistance. In addition, the continued threat of terrorism and heightened security and military action in response to this threat, or any future acts of terrorism, may cause further disruptions to the economies of the United States and other countries and create further uncertainties or otherwise materially harm our business, operating results, and financial condition. Likewise, events such as widespread blackouts could have similar negative impacts. To the extent that such disruptions or uncertainties result in delays or cancellations of customer orders or the manufacture or shipment of our products, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

WE ARE EXPOSED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN THE MARKET VALUES OF OUR PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AND IN INTEREST RATES; IMPAIRMENT OF OUR INVESTMENTS COULD HARM OUR EARNINGS

We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. These securities are generally classified as available-for-sale and, consequently, are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Our portfolio includes fixed income securities and equity investments in publicly traded companies, the values of which are subject to market price volatility to the extent unhedged. If such investments suffer market price declines, as we experienced with some of our investments during fiscal 2009, we may recognize in earnings the decline in the fair value of our investments below their cost basis when the decline is judged to be other than temporary. For information regarding the sensitivity of and risks associated with the market value of portfolio investments and interest rates, refer to the section titled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Our investments in private companies are subject to risk of loss of investment capital. These investments are inherently risky because the markets for the technologies or products they have under development are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We could lose our entire investment in these companies.

IF WE DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE OUR STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, WE MAY NOT REALIZE THE EXPECTED BENEFITS FROM SUCH ALLIANCES AND WE MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED COMPETITION OR DELAYS IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

We have several strategic alliances with large and complex organizations and other companies with which we work to offer complementary products and services and have established a joint venture to market services associated with our Cisco Unified Computing System products. These arrangements are generally limited to specific projects, the goal of which is generally to facilitate product compatibility and adoption of industry standards. There can be no assurance we will realize the expected benefits from these strategic alliances or from the joint venture. If successful, these relationships may be mutually beneficial and result in industry growth. However, alliances carry an element of risk because, in most cases, we must compete in some business areas with a company with which we have a strategic alliance and, at the same time, cooperate with that company in other business areas. Also, if these companies fail to perform or if these relationships fail to materialize as expected, we could suffer delays in product development or other operational difficulties. Joint ventures can be difficult to manage, given the potentially different interests of joint venture partners.


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OUR STOCK PRICE MAY BE VOLATILE

Historically, our common stock has experienced substantial price volatility, particularly as a result of variations between our actual financial results and the published expectations of analysts and as a result of announcements by our competitors and us. Furthermore, speculation in the press or investment community about our strategic position, financial condition, results of operations, business, security of our products, or significant transactions can cause changes in our stock price. In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many technology companies, in particular, and that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. These factors, as well as general economic and political conditions and the announcement of proposed and completed acquisitions or other significant transactions, or any difficulties associated with such transactions, by us or our current or potential competitors,

may materially adversely affect the market price of our common stock in the future. Additionally, volatility, lack of positive performance in our stock price or changes to our overall compensation program, including our stock incentive program, may adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, virtually all of whom are compensated, in part, based on the performance of our stock price.

THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION WILL NOT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY OUR INCURRENCE OF DEBT

We have senior unsecured notes outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of $16.0$20.8 billion that mature at specific dates infrom calendar year 2014 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2039 andthrough 2040. We have also established a commercial paper program under which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $3$3.0 billion, and we had no commercial paper notes outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of $500 millionunder this program as of July 30, 2011. 26, 2014. The outstanding senior unsecured notes bear fixed-rate interest payable semiannually, except $1.25$2.35 billion of the notes which bears interest at a floating rate payable quarterly. The fair value of the long-term debt is subject to market interest rate volatility. The instruments governing the senior unsecured notes contain certain covenants applicable to us and our wholly-owned subsidiaries that may adversely affect our ability to incur certain liens or engage in certain types of sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, we will be required to have available in the United States sufficient cash to service the interest on our debt and repay all of our notes on maturity. There can be no assurance that our incurrence of this debt or any future debt will be a better means of providing liquidity to us than would our use of our existing cash resources, including cash currently held offshore. Further, we cannot be assured that our maintenance of this indebtedness or incurrence of future indebtedness will not adversely affect our operating results or financial condition. In addition, changes by any rating agency to our credit rating can negatively impact the value and liquidity of both our debt and equity securities, as well as the terms upon which we may borrow under our commercial paper program.

program or future debt issuances.
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.


Item 2.Properties

Our corporate headquarters are located at an owned site in San Jose, California. California, in the United States of America.
The locations of our headquarters by geographic segment are as follows:
AmericasEMEAAPJC
San Jose, California, USAAmsterdam, NetherlandsSingapore
In addition to thisour headquarters site, we own certainadditional sites in the United States, which include facilities in the surrounding areas of San Jose, California; Boston, Massachusetts;Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Richardson, Texas; Lawrenceville, Georgia; and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.Boston, Massachusetts. We also own land for expansion in some of these locations. In addition, we lease office space in severalmany U.S. locations.

Outside the United States our operations are conducted primarily in leased sites, such as our Globalisation Centre East campus in Bangalore, India. Other significant sites (in addition to the two non-U.S. headquarters locations) are located in Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom.

We believe that our existing facilities, including both owned and leased, are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.

For additional information regarding obligations under operating leases, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information regarding properties by operating segment, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


31



Item 3.Legal Proceedings

BrazilBrazilian authorities have investigated our Brazilian subsidiary and certain of ourits current and former employees, as well as a Brazilian importer of our products, and its affiliates and employees, relating to alleged evasion of import taxes and alleged improper transactions involving the subsidiary and the importer. Brazilian tax authorities have assessed claims against our Brazilian subsidiary based on a theory of joint liability with the Brazilian importer for import taxes, interest, and related penalties. In addition to claims asserted during prior fiscal years by the Brazilian federal tax authorities in prior fiscal years, tax authorities from the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo have asserted similar claims on the same legal basis duringin prior fiscal years. In the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2011.

2013, the Brazilian federal tax authorities asserted an additional claim against our Brazilian subsidiary based on a theory of joint liability with respect to an alleged underpayment of income taxes, social taxes, interest, and penalties by a Brazilian distributor.

The asserted claims by Brazilian federal tax authorities are for calendar years 2003 through 20072008, and the asserted claims by the tax authorities from the state of Sao Paulo are for calendar years 2005 through 2007. The total asserted claims by Brazilian state and federal tax authorities aggregatedaggregate to approximately $522$389 million for the alleged evasion of import and other taxes, approximately $860 million$1.3 billion for interest, and approximately $2.4$1.7 billion for various penalties, all determined using an exchange rate as of July 30, 2011.26, 2014. We have completed a thorough review of the mattermatters and believe the asserted tax claims against usour Brazilian subsidiary are without merit, and we intend to defendare defending the claims vigorously. While we believe there is no legal basis for ourthe alleged liability, due to the complexities and uncertainty surrounding the judicial process in Brazil and the nature of the claims asserting joint liability with the importer, we are unable to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome against usour Brazilian subsidiary and are unable to reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any. We do not expect a final judicial determination for several years.

On March 31, 2011, a purported shareholder class action lawsuit was filed

Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent StatesAt the request of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)and the U.S. Department of Justice, we are conducting an investigation into allegations which we and those agencies received regarding possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act involving business activities of Cisco's operations in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against CiscoRussia and certain of its officersthe Commonwealth of Independent States, and directors. A second lawsuitby certain resellers of our products in those countries.  We take any such allegations very seriously and are fully cooperating with substantially similar allegations was filedand sharing the results of our investigation with the same courtSEC and the Department of Justice.  While the outcome of our investigation is currently not determinable, we do not expect that it will have a material adverse effect on April 12, 2011our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The countries that are the subject of the investigation collectively comprise less than 2% of our revenues.
Rockstar We and some of our service provider customers are subject to patent claims asserted in December 2013 in the Eastern District of Texas and the District of Delaware by subsidiaries of the Rockstar Consortium ("Rockstar"). Rockstar, whose members include Apple, Microsoft, LM Ericsson, Sony, and Blackberry, purchased a portfolio of patents out of the Nortel Networks’ bankruptcy proceedings (the “Nortel Portfolio”). Rockstar’s subsidiaries allege that some of our NGN Routing, Switching and Collaboration products, as well as video solutions deployed by our service provider customers, infringe some of the patents in the Nortel Portfolio. Rockstar seeks monetary damages. A trial date for one service provider customer has been set for October 2015; no other trial dates have been set. We have various defenses to the patent infringement allegations, and have various offensive claims against CiscoRockstar and certainsome of its officersconsortium members available to us as well, and directors. The lawsuits are purportedly brought on behalfwe will also explore alternative means of those who purchased Cisco’s publicly traded securities between May 12, 2010 and February 9, 2011, and between February 3, 2010 and February 9, 2011, respectively. Plaintiffs allege that defendants made false and misleading statements during quarterly earnings calls, purport to assert claims for violations of the federal securities laws, and seek unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. We believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend the actions vigorously. While we believe there is no legal basis for liability, dueresolution. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the litigation process, which involves numerous lawsuits and parties, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome and a range of loss, if any, of these litigations at this time.

Beginning in April 2011, purported shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in both the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and the California Superior Court for the County of Santa Clara against our Board of Directors and several of our officers for allowing management to make allegedly false statements during earnings calls. Our management of the stock repurchase program is also alleged to have breached a fiduciary duty. The complaints include claims for violation of the federal securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, and violations of the California Corporations Code. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, disgorgement, and other relief.

In addition, we are subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, we do not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. For additional information regarding intellectual property litigation, see “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors—WeFactors-We may be found to infringe on intellectual property rights of others” herein.


Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.


32


PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a)
Cisco common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CSCO. Information regarding the market prices of Cisco common stock as well as quarterly cash dividends declared on Cisco’s common stock during fiscal 20112014 and 2013 may be found in Supplementary Financial Data on page 130122 of this report. No cash dividends were declared on Cisco’s common stock during fiscal 2010. There were 58,43449,936 registered shareholders as of September 8, 2011.4, 2014. The high and low common stock sales prices per share for each period were as follows:

 FISCAL 2014 FISCAL 2013
Fiscal QuarterHigh Low High Low
First quarter$26.49
 $22.10
 $19.75
 $15.65
Second quarter$24.00
 $20.22
 $21.25
 $16.68
Third quarter$23.64
 $21.27
 $21.98
 $19.98
Fourth quarter$26.08
 $22.43
 $26.15
 $20.29
(b)Not Applicable.applicable.

(c)Issuer Purchasespurchases of Equity Securitiesequity securities (in millions, except per-share amounts):

Period

  Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
   Average Price Paid
per Share (1)
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs(2)
   Approximate Dollar
Value  of Shares
That May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs(2)
 

May 1, 2011 to May 28, 2011

   16    $16.43     16    $11,464  

May 29, 2011 to June 25, 2011

   30    $15.53     28    $11,030  

June 26, 2011 to July 30, 2011

   51    $15.83     51    $10,227  
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total

   97    $15.84     95    
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

(1)

Includes approximately 2 million shares repurchased to satisfy tax withholding obligations that arose on the vesting of shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units.

(2)

On September 13, 2001, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase program. As of July 30, 2011, our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $82 billion of common stock under this program. During fiscal 2011, we repurchased and retired 351 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $19.36 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $6.8 billion. As of July 30, 2011, we had repurchased and retired 3.5 billion shares of our common stock at an average price of $20.64 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $71.8 billion since inception of the stock repurchase program, and the remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program was $10.2 billion with no termination date.

Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price Paid
per Share 
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs 
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares
That May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs
April 27, 2014 to May 24, 20144
 $24.38
 4
 $9,965
May 25, 2014 to June 21, 201417
 $24.74
 17
 $9,550
June 22, 2014 to July 26, 201440
 $25.34
 40
 $8,555
Total61
 $25.11
 61
  
On September 13, 2001, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase program. As of July 26, 2014, our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $97 billion of common stock under this program. During fiscal 2014, we repurchased and retired 420 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $22.71 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $9.5 billion. As of July 26, 2014, we had repurchased and retired 4.3 billion shares of our common stock at an average price of $20.63 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $88.4 billion since inception of the stock repurchase program, and the remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program was $8.6 billion with no termination date.
For the majority of restricted stock units granted, the number of shares issued on the date the restricted stock units vest is net of shares withheld to meet applicable tax withholding requirements. Although these withheld shares are not issued or considered common stock repurchases under our stock repurchase program and therefore are not included in the preceding table, they are treated as common stock repurchases in our financial statements as they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting (see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

33


Stock Performance Graph

The information contained in this Stock Performance Graph section shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that Cisco specifically incorporates it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The following graph shows a five-year comparison of the cumulative total shareholder return on Cisco common stock with the cumulative total returns of the S&P Information Technology Index and the S&P 500 Index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in the Company’s common stock and in each of the indexes (with the reinvestment of all dividends) on July 28, 2006.the date specified. Shareholder returns over the indicated period are based on historical data and should not be considered indicative of future shareholder returns.

Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return Among Cisco Systems, Inc.,

the S&P Information Technology Index, and the S&P 500 Index

   July 2006   July 2007   July 2008   July 2009   July 2010   July 2011 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

  $100.00    $160.23    $124.06    $121.02    $127.60    $88.97  

S&P Information Technology

  $100.00    $130.25    $119.48    $107.89    $122.69    $146.24  

S&P 500

  $100.00    $116.13    $103.25    $82.64    $94.07    $112.56  




 July 2009 July 2010 July 2011 July 2012 July 2013 July 2014
Cisco Systems, Inc.$100.00
 $105.44
 $73.52
 $73.36
 $122.82
 $129.01
S&P Information Technology$100.00
 $113.72
 $135.55
 $153.25
 $170.31
 $218.22
S&P 500$100.00
 $113.83
 $136.21
 $148.64
 $185.80
 $217.28


34

Table of Contents

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Five Years Ended July 30, 201126, 2014 (in millions, except per-share amounts)

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  (1)  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  July 26, 2008  July 28, 2007 

Net sales

 $43,218   $40,040   $36,117   $39,540   $34,922  

Net income(1)

 $6,490   $7,767   $6,134   $8,052   $7,333  

Net income per share—basic

 $1.17   $1.36   $1.05   $1.35   $1.21  

Net income per share—diluted

 $1.17   $1.33   $1.05   $1.31   $1.17  

Shares used in per-share calculation—basic

  5,529    5,732    5,828    5,986    6,055  

Shares used in per-share calculation—diluted

  5,563    5,848    5,857    6,163    6,265  

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $0.12    —      —      —      —    

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $10,079   $10,173   $9,897   $12,089   $10,104  
  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  July 26, 2008  July 28, 2007 

Cash and cash equivalents and investments

 $44,585   $39,861   $35,001   $26,235   $22,266  

Total assets

 $87,095   $81,130   $68,128   $58,734   $53,340  

Debt

 $16,822   $15,284   $10,295   $6,893   $6,408  

Deferred revenue

 $12,207   $11,083   $9,393   $8,860   $7,037  

Years Ended
July 26, 2014 (1)
 
July 27, 2013 (2)
 July 28, 2012 
July 30, 2011  (3)
 July 31, 2010
Revenue$47,142
 $48,607
 $46,061
 $43,218
 $40,040
Net income$7,853
 $9,983
 $8,041
 $6,490
 $7,767
Net income per share—basic$1.50
 $1.87
 $1.50
 $1.17
 $1.36
Net income per share—diluted$1.49
 $1.86
 $1.49
 $1.17
 $1.33
Shares used in per-share calculation—basic5,234
 5,329
 5,370
 5,529
 5,732
Shares used in per-share calculation—diluted5,281
 5,380
 5,404
 5,563
 5,848
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.72
 $0.62
 $0.28
 $0.12
 $
Net cash provided by operating activities$12,332
 $12,894
 $11,491
 $10,079
 $10,173
 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 July 30, 2011 July 31, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents and investments$52,074
 $50,610
 $48,716
 $44,585
 $39,861
Total assets$105,134
 $101,191
 $91,759
 $87,095
 $81,130
Debt$20,909
 $16,211
 $16,328
 $16,822
 $15,284
Deferred revenue$14,142
 $13,423
 $12,880
 $12,207
 $11,083
(1) 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, Cisco recorded a pre-tax charge of $655 million to product cost of sales, which corresponds to $526 million, net of tax, for the expected remediation cost for certain products sold in prior fiscal years containing memory components manufactured by a single supplier between 2005 and 2010. See Note 12(f) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Cisco settled all outstanding items related to its federal income tax returns for fiscal 2002 through fiscal 2007. As a result of the settlement, Cisco recorded a net tax benefit of $794 million. Also during the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 reinstated the U.S. federal R&D tax credit, retroactive to January 1, 2012. As a result of the credit, Cisco recognized tax benefits of $184 million in fiscal 2013, of which $72 million related to fiscal 2012 R&D expenses.
(3)
Net income for the year ended July 30, 2011 included restructuring and other charges of $694 million, net of tax.  Cisco also incurred restructuring charges in fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2014. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

No other factors materially affected the comparability of the information presented above.



35

Table of Contents

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “endeavors,” “strives,” “may,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified below, under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and elsewhere herein. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW

We design, manufacture, and sell Internet Protocol (IP)-based based networking products and other productsservices related to the communications and information technology (IT) industry and provide services associated with these products and their use.industry. Our products and services are designed to address a wide rangecustomers include businesses of customers’ needs, including improving productivity, reducing costs, and gaining a competitive advantage. In addition, our products and services are designed to help customers build their own network infrastructures that support tools and applications that allow them to communicate with key stakeholders, including customers, prospects, business partners, suppliers, and employees. We focus on delivering networking products and solutions that are designed to simplify and secure customers’ network infrastructures. We believe that integrating multiple network services into our products helps our customers reduce their total cost of network ownership. Our product offerings fall into the following four categories: our two core technology categories, Routing and Switching; New Products; and Other Products. In addition to our product offerings, we provide a broad range of service offerings, including technical support services and advanced services. Our customer base spans virtually all types ofsizes, public and private agencies and businesses, including enterprise businesses (including public sector entities),institutions, telecommunications companies, other service providers commercial customers, and consumers.

individuals. We connect people, process, data and things with products that transport data, voice, and video within buildings, across campuses, and around the world. We are a key strategic partner to companies that helps them as they seek to make the most of the Internet of Everything (IoE) and connect the unconnected.


A summary of our results is as follows (in millions, except percentages and per-share amounts):

   Fiscal 2011  Fiscal 2010  Variance 

Net sales

  $43,218   $40,040    7.9

Gross margin percentage

   61.4  64.0  (2.6)pts

Research and development

  $5,823   $5,273    10.4%

Sales and marketing

  $9,812   $8,782    11.7

General and administrative

  $1,908   $1,933    (1.3)% 

Total R&D, sales and marketing, general and administrative

  $17,543   $15,988    9.7%

Total as a percentage of revenue

   40.6  39.9  0.7pts

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

  $520   $491    5.9

Restructuring and other charges

  $799   $—      NM  

Operating margin percentage

   17.8  22.9  (5.1)pts 

Net income

  $6,490   $7,767    (16.4)% 

Net income as a percentage of revenue

   15.0  19.4  (4.4)pts 

Earnings per share – diluted

  $1.17   $1.33    (12.0)% 

 Three Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended 
 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance 
Revenue$12,357
 $12,417
 (0.5)% $47,142
 $48,607
 (3.0)% 
Gross margin percentage59.9% 59.2% 0.7
pts58.9% 60.6% (1.7)pts
Research and development$1,593
 $1,517
 5.0 % $6,294
 $5,942
 5.9 % 
Sales and marketing$2,473
 $2,360
 4.8 % $9,503
 $9,538
 (0.4)% 
General and administrative$508
 $590
 (13.9)% $1,934
 $2,264
 (14.6)% 
Total R&D, sales and marketing, general and administrative$4,574
 $4,467
 2.4 % $17,731
 $17,744
 (0.1)% 
Total as a percentage of revenue37.0% 36.0% 1.0
pts37.6% 36.5% 1.1
pts 
Amortization of purchased intangible assets$68
 $66
 3.0 % $275
 $395
 (30.4)% 
Restructuring and other charges$82
 $
 NM* $418
 $105
 298.1 % 
Operating income as a percentage of revenue21.7% 22.7% (1.0)pts19.8% 23.0% (3.2)pts
Income tax percentage19.1% 20.9% (1.8)pts19.2% 11.1% 8.1
pts
Net income$2,247
 $2,270
 (1.0)% $7,853
 $9,983
 (21.3)% 
Net income as a percentage of revenue18.2% 18.3% (0.1)pts16.7% 20.5% (3.8)pts
Earnings per share—diluted$0.43
 $0.42
 2.4 % $1.49
 $1.86
 (19.9)% 

* Not meaningful

36


Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 20102013—Financial Performance
Total revenue decreased by

Net sales increased 8%,3% as compared with netfiscal 2013. Within the total revenue change, product sales increasing 6%revenue decreased 5% and service revenue increasing 14%increased 4%. We experienced net sales increases across each of our geographic segments for both product and service revenue. Total gross margin declineddecreased by 2.61.7 percentage points, primarily asdriven by unfavorable impacts from pricing and mix partially offset by productivity improvements and also due to the $655 million charge to product cost of sales recorded in fiscal 2014 related to the expected cost of remediation of issues with memory components in certain products sold in prior fiscal years. Despite a result of higher sales discounts and unfavorable product pricing, product mix shifts, increased amortization and impairment charges from acquisition-related intangible assets, and restructuring charges. As a percentage of revenue, the total forslight year-over-year decline in absolute dollars, research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses, collectively, increased by 1.1 percentage points as a percentage of revenue due to the decline in revenue. Operating income as a percentage of revenue decreased by 3.2 percentage points. Diluted earnings per share decreased by 20% from the prior year, driven by a 21% decrease in net income. The decrease in net income in fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 was also attributable to net tax benefits in fiscal 2013 related to a settlement with the IRS and reinstatement of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit.

Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013—Business Summary
In fiscal 2014, revenue decreased by $1.5 billion as compared with fiscal 2013. Revenue from the Americas decreased by $0.9 billion, driven by lower product revenue in most countries in this segment including the United States. While we experienced relative stability across Europe, EMEA revenue decreased $0.2 billion, led by product revenue declines in Russia as well as various other countries in this segment. Revenue in our APJC segment decreased $0.4 billion, led by product revenue declines in Japan and India. The weakness we encountered in emerging countries throughout the world in the later part of fiscal 2013 continued during fiscal 2014. The emerging countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Mexico (“BRICM”), in the aggregate, experienced an11% product revenue decline,with declines across all of our customer markets. We believe that the product revenue declines in many of these emerging countries were driven by the impact of economic and geopolitical challenges in these countries. While we saw some improvement in our business momentum in emerging countries in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2014, we experienced a decline in our business momentum in these countries during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
In fiscal 2014, product revenue declined across all customer markets, with the most significant decline in the service provider market. Within the service provider market, the largest impacts came from the continued product revenue decline in our Service Provider Video category and the ongoing decline of product revenue in the emerging countries.
From a product category perspective, the product revenue decrease of 5% year-over-year was driven in large part by the lower product revenue within our core routing and switching product categories. While we saw improvement in business momentum with respect to high-end routers during the second half of fiscal 2014, there was only a limited revenue contribution related to some of our recently introduced products, as product transitions in this area are still in their early stages. The effects of these product transitions, combined with other challenges, led to a decrease in NGN Routing revenue of 7%. We also experienced a 5% decrease in revenue from our Switching products. The other major product categories experienced revenue changes ranging from an 18% decrease in Service Provider Video to a 27% increase in Data Center. The decrease in revenue from our Service Provider Video products was driven largely by a decrease in revenue from sales of set-top boxes. Partially offsetting the decline in product revenue was an increase in service revenue. Service revenue increased by 4%, reflecting continued slower growth compared with prior years, which we believe was attributable to the impact of the declines in product revenue in recent periods.
As we continue to focus on investing in growth, innovation, and talent, while managing costs and driving efficiencies, we announced a restructuring plan that will impact up to 6,000 employees, representing approximately 8% of our global workforce. We expect to reinvest substantially all of the cost savings from the restructuring actions in our key growth areas such as data center, software, security, and cloud.
In summary, while we saw some improved business momentum in the second half of fiscal 2014, we experienced many challenges during fiscal 2014 including reduced spending by our service provider customers, weakness in emerging countries, the impact of product transitions, and a conservative approach to IT-related capital spending by customers. We expect that the challenges in the emerging countries, the service provider customer market, and product transitions in Switching and NGN Routing may continue for at least the next several quarters.



37


Fourth Quarter Snapshot
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, as compared with the corresponding period in fiscal 2013, total revenue was flat. Within the total revenue change, product revenue declined by 2% and service revenue increased by 5%. With regard to our geographic segment performance, on a year-over-year basis, revenue in the Americas and in EMEA both decreased by 1% while we experienced a slight increase by 1% in our APJC segment. Total gross margin increased by 0.7 percentage points, primarily due to the TiVo patent litigation settlement in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. As a percentage of revenue, research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses collectively increased by 1.0 percentage points. Operating income as a percentage of revenue decreased by 1.0 percentage points, primarily as a result of increased headcount-related costs. Total charges forhigher restructuring and other in fiscal 2011 totaled $923 million, which consistedcharges, and also the impact of $124 million recorded to cost of sales and $799 million recorded to operating expenses.our revenue decrease. Diluted earnings per share decreasedincreased by 12%,2% from the prior year, primarily as a result of a 16% decrease in net income, partially offset by a decline in our diluted share count of 285 million shares. For further details,count.
Strategy and Focus Areas
Our strategy is to deliver the integrated architectures, solutions, and outcomes to help our customers grow, manage costs, and mitigate risk. We see our Discussion of Fiscal 2011, 2010 customers, in almost every industry, becoming increasingly reliant on technology—and 2009 beginning on page 50.

During fiscal 2011 net sales increased as compared specifically the network—to fiscal 2010; however, our results for the year reflect the effects of certain challenges that we faced. We identified challenges with the public sector market earlymeet their business objectives and compete successfully in the year and we continuedmarket.

Our focus continues to experience declining business momentum with thatbe on capitalizing on market throughout the year as spending reductions were being taken across virtually all developed markets. In the service provider market, we experienced challenges in sales of traditional set-top boxes. In addition, we experienced challenges with regardtransitions to switching, as switching revenue was flat for fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. We believe the performance in switching was due to continued transitions taking place in our product portfolio, the lower public sector spending, and the impact of increased competitive pressures. In fiscal 2011 switching gross margins declined on a year-over-year basis due to the transition of products at the high-end of the portfolio. We also identified significant pressures in our consumer market during the fiscal year and addressed these issues with targeted actions, as discussed below.

Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we initiated a number of key, targeted actions that are intended to accomplish the following: simplify and focus our organization and operating model; align our cost structure to the transitions in the marketplace; divest or exit underperforming operations; and deliver value to our shareholders. We are taking these actions to align our business based on five foundational priorities:maintain leadership in our core business (routing, switching,markets and associated services), which includes comprehensive securityto enter new markets where the network is foundational. We believe this focus best positions us to become a more relevant and mobility solutions; collaboration; data center virtualization and cloud; video; and architectures for business transformation. In connection with these activities, we incurred restructuring and other charges, as discussed above, in the second half of fiscal 2011, and we have announced that we will incur additional charges in fiscal 2012. These actions include implementing a voluntary early retirement program, effecting a workforce reduction, and realigning and restructuring our consumer business, most notably exiting our Flip Video cameras product line. We anticipate that our total expense reduction actions will reduce our annualized operating expense run rate by approximately $1 billion, with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 operating expenses as our base. We expect to achieve this annualized run rate reduction target within fiscal 2012.

While we experienced the challenges outlined above, there were several positive aspectstrusted partner to our fiscal 2011 performance. For fiscal 2011, the Emerging Markets segment experienced revenue growth of 14%. We had strong growth in our commercial marketcustomers and in our enterprise market (excluding the public sector). Positive aspects of our results for fiscal 2011 also included revenue growth in New Products of 14%, with strong growth of 31% in collaboration (which includes the impact of the Tandberg ASA (“Tandberg”) acquisition completed at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010) and 44% in data center, both key strategic areas for us. For fiscal 2011, service revenue increased by 14%. In addition, as we focused on and addressed the items that impacted our financial performance in the first three quarters of fiscal 2011, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 there was improvement in our general business momentum.

Strategy and Focus Areas

We announced a plan in May 2011, which we began implementing in fiscal 2011 and expect to complete in fiscal 2012, to realign our sales, services and engineering organizations in order to simplify our operating model and focus on our five foundational priorities:

Leadership in our core business (routing, switching, and associated services) which includes comprehensive security and mobility solutions

Collaboration

Data center virtualization and cloud

Video

Architectures for business transformation

We believe that focusing on these priorities will best position us to continue to expand our share of our customers’ information technologyIT spending.

We are currently undergoing product transitions in our core business and introducing next-generation products with higher price performance and architectural advantages compared to both our prior generation of products and the product offerings of our competitors. We believe that many of these product transitions are gaining momentum based on the strong year-over-year product revenue growth across these next-generation product families. We believe that our strategy and our ability to innovate and execute may enable us to improve our relative competitive position in many of our product areas even in uncertain or difficult business conditions and, therefore, may continue to provide us with long-term growth opportunities. However, we believe that these newly introduced products may continue to negatively impact product gross margins, which we are currently striving to address through various initiatives including value engineering, effective supply chain management, and delivering greater customer value through offers that include hardware, software, and services.

We continue to seek to capitalize on market transitions. Market transitions on which we are primarily focused include those related to the increased role of virtualization/the cloud, video, collaboration, networked mobility technologies and the transition from Internet Protocol Version 4 to Internet Protocol Version 6. For example, a market in which a significant market transition is under way is the enterprise data center market, where a transition to virtualization/the cloud is rapidly evolving. There is a continued growing awareness that intelligent networks are becoming the platform for productivity improvement and global competitiveness. We believe that disruption in the enterprise data center market is accelerating, due to changing technology trends such as the increasing adoption of virtualization, the rise in scalable processing, and the advent of cloud computing and cloud-based IT resource deployments and business models. These key terms are defined as follows:

Virtualization: refers to the process of aggregating the current siloed data center resources into unified, shared resource pools that can be dynamically delivered to applications on demand thus enabling the ability to move content and applications between devices and the network.

The cloud: refers to an information technology hosting and delivery system in which resources, such as servers or software applications, are no longer tethered to a user’s physical infrastructure but instead are delivered to and consumed by the user “on demand” as an Internet-based service, whether singularly or with multiple other users simultaneously.

This virtualization and cloud-driven market transition in the enterprise data center market is being brought about through the convergence of networking, computing, storage, and software technologies. We are seeking to take advantage of this market transition through, among other things, our Cisco Unified Computing System platform and Cisco Nexus product families, which are designed to integrate the previously siloed technologies in the enterprise data center with a unified architecture. We are also seeking to capitalize on this market transition through the development of other cloud-based product and service offerings through which we intend to enable customers to develop and deploy their own cloud-based IT solutions, including software-as-a-service (SaaS) and other-as-a-service (XaaS) solutions.

The competitive landscape in the enterprise data center market is changing. Very large, well-financed, and aggressive competitors are each bringing their own new class of products to address this new market. We expect this competitive market trend to continue. With respect to this market, we believe the network will be the intersection of innovation through an open ecosystem and standards. We expect to see acquisitions, further industry consolidation, and new alliances among companies as they seek to serve the enterprise data center market. As we enter this next market phase, we expect that we will strengthen certain strategic alliances, compete more with certain strategic alliances and partners, and perhaps also encounter new competitors in our attempt to deliver the best solutions for our customers.

Other market transitions on which we are focusing particular attention include those related to the increased role of video, collaboration, and networked mobility technologies. The key market transitions relative to the convergence of video, collaboration, and networked mobility technologies, which we believe will drive productivity and growth in network loads, appear to be evolving even more quickly and more significantly than we had previously anticipated. Cisco TelePresence systems are one example of product offerings that have incorporated video, collaboration, and networked mobility technologies, as customers evolve their communications and business models. We are focused on simplifyingdriving the innovation, speed, agility, and expanding the creation, distribution, and use of end-to-end videoefficiencies in our company required to deliver leading technology solutions for businessesour customers and consumers.

shareholder value for our investors.

Over the last few years, we have been working to transform our business to move from selling individual products and services to selling products and services integrated into architectures and solutions, as well as to meet customers' business outcomes. As a part of this transformation, we are making changes to how we are organized and how we deliver our technology. We believe that the architectural approach that has servedthese changes enable us well in the past in addressingto better meet our customers’ requirements and help them stay ahead of market opportunities in the communications and IT industry will be adaptable to other markets. An example oftransitions.
For a market where we aim to apply this approach is mobility, where growth of IP traffic on handheld devices is driving the need for more robust architectures, equipment and services in order to accommodate not only an increasing number of worldwide mobile device users, but also increased user demand for broadband-quality business network and consumer web applications to be delivered on such devices.

Revenue

For fiscal 2011, total revenue increased by 8%. Within total revenue, net product revenue increased 6% and net service revenue increased 14%, each as compared with fiscal 2010. With regard to our geographic segment performance, net revenue increased 6% in the United States and Canada segment, 6% in our European Markets segment, 14% in our Emerging Markets segment, and 12% in our Asia Pacific Markets segment. Customer market product revenue performance in fiscal 2011 was driven by increases, in order of largest percentage growth, in our commercial, service provider, and enterprise markets. Our consumer market experienced a large revenue decline in fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, as we exited the Flip Video cameras business and experienced weakness in salesfull discussion of our networked home products.

The 6% increase in product revenue was driven by growth across most of our product categories. In particular, our New Products category experienced a revenue increase of 14%, primarily as a result of the acquisition of Tandberg, which was completed at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Within the New Products category, increased revenue was driven by growth of 44% in data centerstrategy and revenue growth of 31% in collaboration. In our core product categories we experienced revenue growth of 6% in Routers, principally as a result of strength in the high-end router product offerings, and flat revenue in our Switches product category, with single-digit revenue growth in fixed-configuration switching products being offset by a similar revenue decline in modular switches. The net service revenue increase was experienced across the technical support services and advanced services categories with revenue increases of 12% and 21%, respectively, in fiscal 2011 as compared with fiscal 2010. For further detailsfocus areas, see our Discussion of Fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 beginning on page 50.

Gross Margin

In fiscal 2011, our gross margin percentage decreased by approximately 2.6 percentage points, as compared with fiscal 2010. Within this total gross margin change, product gross margin declined by 3.7 percentage points, while service gross margin increased by 1.5 percentage points. The decrease in our product gross margin percentage was a result of higher sales discounts and unfavorable product pricing, unfavorable product mix, and

restructuring and other charges. Additionally, increased amortization expense and impairment charges from purchased intangible assets contributed to the decline in product gross margin. Partially offsetting these decreases were lower overall manufacturing costs and higher shipment volume. The increase in our service gross margin was due to increased volume, partially offset by increased costs and unfavorable mix impacts. For further details see our Discussion of Fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 beginning on page 50.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses in fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, increased by 14%. In fiscal 2011, research and development expenses increased 10%, sales and marketing expenses increased 12%, while general and administrative expenses were down slightly. The collective increase was primarily a result of higher headcount-related expenses. This increase was partially offset by the impact from the fiscal 2011 period containing one less week compared with the fiscal 2010 period. Operating expense as a percentage of revenue increased by 2.4 percentage points, primarily as a result of restructuring and other charges and the higher headcount-related charges along with increased expense from purchased intangible asset amortization and impairments.

Item 1. Business.

Other Key Financial Measures

The following is a summary of our other key financial measures for fiscal 2011:

We generated cash flows from operations of $10.1 billion,2014 compared with $10.2 billion in fiscal 2010. Our cash and cash equivalents, together with our investments, were $44.6 billion at the end of fiscal 2011, compared with $39.9 billion at the end of fiscal 2010.

Our total deferred revenue at the end of 2011 was $12.2 billion, compared with $11.1 billion at the end of fiscal 2010.

We repurchased approximately 351 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $19.36 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $6.8 billion during fiscal 2011. As of the end of fiscal 2011, the remaining authorized repurchase amount under the stock repurchase program was $10.2 billion with no termination date. We also declared and paid dividends of $658 million to our shareholders during fiscal 2011.

Days2013 (in millions, except days sales outstanding in accounts receivable (DSO) at the end of fiscal 2011 was 38 days, compared with 41 days at the end of fiscal 2010.

Ourand annualized inventory balance was $1.5 billion at the end of fiscal 2011, compared with $1.3 billion at the end of fiscal 2010. Annualized inventory turns were 11.8 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, compared with 12.6 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

turns):

  Fiscal 2014 Fiscal 2013
Cash and cash equivalents and investments $52,074 $50,610
Cash provided by operating activities $12,332 $12,894
Deferred revenue $14,142 $13,423
Repurchases of common stock—stock repurchase program $9,539 $2,773
Dividends $3,758 $3,310
DSO 38 days 40 days
Inventories $1,591 $1,476
Annualized inventory turns 12.7 13.8
Our product backlog at the end of fiscal 20112014 was $4.3$5.4 billion, or 10%12% of fiscal 2011 net sales,2014 total revenue, compared with $4.1$4.9 billion at the end of fiscal 2010,2013, or 10% of fiscal 2010 net sales.

2013
total revenue.



38


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting policies described below are significantly affected by critical accounting estimates. Such accounting policies require significant judgments, assumptions, and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and actual results could differ materially from the amounts reported based on these policies.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria have been met:

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. Contracts, Internet commerce agreements, and customer purchase orders are generally used to determine the existence of an arrangement.

Delivery has occurred. Shipping documents and customer acceptance, when applicable, are used to verify delivery.

The fee is fixed or determinable. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment.

Collectibility is reasonably assured. We assess collectibility based primarily on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and analysis, as well as the customer’s payment history.

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. Contracts, Internet commerce agreements, and customer purchase orders are generally used to determine the existence of an arrangement.
Delivery has occurred. Shipping documents and customer acceptance, when applicable, are used to verify delivery.
The fee is fixed or determinable. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment.
Collectibility is reasonably assured. We assess collectibility based primarily on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and analysis, as well as the customer’s payment history.
In instances where final acceptance of the product, system, or solution is specified by the customer, revenue is deferred until all acceptance criteria have been met. When a sale involves multiple deliverables, such as sales of products that include services, the multiple deliverables are evaluated to determine the unit of accounting, and the entire fee from the arrangement is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the relative selling price. Revenue is recognized when the revenue recognition criteria for each unit of accounting are met.

For hosting arrangements, we recognize subscription revenue ratably over the subscription period, while usage revenue is recognized based on utilization. Software subscription revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscription term upon delivery of the first product and commencement of the term.

The amount of product and service revenue recognized in a given period is affected by our judgment as to whether an arrangement includes multiple deliverables and, if so, our valuation of the units of accounting for multiple deliverables. According to the accounting guidance prescribed in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605,Revenue Recognition, we use vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) for each of those units, when available. We determine VSOE based on our normal pricing and discounting practices for the specific product or service when sold separately. In determining VSOE, we require that a substantial majority of the historical standalone transactions have the selling prices for a product or service fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range, generally evidenced by approximately 80% of such historical standalone transactions falling within plus or minus 15% of the median selling price. VSOE exists across most of our product and service offerings. In certain limited circumstances whenrates. When VSOE does not exist, we apply the selling price hierarchy to applicable multiple-deliverable arrangements. Under the selling price hierarchy, third-party evidence of selling price (TPE) will be considered if VSOE does not exist, and estimated selling price (ESP) will be used if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Generally, we are not able to determine TPE because our go-to-market strategy differs from that of others in our markets, and the extent of customizationour proprietary technology varies among comparable products or services from those of our peers. In determining ESP, we apply significant judgment as we weigh a variety of factors, based on the facts and circumstances of the arrangement. We typically arrive at an ESP for a product or service that is not sold separately by considering company-specific factors such as geographies, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross marginprofitability objectives, pricing practices used to establish bundled pricing, and existing portfolio pricing and discounting.

Some of our sales arrangements have multiple deliverables containing software and related software support components. Such salesales arrangements are subject to the accounting guidance in ASC 985-605,Software-Revenue Recognition.

As our business and offerings evolve over time, our pricing practices may be required to be modified accordingly, which could result in changes in selling prices, including both VSOE and ESP, in subsequent periods. There were no material impacts during fiscal 2011,2014, nor do we currently expect a material impact in fiscal 2012the next 12 months on our revenue recognition due to any changes in our VSOE, TPE, or ESP.

Revenue deferrals relate to the timing of revenue recognition for specific transactions based on financing arrangements, service, support, and other factors. Financing arrangements may include sales-type, direct-financing, and operating leases, loans, and guarantees of third-party financing. Our deferred revenue for products was $3.7$4.5 billion and $4.0 billion as of both July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010.27, 2013, respectively. Technical support services revenue is deferred and

recognized ratably over the period during which the services are to be performed, which typically is from one to three years. Advanced services revenue is recognized upon delivery or completion of performance. Our deferred revenue for services was $8.5$9.6 billion and $7.4$9.4 billion as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, respectively.


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We make sales to distributors and retail partners and generally recognize revenuewhich we refer to as two-tier systems of sales to the end customer. Revenue from distributors is recognized based on a sell-through method using information provided by them. Our distributors and retail partners participate in various cooperative marketing and other programs, and we maintain estimated accruals and allowances for these programs. If actual credits received by our distributors and retail partners under these programs were to deviate significantly from our estimates, which are based on historical experience, our revenue could be adversely affected.

Allowances for Receivables and Sales Returns

The allowances for receivables were as follows (in millions, except percentages):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $204   $235  

Percentage of gross accounts receivable

   4.2  4.6

Allowance for credit loss—lease receivables

  $237   $207  

Percentage of gross lease receivables

   7.6  8.6

Allowance for credit loss—loan receivables

  $103   $73  

Percentage of gross loan receivables

   7.0  5.8

    July 26, 2014
 July 27, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts $265
 $228
Percentage of gross accounts receivable 4.9% 4.0%
Allowance for credit loss—lease receivables $233
 $238
Percentage of gross lease receivables 6.2% 6.3%
Allowance for credit loss—loan receivables $98
 $86
Percentage of gross loan receivables 5.8% 5.2%
The allowances areallowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectibility of customer accounts. We regularly review the adequacy of these allowances by considering internal factors such as historical experience, credit quality and age of the receivable balances as well as external factors such as economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay historicaland expected default frequency rates, and long-term historical loss rateswhich are published by major third-party credit-rating agencies.agencies and are generally updated on a quarterly basis. We also consider the concentration of receivables outstanding with a particular customer in assessing the adequacy of our allowances. In addition, we evaluate the credit quality of our financing receivables and any associated allowanceallowances for credit loss by applying the relevant loss factors based on our internal credit risk rating for the respective financing receivables, disaggregated by segment and class. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Determination of loss factors associated with internal credit risk ratings is complex and subjective. Our ongoing consideration of all these factors could result in an increase in our allowance for credit loss in the future, which could adversely affect our net income. Similarly, ifdoubtful accounts. If a major customer’s creditworthiness deteriorates, if actual defaults are higher than our historical experience, or if other circumstances arise, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be overstated, and additional allowances could be required, which could have an adverse impact on our revenue.

operating results.

The allowance for credit loss on financing receivables is also based on the assessment of collectibility of customer accounts. We regularly review the adequacy of the credit allowances determined either on an individual or a collective basis. When evaluating the financing receivables on an individual basis, we consider historical experience, credit quality and age of receivable balances, and economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. When evaluating financing receivables on a collective basis, we use expected default frequency rates published by a major third-party credit-rating agency as well as our own historical loss rate in the event of default, while also systematically giving effect to economic conditions, concentration of risk and correlation. Determining expected default frequency rates and loss factors associated with internal credit risk ratings, as well as assessing factors such as economic conditions, concentration of risk, and correlation, are complex and subjective. Our ongoing consideration of all these factors could result in an increase in our allowance for credit loss in the future, which could adversely affect our operating results. Both accounts receivable and financing receivables are charged off at the point when they are considered uncollectible. The decline in our allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of our gross accounts receivable was primarily due to the charge-off of certain uncollectible receivables that had been fully reserved.

A reserve for future sales returns is established based on historical trends in product return rates. The reserve for future sales returns as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 201027, 2013 was $106$135 million and $90$119 million, respectively, and was recorded as a reduction of our accounts receivable. If the actual future returns were to deviate from the historical data on which the reserve had been established, our revenue could be adversely affected.

Inventory Valuation and Liability for Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and Suppliers

Our inventory balance was $1.5$1.6 billion and $1.3$1.5 billion as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, respectively. Inventory is written down based on excess and obsolete inventories, determined primarily by future demand forecasts. Inventory write-downs are measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market, based upon assumptions about future demand, and are charged to the provision for inventory, which is a

component of our cost of sales. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.

We record a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of our excess and obsolete inventory. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the liability for these purchase commitments was $168$162 million, compared with $135$172 million as of July 31, 2010,27, 2013, and was included in other current liabilities.


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Our provision for inventory was $196$67 million $94, $114 million, and $93$115 million for fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively. The provision for the liability related to purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers was $114$124 million $8, $106 million, and $87$151 million in fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively. The increase in the provision for inventory and the provision for the liability related to purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers was due in part to charges recorded in connection with the restructuring and realignment of our consumer business. Additionally, the provision for the liability related to purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers increased due to higher provisions related to certain component supplies that we secured for our extended needs, and due to higher contract manufacturer excess and obsolescence charges. If there were to be a sudden and significant decrease in demand for our products, or if there were a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements, we could be required to increase our inventory write-downs, and our liability for purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers, and accordingly gross marginour profitability, could be adversely affected. We regularly evaluate our exposure for inventory write-downs and the adequacy of our liability for purchase commitments. Inventory and supply chain management remain areas of focus as we balance the need to maintain supply chain flexibility to help ensure competitive lead times with the risk of inventory obsolescence, particularly in light of current macroeconomic uncertainties and conditions and the resulting potential for changes in future demand forecast.

Loss Contingencies and Product Warranties
We are subject to the possibility of various losses arising in the ordinary course of business. We consider the likelihood of impairment of an asset or the incurrence of a liability, as well as our ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss, in determining loss contingencies. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We regularly evaluate information available to us to determine whether such accruals should be made or adjusted and whether new accruals are required.
Third parties, including customers, have in the past and may in the future assert claims or initiate litigation related to exclusive patent, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights to technologies and related standards that are relevant to us. These assertions have increased over time as a result of our growth and the general increase in the pace of patent claims assertions, particularly in the United States. If any infringement or other intellectual property claim made against us by any third party is successful, or if we fail to develop non-infringing technology or license the proprietary rights on commercially reasonable terms and conditions, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
We have recorded a liability for the expected remediation cost for certain products sold in prior fiscal years containing memory components manufactured by a single supplier between 2005 and 2010. In February 2014, on the basis of the growing number of failures as described in Note 12 (f) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we decided to expand our approach, which resulted in an additional charge to product cost of sales of $655 million being recorded for the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Estimating this liability is complex and subjective, and if we experience changes in a number of underlying assumptions and estimates such as a change in claims compared with our expectations, or if the cost of servicing these claims is different than expected, our estimated liability may be impacted.
Warranty Costs

TheOur liability for product warranties, included in other current liabilities, was $342$446 million as of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, compared with $360$402 million as of July 31, 2010. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.27, 2013. Our products are generally covered by a warranty for periods ranging from 90 days to five years, and for some products we provide a limited lifetime warranty. We accrue for warranty costs as part of our cost of sales based on associated material costs, technical support labor costs, and associated overhead. Material cost is estimated based primarily upon historical trends in the volume of product returns within the warranty period and the cost to repair or replace the equipment. Technical support labor cost is estimated based primarily upon historical trends in the rate of customer cases and the cost to support the customer cases within the warranty period. Overhead cost is applied based on estimated time to support warranty activities.

The provision for product warranties issued during fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 20092012 was $456$704 million $469, $649 million, and $374$617 million, respectively. If we experience an increase in warranty claims compared with our historical experience, or if the cost of servicing warranty claims is greater than expected, our gross marginprofitability could be adversely affected.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense is presented as follows (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

Share-based compensation expense

  $1,620    $1,517    $1,231  

Prior to the initial declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on March 17, 2011, the fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units was measured based on an expected dividend yield of 0% as we did not historically pay

cash dividends on our common stock. For awards granted on or subsequent to March 17, 2011, we used an annualized dividend yield based on the per share dividends declared by our Board of Directors. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The determination of the fair value of employee stock options and employee stock purchase rights on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. For employee stock options and employee stock purchase rights, these variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, the risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends as of the grant date. For employee stock options, we used the implied volatility for two-year traded options on our stock as the expected volatility assumption required in the lattice-binomial model. For employee stock purchase rights, we used the implied volatility for traded options (with lives corresponding to the expected life of the employee stock purchase rights) on our stock. The selection of the implied volatility approach was based upon the availability of actively traded options on our stock and our assessment that implied volatility is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility. The valuation of employee stock options is also impacted by kurtosis and skewness, which are technical measures of the distribution of stock price returns and the actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Because share-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for forfeitures. If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of our option-pricing model in future periods or if we experience different forfeiture rates, the compensation expense that is derived may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current year.

Fair Value Measurements

Our fixed income and publicly traded equity securities, collectively, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at a fair value of $36.9$45.3 billion as of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, compared with $35.3$42.7 billion as of July 31, 2010.27, 2013. Our fixed income investment portfolio, as of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, consisted primarily of high quality investment-grade securities. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As described more fully in Note 92 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, a valuation hierarchy is based on the level of independent, objective evidence available regarding the value of the investments. It encompasses three classes of investments: Level 1 consists of securities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical securities; Level 2 consists of securities for which observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs are used, such as quoted prices for similar securities in active markets or quoted prices for identical securities in less active markets and model-derived valuations for which the variables are derived from, or corroborated by, observable market data; and Level 3 consists of securities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value.


41


Our Level 2 securities are valued using quoted market prices for similar instruments or nonbinding market prices that are corroborated by observable market data. We use inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, and other similar data, which are obtained from independent pricing vendors, quoted market prices, or other sources to determine the ultimate fair value of our assets and liabilities. We use such pricing data as the primary input, to which we have not made any material adjustments during fiscal 20112014 and fiscal 2010,2013, to make our assessments and determinations as to the ultimate valuation of our investment portfolio. We are ultimately responsible for the financial statements and underlying estimates.

The inputs and fair value are reviewed for reasonableness, may be further validated by comparison to publicly available information, and could be adjusted based on market indices or other information that management deems material to its estimate of fair value. The assessment of fair value can be difficult and subjective. However, given the relative reliability of the inputs we use to value our investment portfolio, and because substantially all of our valuation inputs are obtained using quoted market prices for similar or identical assets, we do not believe that the nature of estimates and assumptions affected by levels of subjectivity and judgment was

material to the valuation of the investment portfolio as of July 30, 2011. 26, 2014.Level 3 assets do not represent a significant portion of our total investment portfolioassets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 30, 2011.

26, 2014.

Other-than-Temporary Impairments
We recognize an impairment charge when the declines in the fair values of our fixed income or publicly traded equity securities below their cost basis are judged to be other than temporary. The ultimate value realized on these securities, to the extent unhedged, is subject to market price volatility until they are sold.

If the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost, we assess whether the impairment is other than temporary. An impairment is considered other than temporary if (i) we have the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its entire amortized cost basis, or (iii) we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. If an impairment is considered other than temporary based on (i) or (ii) described in the prior sentence, the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the security is recognized in earnings. If an impairment is considered other than temporary based on condition (iii), the amount representing credit loss, defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security, will be recognized in earnings, and the amount relating to all other factors will be recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI). In estimating the amount and timing of cash flows expected to be collected, we consider all available information, including past events, current conditions, the remaining payment terms of the security, the financial condition of the issuer, expected defaults, and the value of underlying collateral.

For publicly traded equity securities, we consider various factors in determining whether we should recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than our cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

There were no significant

For fiscal 2014, impairment charges of $11 million on our investments in publicly traded equity securities in fiscal 2011 and 2010. There were no impairment charges on investments in fixed income securities in fiscal 2011 and 2010. In fiscal 2009, impairment charges of $258 million for investments in fixed income securities and publicly traded equity securities were recognized in earnings.earnings, while there were no such impairment charges in fiscal 2013 and 2012. Our ongoing consideration of all the factors described previously could result in additional impairment charges in the future, which could adversely affect our net income.

We also have investments in privately held companies, some of which are in the startup or development stages. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, our investments in privately held companies were $796$899 million, compared with $756$833 million as of July 31, 2010,27, 2013, and were included in other assets. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We monitor these investments for events or circumstances indicative of potential impairment, and willwe make appropriate reductions in carrying values if we determine that an impairment charge is required, based primarily on the financial condition and near-term prospects of these companies. These investments are inherently risky because the markets for the technologies or products these companies are developing are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. Our impairment charges on investments in privately held companies were $10$23 million, $25$33 million, and $85$23 million in fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively.

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Asset Impairments

Our methodology for allocating the purchase price relating to purchase acquisitions is determined through established valuation techniques. Goodwill represents a residual value as of the acquisition date, which in most cases results in measuring goodwill as an excess of the purchase consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquired company over the fair value of net assets acquired, including contingent consideration. We perform goodwill impairment tests on an annual basis in the fourth fiscal quarter and between annual tests in certain circumstances for each reporting unit. Effective in fiscal 2010, theThe assessment

of fair value for goodwill and purchased intangible assets is based on factors that market participants would use in an orderly transaction in accordance with the new accounting guidance for the fair value measurement of nonfinancial assets.


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The goodwill recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 201027, 2013 was $16.8$24.2 billion and $16.7$21.9 billion, respectively. The increase in goodwill for fiscal 2014 was due in large part to our acquisition of Sourcefire, Inc. In response to changes in industry and market conditions, we could be required to strategically realign our resources and consider restructuring, disposing of, or otherwise exiting businesses, which could result in an impairment of goodwill. As a result of the pending divestiture of our manufacturing operations in Juarez, Mexico, we recorded an adjustment of $63 million to reduce goodwill associated with these operations. There was no impairment of goodwill resulting from our annual impairment testing in fiscal 2011, 2010 or 2009. The2014, 2013, and 2012. For the annual impairment testing in fiscal 2014, the excess of the fair value over the carrying value for each of our reporting units ranged from approximately $7was $32.0 billion for the Asia Pacific Markets segment to approximately $12Americas, $22.0 billion for EMEA, and $16.2 billion for APJC. During the United States and Canada segment asfourth quarter of July 30, 2011. Wefiscal 2014, we performed a sensitivity analysis for goodwill impairment with respect to each of our respective reporting units and determined that a hypothetical 10% decline in the fair value of each reporting unit as of July 30, 2011 would not result in an impairment of goodwill for any reporting unit.

We make judgments about the recoverability of purchased intangible assets with finite lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Recoverability of purchased intangible assets with finite lives is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. We review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount ofthat the asset to the future discounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate.might be impaired. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset. Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of our purchased intangible assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. There were no impairment charges related to purchased intangible assets during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. Our impairment charges related to purchased intangible assets were $164$12 million $28 million, and $95 million during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.2012. Our ongoing consideration of all the factors described previously could result in additional impairment charges in the future, which could adversely affect our net income.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate, primarily due to the tax impact of state taxes, foreign operations, research and development (R&D)R&D tax credits, domestic manufacturing deductions, tax audit settlements, nondeductible compensation, international realignments, and transfer pricing adjustments. Our effective tax rate was 17.1%19.2%, 17.5%11.1%, and 20.3%20.8% in fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. Although we believe our reserves are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest.

interest and penalties.

Significant judgment is also required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. In the event

that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely impacted by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries that have lower tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher tax rates; by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; by expiration of or lapses in the R&D tax credit or domestic manufacturing deduction laws; by expiration of or lapses in tax incentives; by transfer pricing adjustments, including the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany R&D cost-sharing arrangement and legal structure; by tax effects of nondeductible compensation; by tax costs related to intercompany realignments; by changes in accounting principles; or by changes in tax laws and regulations, treaties, or interpretations thereof, including possible U.S. changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, or the foreign tax credit rules. Significant judgment is required to determine the recognition and measurement attributes prescribed in the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. The accounting guidanceOrganisation for uncertainty in income taxes applies to all income tax positions,Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international association comprised of 34 countries, including the potential recovery of previously paid taxes, whichUnited States, is contemplating changes to numerous long-standing tax principles. These contemplated changes, if settled unfavorably couldfinalized and adopted by countries, will increase tax uncertainty and may adversely impactaffect our provision for income taxes or additional paid-in capital. Further, astaxes. As a result of certain of our ongoing employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries is subject to reduced tax rates and in some cases is wholly exempt from tax. Our failure to meet these commitments could adversely impact our provision for income taxes. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)IRS and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance that the outcomes from these continuous examinations will not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

Loss Contingencies

We are subject to the possibility


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RESULTS OF FISCAL 2011, 2010, AND 2009

Fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 were 52, 53, and 52-week fiscal years, respectively.

Net Sales

OPERATIONS

Revenue
The following table presents the breakdown of net salesrevenue between product and service revenue (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
 

Net sales:

        

Product

 $34,526   $32,420   $2,106    6.5 $32,420   $29,131   $3,289    11.3

Percentage of net sales

  79.9  81.0    81.0%   80.7  

Service

  8,692    7,620    1,072    14.1  7,620    6,986    634    9.1

Percentage of net sales

  20.1  19.0    19.0%   19.3  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

 $43,218   $40,040   $3,178    7.9 $40,040   $36,117   $3,923    10.9
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

We manage our business primarily on a geographic basis, organized into four geographic segments. Our net sales, which include product and service revenue for each segment are summarized in the following table (in millions, except percentages):

 

    

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
 

Net sales:

        

United States and Canada

 $23,115   $21,740   $1,375    6.3 $21,740   $19,345   $2,395    12.4

Percentage of net sales

  53.5  54.3%     54.3%   53.5  

European Markets

  8,536    8,048    488    6.1  8,048    7,683    365    4.8

Percentage of net sales

  19.8  20.1%     20.1%   21.3  

Emerging Markets

  4,966    4,367    599    13.7  4,367    3,999    368    9.2

Percentage of net sales

  11.4  10.9%     10.9%   11.1  

Asia Pacific Markets

  6,601    5,885    716    12.2  5,885    5,090    795    15.6

Percentage of net sales

  15.3  14.7%     14.7%   14.1  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

 $43,218   $40,040   $3,178    7.9 $40,040   $36,117   $3,923    10.9
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent
Revenue:                
Product $36,172
 $38,029
 $(1,857) (4.9)% $38,029
 $36,326
 $1,703
 4.7%
Percentage of revenue 76.7% 78.2%  
  
 78.2% 78.9%  
  
Service 10,970
 10,578
 392
 3.7 % 10,578
 9,735
 843
 8.7%
Percentage of revenue 23.3% 21.8%  
  
 21.8% 21.1%  
  
Total $47,142
 $48,607
 $(1,465) (3.0)% $48,607
 $46,061
 $2,546
 5.5%

We manage our business primarily on a geographic basis, organized into three geographic segments. Our revenue, which includes product and service for each segment, is summarized in the following table (in millions, except percentages):
Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent
Revenue:                
Americas $27,781
 $28,639
 $(858) (3.0)% $28,639
 $26,501
 $2,138
 8.1%
Percentage of revenue 58.9% 58.9%     58.9% 57.5%    
EMEA 12,006
 12,210
 (204) (1.7)% 12,210
 12,075
 135
 1.1%
Percentage of revenue 25.5% 25.1%     25.1% 26.2%    
APJC 7,355
 7,758
 (403) (5.2)% 7,758
 7,485
 273
 3.6%
Percentage of revenue 15.6% 16.0%     16.0% 16.3%    
Total $47,142
 $48,607
 $(1,465) (3.0)% $48,607
 $46,061
 $2,546
 5.5%
Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 20102013

For fiscal 2011,2014, as compared with fiscal 2010, net sales increased2013, total revenue decreased by 8%3%. Within total net sales growth, net product sales increasedProduct revenue decreased by 6%5%, while service revenue increased by 14%4%. OurThe decrease in product and service revenue totals each reflected sales growthdeclines across each of ourall geographic segments. The sales increase was due tosegments as well as across all customer acceptance of the new product transitions taking place in our core business, salesmarkets. Service revenues experienced slower growth in our New Products category,Americas and APJC geographic segments while we experienced slightly faster growth in the strong performanceEMEA segment.
Across our geographic segments, product revenue for most of our services solutions.

emerging countries experienced a decline. The emerging countries of BRICM, in the aggregate, experienced an11% product revenue decline,with declines across all of our customer markets.

We conduct business globally in numerous currencies. The direct effect of foreign currency fluctuations on salesrevenue has not been material because our sales arerevenue is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. However, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies, such strengthening could have an indirect effect on our salesrevenue to the extent it raises the cost of our products to non-U.S. customers and thereby reduces demand. A weaker U.S. dollar could have the opposite effect. However, the precise indirect effect of currency fluctuations is difficult to measure or predict because our sales arerevenue is influenced by many factors in addition to the impact of such currency fluctuations.

Our revenue in fiscal 2014 may have been adversely affected by the depreciation of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar in certain emerging countries, although such indirect effects are difficult to measure, as noted.

In addition to the impact of macroeconomic factors, including a reduced IT spending environment and budget-driven reductions in spending by government entities, net salesrevenue by segment in a particular period may be significantly impacted by several factors related to revenue recognition, including the complexity of transactions

such as multiple-element arrangements; the mix of financing arrangements provided to our channel partners and customers; and final acceptance of the product, system, or solution, among other factors. In addition, certain customers tend to make large and sporadic purchases, and the net salesrevenue related to these transactions may also be affected by the timing of revenue recognition, which in turn would impact the net salesrevenue of the relevant segment. As has been the case in certain of our Emerging Markets segmentemerging countries from time to time, customers require greater levels of financing arrangements, service, and support, and thisthese activities may occur in future periods, which may also impact the timing of the recognition of revenue.


44


Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 20092012

Net sales

For fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012, total revenue increased by 6%. Within total revenue growth, product revenue increased by 5%, while service revenue increased by 9%. Our product and service revenue totals reflected revenue growth across alleach of our geographic segments in fiscal 2010 as compared with fiscal 2009. In our view, the salessegments. The revenue increase in fiscal 2010 was a result of the global demand recovery during fiscal 2010 in comparisonprimarily due to the weakness we experienced for mostfollowing: the solid performance of our Service offerings, our acquisition of NDS at the beginning of fiscal 2009. We had an increase in both net product sales2013, and service revenue in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009. From a customer market perspective, in fiscal 2010 we saw an improvedincreased demand environment for capital expendituresour Data Center and balanced growth across all of our customer markets.

Net Wireless products.


Product SalesRevenue by Segment

The following table presents the breakdown of net product salesrevenue by segment (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
 

Net product sales:

        

United States and Canada

 $17,705   $16,915   $790    4.7% $16,915   $14,866   $2,049    13.8%

Percentage of net product sales

  51.3  52.2    52.2  51.0  

European Markets

  7,200    6,821    379    5.6%  6,821    6,579    242    3.7%

Percentage of net product sales

  20.9  21.0    21.0  22.6  

Emerging Markets

  4,174    3,728    446    12.0%  3,728    3,377    351    10.4%

Percentage of net product sales

  12.0  11.5    11.5  11.6  

Asia Pacific Markets

  5,447    4,956    491    9.9%  4,956    4,309    647    15.0%

Percentage of net product sales

  15.8  15.3    15.3  14.8  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

 $34,526   $32,420   $2,106    6.5% $32,420   $29,131   $3,289    11.3%
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

United States and Canada

Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent
Product revenue:                
Americas $20,631
 $21,653
 $(1,022) (4.7)% $21,653
 $20,168
 $1,485
 7.4%
Percentage of product revenue 57.0% 57.0%     57.0% 55.5%    
EMEA 9,655
 10,049
 (394) (3.9)% 10,049
 10,024
 25
 0.2%
Percentage of product revenue 26.7% 26.4%     26.4% 27.6%    
APJC 5,886
 6,327
 (441) (7.0)% 6,327
 6,134
 193
 3.1%
Percentage of product revenue 16.3% 16.6%     16.6% 16.9%    
Total $36,172
 $38,029
 $(1,857) (4.9)% $38,029
 $36,326
 $1,703
 4.7%
Americas
Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 20102013
Product revenue in the Americas segment decreased by

For fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, net5%, led by a significant decline in the service provider market and, to a lesser extent, declines in the public sector and commercial markets. Product revenue declined in the U.S. public sector market, led by lower sales to the U.S. federal government.From a country perspective, product salesrevenue decreased by 5% in the United States, 10% in Canada, and Canada13% in Brazil, partially offset by an increase of 2% in Mexico.

Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
For fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012, product revenue in the Americas segment increased by 5%7%. Net product sales increased 3% in the United States and increased 31% in Canada. The increase in net product salesrevenue was across most of our customer markets in the United States and CanadaAmericas segment, led by the net product sales growth in our commercial market, followed by smaller increases in net product sales growth in both the service provider and enterprise markets. Net product sales in the consumer market declined during fiscal 2011 as we exited the Flip Video cameras business and experienced weakness in sales of our networked home products. Within the enterprise market, net product sales to the U.S. public sector decreased due to a decrease in sales to the U.S. federal government, while sales to the state and local government submarket were flat. The challenges experienced in fiscal 2011 within the public sector submarket of our enterprise market may continue into fiscal 2012.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net product sales in the United States and Canada segment increased during fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due to the improvement in the economic environment in this segment. The increase in net product sales

compared with fiscal 2009 was across all of our customer markets in the United States and Canada segment, led by the commercial and enterprise markets. Within the enterprise market, net product sales to the U.S. federal government increased as compared with fiscal 2009. Our net product sales in the consumer market for fiscal 2010 increased compared with fiscal 2009, primarily due to sales of Flip Video cameras from the acquisition of Pure Digital, which we acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. From a product perspective, the increase in fiscal 2010 net product sales in this segment was driven in large part by higher sales of our switching products.

European Markets

Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010

For fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, net product sales in the European Markets segment increased by 6%. The increase in net product sales in the European Markets segment was due tosolid growth in the service provider and commercial markets and, to a lesser degree, growth in the enterprise markets. Salesmarket. The growth in product revenue in the service provider market was due in large part to our acquisition of NDS at the beginning of fiscal 2013. Within the Americas segment, we experienced a product revenue decline in the public sector market, driven by lower sales to the commercial market were flat, while salespublic sector in the consumer market declined for fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010.United States. From a country perspective, product revenue increased by 9% in the United States, 13% in Brazil, and 7% in Mexico. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we experienced some weakness in our business momentum in certain countries within Latin America.

EMEA
Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013
Product revenue in the EMEA segment decreased by 4%, led by a decline in the service provider market and, to a lesser extent, declines in the enterprise and public sector markets. Product revenue from emerging countries within EMEA decreased by 11%, led by a 24% decrease in Russia. Product revenue for the remainder of EMEA, which is primarily composed of countries in western Europe, declined by 2%.


45


Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
In fiscal 20112013, we experienced a continuation of many of the macroeconomic challenges we faced in EMEA in fiscal 2012. While we did see some improvements in most of the European economy as the fiscal year progressed, we continued to see weakness in southern Europe throughout fiscal 2013. For fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2010, net2012, product salesrevenue in the EMEA segment was flat, as growth in the commercial, service provider and public sector markets was offset by a decline in the enterprise market. The growth in product revenue in the service provider market was due to our acquisition of NDS at the beginning of fiscal 2013. From a country perspective, product revenue increased by approximately 17% in France, 13% in the Netherlands, 2% in Germany, 1% in the United Kingdom, 11% in Russia, 4% in Switzerland, and 3% in Spain. These increases were offset by product revenue declines of 3% in each of Germany and France and 13% in the Netherlands. Product revenue for Italy was flat in Italy.

year over year.

APJC
Fiscal 20102014 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The slight increase in net product sales2013

Product revenue in the European MarketsAPJC segment in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was drivendecreased by increased sales across most of our customer markets in this segment, with particular strength in the enterprise and commercial markets. From a country perspective, net product sales increased in the United Kingdom and France while decreasing for both Germany and Italy compared with fiscal 2009. Our European Markets segment grew more slowly relative to other segments on a year-over-year basis, which we believe was attributable in part to the fact that many of the countries in this segment were among the last countries to begin experiencing the economic downturn in fiscal 2009, and consequently some of these countries are recovering later. Product sales growth in this segment began to strengthen in the second half of fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2010 we did not see significant negative effects on our net product sales in the European Markets segment from the economic and financial turmoil related to sovereign debt issues in certain European countries.

Emerging Markets7%

Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010

For fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, net product sales in the Emerging Markets segment increased by 12%. The net product sales increase was, led by a sales increase in the commercial market followed by sales increasesdeclines in the service provider and enterprise markets. Net product sales in the consumer market declined for fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010. From a country perspective, net product sales increased by approximately 63% in Russia, 20% in Brazil, and 8% in Mexico.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net product sales in the Emerging Markets segment increased, primarily as a result of increased product sales across all of our customer markets, with the exception of the consumer market. We experienced a return to stronger year-over-year sales growth in the second half of fiscal 2010, led by Brazil, Mexico, and Russia.

Asia Pacific Markets

Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010

For fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, net product sales in our Asia Pacific Markets segment increased by 10%. The increase was led by sales growth in the commercial and enterprise markets and, to a lesser extent, salesa decline in the commercial market. We continued to experience declines in many of the emerging countries within this segment, most notably in India which experienced a year-over-year product revenue decline of 15%. Other countries that contributed to the weakness in this segment included Japan, Australia, and China, which experienced year-over-year product revenue declines of 11%, 7%, and 6%, respectively.

Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
For fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012, product revenue in the APJC segment increased by 3%. We experienced solid product revenue growth in the service provider market. Net product sales in the consumer market declined for fiscal 2011, as

compared with fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2011 we experienced weakness within our public sector market in our Asia Pacific Markets segment. We may continue to experience challenging conditions in the public sector market in fiscal 2012. From a country perspective, net product sales increased by approximately 13% in India, 11% in China, 8% in Australia, and 7% in Japan.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The increase in net product sales in the Asia Pacific Markets segment in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was attributable to increased product sales to our enterprise, commercial and service provider markets and, to a lesser degree, in this segment. Inthe public sector market. The growth in product revenue in the service provider market was due primarily to our acquisition of NDS at the beginning of fiscal 20102013. From a country perspective, product revenue increased by 3% in Australia, 34% in India, and 10% in South Korea. These increases were partially offset by product revenue declines of 5% in China and 7% in Japan, reflecting certain challenges that we experienced strengthfaced in these countries during portions of fiscal 2013, most countries, including China, Australia and Japan, eachnotably in the fourth quarter of which is among the largest countries in this segment.

Net fiscal 2013.



46


Product SalesRevenue by Groups of Similar Products

In addition to the primary view on a geographic basis, we also prepare financial information related to groups of similar products and customer markets for various purposes. Effective as of the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we have regrouped our presentation of products and technologies formerly grouped as either Advanced Technologies or Other into two newOur product categories called New Products and Other Products. The New Products category includes some products that had previously been grouped in the category called Advanced Technology products and also includes some products that had previously been in the category called Other. The New Products category consistsconsist of the following subcategories:categories (with subcategories in parentheses): Switching (fixed switching, modular switching, and storage); NGN Routing (high-end routers, mid-range and low-end routers, and other NGN Routing products); Service Provider Video (infrastructure, video connected home (networked home, Pure Digital products, video systems,software and cable products)solutions); collaborationCollaboration (unified communications, Cisco TelePresence, and Cisco TelePresence)conferencing); security; wireless;Data Center; Wireless; Security; and data center (application networking services, storage, and Cisco Unified Computing System products).Other Products. The Other Products category consists primarily of optical networkingemerging technology products and emerging technologyother networking products.

The following table presents net salesrevenue for groups of similar products (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
 

Net product sales:

        

Routers

 $7,100   $6,728   $372    5.5% $6,728   $6,521   $207    3.2

Percentage of net product sales

  20.6  20.8    20.8  22.4  

Switches

  13,418    13,454    (36  (0.3%)   13,454    11,923    1,531    12.8

Percentage of net product sales

  38.9  41.5    41.5  40.9  

New Products

  13,025    11,386    1,639    14.4%  11,386    9,859    1,527    15.5

Percentage of net product sales

  37.7  35.1    35.1  33.8  

Other Products

  983    852    131    15.4%  852    828    24    2.9

Percentage of net product sales

  2.8  2.6    2.6  2.9  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

 $34,526   $32,420   $2,106    6.5 $32,420   $29,131   $3,289    11.3%
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Routers

Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent
Product revenue:                
Switching $14,056
 $14,767
 $(711) (4.8)% $14,767
 $14,634
 $133
 0.9 %
Percentage of product revenue 38.9% 38.8%  
  
 38.8% 40.3%  
  
NGN Routing 7,662
 8,243
 (581) (7.0)% 8,243
 8,395
 (152) (1.8)%
Percentage of product revenue 21.2% 21.7%  
  
 21.7% 23.1%  
  
Service Provider Video 3,969
 4,855
 (886) (18.2)% 4,855
 3,869
 986
 25.5 %
Percentage of product revenue 11.0% 12.8%  
  
 12.8% 10.7%  
  
Collaboration 3,734
 3,956
 (222) (5.6)% 3,956
 4,194
 (238) (5.7)%
Percentage of product revenue 10.3% 10.4%  
  
 10.4% 11.5%  
  
Data Center 2,640
 2,074
 566
 27.3 % 2,074
 1,298
 776
 59.8 %
Percentage of product revenue 7.3% 5.5%     5.5% 3.6%    
Wireless 2,265
 2,228
 37
 1.7 % 2,228
 1,697
 531
 31.3 %
Percentage of product revenue 6.3% 5.9%  
  
 5.9% 4.7%  
  
Security 1,566
 1,348
 218
 16.2 % 1,348
 1,341
 7
 0.5 %
Percentage of product revenue 4.3% 3.5%  
  
 3.5% 3.7%  
  
Other 280
 558
 (278) (49.8)% 558
 898
 (340) (37.9)%
Percentage of product revenue 0.7% 1.4%  
  
 1.4% 2.4%  
  
Total $36,172
 $38,029
 $(1,857) (4.9)% $38,029
 $36,326
 $1,703
 4.7 %
Switching
Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 20102013
Revenue in our Switching product category decreased by

5%, or $711 million, driven by a 12%, or $656 million, decrease in revenue from our modular switches. Revenue from our modular switches decreased due to lower sales of Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series Switches. We categorize our routers primarily as high-end, midrange, and low-end routers. For fiscal 2011 as compared with fiscal 2010, growthalso experienced a 3% decrease in sales of storage products within this category. Revenue from our Routers productLAN fixed-configuration switches was relatively flat year over year, as lower sales of most of our fixed-configuration Cisco Catalyst Series Switches and fixed-configuration Cisco Nexus Series Switches were offset by the continued adoption of Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 6000 Series Switches.


47


Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
Product revenue in our Switching category was drivenincreased by an 8%1%, or $334$133 million increase in sales of our high-end routers. Within high-end router products, the increase was driven by as higher sales of Cisco Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) 5000 products from our December 2009 acquisition of Starent and higher sales of the Cisco ASR 1000 and Cisco ASR 9000 products. These increasesLAN fixed-configuration switches were partially offset by lower sales of Cisco 12000 Series Routersmodular switches and Cisco 7600 Series Routers. For fiscal 2011, midrange and low-end routers eachstorage products. Sales of LAN fixed-configuration switches increased sales by 2%4%, or $16 million, and $30 million, respectively, compared with fiscal 2010. Small office routing experienced a small revenue decline.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Our sales of routers increased in our high-end category in fiscal 2010 by 10%, or $409$347 million, while sales of routers declinedmodular switches decreased by 1%, or approximately $76 million. The increase in bothsales of LAN fixed-configuration switches was primarily due to higher sales of Cisco Nexus Series Switches, partially offset by sales declines in certain of our Cisco Catalyst product families. Sales of modular switches decreased due to lower sales of Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series Switches, partially offset by higher sales in Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches. Product revenue in the Switching category was also negatively impacted by a 24% decrease in sales of storage products.

NGN Routing
Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013
The decrease in revenue in our NGN Routing product category of 7%, or $581 million, was driven by a 6%, or $278 million, decrease in revenue from high-end router products; a 9%, or $249 million, decrease in revenue from our midrange and low-end categoriesrouter products; and an 8%, or $54 million, decrease in revenue from other NGN Routing products. Revenue from our high-end products decreased due to lower sales of Cisco CRS-3 Carrier Routing System products and our legacy high-end router products, partially offset by 11%increased sales of our Cisco Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) edge products. The decrease in revenue from our midrange and 5%low-end router products was driven by lower sales of our Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISR) products. Revenue from other NGN Routing products decreased due to lower sales of certain optical networking products.
Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
Sales in our NGN Routing product category decreased by 2%, respectively.or $152 million, driven by a 3%, or $141 million, decrease in sales of high-end router products and an 8%, or $58 million, decrease in sales of other NGN Routing products. These decreases were partially offset by a 2%, or $47 million, increase in sales of our midrange and low-end router products. Within the high-end router product category, the increase was driven by higherwe experienced lower sales of theour Cisco CRS-1 and CRS-3 Carrier Routing System Cisco 7600 Series Routers, and Cisco ASR 1000 and 9000 products and the inclusion of the Cisco ASR 5000our legacy high-end router products, from our acquisition of Starent, partially offset by lowercontinued adoption of our Cisco ASR products. Higher sales in our midrange and low-end router products were driven by the continued adoption of our Cisco 12000 Series Routers. OurISR platform. The decline in sales of midrangeother NGN Routing products was due to decreased sales of certain other routing and low-end routersoptical networking products.
Service Provider Video
Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013
Revenue in our Service Provider Video product category decreased by 18%, or $886 million, with the largest driver of the decline being a 21%, or $812 million, decrease in sales of our Service Provider Video infrastructure products. The revenue decline in Service Provider Video infrastructure products, which includes connected devices products, was due primarily to lower sales of set-top boxes.
Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
Our Service Provider Video products category grew by 25%, or $986 million, due primarily to the acquisition of NDS at the beginning of fiscal 2013. Higher revenue from our Service Provider Video infrastructure products also contributed to the increase. The increase in sales of our Service Provider Video infrastructure products was primarily due to increased sales of set-top boxes.
Collaboration
Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013
We continue to increase the proportion of recurring revenue in our Collaboration product category. Overall, revenue in our Collaboration product category decreased by 6%, or $222 million, primarily due to decreased revenue from our Cisco TelePresence and Unified Communications products, driven by weakness in endpoint products such as phones. These decreases were partially offset by higher revenue from our conferencing products.
Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
Sales of Collaboration products decreased by 6%, or $238 million, primarily due to a decline in sales of our integrated services routers.

Switches

Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010

Net productCisco TelePresence Systems and, to a lesser degree, a decline in sales in our Switches product category were relatively flat in fiscal 2011 compared with fiscal 2010, which was due to the combined effect of continuing transitions taking place in our product portfolio, lower public sector spending, and the impact of increased competitive pressures. Since approximately 25% of our switching business is derived from sales to the public sector, reductions inUnified Communications products. Lower public sector spending in developed markets around the world could continue to present challenges for our switching sales performance. Within our Switches product category, higher salesUnited States, as well as demand weakness in Europe, were significant drivers of LAN fixed-configuration switches partially offset lower sales of modular switches. Sales of LAN fixed-configuration switches increased 3%, or $240 million, while sales of modular switches decreased 4%, or $275 million. The increasethe decline in LAN fixed-configuration switches was primarily due to increased sales of Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 2000 and 5000 Series Switches, partially offset by decreased sales of Cisco Catalyst 3560 and 3750 Series Switches. The decreaseTelePresence Systems. We also experienced a decline in sales of modular switches was primarily due to decreased sales of Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches, partially offset by increased sales of Cisco Nexus 7000 and Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The increase in net product sales related to switches in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009Unified Communications products, which was due primarily to higherlower sales of Unified Communications infrastructure products as a result of our modularsales emphasis on shifting towards products with recurring revenue streams.


48


Data Center
Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013
We continue to experience solid growth in our Data Center product category, which grew by 27%, or $566 million, with sales growth of our Cisco Unified Computing System products across all geographic segments and LAN fixed-configuration switchescustomer markets. The increase was due in large part to the continued momentum we are experiencing in both data center and cloud environments, as current customers increase their data center build-outs, and as new customers deploy these offerings.
To the extent our data center business grows and further penetrates the market, we expect that, in comparison to what we experienced during the initial rapid growth of approximately $882this business, the growth rates for our data center product sales will experience more normal seasonality consistent with the overall server market.
Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
We experienced strong growth in our Data Center product category, which grew by 60%, or $776 million, with strong sales growth of our Cisco Unified Computing System products across all geographic segments and $649customer markets. The increase was due in large part to the continued momentum we are experiencing with our products for both data center and cloud environments, as current customers increase their data center build-outs and as new customers deploy these offerings.
Wireless
Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013
We continue to increase the proportion of recurring revenue in our Wireless product category. Revenue in our Wireless product category increased by 2%, or $37 million respectively. The, due to an increase in sales of modular switches was primarily due toMeraki products, which we acquired in the increased salessecond quarter of our Cisco Nexus 7000 and Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches,fiscal 2013, partially offset by decreasedlower sales of our Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series Switches. The increase in LAN fixed-configuration switches was primarily due to increased sales of Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 5000 and 2000 Series Switches, partially offset by decreased sales of our Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series Switches.

New Productsother wireless products.

Fiscal 20112013 Compared with Fiscal 2010

2012

Sales of collaborationWireless products increased by 31%, or $972 million, primarily due to$531 million. This increase reflects the inclusion of Tandberg sales within our Cisco TelePresence systems product line following our fiscal 2010 third quarter acquisition of Tandberg, and a 4% increase in sales of unified communications products, primarily IP phones and collaborative web-based offerings.

Sales of data center products increased by 44%, or $491 million, due to sales growth of over 273%, or $496 million, of Cisco Unified Computing System products and due to storage sales growth of 9%, or $43 million, attributable to increased sales of our Cisco MDS 9000 product line. These increases were partially offset by a 12% decline in sales of application networking services products.

Sales of wireless products increased by 26%, or $303 million, which was primarily due to continued customer adoption of and migration to the unified access architecture of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, architecture.

Sales of video connected home products were relatively flat. Sales of service provider video products increased by 6%, or $208 million, asand also reflects increased sales of cable and cable modemnew products of 18% and

55%, respectively, were offset by a sales decline in video systems of 1%. The increased sales of service provider video products were partially offset by lower sales of virtual home products, due to a decline of 26% in sales of networked home products and due to an 11% decline in sales of Flip Video cameras, attributable to our exit of the video camera business in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

Sales of security products decreased by 8%, or $143 million. Our decreasedin this category as well as sales of security products were the result of lower sales of module and line cards related to our routers and LAN switches, partially offset by increased salesacquisition of our web and email security products.

Meraki.

Security
Fiscal 20102014 Compared with Fiscal 2009

2013

SalesWe continue to increase the proportion of video connected home products increasedrecurring revenue in our Security product category. Revenue in our Security product category was up 16%, or $218 million, driven primarily by approximately $359 million due to increased sales of $317 million of Flip Video cameras attributable to our Pure Digital acquisitionSourcefire products, which company we acquired in the fourthfirst quarter of fiscal 2009, along with a $248 million increase in sales of cable products. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $133 million in sales of networked home products, primarily due to lower sales of routers2014 and, adapters, and due to a decline of $57 million in sales of video systems, primarily attributable to lower sales for digital set-top boxes.

Sales of collaboration products increasedlesser degree, by approximately $556 million due to an increase of $293 million in sales of unified communications products, primarily due to higher sales of IP phones and associated software, andboth higher sales of our web-based collaboration offerings. The increasehigh-end firewall products within our network security product portfolio and slightly higher sales of our content security products.

Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
Sales of Security products were flat as higher sales in collaborationhigh-end firewall products was alsowithin our network security product portfolio were offset by lower sales of our content security products.
Other Products
We experienced a year-over-year decrease in revenue in our Other Products category for both fiscal 2014 and 2013, due in large part to a sales increasethe sale of $263 millionour Linksys product line in Cisco TelePresence systems products, which was primarily attributable to our acquisition of Tandberg completed at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

2013.

Sales


49


Service Revenue by approximately $189 million. Our increased sales of security products were a result of increased sales of our web and email security products as well as our security appliance products, each of which integrates multiple technologies (including virtual private network (VPN), firewall, and intrusion-prevention services) on one platform, partially offset by lower sales of module and line-cards related to our routers and LAN switches.

Segment

Sales of data center products increased by approximately $249 million due to an increase of $181 million in sales of Cisco Unified Computing System products and an increase of $68 million in sales of storage area networking products. The increase in sales of storage products resulted primarily from higher sales of our Cisco MDS 9000 product line. Sales of application networking services declined; however, the decline was offset by higher server virtualization sales.

Sales of wireless products increased by approximately $174 million, primarily due to increases in the customer adoption of and migration to the Cisco Unified Wireless Network architecture.

Other Products

Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010

The increase in Other Product revenue during fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, was primarily due to a 19% increase in sales of optical networking products and a 17% increase in emerging technology products.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The increase in Other Products revenue in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was primarily due to a 99% increase in sales of emerging technology products, partially offset by a 1% decline in sales of optical networking products.

Net Service Sales by Segment

The following table presents the breakdown of service revenue by segment (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
 

Service revenue:

        

United States and Canada

 $5,410   $4,825   $585    12.1 $4,825   $4,479   $346    7.7

Percentage of service revenue

  62.2  63.3    63.3  64.1  

European Markets

  1,336    1,227    109    8.9  1,227    1,104    123    11.1

Percentage of service revenue

  15.4  16.1    16.1  15.8  

Emerging Markets

  792    639    153    23.9  639    622    17    2.7

Percentage of service revenue

  9.1  8.4    8.4  8.9  

Asia Pacific Markets

  1,154    929    225    24.2  929    781    148    19.0

Percentage of service revenue

  13.3  12.2    12.2  11.2  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

 $8,692   $7,620   $1,072    14.1 $7,620   $6,986   $634    9.1
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent
Service revenue:               
Americas$7,150
 $6,986
 $164
 2.3% $6,986
 $6,333
 $653
 10.3%
Percentage of service revenue65.2% 66.1%     66.1% 65.0%    
EMEA2,351
 2,161
 190
 8.8% 2,161
 2,051
 110
 5.4%
Percentage of service revenue21.4% 20.4%     20.4% 21.1%    
APJC1,469
 1,431
 38
 2.7% 1,431
 1,351
 80
 5.9%
Percentage of service revenue13.4% 13.5%     13.5% 13.9%    
Total$10,970
 $10,578
 $392
 3.7% $10,578
 $9,735
 $843
 8.7%
Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

Net service2013

Service revenue increasedcontinued to experience slower growth than in prior fiscal years, with varying levels of growth across all of our geographic segments, with Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific Markets reporting strong revenue growth. Technicalsegments. Worldwide technical support services revenue increased 12%, andby 4% while worldwide advanced services which relates to consulting support services for specific network needs,revenue experienced 21% revenue3% growth. Technical support service revenue increasedexperienced growth across all of our geographic segments with particular strength in Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific Markets. Growth in each of our United States and Canada and our European Markets segments also contributed to the overall technical support service revenue growth. Renewals and technical support service contract initiations associated with recent product sales have resulted in a new installed base of equipment being serviced, which was the primary driver for these increases. We experienced revenue growth in advanced services across each of our geographic segments, with strong growth in our Asia Pacific Markets, European Markets, and Emerging Markets segments, followed by slower growth in our United States and Canada segment. Total service revenue growth also benefited from a full year of service revenue attributable to our acquisitions of Tandberg and Starent during fiscal 2010.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net service revenue increased across all of our geographic segments in fiscal 2010, with particular strength in our Asia Pacific Markets. The increase in total service revenue was due to growth from technical support services as well as increased revenue from advanced services. Technical support service revenue increased across all of our geographic segments, with solid growth in our Asia Pacific Markets and European Markets segments. In fiscal 2010, we experienced advanced services revenue growth across each of our geographic segments except for our Emerging Markets segment. Total service revenue growth in fiscal 2010 also benefited from incremental revenue from our acquisitions during fiscal 2010 of Tandberg and Starent. Renewals and technical support service contract initiations associated with product sales during fiscal 2010 have resulted in a newprovided an installed base of equipment being serviced contributingwhich, in concert with new service offerings, were the primary factors driving the revenue increases. Advanced services revenue, which relates to consulting support services for specific customer network needs, slightly declined in the Americas segment but had solid growth in the EMEA and APJC segments due to growth in subscription revenues.

Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
Service revenue experienced solid growth across all of our geographic segments. Worldwide technical support services revenue increased by 6%, and worldwide advanced services experienced 16% revenue growth. Technical support service experienced growth across all of our geographic segments, led by growth in our Americas segment. Renewals and technical support service contract initiations associated with product sales provided an installed base of equipment being serviced which, in concert with new service offerings, were the primary factors driving these increases.

We experienced revenue growth in advanced services across all geographic segments, led by growth in the Americas segment. Advanced services revenue growth was driven by solid growth in both transaction and subscription revenues.  



50


Gross Margin

The following table presents the gross margin for products and services (in millions, except percentages):

   AMOUNT   PERCENTAGE 

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Gross margin:

          

Product

  $20,879    $20,800    $18,650     60.5  64.2  64.0

Service

   5,657     4,843     4,444     65.1  63.6  63.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

  $26,536    $25,643    $23,094     61.4  64.0  63.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Gross margin:           
Product$20,531
 $22,488
 $21,821
 56.8% 59.1% 60.1%
Service7,238
 6,952
 6,388
 66.0% 65.7% 65.6%
Total$27,769
 $29,440
 $28,209
 58.9% 60.6% 61.2%
Product Gross Margin

Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

2013

The following table summarizes the key factors that contributed to the change in product gross margin percentage from fiscal 20102013 to fiscal 2011:

2014
:
    Product
Gross Margin
Percentage

Fiscal 2010

2013
 59.164.2%

Sales discounts, rebates, and productProduct pricing

 (3.1(2.9)%

Supplier component remediation charge

(1.8)%
Mix of products sold

 (0.5(1.6)%

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

 (0.5(0.6)%

Restructuring and other chargesProductivity

(1)
 3.0(0.4)%

Overall manufacturing costs

TiVo patent litigation settlement
 0.51.4%

Shipment volume, net of certain variable costs

Acquisition fair value adjustment to inventory and other
 0.10.4%
Fiscal 2014 

56.8
 

Fiscal 2011

60.5%

In fiscal 2011, product

(1)Productivity includes overall manufacturing-related costs, shipment volume, and other items not categorized elsewhere.
Product gross margin decreased by 3.72.3 percentage points. points compared with fiscal 2013.
The decrease in product gross margin was primarily due to the impact of higher sales discounts, rebates, anddriven by unfavorable impacts from product pricing, which were driven by normaltypical market factors and by the geographic mix of product revenue. These factors impacted most of our customer markets and alleach of our geographic segments. Additionally, oursegments and customer markets. The decrease was also due, in part, to the charge of $655 million to product gross margin was negatively impacted bycost of sales recorded in fiscal 2014 related to the expected cost of remediation of issues with memory components in certain products sold in prior fiscal years. In addition, the shift in the mix of products sold decreased our product gross margin, primarily as a result of a revenue declinesincrease in our higher margin switching products coupled with revenue increases from ourrelatively lower margin Cisco Unified Computing System products and decreased revenue from our higher margin core products, partially offset by decreased revenue from our relatively lower margin Service Provider Video products. Higher year-over-year impairment charges related to acquisition-related intangible assets and higher restructuring and other charges, both primarily in the consumer business, also contributed to the decline in ourOur product gross margin percentage. for fiscal 2014 was also negatively impacted by higher amortization expense of purchased intangible assets. For further explanation of the increase in amortization of purchased intangible assets, see “Amortization of Purchased Intangible Assets” below.
These negative factorsamounts were partially offset by lower overall manufacturing costsproductivity benefits and the absence of charges related to the TiVo patent litigation settlement which we incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. The productivity benefits we experienced in fiscal 2014 were driven by slightly higher shipment volume. The lower overall manufacturing costs were in part due tovalue engineering efforts; favorable component pricing,pricing; and continued operational efficiency in manufacturing operations, and value engineering.operations. Value engineering is the process by which production costs are reduced through component redesign, board configuration, test processes, and transformation processes.

Our future gross margins could be impacted by our product mix and could be adversely affected by further growth in sales of products that have lower gross margins, such as Cisco Unified Computing System products. Our gross margins may also be impacted by the geographic mix of our revenue or,and, as was the case in fiscal 20112014, fiscal 2013 and 2010,fiscal 2012, may be adversely affected by increased sales discounts, rebates, and product pricing which may be attributable to competitive factors. Additionally, our manufacturing-related costs may be negatively impacted by constraints in our supply chain.chain, which in turn could negatively affect gross margin. If any of the preceding factors that impactin the past have negatively impacted our gross margins are adversely affectedarise in future periods, our product and service gross margins could continue to decline.


51


Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 2009

2012

The following table summarizes the key factors that contributed to the change in product gross margin percentage from fiscal 20092012 to fiscal 2010:

2013
:
    Product
Gross Margin
Percentage

Fiscal 2009

2012
 60.164.0%

Overall manufacturing costs

1.7

Shipment volume, net of certain variable costs

0.6%

Mix of products sold

0.1%

Sales discounts, rebates, and productProduct pricing

 (2.22.9)%
Mix of products sold 

(0.7

)%

Fiscal 2010

Productivity
 3.764.2%
TiVo patent litigation settlement 

(0.5

)%
Amortization of purchased intangible assets (0.5)%
Acquisition fair value adjustment to inventory and other(0.1)%
Fiscal 201359.1 %

Product gross margin for fiscal 2010 increaseddecreased by 0.21.0 percentage points compared with fiscal 2009, due primarily2012. Unfavorable impacts from product pricing contributed to lower overall manufacturing costs driven by strong operational efficiencyour decreased product gross margin percentage in manufacturing operations, value engineering,fiscal 2013. These factors impacted most of our customer markets and a reduction in other manufacturing-related costs. Theall of our geographic segments. Additionally, our product gross margin for fiscal 2010 also benefited from the increase in shipment volume. A favorable product mix contributed slightly to the increase in product gross margin percentage. Fiscal 2010 product gross margin2013 was negatively impacted by sales discounts, rebates,the shift in the mix of products sold, primarily as a result of revenue increases for our relatively lower margin Cisco Unified Computing System products. These impacts were offset by continued productivity improvements. The productivity improvements were in large part due to increased benefits from cost savings, particularly in certain of our Switching and NGN Routing categories in which product pricing, whichtransitions have been taking place, and were driven by normal marketvalue engineering efforts, favorable component pricing, and continued operational efficiency in manufacturing operations. Because the preceding factors largely offset each other, the decline in our product gross margin percentage was largely driven by our acquisition of NDS, which resulted in higher amortization expense from purchased intangible assets along with costs resulting from a fair value adjustment to inventory acquired as wellpart of that acquisition. In addition, during fiscal 2013 we incurred charges related to the TiVo patent litigation settlement in the fourth quarter that were included as the geographic mixpart of cost of sales. The combined effect of these items was a negative impact to our product revenue. The impact from sales discounts, rebates and product pricing was within our expected range.

gross margin of 1.1 percentage points for fiscal 2013.

Service Gross Margin

Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

2013

Our service gross margin percentage increased slightly by 1.50.3 percentage points for fiscal 2011,2014, as compared with fiscal 2010, with both technical support services and advanced services experiencing higher gross margins.2013. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume. Partially offsetting the volume increases were unfavorable mix impacts, primarily due toin both advanced services representing a higher proportion of service revenue in fiscal 2011 and due to increased service delivery costs. Gross margin in technical support services increased primarily as a resultservices. The benefits to gross margin of increased sales volume and lower headcount-related cost impacts. These benefits were partially offset by increased supportcost impacts such as outside service costs, partner delivery costs, particularly from outside services. Advanced services gross margin increased primarily due to strong volume growth partially offset by higher delivery team costs, which were partially headcount related. Our revenue from advanced services may increase to a higher proportion of total service revenue due to our continued focus on providing comprehensive support to our customers’ networking devices, applications, and infrastructures.

headcount-related costs.

Our service gross margin normally experiences some fluctuations due to various factors such as the timing of contract initiations in our renewals, our strategic investments in headcount, and the resources we deploy to support the overall service business. Other factors include the mix of service offerings, as the gross margin from our advanced services is typically lower than the gross margin from technical support services.

Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 2009

2012

Our service gross margin percentage was unchangedincreased slightly by 0.1 percentage points for fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012. Although we experienced higher sales volume from fiscal 2009 due to higher margins forgrowth in both advanced services and in technical support services, the resulting benefit to gross margin was offset by a decline in theincreased cost impacts such as headcount-related costs, partner delivery costs, and unfavorable mix. The mix impacts were due to our lower gross margin for advanced services. The increase in technical support service gross margin in fiscal 2010 from fiscal 2009 was primarily a result of increased volume. Technical support margins will experience some variability due to various factors such as the timing of technical support service contract initiations and renewals as well as the timing of our strategic investments in headcount and resources to support this business. The decrease in advanced services gross margin inbusiness contributing a higher proportion of service revenue for fiscal 2010 from2013, as compared with fiscal 2009 was primarily due to increased headcount costs, partially offset by higher volume.

2012.



52


Gross Margin by Segment

The following table presents the total gross margin for each segment (in millions, except percentages):

  AMOUNT  PERCENTAGE 

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Gross margin:

      

United States and Canada

 $14,618   $14,042   $12,660    63.2  64.6  65.4

European Markets

  5,529    5,425    5,116    64.8  67.4  66.6

Emerging Markets

  3,067    2,805    2,438    61.8  64.2  61.0

Asia Pacific Markets

  4,147    3,847    3,272    62.8  65.4  64.3
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Segment total

  27,361    26,119    23,486    63.3  65.2  65.0

Unallocated corporate items (1)

  (825  (476  (392   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Total

 $26,536   $25,643   $23,094    61.4  64.0  63.9
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

(1)

The unallocated corporate items include the effects of amortization and impairments of acquisition-related intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, and other asset impairments and restructurings. We do not allocate these items to the gross margin for each segment because management does not include such information in measuring the performance of the operating segments.



 AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Gross margin:            
Americas $17,379
 $17,887
 $16,639
 62.6% 62.5% 62.8%
EMEA 7,700
 7,876
 7,605
 64.1% 64.5% 63.0%
APJC 4,252
 4,637
 4,519
 57.8% 59.8% 60.4%
Segment total 29,331
 30,400
 28,763
 62.2% 62.5% 62.4%
Unallocated corporate items (1)
 (1,562) (960) (554)      
Total $27,769
 $29,440
 $28,209
 58.9% 60.6% 61.2%
(1)The unallocated corporate items for the years presented include the effects of amortization and impairments of acquisition-related intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, significant litigation and other contingencies, impacts to cost of sales from purchase accounting adjustments to inventory, charges related to asset impairments and restructurings, and certain other charges. We do not allocate these items to the gross margin for each segment because management does not include such information in measuring the performance of the operating segments.
Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

For fiscal 2011, as compared with fiscal 2010, the2013

The Americas segment experienced a slight gross margin percentage across all geographic segments declined primarilyincrease due to the impact of productivity improvements in this geographic segment. Partially offsetting this favorable impact to gross margin were negative impacts from pricing and an unfavorable mix. The unfavorable mix impact was driven by revenue increases in our relatively lower margin Cisco Unified Computing System products and lower sales of our higher sales discounts, rebates, andmargin core products, partially offset by decreased revenue from our relatively lower margin Service Provider Video products.
The gross margin percentage decrease in our EMEA segment was due primarily to the unfavorable impacts from pricing, as well as due to a productan unfavorable mix shift. These declines wereimpact, partially offset by theproductivity improvements in this geographic segment. The unfavorable mix impact was driven by an increase in revenue from our lower margin Cisco Unified Computing System products.
Our APJC segment gross margin percentage decreased primarily as a result of unfavorable impacts from increased shipment volumepricing, and also as a result of an unfavorable mix. The unfavorable mix impact was driven by an increase in revenue from our lower overall manufacturing costs across allmargin Cisco Unified Computing System products. Partially offsetting these factors were impacts from productivity improvements and higher service gross margin in this geographic segments. segment.
The gross margin percentage for a particular segment may fluctuate, and period-to-period changes in such percentages may or may not be indicative of a trend for that segment. Our product and service gross margins may be impacted by economic downturns or uncertain economic conditions as well as our movement into new market opportunities, and could decline if any of the factors that impact our gross margins are adversely affected in future periods.

Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 2009

In fiscal 2010, the2012

We experienced a gross margin percentage decrease in the United Statesour Americas and CanadaAPJC segments, while our EMEA segment declined compared with fiscal 2009, primarilyexperienced a gross margin percentage increase.
The Americas segment experienced a slight gross margin percentage decline due to higher sales discountsthe unfavorable impacts from pricing, and a lower service gross margin. The decline wasalso due to unfavorable mix impacts, partially offset by the impacts from increased shipment volume and lower overall manufacturing costs. productivity improvements.
The gross margin percentage increase in our EMEA segment was primarily the European Markets segment increased during fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due primarily toresult of productivity improvements from lower overall manufacturing costs increased shipment volume and, to a lesser degree, favorable product mix. mix impacts and higher service gross margin. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts to gross margin were negative impacts from pricing.
The increase in thisAPJC segment was partially offset by the impact of higher sales discounts. In fiscal 2010, the gross margin percentage in the Emerging Markets segment increased compared with fiscal 2009declined due primarily to the unfavorable impacts from pricing, lower service gross margin, and unfavorable mix impacts. Partially offsetting these factors were productivity improvements, driven in large part by lower overall manufacturing costs partially offset by the impactand higher volume.


53


Factors That May Impact Net SalesRevenue and Gross Margin

Net product sales

Product revenue may continue to be affected by factors, including global economic downturns and related market uncertainty, that have resulted in reduced or cautiousIT-related capital spending in certain segments within our global enterprise, service provider, public sector, and commercial markets; changes in the geopolitical environment and global economic conditions; competition,

including price-focused competitors from Asia, especially from China; new product introductions; sales cycles and product implementation cycles; changes in the mix of our customers between service provider and enterprise markets; changes in the mix of direct sales and indirect sales; variations in sales channels; and final acceptance criteria of the product, system, or solution as specified by the customer. Sales to the service provider market have been and may be in the future characterized by large and sporadic purchases, especially relating to our router sales and sales of certain products within our New Products category.Collaboration, Data Center, and Service Provider Video product categories. In addition, service provider customers typically have longer implementation cycles; require a broader range of services, including network design services; and often have acceptance provisions that can lead to a delay in revenue recognition. Certain of our customers in the Emerging Markets segmentcertain emerging countries also tend to make large and sporadic purchases, and the net salesrevenue related to these transactions may similarly be affected by the timing of revenue recognition. As we focus on new market opportunities, customers may require greater levels of financing arrangements, service, and support, especially in the Emerging Markets segment,certain emerging countries, which in turn may result in a delay in the timing of revenue recognition. To improve customer satisfaction, we continue to focus on managing our manufacturing lead-time performance, which may result in corresponding reductions in order backlog. A decline in backlog levels could result in more variability and less predictability in our quarter-to-quarter net salesrevenue and operating results.

Net product sales

Product revenue may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in demand for our products, especially with respect to telecommunications service providers and Internet businesses, whether or not driven by any slowdown in capital expenditures in the service provider market; price and product competition in the communications and information technology industry; introduction and market acceptance of new technologies and products; adoption of new networking standards; and financial difficulties experienced by our customers. We may, from time to time, experience manufacturing issues that create a delay in our suppliers’ ability to provide specific components, resulting in delayed shipments. To the extent that manufacturing issues and any related component shortages result in delayed shipments in the future, and particularly in periods when we and our suppliers are operating at higher levels of capacity, it is possible that revenue for a quarter could be adversely affected if such matters are not remediated within the same quarter. For additional factors that may impact net product sales,revenue, see “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Our distributors and retail partners participate in various cooperative marketing and other programs. Increased sales to our distributors and retail partners generally result in greater difficulty in forecasting the mix of our products and, to a certain degree, the timing of orders from our customers. We recognize revenue for sales to our distributors and retail partners generally based on a sell-through method using information provided by them, and we maintain estimated accruals and allowances for all cooperative marketing and other programs.

Product gross margin may be adversely affected in the future by changes in the mix of products sold, including periods of increased growth of some of our lower margin products; introduction of new products, including products with price-performance advantages;advantages and new business models for our offerings such as XaaS; our ability to reduce production costs; entry into new markets, including markets with different pricing structures and cost structures, as a result of internal development or through acquisitions; changes in distribution channels; price competition, including competitors from Asia, especially those from China; changes in geographic mix of our product sales;revenue; the timing of revenue recognition and revenue deferrals; sales discounts; increases in material or labor costs, including share-based compensation expense; excess inventory and obsolescence charges; warranty costs; changes in shipment volume; loss of cost savings due to changes in component pricing; effects of value engineering; inventory holding charges; and the extent to which we successfully execute on our strategy and operating plans. Additionally, our manufacturing-related costs may be negatively impacted by constraints in our supply chain. Service gross margin may be impacted by various factors such as the change in mix between technical support services and advanced services; the timing of technical support service contract initiations and renewals; share-based compensation expense; and the timing of our strategic investments in headcount and resources to support this business.



54


Research and Development (R&D)(“R&D”), Sales and Marketing, and General and Administrative (G&A)(“G&A”) Expenses

R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses are summarized in the following table (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
  Variance
in Percent
 

Research and development

 $5,823   $5,273   $550    10.4 $5,273   $5,208   $65    1.2

Percentage of net sales

  13.5  13.2    13.2  14.4  

Sales and marketing

  9,812    8,782    1,030    11.7  8,782    8,444    338    4.0

Percentage of net sales

  22.7  21.9    21.9  23.4  

General and administrative

  1,908    1,933    (25)  (1.3%)  1,933    1,524    409    26.8

Percentage of net sales

  4.4  4.8    4.8  4.2  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

 $17,543   $15,988   $1,555    9.7 $15,988   $15,176   $812    5.4

Percentage of net sales

  40.6  39.9    39.9  42.0  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Fiscal 2010 had an extra week compared with fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2009. We estimate that the extra week contributed approximately $150 million of additional research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expense in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2012 we plan to reduce our annualized expense run rate by approximately $1 billion. The year-over-year changes within operating expenses, including the effects of foreign currency exchange rates, net of hedging, are summarized by line item as follows:

Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent
Research and development $6,294
 $5,942
 $352
 5.9 % $5,942
 $5,488
 $454
 8.3 %
Percentage of revenue 13.4% 12.2%     12.2% 11.9%    
Sales and marketing 9,503
 9,538
 (35) (0.4)% 9,538
 9,647
 (109) (1.1)%
Percentage of revenue 20.2% 19.6%     19.6% 20.9%    
General and administrative 1,934
 2,264
 (330) (14.6)% 2,264
 2,322
 (58) (2.5)%
Percentage of revenue 4.1% 4.7%     4.7% 5.0%    
Total $17,731
 $17,744
 $(13) (0.1)% $17,744
 $17,457
 $287
 1.6 %
Percentage of revenue 37.6% 36.5%     36.5% 37.9%    

R&D Expenses

Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

The increase in 2013

R&D expenses increased for fiscal 2011,2014, as compared with fiscal 2010, was2013, primarily due to higher headcount-related expenses,compensation expense recorded in fiscal 2014 in connection with our acquisition of the remaining interest in Insieme Networks, Inc. (“Insieme”). See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Higher share-based compensation expense and higher contracted services also contributed to the increase. These increases were partially offset by reduced variable compensation expense as a result of our financial performance and increased depreciation and equipment expenditures. The increaseefficiencies related to our workforce reduction plan announced in depreciation expense was partially acquisition related. August 2013.
We continue to invest in R&D in order to bring a broad range of products to market in a timely fashion. If we believe that we are unable to enter a particular market in a timely manner with internally developed products, we may purchase or license technology from other businesses, or we may partner with or acquire businesses as an alternative to internal R&D.

Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 2009

2012

The slight increase in R&D expenses for fiscal 20102013, as compared with fiscal 2012, was primarily due to higher headcount-related expenses including increased variable compensation expense and the impact of acquisitions, higherattributable in large part to our acquisitions. Partially offsetting these costs was lower share-based compensation expense, and the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2010. Partially offsetting the increase in R&D expenses in fiscal 2010 were lower acquisition-related compensation expenses associated with milestone achievements from prior period acquisitions, and the absence in fiscal 2010 of the enhanced early retirement and limited workforce reduction charges incurred during fiscal 2009.

expense.


Sales and Marketing Expenses

Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

2013

Sales and marketing expenses for fiscal 2011 increased2014, as compared with fiscal 20102013, decreased slightly due to an increase of $851 millionlower advertising expenses, reductions in salesother discretionary spending, and lower expenses and an increase of $179 million in marketing expenses. Both the salesother areas such as depreciation expense. These decreases were substantially offset by higher share based compensation expense and the marketing expense components of the category increased for fiscal 2011 due to higher headcount-related expenses, as well as higher outside services costs, higher depreciation expense, and increased share-based compensation expense. Additionally, marketing expenses for fiscal 2011 increased due to higher advertisement expenses.

acquisition- related costs.

Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 20092012
For

Salesfiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012, sales and marketing expenses increased in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009decreased by $109 million, primarily due to an increase of $222 million in sales expenses and an increase of $116 million in marketing expenses. Both the sales expense and the marketing expense components of the category increased during fiscal 2010 due to higher headcount-related expenses, including higher variable compensation expense, higherlower share-based compensation expense and, the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2010.

to a lesser degree, lower discretionary spending and contracted services. These items were partially offset by higher headcount-related expense resulting largely from our acquisitions.


G&A Expenses

Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

The decrease in 2013

G&A expenses decreased in fiscal 2011,2014, as compared with fiscal 2010, was2013, due to lower real estate-related chargescontracted services, lower corporate-level expenses, and lower headcount-related expenses. The lower headcount-related expenses were due to efficiencies related to our workforce reduction plan announced in August 2013, and also due to reduced variable compensation expense as a result of our lower financial performance.

55


Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
G&A expenses decreased in fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012, primarily due to the absence in fiscal 2011 and2013 of $202 million of impairment charges on real estate held for sale recorded in the absencefourth quarter of non-income tax-related expenses (such as fees and licenses), which were includedfiscal 2012. Lower share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2010. Partially offsetting these items2013 and a recovery in the market value of property held for sale recorded during fiscal 2013 also contributed to the decrease. These decreases were partially offset by higher headcount-related expenses higher outside services costs for operational support areas, and increased equipment, depreciation, and rent expenses.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The increase in G&A expenses in fiscal 2010, compared with fiscal 2009 wasresulting in part attributablefrom our acquisitions and also by higher corporate-level expenses. Corporate-level expenses, which tend to approximately $130 million of higher real estate-related chargesvary from period to period, included operational infrastructure activities such as IT project implementations, which included investments in our global data center infrastructure, and investments related to impairmentsoperational and other charges related to excess facilities. Additionally, G&A expenses in fiscal 2010 increased due to higher share-based compensation expense, higher headcount-related expenses, acquisition-related expenses, and higher information technology expenses, as well as the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2010.

financial systems.

Effect of Foreign Currency

In fiscal 2011,2014, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increaseddecreased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by $53$153 million, or approximately 0.3%0.9%, compared with fiscal 2010.2013. In fiscal 2010,2013, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increaseddecreased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by $34$227 million, or approximately 0.2%1.3%, compared with fiscal 2009.

2012.  

Headcount

Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 20102013
Our headcount decreased by approximately 1,000 employees in

For fiscal 2011,2014. The decrease was due to headcount reductions from attrition and from our workforce reduction plan announced in August 2013. These headcount increased by 1,111 employees, the increase being attributable to targeted hiring as part of our investment in growth initiatives,reductions were partially offset by the impactsincrease in headcount from targeted hiring in engineering, services, sales, and also by increased headcount from our recent acquisitions.

In August 2014, we announced a restructuring plan that will impact up to 6,000 employees, representing approximately 8% of our voluntary early retirement program and our restructuring activities, which began to reduce our headcount in late fiscal 2011.global workforce. We expect our headcount to decrease in the near term as part of targeted cost-cutting initiatives, which include the workforce reduction announced in July 2011. Additionally, we also expect our headcount in fiscal 2012 to decrease by approximately 5,000 employees upon the planned completion in fiscal 2012reinvest substantially all of the sale ofcost savings from the restructuring actions in our Juarez, Mexico manufacturing operations.

key growth areas such as data center, software, security, and cloud.

Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 2009

For fiscal 2010, our2012

Our headcount increased by approximately 5,1508,410 employees whichin fiscal 2013. The increase was attributable to the headcount from acquisitions, the largest of Tandberg and Starent along withwhich was NDS, as well as targeted hiring as part of our investment in growth initiatives.

engineering and services.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

The following table presents share-based compensation expense (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

Cost of sales—product

  $61    $57    $46  

Cost of sales—service

   177     164     128  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales

   238     221     174  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Research and development

   481     450     382  

Sales and marketing

   651     602     482  

General and administrative

   250     244     193  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses

   1,382     1,296     1,057  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total share-based compensation expense

  $1,620    $1,517    $1,231  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Cost of sales—product $45
 $40
 $53
Cost of sales—service 150
 138
 156
Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales 195
 178
 209
Research and development 411
 286
 401
Sales and marketing 549
 484
 588
General and administrative 198
 175
 203
Restructuring and other charges (5) (3) 
Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses 1,153
 942
 1,192
Total share-based compensation expense $1,348
 $1,120
 $1,401
The increase in share-based compensation expense for fiscal 20112014, as compared with fiscal 2013, was due primarily to share-based compensation expense attributable to equity awards assumed with respect to our recent acquisitions and higher forfeiture credits in fiscal 2013.
The decrease in share-based compensation expense for fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012, was due primarily to a changedecrease in vesting periods from five to four years for awards granted beginning in fiscal 2009, the timing of annual employee grants, and the overall growth in headcount and numberaggregate value of share-based awards granted on a year-over-year basis. Share-based compensation expense increased for fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due primarily to the effects of straight-line vesting compared with accelerated vesting for options granted prior to fiscal 2006, a change in vestingrecent periods, from five to four years for awards granted beginninghigher forfeiture credits in fiscal 2009,2013, and the impacteffect of the extra week in fiscal 2010. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

stock options awards from prior years becoming fully amortized and replaced with restricted stock units with a lower aggregate value.


56


Amortization of Purchased Intangible Assets

The following table presents the amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses (in millions):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses

 $520   $491   $533  

For

Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Amortization of purchased intangible assets:      
Cost of sales $742
 $606
 $424
Operating expenses 275
 395
 383
Total $1,017
 $1,001
 $807
Amortization of purchased intangible assets increased in both fiscal 2011,2014 and fiscal 2013 as compared with the respective prior fiscal 2010, the increase in theyears. The increases were primarily due to amortization of purchased intangible assets was due to impairment charges included in operating expenses of $92 million in fiscal 2011,from our recent acquisitions partially offset by lower amortization due to certain purchased intangible assets having become fully amortized. The impairment charges were primarily due to declines in estimated fair value as a result of reductions in expected future cash flows associated with certain of our consumer products. For fiscal 2010, the decrease in the amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses was primarily due to lower impairment charges in fiscal 2010 as compared with fiscal 2009, partially offset by increased amortization of purchased intangible assets from acquisitions completed during fiscal 2010. For additional information regarding purchased intangible assets, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The fair value of acquired technology and patents, as well as acquired technology under development, is determined at acquisition date primarily using the income approach, which discounts expected future cash flows to present value. The discount rates used in the present value calculations are typically derived from a weighted-average cost of capital analysis and then adjusted to reflect risks inherent in the development lifecycle as appropriate. We consider the pricing model for products related to these acquisitions to be standard within the high-technology communications industry, and the applicable discount rates represent the rates that market participants would use for valuation of such intangible assets.

Restructuring and Other Charges
Fiscal 2014 Plan and Fiscal 2011 Plans

In August 2013, we announced a workforce reduction plan that would impact up to 4,000 employees, or 5%, of our global workforce. In connection with this Fiscal 2014 Plan, during fiscal 2011,2014 we incurred within operating expenses restructuring and other charges of $799 million. These charges included $453approximately $418 million which were related to a voluntary early retirement program for eligible employees in the United States and Canada; $247 million relatedprimarily to employee severance charges for employees impacted by our workforce reduction plan under the Fiscal 2014 Plan. We have completed the Fiscal 2014 Plan and we do not expect any remaining charges related to this action. In fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, we incurred within operating expenses net restructuring and other charges of $105 million and $304 million, respectively, which were related primarily to employee severance charges for employees subjectimpacted by our workforce reduction under Fiscal 2011 Plans.
Fiscal 2015 Plan
In August 2014, we announced a restructuring plan that will impact up to our reduction6,000 employees, representing approximately 8% of our work force;global workforce. We expect to take action under this plan beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. We currently estimate that we will recognize pre-tax charges in an amount not expected to exceed $700 million consisting of severance and $71other one-time termination benefits, and other associated costs.
Operating Income
The following table presents our operating income and our operating income as a percentage of revenue (in millions, except percentages):
Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Operating income $9,345
 $11,196
 $10,065
Operating income as a percentage of revenue 19.8% 23.0% 21.9%
For fiscal 2014, as compared with fiscal 2013, operating income decreased by 17%, and as a percentage of revenue operating income decreased by 3.2 percentage points. The decrease resulted from the following: a decrease in revenue; a gross margin percentage decline, driven in part by the $655 million supplier component remediation charge (or 1.4 percentage points); the $416 million compensation expense recorded in fiscal 2014 in connection with our acquisition of the remaining interest in Insieme; and an increase in restructuring and other charges related to the impairment of goodwillworkforce reduction under the Fiscal 2014 Plan.
In fiscal 2013 our results reflected solid execution on delivering profitable growth, as we grew operating income faster than revenue. In fiscal 2013, as compared with fiscal 2012, operating income increased by 11%, and intangible assets, primarily as a resultpercentage of revenue operating income increased by 1.1 percentage points. The increases resulted from the pending salefollowing: revenue growth of our Juarez, Mexico manufacturing operations. We also recorded charges within operating6%; continuing focus on expense management, which resulted in lower sales and marketing and G&A expenses as a percentage of $28 million related to the consolidation of excess facilitiesrevenue; and lower restructuring and other activities. We announced in July 2011 that we expected to take up to $1.3 billion in pretax charges as partcharges.

57


Interest and Other Income (Loss), Net

Interest Income (Expense), NetThe following table summarizes interest income and interest expense (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
 

Interest income

  $641   $635   $6   $635   $845   $(210)

Interest expense

   (628)  (623)  (5)  (623  (346  (277)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest income (expense), net

  $13   $12   $1   $12   $499   $(487)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars
Interest income$691
 $654
 $37
 $654
 $650
 $4
Interest expense(564) (583) 19
 (583) (596) 13
Interest income (expense), net$127
 $71
 $56
 $71
 $54
 $17
Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

2013

Interest income increased slightly in fiscal 20112014 as compared with fiscal 2013 due to increased income from financing receivables offsetting the effect of lower average interest rates onincrease in our portfolio of cash, cash equivalents, and fixed income investments.The decrease in interest expense in fiscal 2014 as compared with the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to the favorable impact of incremental interest rate swaps entered into during fiscal 2014 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. This decrease was partially offset by additional interest expense due to the increase in long-term debt in fiscal 2014. 
Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
Interest income increased slightly in fiscal 2013 as compared with prior fiscal year due primarily to increased interest income earned on financing receivables, partially offset by lower interest income from our portfolio of cash, cash equivalents, and fixed income investments as a result of lower average interest rates. The decrease in interest expense in fiscal 2011,2013 as compared with fiscal 2010,2012 was due to higher average debt balances during fiscal 2011 attributable to our senior debt issuance in March 2011. Partially offsetting the favorable impact of higher average debt balances during fiscal 2011 is the effect ofinterest rate swaps and lower average interest ratesexpense on our debt during fiscal 2011.

floating-rate notes as the benchmark London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) decreased.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The decrease in interest income in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was due to lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average total cash and cash equivalents and fixed income security balances in fiscal

2010. The increase in interest expense in fiscal 2010, compared with fiscal 2009, was primarily due to additional interest expense related to our senior debt issuances in November 2009 and February 2009.

Other Income (Loss), NetThe components of other income (loss), net, are summarized as follows (in millions):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  Variance
in Dollars
  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009  Variance
in Dollars
 

Gains (losses) on investments, net:

      

Publicly traded equity securities

 $88   $66   $22   $66   $86   $(20)

Fixed income securities

  91    103    (12  103    (110  213  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale investments

  179    169    10    169    (24)  193  

Privately held companies

  34    54    (20  54    (56)  110  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net gains (losses) on investments

  213    223    (10  223    (80  303  

Other gains (losses), net

  (75  16    (91  16    (48)  64  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other income (loss), net

 $138   $239   $(101 $239   $(128) $367  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Variance in Dollars July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Variance in Dollars
Gains (losses) on investments, net:           
Publicly traded equity securities$253
 $17
 $236
 $17
 $43
 $(26)
Fixed income securities47
 31
 16
 31
 58
 (27)
Total available-for-sale investments300
 48
 252
 48
 101
 (53)
Privately held companies(60) (57) (3) (57) (70) 13
Net gains (losses) on investments240
 (9) 249
 (9) 31
 (40)
Other gains (losses), net3
 (31) 34
 (31) 9
 (40)
Other income (loss), net$243
 $(40) $283
 $(40) $40
 $(80)
Fiscal 20112014 Compared with Fiscal 2010

2013

The increase in total net gains on available-for-sale investments in fiscal 20112014 compared with fiscal 20102013 was primarily attributable to higher gains on publicly traded equity securities in the current period as a result of market conditions and the timing of sales of these securities.
The change in net losses on investments in privately held companies for the fiscal 2014 as compared with fiscal 2013 was primarily due to an increase of $40 million in our proportional share of losses from our VCE joint venture, partially offset by higher realized gains from various investments in privately held companies.
The change in other gains (losses), net in fiscal 2014 as compared with fiscal 2013 was primarily due to higher gains on equity derivative instruments and lower donation expenses, partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts in fiscal 2014.
Fiscal 2013 Compared with Fiscal 2012
The decrease in net gains on available-for-sale investments in fiscal 2013 compared with fiscal 2012 was attributable to lower gains on fixed income and publicly traded equity securities in fiscal 2011. These changes were the2013 as a result of market conditions and the timing of sales of these securities. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the unrealized gains and losses on investments.

For fiscal 20112013 as compared with fiscal 2010,2012, the declinechange in net gainslosses on investments in privately held companies was due to lower net equity method gains and lower gains on sales. The decline was partially offset by lower impairment charges on investments in privately held companies. Impairment charges on investments in privately held companies were $10 million and $25 million for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The change in other gains and (losses), net for fiscal 2011 as compared with fiscal 2010 was primarily due to fiscal 2011 experiencing lower gains from customer lease terminations, higher donations expense, and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts.

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

For fiscal 2010, the increase in net gains on available-for-sale investments was due to the absence of impairment charges on these securities during fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2009, the net gains and losses on fixed income securities included impairment charges of $219 million and net gains on publicly traded equity securities included impairment charges of $39 million.

The change in net gains (losses) on investments in privately held companies in fiscal 2010, compared with fiscal 2009, was primarily due to higher realized gains and lower impairment charges in fiscal 2010. Net losses onfrom various private investments, in privately held companies included impairment chargespartially offset by an increase of $25$23 million in fiscal 2010 compared with $85 millionour proportional share of losses from our VCE joint venture. The change in fiscal 2009.

Otherother gains (losses), net for fiscal 2010 increased2013 as compared with fiscal 2012, was primarily due primarily to gains resulting from customer operating lease terminations.

an increase in donations and less favorable foreign exchange impacts in fiscal 2013.


58


Provision for Income Taxes

Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010

The provision for income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of 17.1% for fiscal 2011, compared with 17.5% for fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the “Ninth Circuit”) withdrew its prior holding and reaffirmed the 2005 U.S. Tax Court ruling inXilinx, Inc. v. Commissioner. The net 0.4 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate between fiscal years was attributable to the absence in fiscal 2011 of this tax benefit of $158 million, or 1.7 percentage points, offset by other items including the tax benefit of $188 million, or 2.5 percentage points, related to the retroactive reinstatement of the U.S. federal R&D credit.

Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely impacted by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries that have lower tax rates, and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher tax rates.rates, and expiration of or lapses in tax incentives. Our provision for income taxes does not include provisions for U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes associated with the repatriation of undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that we intend to reinvest indefinitely in our foreign subsidiaries. If these earnings were distributed from the foreign subsidiaries to the United States in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of the relevant foreign subsidiaries were sold or otherwise transferred, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes. Further, as a result of certain of our ongoing employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries is subject to reduced tax rates and in some cases is wholly exempt from tax. Our failure to meet these commitments could adversely impact our provision for income taxes.

Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013
The provision for income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.2% for fiscal 2014, compared with 11.1% for fiscal 2013. The net 8.1 percentage point increase in the effective tax rate between fiscal years was primarily attributable to a non-recurring net tax benefit of $794 million, or 7.1 percentage points, due to a tax settlement with the IRS in fiscal 2013.
For a full reconciliation of our effective tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% and for further explanation of our provision for income taxes, see Note 1516 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fiscal 20102013 Compared with Fiscal 2009

2012

The provision for income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of 17.5%11.1% for fiscal 2010,2013, compared with an effective tax rate of 20.3%20.8% for fiscal 2009. As discussed above, during fiscal 2010 the Ninth Circuit withdrew its prior holding and reaffirmed the 2005 U.S. Tax Court ruling inXilinx, Inc. v. Commissioner. This final decision effectively reversed the corresponding tax charge in fiscal 2009.2012. The net 2.89.7 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate between fiscal years was primarily attributable to this benefit and the absence in fiscal 2010 of the corresponding charge from fiscal 2009, partially offset by the absence in fiscal 2010 of the fiscal 2009a net tax benefit of $106$794 million, or 1.47.1 percentage points, relateddue to a tax settlement with the IRS and an increase in tax benefits of $144 million, or 1.2 percentage points, due to the retroactive portionreinstatement of the U.S. federal R&D tax credit reinstatement.

in fiscal 2013.





59


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following sections discuss the effects of changes in our balance sheet, our capital allocation strategy including stock repurchase program and dividends, our contractual obligations, and certain other commitments and the stock repurchase programactivities on our liquidity and capital resources.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments  The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents and investments (in millions):

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   Increase 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $7,662    $4,581    $3,081  

Fixed income securities

   35,562     34,029     1,533  

Publicly traded equity securities

   1,361     1,251     110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $44,585    $39,861    $4,724  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents$6,726
 $7,925
 $(1,199)
Fixed income securities43,396
 39,888
 3,508
Publicly traded equity securities1,952
 2,797
 (845)
Total$52,074
 $50,610
 $1,464
The net increase in cash and cash equivalents and investments from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014 was primarily the result of cash provided by operationsoperating activities of $10.1$12.3 billion, a slight decrease from $10.2net increase in debt of $4.7 billion in fiscal 2010, and debt issuancesthe issuance of $1.5common stock of $1.9 billion net pursuant to employee stock incentive and purchase plans. These sources of repayments. These increasescash were partially offset by the repurchase of common stock (net of $9.4 billion under the issuance of common stock related to employee stock incentive plans) of $5.1 billion, capital expenditures of $1.2 billion, andrepurchase program, cash dividends paid of $0.7$3.8 billion, net cash paid for acquisitions of $3.0 billion, and capital expenditures of $1.3 billion.

The slight decrease in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2011 was primarily the result of a decrease in net income and the unfavorable impact to cash provided by operating activities from increased financing receivables, partially offset by the favorable impact to cash provided by operating activities from lower accounts receivable.

Our total in cash and cash equivalents and investments held outside of the United States inby various foreign subsidiaries was $39.8$47.4 billion and $33.2$40.4 billion as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010, respectively. The remaining balance held in the United States as of July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010 was $4.8 billion and $6.7 billion,27, 2013, respectively. Under current tax laws and regulations, if cash and cash equivalents and investments held outside the United Statesthese assets were to be distributed from the foreign subsidiaries to the United States in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes.

The balance of cash and cash equivalents and investments available in the United States as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013 was $4.7 billion and $10.2 billion, respectively.

We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. We classify our investments as short-term investments based on their nature and their availability for use in current operations. We believe the overall credit quality of our portfolio is strong, with our cash equivalents and our fixed income investment

portfolio consisting primarily of high quality investment-grade securities. We believe that our strong cash and cash equivalents and investments position allows us to use our cash resources for strategic investments to gain access to new technologies, for acquisitions, for customer financing activities, for working capital needs, and for the repurchase of shares of common stock and dividends.

payment of dividends as discussed below.

Free Cash Flow and Capital Allocation As part of our capital allocation strategy, we intend to return a minimum of 50% of our free cash flow annually to our shareholders through cash dividends and repurchases of common stock.
We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less cash used to acquire property and equipment. The following table reconciles our net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow (in millions):
Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Net cash provided by operating activities$12,332
 $12,894
 $11,491
Acquisition of property and equipment(1,275) (1,160) (1,126)
Free cash flow$11,057
 $11,734
 $10,365
We expect that cash provided by operating activities may fluctuate in future periods as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuations in our operating results, the rate at which products are shipped during the quarter (which we refer to as shipment linearity), the timing and collection of accounts receivable and financing receivables, inventory and supply chain management, deferred revenue, excess tax benefits resulting from share-based compensation, and the timing and amount of tax and other payments. For additional discussion, see “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this report.


We consider free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors because of our intent to return a stated percentage of free cash flow to shareholders in the form of dividends and stock repurchases. We further regard free cash flow as a useful measure because it reflects cash that can be used to, among other things, invest in our business, make strategic acquisitions, repurchase common stock, and pay dividends on our common stock, after deducting capital investments. A limitation of the utility of free cash flow as a measure of financial performance and liquidity is that the free cash flow does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for the period.  In addition, we have other

60


required uses of cash, including repaying the principal of our outstanding indebtedness. Free cash flow is not a measure calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and should not be regarded in isolation or as an alternative for net income provided by operating activities or any other measure calculated in accordance with such principles, and other companies may calculate free cash flow in a different manner than we do.
The following table summarizes the dividends paid and stock repurchases (in millions, except per-share amounts):
  DIVIDENDS STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM TOTAL
Years Ended Per Share Amount Shares Weighted-Average Price per Share Amount Amount
July 26, 2014 $0.72
 $3,758
 420
 $22.71
 $9,539
 $13,297
July 27, 2013 $0.62
 $3,310
 128
 $21.63
 $2,773
 $6,083
July 28, 2012 $0.28
 $1,501
 262
 $16.64
 $4,360
 $5,861
On August 26, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per common share to be paid on October 22, 2014 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 2, 2014. Any future dividends will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.
Accounts Receivable, Net The following table summarizes our accounts receivable, net (in millions), and DSO:

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   Decrease 

Accounts receivable, net

  $4,698    $4,929    $(231

DSO

   38     41     (3

   July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Increase (Decrease)
Accounts receivable, net$5,157
 $5,470
 $(313)
DSO38
 40
 (2)
Our accounts receivable net, as of July 30, 2011 declined26, 2014 decreased by approximately 5%6% compared with the end of fiscal 2010.2013. Our DSO as of July 30, 201126, 2014 was lower by 32 days compared with the end of fiscal 2010. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, our cash collections were strong, and both product and services billings linearity improved, particularly with respect2013, primarily due to the timing of product shipments.

Services billings have traditionally had the effect of increasing DSO due in part to the timing of billings which in comparison to product billings, have a larger proportion billedan improvement in the latter partlinearity of the quarter. As services revenues have increased as a percentage of our total revenue, this has contributed to a higher DSO level in comparison to levels we experienced in past years. We believe that the current DSO level is in line with levels we expect in the near future.

shipments.

Inventories and Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and SuppliersInventory Supply Chain  The following table summarizes our inventories and purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers (in millions, except annualized inventory turns):

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   Increase
(Decrease)
 

Inventories

  $1,486    $1,327    $159  

Annualized inventory turns

   11.8     12.6     (0.8

Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers

  $4,313    $4,319    $(6

Inventories

   July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Increase (Decrease)
Inventories$1,591
 $1,476
 $115
Annualized inventory turns12.7
 13.8
 (1.1)
Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers$4,169
 $4,033
 $136
Inventory as of July 30, 201126, 2014 increased by 12%8% from our inventory balance at the end of fiscal 2010, while2013, and for the same period purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers were flat.increasedby approximately 3%. On a combined basis, inventories and purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers increased by 3% from the balance at5% compared with the end of fiscal 2010.2013. We believe our inventory and purchase commitments levels are in line with our current demand forecasts.

The inventory increase was due to higher levels of distributor inventory and higher deferred cost of sales. Our inventories have decreased from the levels we experienced in the first half of fiscal 2011. In the third quarter of fiscal 2011 we announced a restructuring of our consumer business, and as a result we lowered inventory levels for our consumer products. We also lowered inventory in certain parts of our cable set-top business.

Our finished goods consist of distributor inventory and deferred cost of sales and manufactured finished goods. Distributor inventory and deferred cost of sales are related to unrecognized revenue on shipments to distributors and retail partners as well as shipments to customers. Manufactured finished goods consist primarily of build-to-order and

build-to-stock products. All inventories are accounted for at the lower of cost or market. Inventory is written down based on excess and obsolete inventories determined primarily by future demand forecasts. Inventory write-downs are measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market, based upon assumptions about future demand, and are charged to the provision for inventory, which is a component of our cost of sales.

Our ending balance for purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers reflects improvement and stabilization in lead times and the mitigation of many of the constraints at our component suppliers that we experienced in fiscal 2010. Due to the earthquake in Japan and resulting industry-wide component supply constraints, we made increased commitments to secure our near-term supply needs. Offsetting these increases in purchase commitments were actions we have taken related to the restructuring of our consumer business. While we may experience longer than normal lead times in the future, our lead times to customers improved on nearly all of our products during fiscal 2011 and as of the end of fiscal 2011 were within a normal range for nearly all of our products.

We purchase components from a variety of suppliers and use several contract manufacturers to provide manufacturing services for our products. During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing lead times and help ensure adequate component supply, we enter into agreements with contract manufacturers and suppliers that allow them to procure inventory based upon criteria as defined by us or that establish the parameters defining our requirements and our commitment to securing manufacturing capacity. A significant portion of our reported purchase commitments arising from these agreements are firm, noncancelable, and unconditional commitments. In certain instances, these agreements allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to firm orders being placed. Our purchase commitments are for short-term product manufacturing requirements as well as for commitments to suppliers to secure manufacturing capacity.

We record a liability, included in other current liabilities, for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of our excess and obsolete inventory. The purchase commitments for inventory are expected to be primarily fulfilled within one year.

Inventory and supply chain management remain areas of focus as we balance the need to maintain supply chain flexibility to help ensure competitive lead times with the risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements. We believe the amount of our inventory and purchase commitments is appropriate for our revenue levels.


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Financing Receivables and Guarantees We measure our net balance sheet exposure position related to our financing receivables and financing guarantees by reducing the total of gross financing receivables and financing guarantees by the associated allowances for credit loss and deferred revenue. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, our net balance sheet exposure position related to financing receivables and financing guarantees was as follows (in millions):

  FINANCING RECEIVABLES  FINANCING
GUARANTEES
  TOTAL 

July 30, 2011

 Lease
Receivables
  Loan
Receivables
  Financed
Service
Contracts
and Other
  Total  Channel
Partner
  End-User
Customers
  Total  

 

 

Gross amount less unearned income

 $2,861   $1,468   $2,637   $6,966   $336   $277   $613   $7,579  

Allowance for credit loss

  (237)  (103)  (27)  (367)  —      —      —      (367)

Deferred revenue

  (120)  (262)  (2,044)  (2,426)  (248)  (248)  (496)  (2,922)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net balance sheet exposure

 $2,504   $1,103   $566   $4,173   $88   $29   $117   $4,290  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 FINANCING RECEIVABLES FINANCING GUARANTEES  
July 26, 2014
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts and Other
 Total Channel Partner End-User Customers Total TOTAL
Financing receivables less unearned income$3,527
 $1,683
 $3,210
 $8,420
 $263
 $202
 $465
 $8,885
Allowance for credit loss(233) (98) (18) (349) 
 
 
 (349)
Deferred revenue(23) (5) (1,843) (1,871) (127) (166) (293) (2,164)
Net balance sheet exposure$3,271
 $1,580
 $1,349
 $6,200
 $136
 $36
 $172
 $6,372
Financing ReceivablesGross financingFinancing receivables less unearned income have increased by 33%2% compared with the end of fiscal 2010, driven by2013. The change was primarily due to a 49%2% increase in grossboth loan receivables and financed service contracts a 30%and other, and also due to 1% increase in gross lease receivables, and an 18% increase in gross loan receivables. We provide financing to certain end-user customers

and channel partners to enable sales of our products, services, and networking solutions. These financing arrangements include leases, financed service contracts, and loans. Arrangements related to leases are generally collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. Lease receivables include sales-type and direct-financing leases. We also provide certain qualified customers financing for long-term service contracts, which primarily relate to technical support services and advanced services. Our loan financing arrangements may include not only financing the acquisition of our products and services but also providing additional funds for other costs associated with network installation and integration of our products and services. We expect to continue to expand the use of our financing programs in the near term.

Financing GuaranteesIn the normal course of business, third parties may provide financing arrangements to our customers and channel partners under financing programs. The financing arrangements to customers provided by third parties are related to leases and loans and typically have terms of up to three years. In some cases, we provide guarantees to third parties for these lease and loan arrangements. The financing arrangements to channel partners consist of revolving short-term financing provided by third parties, generally with payment terms ranging from 60 to 90 days. In certain instances, these financing arrangements result in a transfer of our receivables to the third party. The receivables are de-recognizedderecognized upon transfer, as these transfers qualify as true sales, and we receive payments for the receivables from the third party based on our standard payment terms. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners, and in some cases, we guarantee a portion of these arrangements. We could be called upon to make payments under these guarantees in the event of nonpayment by the channel partners or end-user customers. Historically, our payments under these arrangements have been immaterial. Where we provide a guarantee, we defer the revenue associated with the channel partner and end-user financing arrangement in accordance with revenue recognition policies, or we record a liability for the fair value of the guarantees. In either case, the deferred revenue is recognized as revenue when the guarantee is removed. During fiscal 2011, the level of guarantees required by our financing partners decreased, resulting in lower deferred revenue associated with our financing guarantees.

Deferred Revenue Related to Financing Receivables and GuaranteesThe majority of the deferred revenue in the preceding table is related to financed service contracts. The majority of the revenue related to financed service contracts, which primarily relates to technical support services, is deferred and included in deferred service revenue. Theas the revenue related to financed service contracts is recognized ratably over the period during which the related services are to be performed. A portion of the revenue related to lease and loan receivables is also deferred and included in deferred product revenue based on revenue recognition criteria.criteria not currently having been met.


62


Borrowings
Borrowings

Senior NotesThe following table summarizes the principal amount of our senior notes (in millions):

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   Increase
(Decrease)
 

Senior notes:

      

Floating-rate notes, due 2014

  $1,250    $—      $1,250  

5.25% fixed-rate notes, due 2011

   —       3,000     (3,000

2.90% fixed-rate notes, due 2014

   500     500     —    

1.625% fixed-rate notes, due 2014

   2,000     —       2,000  

5.50% fixed-rate notes, due 2016

   3,000     3,000     —    

3.15% fixed-rate notes, due 2017

   750     —       750  

4.95% fixed-rate notes, due 2019

   2,000     2,000     —    

4.45% fixed-rate notes, due 2020

   2,500     2,500     —    

5.90% fixed-rate notes, due 2039

   2,000     2,000     —    

5.50% fixed-rate notes, due 2040

   2,000     2,000     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $16,000    $15,000    $1,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Maturity Date July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 
Senior notes:      
Floating-rate notes:      
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.25%March 14, 2014 $
 $1,250
 
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.05%September 3, 2015(1)850
 
 
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.28%March 3, 2017(1)1,000
 
 
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.50%March 1, 2019(1)500
 
 
Fixed-rate notes:      
1.625%March 14, 2014 
 2,000
 
2.90%November 17, 2014 500
 500
 
5.50%February 22, 2016 3,000
 3,000
 
1.10%March 3, 2017(1)2,400
 
 
3.15%March 14, 2017 750
 750
 
4.95%February 15, 2019 2,000
 2,000
 
2.125%March 1, 2019(1)1,750
 
 
4.45%January 15, 2020 2,500
 2,500
 
2.90%March 4, 2021(1)500
 
 
3.625%March 4, 2024(1)1,000
 
 
5.90%February 15, 2039 2,000
 2,000
 
5.50%January 15, 2040 2,000
 2,000
 
Total  $20,750
 $16,000
 
(1) In March 2014, we issued senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $8.0 billion.
We repaid senior floating-rate and fixed-rate notes upon their maturity in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 for an aggregate principal amount of $3.3 billion.
Interest is payable semiannually on each class of the senior fixed-rate notes, each of which is redeemable by us at any time, subject to a make-whole premium. Interest is payable quarterly on the floating ratefloating-rate notes. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of July 30, 2011. In March 2011,26, 2014.
Other Debt Other debt as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013 includes secured borrowings associated with customer financing arrangements. As of July 27, 2013, we issued $1.25 billion of senior floating interest ratealso had outstanding notes due 2014, $2.0 billion of 1.625% fixed-rate senior notes due 2014, and $750 million of 3.15% fixed-rate senior notes due 2017, for an aggregate principalrelated to our investment in Insieme. The amount of $4.0 billion. To achieve our interest rate risk management objectives, we entered into interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amountborrowings outstanding under these arrangements was $12 millionand $31 million as of $2.75 billion designated as fair value hedges of the senior fixed-rate notes included in the March 2011 debt issuance. In effect, these interest rate swaps convert the fixed interest rates of the fixed-rate senior notes to floating interest rates based on LIBOR. The gainsJuly 26, 2014 and losses related to the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps substantially offset changes, attributable to market interest rates, in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt.

In addition, in February 2011 we repaid $3.0 billion of fixed-rate senior notes upon their maturity.

July 27, 2013, respectively.

Commercial Paper In the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we established a short-term debt financing program of up to $3.0 billion through the issuance of commercial paper notes. AsWe use the proceeds from the issuance of July 30, 2011, we had commercial paper notes for general corporate purposes. In fiscal 2014, we issued and repaid $1.0 billion of $500 millionindebtedness under commercial paper and had no commercial paper notes outstanding under this program.

Other Notes and Borrowings Other notes and borrowings include notes and credit facilities with a number of financial institutions that are available to certain of our foreign subsidiaries. The amount of borrowings outstanding under these arrangements was $88 million and $59 million as of each of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010, respectively.27, 2013

.

Credit Facility We have On February 17, 2012, we entered into a credit agreement with certain institutional lenders that provides for a $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire on AugustFebruary 17, 2012.2017. Any advances under the credit agreement will accrue interest at rates that are equal to, based on certain conditions, either (i) the higher of the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% or, Bank of America’s “prime rate” as announced from time to time, or one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin that is based on our senior debt credit ratings as published by Standard & Poor’s RatingsFinancial Services, LLC and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. The credit agreement requires that we comply with certain covenants, including that we maintain an interest coverage ratio as defined in the agreement.

We may also, upon the agreement of either the then-existing lenders or additional lenders not currently parties to the agreement, increase the commitments under the credit facility by up to an additional $1.9 billion and/or extend the expiration date of the credit facility up to August 15, 2014. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, we were in compliance with the required interest coverage ratio and the other covenants, and we had not borrowed any funds under the credit facility.

We may also, upon the agreement of either the existing lenders or additional lenders not currently parties to the agreement, increase the commitments under the credit facility by up to an additional $2.0 billion and/or extend the expiration date of the credit facility by up to two additional years, or up to February 17, 2019.

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Table of Contents

Deferred Revenue   The following table presents the breakdown of deferred revenue (in millions):

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   Increase 

Service

  $8,521    $7,428    $1,093  

Product

   3,686     3,655     31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $12,207    $11,083    $1,124  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reported as:

      

Current

  $8,025    $7,664    $361  

Noncurrent

   4,182     3,419     763  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $12,207    $11,083    $1,124  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Increase (Decrease)
Service$9,640
 $9,403
 $237
Product4,502
 4,020
 482
    Total$14,142
 $13,423
 $719
Reported as:     
Current$9,478
 $9,262
 $216
Noncurrent4,664
 4,161
 503
    Total$14,142
 $13,423
 $719
The increase in deferred service revenue in fiscal 2014 reflects the impact of new contract initiations and renewals, partially offset by an increase in customers paying technical support service contracts over time and the impact of ongoing amortization of deferred service revenue. The increase in deferred product revenue was

primarily due to increased deferrals related to subscription revenue arrangements and to a lesser extent, due to an increase in shipments not having met revenue recognition criteria as of July 30, 2011, partially offset by lower unrecognized revenue from two-tier distributors due to the timing of cash receipts from two-tier distributors.

26, 2014.

Contractual Obligations

The impact of contractual obligations on our liquidity and capital resources in future periods should be analyzed in conjunction with the factors that impact our cash flows from operations discussed previously. In addition, we plan for and measure our liquidity and capital resources through an annual budgeting process. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at July 30, 201126, 2014 (in millions):

  PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD 

July 30, 2011

 Total  Less than
1 Year
  1 to 3
Years
   3 to 5
Years
  More than
5 Years
 

Operating leases

 $1,316   $374   $445    $220   $277  

Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers

  4,313    4,313    —       —      —    

Purchase obligations

  2,473    1,443    779     233    18  

Long-term debt

  16,000    —      3,250     3,500    9,250  

Other long-term liabilities

  459    —      87     58    314  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total by period

 $24,561   $6,130   $4,561    $4,011   $9,859  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities (uncertainty in the timing of future payments)

  1,455       
 

 

 

      

Total

 $26,016       
 

 

 

      

 PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
July 26, 2014Total Less than 1 Year 1 to 3 Years 3 to 5 Years More than 5 Years
Operating leases$1,239
 $399
 $457
 $196
 $187
Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers4,169
 4,169
 
 
 
Other purchase obligations896
 534
 316
 45
 1
Long-term debt20,754
 500
 8,004
 4,250
 8,000
Other long-term liabilities1,379
 
 505
 55
 819
Total by period$28,437
 $5,602
 $9,282
 $4,546
 $9,007
Other long-term liabilities (uncertainty in the timing of future payments)2,220
        
Total$30,657
        
Operating LeasesWe lease office space in several U.S. locations. Outside the United States, larger leased sites are located in Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the United Kingdom. We also lease equipment and vehicles. Operating lease amounts include future minimum lease payments under all  For more information on our noncancelable operating leases, with an initial term in excess of one year.see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and SuppliersWe purchase components from a variety of suppliers and use several contract manufacturers to provide manufacturing services for our products. A significant portion of our reported estimated purchase commitments arising from these agreements are firm, noncancelable, and unconditional commitments. We record a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of our excess and obsolete inventory. See further discussion in “Inventories and Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and Suppliers.“Inventory Supply Chain.” As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the liability for these purchase commitments was $168$162 million and is recorded in other current liabilities and is not included in the preceding table.

Other Purchase ObligationsPurchase   Other purchase obligations represent an estimate of all open purchase orders and contractual obligations in the ordinary course of business, other than operating leases and commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers, for which we have not received the goods or services. Although open purchasePurchase orders are considered enforceable and legallynot included in the preceding table as they typically represent our authorization to purchase rather than binding the terms generally allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to the delivery of goods or performance of services.contractual purchase obligations.

Long-Term DebtThe amount of long-term debt in the preceding table represents the principal amount of the respective debt instruments. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


64

Table of Contents

Other Long-Term LiabilitiesOther long-term liabilities primarily include noncurrent income taxes payable, accrued liabilities for deferred compensation, noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, and certain other long-term liabilities. Due to the uncertainty in the timing of future payments, our noncurrent income taxes payable of approximately $1.2 billion$1,851 million and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities of $264$369 million were presented as one aggregated amount in the total column on a separate line in the preceding table. Noncurrent income taxes payable include uncertain tax positions (see Note 1516 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) partially offset by payments..

Other Commitments

In connection with our business combinations and asset purchases, we have agreed to pay certain additional amounts contingent upon the achievement of certain agreed-upon technology, development, product, or other milestones or the continued employment with us of certain employees of the acquired entities. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Insieme Networks, Inc.In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we made an investment in Insieme, an early stage company focused on research and development in the data center market. As set forth in the agreement between Cisco and Insieme, this investment included $100 million of funding and a license to certain of our technology. Immediately prior to the call option exercise and acquisition described below, we owned approximately 83% of Insieme as a result of these investments and have consolidated the results of Insieme in our Consolidated Financial Statements. In connection with this investment, we entered into a put/call option agreement that provided us with the right to purchase the remaining interests in Insieme. In addition, the noncontrolling interest holders could require us to purchase their shares upon the occurrence of certain events.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we exercised our call option and entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining interests in Insieme. The acquisition closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, at which time the former noncontrolling interest holders became eligible to receive up to two milestone payments, which will be determined using agreed-upon formulas based primarily on revenue for certain of Insieme’s products. During fiscal 2014, we recorded compensation expense of $416 million, related to the fair value of the vested portion of amounts that are expected to be earned by the former noncontrolling interest holders. Continued vesting and changes to the fair value of the amounts probable of being earned will result in adjustments to the recorded compensation expense in future periods. Based on the terms of the agreement, we have determined that the maximum amount that could be recorded as compensation expense by us is approximately $855 million, net of forfeitures and including the $416 million that has been expensed during fiscal 2014. The milestone payments, if earned, are expected to be paid primarily during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017.
Other Funding CommitmentsWe also have certain funding commitments primarily related to our investments in privately held companies and venture funds, some of which are based on the achievement of certain agreed-upon milestones, and some of which are required to be funded on demand. The funding commitments were $192$255 million as of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, compared with $279$263 million as of July 31, 2010.

27, 2013.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We consider our investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities to be off-balance sheet arrangements. In the ordinary course of business, we have investments in privately held companies and provide financing to certain customers. These privately held companies and customers may be considered to be variable interest entities. We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in these privately held companies and customer financings, and we have determined that as of July 30, 201126, 2014 there were no material unconsolidated variable interest entities.

In

VCE is a joint venture that we formed in fiscal 2010 Cisco andwith EMC Corporation (“EMC”), together with investments from VMware, Inc. (“VMware”) formed the Virtual Computing Environment coalition and invested in Acadia Enterprises LLC (“Acadia”), a joint venture with EMC in which VMware and Intel also invested.Corporation. VCE helps organizations leverage best-in-class technologies and disciplines from Cisco, EMC, and VMware to enable the transformation to cloud computing. As of July 26, 2014, our cumulative gross investment in VCE was approximately $716 million, inclusive of accrued interest, and our ownership percentage was approximately 35%. During fiscal 2011, the Virtual Computing Environment coalition and Acadia were combined into a single entity and renamed the Virtual Computing Environment Company (“VCE”). As of July 30, 2011, our cumulative investment2014, we invested approximately $185 million in the combined VCE entity was approximately $100 million and we owned approximately 35% of the outstanding equity.VCE. We account for our investment in VCE under the equity method, and accordingly our portion of VCE’s net loss is recognized in other income (loss), net. As of July 26, 2014, we have recorded cumulative losses from VCE of $644 million since inception. Our carrying value in VCE has been reduced by $79as of July 26, 2014 was $72 million which reflects our cumulative share of VCE’s losses primarily in fiscal 2011.. Over the next 12 months, as VCE scales its operations, we expect that we willmay make additional investments in VCE and may incur additional losses in proportionproportionate with our share ownership.
From time to our ownership percentage.

time, EMC and Cisco may enter into guarantee agreements on behalf of VCE to indemnify third parties, such as customers, for monetary damages. Such guarantees were not material as of July 26, 2014.

On an ongoing basis, we reassess our investments in privately held companies and customer financings to determine if they are variable interest entities and if we would be regarded as the primary beneficiary pursuant to the applicable accounting guidance. As a result of this ongoing assessment, we may be required to make additional disclosures or consolidate these entities. Because we may not control these entities, we may not have the ability to influence these events.


65

Table of Contents

We provide financing guarantees, which are generally for various third-party financing arrangements extended to our channel partners and end-user customers. We could be called upon to make payments under these guarantees in the event of nonpayment by the channel partners or end-user customers. See the previous discussion of these financing guarantees under “Financing Receivables and Guarantees.”

Securities Lending

We periodically engage in securities lending activities with certain of our available-for-sale investments. These transactions are accounted for as a secured lending of the securities, and the securities are typically loaned only on an overnight basis. The average daily balance of securities lending for fiscal 20112014 and 20102013 was $1.6$1.5 billionand $1.5$0.7 billion, respectively. We require collateral equal to at least 102% of the fair market value of the loaned security and that the collateral be in the form of cash or liquid, high-quality assets. We engage in these secured lending transactions only with highly creditworthy counterparties, and the associated portfolio custodian has agreed to indemnify us against any collateral losses. As of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, we had no

outstanding securities lending transactions. We believe these arrangements do not present a material risk or impact to our liquidity requirements. We did not experience any losses in connection with the secured lending of securities during the periods presented.

Stock Repurchase Program and Dividends

In September 2001, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program. As of July 30, 2011, our Board of Directors had authorized an aggregate repurchase of up to $82 billion of common stock under this program, and the remaining authorized repurchase amount was $10.2 billion with no termination date. The stock repurchase activity under the stock repurchase program, reported based on the trade date is summarized as follows (in millions, except per-share amounts):

   Shares
Repurchased
   Weighted-
Average Price
per Share
   Amount
Repurchased
 

Cumulative balance at July 25, 2009

   2,802    $20.41    $57,179  

Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program

   325     24.02     7,803  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cumulative balance at July 31, 2010

   3,127    $20.78    $64,982  

Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program

   351     19.36     6,791  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cumulative balance at July 30, 2011

   3,478    $20.64    $71,773  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

During fiscal 2011, cash dividends of $0.12 per share, or $658 million, were declared on our outstanding common stock and paid during the same period. Any future dividends will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.

Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements

Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents, investments, cash generated from operations, and ability to access capital markets and committed credit lines will satisfy, through at least the next 12 months, our liquidity requirements, both in total and domestically, including the following: working capital needs, capital expenditures, investment requirements, stock repurchases, cash dividends, contractual obligations, commitments, principal and interest payments on debt, future customer financings, and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations. There are no other transactions, arrangements, or relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect the liquidity and the availability of, as well as our requirements for, capital resources.


66


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our financial position is exposed to a variety of risks, including interest rate risk, equity price risk, and foreign currency exchange risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Fixed Income Securities

We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. Our primary objective for holding fixed income securities is to achieve an appropriate investment return consistent with preserving principal and managing risk. At any time, a sharp rise in market interest rates could have a material adverse impact on the fair value of our fixed income investment portfolio. Conversely, declines in interest rates, including the impact from lower credit spreads, could have a material adverse impact on interest income for our investment portfolio. We may utilize derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments to achieve our investment objectives. We had no outstanding hedging instruments for our fixed income securities as of July 30, 2011.26, 2014. Our fixed income investments are held for purposes other than trading. Our fixed income investments are not leveraged as of July 30, 2011. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.26, 2014. We monitor our interest rate and credit risks, including our credit exposures to specific rating categories and to individual issuers. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, approximately 75%76% of our fixed income securities balance consistsconsisted of U.S. government and U.S. government agency securities. We believe the overall credit quality of our portfolio is strong.

The following tables present the hypothetical fair values of our fixed income securities, including the hedging effects when applicable, as a result of selected potential market decreases and increases in interest rates. The market changes reflect immediate hypothetical parallel shifts in the yield curve of plus or minus 50 basis points (“BPS”), plus 100 BPS, and plus 150 BPS. Due to the low interest rate environment at the end of each of fiscal 20102014 and fiscal 2009,2013, we did not believe a parallel shift of minus 100 BPS or minus 150 BPS was relevant. The hypothetical fair values as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 201027, 2013 are as follows (in millions):

   VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
DECREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
   FAIR VALUE
AS OF
JULY 30,
2011
   VALUATION OF SECURITIES
GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
INCREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
 
   (150 BPS)   (100 BPS)   (50 BPS)     50 BPS   100 BPS 150 BPS 

Fixed income securities

   N/A     N/A    $35,740    $35,562    $35,384    $35,206    $35,029  
   VALUATION OF SECURITIES
GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
DECREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
   FAIR VALUE
AS OF
JULY 31,
2010
   VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
INCREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
 
   (150 BPS)   (100 BPS)   (50 BPS)     50 BPS   100 BPS   150 BPS 

Fixed income securities

   N/A     N/A    $34,187    $34,029    $33,870    $33,712    $33,553  

There were no impairment charges on

 
VALUATION OF SECURITIES
GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
DECREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
 
FAIR VALUE
AS OF JULY 26, 2014
 
VALUATION OF SECURITIES
GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
INCREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
 (150 BPS) (100 BPS) (50 BPS) 50 BPS 100 BPS 150 BPS
Fixed income securitiesN/A N/A $43,721
 $43,396 $43,071
 $42,747
 $42,422

 
VALUATION OF SECURITIES
GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
DECREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
 
FAIR VALUE
AS OF JULY 27, 2013
 
VALUATION OF SECURITIES
GIVEN AN INTEREST RATE
INCREASE OF X BASIS POINTS
 (150 BPS) (100 BPS) (50 BPS) 50 BPS 100 BPS 150 BPS
Fixed income securitiesN/A N/A $40,193
 $39,888 $39,583
 $39,278
 $38,973
Financing Receivables As of July 26, 2014, our investmentsfinancing receivables had a carrying value of $8.1 billion, compared with $7.9 billion as of July 27, 2013. As of July 26, 2014, a hypothetical 50 BPS increase or decrease in fixed income securities for fiscal 2011market interest rates would change the fair value of our financing receivables by a decrease or 2010. For fiscal 2009increase of approximately $0.1 billion, respectively.
Debt As of July 26, 2014, we had impairment charges of $219 million on investments in fixed income securities.

Debt$20.8 billion

As of July 30, 2011, we had $16.0 billion in principal amount of senior notes outstanding, which consisted of $1.25$2.4 billion floating-rate notes and $14.75$18.4 billion fixed-rate notes. The carrying amount of the senior notes was $16.2$20.9 billion, and the related fair value was $17.4 billion, which fair value is based on market prices.prices was $22.4 billion. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, a hypothetical 50 BPS increase or decrease in market interest rates would change the fair value of the fixed-rate debt, excluding the $4.25$10.4 billion of hedged debt, by a decrease or increase of $0.5approximately $0.4 billion, respectively. However, this hypothetical change in interest rates would not impact the interest expense on the fixed-rate debt whichthat is not hedged.


67


Equity Price Risk

The fair value of our equity investments in publicly traded companies is subject to market price volatility. We may hold equity securities for strategic purposes or to diversify our overall investment portfolio. Our equity portfolio consists of securities with characteristics that most closely match the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index or NASDAQ Composite Index. These equity securities are held for purposes other than trading. To manage our exposure to changes in the fair value of certain equity securities, we may enter into equity derivatives designated as hedging instruments.

Publicly Traded Equity Securities

The following tables present the hypothetical fair values of publicly traded equity securities as a result of selected potential decreases and increases in the price of each equity security in the portfolio, excluding hedged equity securities, if any. Potential fluctuations in the price of each equity security in the portfolio of plus or minus 10%, 20%, and 30% were selected based on potential near-term changes in those security prices. The hypothetical fair values as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 201027, 2013 are as follows (in millions):

   VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
DECREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
   FAIR VALUE
AS OF
JULY 30,
2011
   VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
INCREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 
   (30%)   (20%)   (10%)     10%   20%   30% 

Publicly traded equity securities

  $953    $1,089    $1,225    $1,361    $1,497    $1,633    $1,769  
   VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
DECREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
   FAIR VALUE
AS OF
JULY 31,
2010
   VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
INCREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 
   (30%)   (20%)   (10%)     10%   20%   30% 

Publicly traded equity securities

  $876    $1,001    $1,126    $1,251    $1,376    $1,501    $1,626  

There were no significant impairment charges on our investments in publicly traded equity securities in fiscal 2011 while there was no such impairment charge in 2010. For fiscal 2009 impairment charges on our investments in publicly traded equity securities were $39 million.

 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
DECREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 
FAIR VALUE
AS OF JULY 26, 2014
 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
INCREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 (30)% (20)% (10)% 10% 20% 30%
Publicly traded equity securities$1,144
 $1,307
 $1,471
 $1,634 $1,797
 $1,961
 $2,124

 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
DECREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 FAIR VALUE
AS OF JULY 27, 2013
 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
INCREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 (30)% (20)% (10)% 10% 20% 30%
Publicly traded equity securities$1,000
 $1,143
 $1,286
 $1,429 $1,572
 $1,715
 $1,858
Investments in Privately Held Companies

We have also invested in privately held companies. These investments are recorded in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are accounted for using primarily either the cost or the equity method. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the total carrying amount of our investments in privately held companies was $796$899 million, compared with $756$833 million at July 31, 2010.27, 2013. Some of the privately held companies in which we invested are in the startup or development stages. These investments are inherently risky because the markets for the technologies or products these companies are developing are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We could lose our entire investment in these companies. Our evaluation of investments in privately held companies is based on the fundamentals of the businesses invested in, , including, among other factors, the nature of their technologies and potential for financial return. Our impairment charges on investments in privately held companies were $10 million, $25 million, and $85 million for fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.


68


Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Our foreign exchange forward and option contracts outstanding at fiscal year-end are summarized in U.S. dollar equivalents as follows (in millions):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 
   Notional
Amount
   Fair Value  Notional
Amount
   Fair Value 

Forward contracts:

       

Purchased

  $3,722    $9   $3,368    $26  

Sold

  $1,225    $(10) $878    $(7

Option contracts:

       

Purchased

  $1,547    $63   $1,582    $56  

Sold

  $1,577    $(12) $1,507    $(6

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
 Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value
Forward contracts:       
Purchased$2,635
 $(3) $3,472
 $7
Sold$896
 $2
 $1,401
 $(5)
Option contracts:       
Purchased$494
 $5
 $716
 $23
Sold$466
 $(2) $696
 $(4)
We conduct business globally in numerous currencies. The direct effect of foreign currency fluctuations on salesrevenue has not been material because our sales are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. However, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies, such strengthening could have an indirect effect on our salesrevenue to the extent it raises the cost of our products to non-U.S. customers and thereby reduces demand. A weaker U.S. dollar could have the opposite effect. However, the precise indirect effect of currency fluctuations is difficult to measure or predict because our sales are influenced by many factors in addition to the impact of such currency fluctuations.

Approximately 70%65% of our operating expenses are U.S.-dollar denominated. ForeignIn fiscal 2014, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increaseddecreased our operatingcombined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by $153 million, or approximately 0.3% in fiscal 20110.9%, compared with fiscal 20102013.In fiscal 2013, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, decreased our combined R&D, sales and 0.2% in fiscal 2010marketing, and G&A expenses by $227 million, or approximately 1.3% as compared with fiscal 2009.2012. To reduce variability in operating expenses and service cost of sales caused by non-U.S.-dollar denominated operating expenses and costs, we hedge certain forecasted foreign currency forecasted transactions with currency options and forward contracts. These hedging programs are not designed to provide foreign currency protection over long time horizons. In designing a specific hedging approach, we consider several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, costs associated with entering into a particular hedge instrument, and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts mitigate the effect of currency movements on our operating expenses and service cost of sales.

We also enter into foreign exchange forward and option contracts to reduce the short-term effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables investments, and payables that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the entities. The market risks associated with these foreign currency receivables, investments, and payables relate primarily to variances from our forecasted foreign currency transactions and balances. Our forward and option contracts generally have the following maturities:

  Maturities

Forward and option contracts—forecasted transactions related to operating expenses and service cost of sales

 Up to 18 months

Forward contracts—current assets and liabilities

 Up to 3 months

Forward contracts—net investments in foreign subsidiaries

 Up to 6 months

Forward contracts—long-term customer financings

 Up to 2 years

Forward contracts—investments

Up to 2 years

We do not enter into foreign exchange forward or option contracts for trading purposes.



69


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

84

84

92

94

96

97

98

102

104

108

110

113

116

118

124

127

129

130


70


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cisco Systems, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of cash flows and of equity listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cisco Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries at July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 30, 201126, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, based on criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted new accounting rules for revenue recognition and business combinations in 2010 and other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities in 2009.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California

September 13, 2011

9, 2014


71


Reports of Management

Statement of Management’s Responsibility

Cisco’s management has always assumed full accountability for maintaining compliance with our established financial accounting policies and for reporting our results with objectivity and the highest degree of integrity. It is critical for investors and other users of the Consolidated Financial Statements to have confidence that the financial information that we provide is timely, complete, relevant, and accurate. Management is responsible for the fair presentation of Cisco’s Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and has full responsibility for their integrity and accuracy.

Management, with oversight by Cisco’s Board of Directors, has established and maintains a strong ethical climate so that our affairs are conducted to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct. Management also has established an effective system of internal controls. Cisco’s policies and practices reflect corporate governance initiatives that are compliant with the listing requirements of NASDAQ and the corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

We are committed to enhancing shareholder value and fully understand and embrace our fiduciary oversight responsibilities. We are dedicated to ensuring that our high standards of financial accounting and reporting, as well as our underlying system of internal controls, are maintained. Our culture demands integrity and we have the highest confidence in our processes, our internal controls and our people, who are objective in their responsibilities and who operate under the highest level of ethical standards.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Cisco. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management (with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer) conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of Cisco’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework inInternal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that Cisco’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 30, 2011.26, 2014. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of Cisco’s internal control over financial reporting and has issued a report on Cisco’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included in their report on the preceding page.

/S/ JOHN T.CHAMBERS
 
/S/ FRANK A.CALDERONI
 
John T. Chambers Frank A. Calderoni
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
September 14, 20119, 2014 September 14, 20119, 2014


72


CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions, except par value)

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

 $7,662   $4,581  

Investments

  36,923    35,280  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $204 at July 30, 2011 and $235 at July 31, 2010

  4,698    4,929  

Inventories

  1,486    1,327  

Financing receivables, net

  3,111    2,303  

Deferred tax assets

  2,410    2,126  

Other current assets

  941    875  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

  57,231    51,421  

Property and equipment, net

  3,916    3,941  

Financing receivables, net

  3,488    2,614  

Goodwill

  16,818    16,674  

Purchased intangible assets, net

  2,541    3,274  

Other assets

  3,101    3,206  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 $87,095   $81,130  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

  

Current liabilities:

  

Short-term debt

 $588   $3,096  

Accounts payable

  876    895  

Income taxes payable

  120    90  

Accrued compensation

  3,163    3,129  

Deferred revenue

  8,025    7,664  

Other current liabilities

  4,734    4,359  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  17,506    19,233  

Long-term debt

  16,234    12,188  

Income taxes payable

  1,191    1,353  

Deferred revenue

  4,182    3,419  

Other long-term liabilities

  723    652  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  39,836    36,845  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

  

Equity:

  

Cisco shareholders’ equity:

  

Preferred stock, no par value: 5 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

  —      —    

Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.001 par value: 20,000 shares authorized; 5,435 and 5,655 shares issued and outstanding at July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010, respectively

  38,648    37,793  

Retained earnings

  7,284    5,851  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  1,294    623  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Cisco shareholders’ equity

  47,226    44,267  

Noncontrolling interests

  33    18  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

  47,259    44,285  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 $87,095   $81,130  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$6,726
 $7,925
Investments45,348
 42,685
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $265 at July 26, 2014 and $228 at July 27, 2013
5,157
 5,470
Inventories1,591
 1,476
Financing receivables, net4,153
 4,037
Deferred tax assets2,808
 2,616
Other current assets1,331
 1,312
Total current assets67,114
 65,521
Property and equipment, net3,252
 3,322
Financing receivables, net3,918
 3,911
Goodwill24,239
 21,919
Purchased intangible assets, net3,280
 3,403
Other assets3,331
 3,115
TOTAL ASSETS$105,134
 $101,191
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
 
Short-term debt$508
 $3,283
Accounts payable1,032
 1,029
Income taxes payable159
 192
Accrued compensation3,181
 3,182
Deferred revenue9,478
 9,262
Other current liabilities5,451
 5,048
Total current liabilities19,809
 21,996
Long-term debt20,401
 12,928
Income taxes payable1,851
 1,748
Deferred revenue4,664
 4,161
Other long-term liabilities1,748
 1,230
Total liabilities48,473
 42,063
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
 
Equity:   
Cisco shareholders’ equity:   
Preferred stock, no par value: 5 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
 
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.001 par value: 20,000 shares authorized; 5,107 and 5,389 shares issued and outstanding at July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively41,884
 42,297
Retained earnings14,093
 16,215
Accumulated other comprehensive income677
 608
Total Cisco shareholders’ equity56,654
 59,120
Noncontrolling interests7
 8
Total equity56,661
 59,128
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$105,134
 $101,191
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


73


CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in millions, except per-share amounts)

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

NET SALES:

    

Product

  $34,526   $32,420   $29,131  

Service

   8,692    7,620    6,986  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total net sales

   43,218    40,040    36,117  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

COST OF SALES:

    

Product

   13,647    11,620    10,481  

Service

   3,035    2,777    2,542  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

   16,682    14,397    13,023  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

GROSS MARGIN

   26,536    25,643    23,094  

OPERATING EXPENSES:

    

Research and development

   5,823    5,273    5,208  

Sales and marketing

   9,812    8,782    8,444  

General and administrative

   1,908    1,933    1,524  

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

   520    491    533  

In-process research and development

   —      —      63  

Restructuring and other charges

   799    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   18,862    16,479    15,772  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

   7,674    9,164    7,322  

Interest income

   641    635    845  

Interest expense

   (628  (623  (346

Other income (loss), net

   138    239    (128
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net

   151    251    371  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

   7,825    9,415    7,693  

Provision for income taxes

   1,335    1,648    1,559  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NET INCOME

  $6,490   $7,767   $6,134  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income per share—basic

  $1.17   $1.36   $1.05  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income per share—diluted

  $1.17   $1.33   $1.05  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Shares used in per-share calculation—basic

   5,529    5,732    5,828  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Shares used in per-share calculation—diluted

   5,563    5,848    5,857  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
REVENUE:     
Product$36,172

$38,029
 $36,326
Service10,970

10,578
 9,735
Total revenue47,142

48,607
 46,061
COST OF SALES:


  
Product15,641

15,541
 14,505
Service3,732

3,626
 3,347
Total cost of sales19,373

19,167
 17,852
GROSS MARGIN27,769

29,440
 28,209
OPERATING EXPENSES:


  
Research and development6,294

5,942
 5,488
Sales and marketing9,503

9,538
 9,647
General and administrative1,934

2,264
 2,322
Amortization of purchased intangible assets275

395
 383
Restructuring and other charges418

105
 304
Total operating expenses18,424

18,244
 18,144
OPERATING INCOME9,345

11,196
 10,065
Interest income691

654
 650
Interest expense(564)
(583) (596)
Other income (loss), net243

(40) 40
Interest and other income (loss), net370

31
 94
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES9,715

11,227
 10,159
Provision for income taxes1,862

1,244
 2,118
NET INCOME$7,853

$9,983
 $8,041



 

  
Net income per share:

 

  
Basic$1.50

$1.87
 $1.50
Diluted$1.49

$1.86
 $1.49
Shares used in per-share calculation:




  
Basic5,234

5,329
 5,370
Diluted5,281

5,380
 5,404






  
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.72

$0.62
 $0.28
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


74


CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Comprehensive Income

(in millions)

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Cash flows from operating activities:

   

Net income

 $6,490   $7,767   $6,134  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Depreciation, amortization and other

  2,486    2,030    1,768  

Share-based compensation expense

  1,620    1,517    1,231  

Provision for doubtful accounts

  7    44    54  

Deferred income taxes

  (157  (477  (574

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

  (71  (211)  (22)

In-process research and development

  —      —      63  

Net (gains) losses on investments

  (213  (223)  80  

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:

   

Accounts receivable

  298    (1,528)  610  

Inventories

  (147  (158)  187  

Financing receivables, net

  (1,534  (928)  (835)

Other assets

  275    (98)  (167)

Accounts payable

  (28)  139    (208)

Income taxes payable

  (156)  55    768  

Accrued compensation

  (64)  565    175  

Deferred revenue

  1,028    1,531    572  

Other liabilities

  245    148    61  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  10,079    10,173    9,897  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

   

Purchases of investments

  (37,130  (48,690)  (41,225)

Proceeds from sales of investments

  17,538    19,300    20,473  

Proceeds from maturities of investments

  18,117    23,697    12,352  

Acquisition of property and equipment

  (1,174  (1,008)  (1,005)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

  (266  (5,279)  (426)

Change in investments in privately held companies

  (41  (79)  (89)

Other

  22    128    (39
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (2,934  (11,931)  (9,959)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

   

Issuances of common stock

  1,831    3,278    863  

Repurchases of common stock

  (6,896  (7,864)  (3,611)

Short-term borrowings, maturities less than 90 days, net

  512    41    —    

Issuances of debt, maturities greater than 90 days

  4,109    4,944    3,991  

Repayments of debt, maturities greater than 90 days

  (3,113)  —      (500)

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

  71    211    22  

Dividends paid

  (658  —      —    

Other

  80    11    (176)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (4,064)  621    589  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  3,081    (1,137)  527  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year

  4,581    5,718    5,191  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year

 $7,662   $4,581   $5,718  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

   

Interest

 $777   $692   $333  

Income taxes

 $1,649   $2,068   $1,364  

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Net income$7,853
 $9,983
 $8,041
Available-for-sale investments:     
Change in net unrealized gains, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(146), $(2), and $6 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively233
 (6) (31)
Net gains reclassified into earnings, net of tax expense of $111, $17, and $36 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively(189) (31) (65)

44
 (37) (96)
Cash flow hedging instruments:     
Change in unrealized gains and losses, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0, $(1), and $0 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively48
 73
 (131)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings(68) (12) 72

(20) 61
 (59)
Net change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(5), $(1), and $36 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively44
 (84) (496)
Other comprehensive income(loss)68
 (60) (651)
Comprehensive income7,921
 9,923
 7,390
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests1
 7
 18
Comprehensive income attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.$7,922
 $9,930
 $7,408
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



75


CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)
Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$7,853
 $9,983
 $8,041
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
  
Depreciation, amortization, and other2,432
 2,451
 2,208
Share-based compensation expense1,348
 1,120
 1,401
Provision for receivables79
 44
 50
Deferred income taxes(678) (37) (314)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation(118) (92) (60)
(Gains) losses on investments and other, net(299) (91) 363
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
 
  
Accounts receivable340
 (1,001) 272
Inventories(109) 218
 (287)
Financing receivables(119) (723) (846)
Other assets33
 (27) (674)
Accounts payable(23) 164
 (7)
Income taxes, net191
 (239) 418
Accrued compensation(42) 134
 (101)
Deferred revenue659
 598
 727
Other liabilities785
 392
 300
Net cash provided by operating activities12,332
 12,894
 11,491
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Purchases of investments(36,317) (36,608) (41,782)
Proceeds from sales of investments18,193
 14,799
 27,337
Proceeds from maturities of investments15,660
 17,909
 12,103
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired(2,989) (6,766) (375)
Purchases of investments in privately held companies(384) (225) (380)
Return of investments in privately held companies213
 209
 242
Acquisition of property and equipment(1,275) (1,160) (1,126)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment232
 141
 50
Other24
 (67) 116
Net cash used in investing activities(6,643) (11,768) (3,815)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Issuances of common stock1,907
 3,338
 1,372
Repurchases of common stock - repurchase program(9,413) (2,773) (4,560)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(430) (330) (200)
Short-term borrowings, original maturities less than 90 days, net(2) (20) (557)
Issuances of debt8,001
 24
 
Repayments of debt(3,276) (16) 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation118
 92
 60
Dividends paid(3,758) (3,310) (1,501)
Other(35) (5) (153)
Net cash used in financing activities(6,888) (3,000) (5,539)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,199) (1,874) 2,137
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year7,925
 9,799
 7,662
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year$6,726
 $7,925
 $9,799
      
Supplemental cash flow information:     
Cash paid for interest$682

$682
 $681
Cash paid for income taxes, net$2,349

$1,519
 $2,014
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

76


CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Equity

(in millions)

  Shares of
Common
Stock
  Common Stock
and
Additional
Paid-In Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Total Cisco
Shareholders’
Equity
  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Total Equity 

BALANCE AT JULY 26, 2008

  5,893   $33,505   $120   $728   $34,353   $49   $34,402  

Net income

    6,134     6,134     6,134  

Change in:

       

Unrealized gains and losses on investments

     (19)  (19  (19)  (38

Derivative instruments

     (33)  (33   (33)

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

    ��(192)  (192   (192
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

      5,890    (19)  5,871  
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting standard

    49    (49  —       —    

Issuance of common stock

  67    863      863     863  

Repurchase of common stock

  (202)  (1,188)  (2,435)   (3,623   (3,623)

Tax effects from employee stock incentive plans

   (582)    (582   (582)

Purchase acquisitions

  27    515      515     515  

Share-based compensation expense

   1,231      1,231     1,231  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

BALANCE AT JULY 25, 2009

  5,785   $34,344   $3,868   $435   $38,647   $30   $38,677  

Net income

    7,767     7,767     7,767  

Change in:

       

Unrealized gains and losses on investments

     195    195    (12  183  

Derivative instruments

     48    48     48  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     (55  (55   (55
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

      7,955    (12  7,943  
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

  201    3,278      3,278     3,278  

Repurchase of common stock

  (331  (2,148  (5,784   (7,932   (7,932

Tax effects from employee stock incentive plans

   719      719     719  

Purchase acquisitions

   83      83     83  

Share-based compensation expense

   1,517      1,517     1,517  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

BALANCE AT JULY 31, 2010

  5,655   $37,793   $5,851   $623   $44,267   $18   $44,285  

Net income

    6,490     6,490     6,490  

Change in:

       

Unrealized gains and losses on investments

     154    154    15    169  

Derivative instruments

     (21)  (21   (21)

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     538    538     538  
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

      7,161    15    7,176  
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

  141    1,831      1,831     1,831  

Repurchase of common stock

  (361  (2,575  (4,399   (6,974   (6,974

Cash dividends declared

    (658   (658   (658

Tax effects from employee stock incentive plans

   (33    (33   (33)

Purchase acquisitions

   12      12     12  

Share-based compensation expense

   1,620      1,620     1,620  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2011

  5,435   $38,648   $7,284   $1,294   $47,226   $33   $47,259  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

millions, except per-share amounts)

 
Shares of
Common
Stock
 
Common Stock
and
Additional
Paid-In Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Total Cisco
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Non-controlling
Interests
 Total  Equity
BALANCE AT JULY 30, 20115,435
 $38,648
 $7,284
 $1,294
 $47,226
 $33
 $47,259
Net income    8,041
   8,041
   8,041
Other comprehensive income (loss)      (633) (633) (18) (651)
Issuance of common stock137
 1,372
     1,372
   1,372
Repurchase of common stock(262) (1,890) (2,470)   (4,360)   (4,360)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(12) (200)     (200)   (200)
Cash dividends declared ($0.28 per common share)    (1,501)   (1,501)   (1,501)
Tax effects from employee stock incentive plans  (66)     (66)   (66)
Share-based compensation expense  1,401
     1,401
   1,401
Purchase acquisitions and other  6
     6
   6
BALANCE AT JULY 28, 20125,298
 $39,271
 $11,354
 $661
 $51,286
 $15
 $51,301
Net income    9,983
   9,983
   9,983
Other comprehensive income (loss)      (53) (53) (7) (60)
Issuance of common stock235
 3,338
     3,338
   3,338
Repurchase of common stock(128) (961) (1,812)   (2,773)   (2,773)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(16) (330)     (330)   (330)
Cash dividends declared ($0.62 per common share)    (3,310)   (3,310)   (3,310)
Tax effects from employee stock incentive plans  (204)     (204)   (204)
Share-based compensation expense  1,120
     1,120
   1,120
Purchase acquisitions and other  63
     63
   63
BALANCE AT JULY 27, 20135,389
 $42,297
 $16,215
 $608
 $59,120
 $8
 $59,128
Net income    7,853
   7,853
   7,853
Other comprehensive income (loss)      69
 69
 (1) 68
Issuance of common stock156
 1,907
     1,907
   1,907
Repurchase of common stock(420) (3,322) (6,217)   (9,539)   (9,539)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(18) (430)     (430)   (430)
Cash dividends declared ($0.72 per common share)    (3,758)   (3,758)   (3,758)
Tax effects from employee stock incentive plans  35
     35
   35
Share-based compensation expense  1,348
     1,348
   1,348
Purchase acquisitions and other  49
     49
   49
BALANCE AT JULY 26, 20145,107
 $41,884
 $14,093
 $677
 $56,654
 $7
 $56,661

Supplemental Information

In September 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors had authorized an aggregate repurchase of up to $82$97 billion of common stock under this program with no termination date. For additional information regarding stock repurchases, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The stock repurchases since the inception of this program and the related impacts on Cisco shareholders’ equity are summarized in the following table (in millions):

   Shares of
Common
Stock
   Common Stock
and Additional
Paid-In Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Total Cisco
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program

   3,478    $15,151    $56,622    $71,773  

 
Shares of
Common
Stock
 
Common Stock
and Additional
Paid-In Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Total Cisco
Shareholders’
Equity
Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program4,288
 $21,324
 $67,121
 $88,445
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



77


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


1. Basis of Presentation

1.Basis of Presentation

The fiscal year for Cisco Systems, Inc. (the “Company” or “Cisco”) is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in July. Fiscal 20112014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2009 were2012 are each 52-week fiscal years, while fiscal 2010 was a 53-week fiscal year.years. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Cisco and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company conducts business globally and is primarily managed on a geographic basis in the following three geographic segments: United States and Canada, European Markets, Emerging Markets, and Asia Pacific Markets. The Emerging Markets segment includes Easternthe Americas; Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and RussiaAsia Pacific, Japan, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

China (APJC).

The Company consolidates its investmentinvestments in a venture fund managed by SOFTBANK Corp. and its affiliates (“SOFTBANK”) as this is a variable interest entity and the Company is the primary beneficiary. The noncontrolling interests attributed to SOFTBANK are presented as a separate component from the Company’s equity in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. SOFTBANK’s share of the earnings in the venture fund isare not presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is included in other income (loss), net, as this amount isthese amounts are not material for any of the fiscal yearsperiods presented.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the amounts for prior years in order to conform to the current year’s presentation, which include the reallocation of share-based compensation expense within operating expenses due to a refinement of the underlying categories of expenses.presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Cash and Cash EquivalentsThe Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of less than three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with various financial institutions.

(b) Available-for-Sale InvestmentsThe Company classifies its investments in both fixed income securities and publicly traded equity securities as available-for-sale investments. Fixed income securities primarily consist of U.S. government securities, U.S. government agency securities, non-U.S. government and agency securities, corporate debt securities, and asset-backedU.S. agency mortgage-backed securities. These available-for-sale investments are primarily held in the custody of a major financial institution. TheA specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of fixed income securities sold. The weighted-average method is used to determine the cost basis of publicly tradedand public equity securities sold. These investments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these investments, to the extent the investments are unhedged, are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax. The Company classifies its investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.

(c) Other-than-Temporary Impairments on InvestmentsEffective at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company was required to evaluate its fixed income securities for impairments in connection with an updated accounting standard. Under this updated standard, if When the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost, it is deemed impaired, and the Company assesseswill assess whether the impairment is other than temporary. An impairment is considered other than temporary if (i) the Company has the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If impairment is considered other than temporary based on condition (i) or (ii) described above,earlier, the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the debt security is recognized in earnings. If an impairment is considered other than temporary based on condition (iii), the amount representing credit losses (defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt

security) will be recognized in earnings, and the amount relating to all other factors will be recognized in OCI. Upon the adoption of the updated accounting standard, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $49 million, which resulted in an increase to the balance of retained earnings with a corresponding decrease to OCI. Prior to the adoption of this accounting standard, the Company recognized impairment charges on fixedother comprehensive income securities using the impairment policy as is currently applied to publicly traded equity securities, as discussed below.

(OCI).

The Company recognizes an impairment charge on publicly traded equity securities when a decline in the fair value of its investments in publicly traded equity securitiesa security below the respective cost basis is judged to be other than temporary. The Company considers various factors in determining whether a decline in the fair value of these investments is other than temporary, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the security has been less than the Company’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

Investments in privately held companies are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are primarily accounted for using either the cost or equity method. The Company monitors these investments for impairments and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values if the Company determines that an impairment charge is required based primarily on the financial condition and near-term prospects of these companies.


(d) InventoriesInventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using standard cost, which approximates actual cost, on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company provides inventory write-downs based on excess and obsolete inventories determined primarily by future demand forecasts. The write-down is measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market based upon assumptions about future demand and charged to the provision for inventory, which is a component of cost of sales. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and

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subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. In addition, the Company records a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for quantities in excess of the Company’s future demand forecasts consistent with its valuation of excess and obsolete inventory.

(e) Allowance for Doubtful AccountsThe allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectibility of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances, and economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.pay, and expected default frequency rates. Trade receivables are written off at the point when they are considered uncollectible.

(f) Financing Receivables and GuaranteesThe Company provides financing arrangements, including leases, financed service contracts, and loans, for certain qualified end-user customers to build, maintain, and upgrade their networks. Lease receivables primarily represent sales-type and direct-financing leases. Leases have on average a four-yearfour-year term and are usually collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets, while loan receivables generally have terms of up to three years. Financed service contracts typically have terms of one to three years and primarily relate to technical support services.

The Company determines the adequacy of its allowance for credit loss by assessing the risks and losses inherent in its financing receivables that are disaggregated by portfolio segment and class.segment. The portfolio segment is based on the types of financing transactions offered by the Company:Company to its customers: lease receivables, loan receivables, and financed service contracts and other. The financing receivables are further disaggregated by class based on their risk characteristics. The two classes of receivables that the Company has identified are Established Markets and Growth Markets. The Growth Markets class consists of countries in the Company’s Emerging Markets segment as well as China and India, and the Established Markets class consists of the remaining geographies in which the Company has financing receivables. See Note 7.

The Company determinesassesses the allowance for credit loss for each class ofrelated to financing receivables by applyingon either an individual or a collective basis. The Company considers various factors in evaluating lease and loan receivables and the loss factor basedearned portion of financed service contracts for possible impairment on an individual basis. These factors include the Company’s historical experience, credit quality and age of the receivable balances, and economic conditions that may affect a givencustomer’s ability to pay. When the evaluation indicates that it is probable that all amounts due pursuant to the contractual terms of the financing agreement, including scheduled interest payments, are unable to be collected, the financing receivable is considered impaired. All such outstanding amounts, including any accrued interest, will be assessed and fully reserved at the customer level. The Company’s internal credit risk ratings are categorized as 1 through 10, with the lowest credit risk rating assignedrepresenting the highest quality financing receivables. Typically, the Company also considers receivables with a risk rating of 8 or higher to eachbe impaired and will include them in the individual assessment for allowance. The Company evaluates the remainder of its financing receivables class. Theportfolio for impairment on a collective basis and records an allowance for credit loss factor is developed using external data as benchmarks, such asat the external long-term historical loss rates andportfolio segment level. When evaluating the financing receivables on a collective basis, the Company uses expected default frequency rates that are published annually by a major third partythird-party credit-rating agency. Internalagency as well as its own historical loss rate in the event of default, while also systematically giving effect to economic conditions, concentration of risk, and correlation.
Expected default frequency rates are published quarterly by a major third-party credit-rating agency, and the internal credit risk rating is derived by taking into consideration various customer-specific factors and macroeconomic conditions. These factors, which include the strength of the customer’s business and financial performance, the quality of the customer’s banking relationships, the Company’s specific historical experience with the customer, the performance and outlook of the customer’s industry, the customer’s legal and regulatory environment, the potential sovereign risk of the geographic locations in which the customer is operating, and independent third-party evaluations. Such factorsevaluations, are updated regularly or when facts and circumstances indicate that an update is deemed necessary. The Company’s internal credit risk ratings are categorized as 1 through 10 with the lowest credit risk rating representing the highest quality financing receivables.

Receivables with a risk rating of 8 or higher are deemed to be impaired and are subject to impairment evaluation. When evaluating lease and loan receivables and the earned portion of financed service contracts for possible impairment, the Company considers historical experience, credit quality, age of the receivable balances, and economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. When the Company, based on current information and events, determines that it is probable that all amounts due, including scheduled interest payments, pursuant to the contractual terms of the financing agreement are unable to be collected, the financing receivable is considered impaired. All such outstanding amounts, including any accrued interest, are assessed at the customer level and will be fully reserved.

Financing receivables are written off at the point when they are considered uncollectible, and all outstanding balances, including any previously earned but uncollected interest income, will be reversed and charged against earnings.the allowance for credit loss. The Company does not typically have any partially written-off financing receivables.

Outstanding financing receivables that are aged 31 days or more from the contractual payment date are considered past due. The Company does not accrue interest on financing receivables that are considered impaired or more than 90 days past due unless either the receivable has not been collected due to administrative reasons or the receivable is well secured.secured and in the process of collection. Financing receivables may be placed on non-accrualnonaccrual status earlier if, in management’s opinion, a timely collection of the full principal and interest becomes uncertain. After a financing receivable has been categorized as non-accrual,nonaccrual, interest will be recognized when cash is received. A financing receivable may be returned to accrual status after all of the customer’s delinquent balances of principal and interest have been settled, and the customer remains current for an appropriate period.

The Company facilitates arrangements for third-party financing arrangements forextended to channel partners, consisting of revolving short-term financing, generally with payment terms ranging from 60 to 90 days. In certain instances, these financing arrangements result in a transfer of the Company’s receivables to the third party. The receivables are derecognized upon transfer, as these transfers qualify as true sales, and the Company receives a payment for the receivables from the third party based on the Company’s standard payment terms. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners, and, in some cases, the Company guarantees a portion of these arrangements. The Company also provides financing guarantees for third-party financing arrangements extended to end-user customers related to leases and loans, which typically

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have terms of up to three years. The Company could be called upon to make payments under these guarantees in the event of nonpayment by the channel partners or end-user customers. Deferred revenue relating to these financing arrangements is recorded in accordance with revenue recognition policies or for the fair value of the financing guarantees.

(g) Depreciation and AmortizationProperty and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation or amortization, whenever applicable. Depreciation and amortization expenses for property and equipment were approximately $1.2 billion, $1.2 billion, and $1.1 billion for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method, generally over the following periods:

Asset Category 

Period

Buildings 25 years
Building improvements 10 years
Furniture and fixtures5 years
Leasehold improvements Shorter of remaining lease term or 5up to 10 years
Computer equipment and related software 30 to 36 months
Production, engineering, and other equipment Up to 5 years
Operating lease assets Based on lease term—generally up to 3term
Furniture and fixtures5 years

(h) Business CombinationsUpon adoption of revised accounting guidance for business combinations beginning with business combinations completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the The Company (i) applies the expanded definition of “business” and “business combination” as prescribed by the revised guidance ii) recognizes assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests (including goodwill) measured at fair value at the acquisition date with subsequent changes toallocates the fair value of suchthe purchase consideration of its acquisitions to the tangible assets, liabilities, and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed recognized in earnings after the expiration of the measurement period, a period not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date; (iii) recognizes acquisition-related expenses and acquisition-related restructuring costs in earnings; and (iv) capitalizesincluding in-process research and development (IPR&D), based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. IPR&D is initially capitalized at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset that will bewith an indefinite life and assessed for impairment thereafter. Upon completionWhen a project underlying reported IPR&D is completed, the corresponding amount of development, the RIPR&D is reclassified as an amortizable purchased intangible asset will beand is amortized over itsthe asset’s estimated useful life. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.

(i) Goodwill and Purchased Intangible AssetsGoodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth fiscal quarter and, when specific circumstances dictate, between annual tests. When impaired, the carrying value of goodwill is written down to fair value. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step, identifying a potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step would need to be conducted; otherwise, no further steps are necessary as no potential impairment exists. TheIf necessary, the second step measuringto measure the impairment loss compareswould be to compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Any excess of the reporting unit goodwill carrying value over the respective implied fair value is recognized as an impairment loss. Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally two to seven years.assets. See “Long-Lived Assets” below for the Company’s policy regarding impairment testing of purchased intangible assets with finite lives. Purchased intangible assets with indefinite lives are assessed for potential impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts might be impaired.

(j) Long-Lived AssetsLong-lived assets that are held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability of long-lived assets is based on an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

(k) Fair Value   Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be either recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact, and it also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
The accounting guidance for fair value measurement requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

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Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
(l) Derivative InstrumentsThe Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and measures those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For a derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributed to the risk being hedged. For a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow

hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of AOCI and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately. For a derivative instrument designated as a net investment hedge of the Company’s foreign operations, the gain or loss is recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment within AOCI together with the offsetting loss or gain of the hedged exposure of the underlying foreign operations. Any ineffective portion of the net investment hedges is reported in earnings during the period of change. For derivative instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings in the period of change. The Company records derivative instruments in the statements of cash flows to operating, investing, or financing activities consistent with the cash flows of the hedged item.

Hedge effectiveness for foreign exchange forward contracts used as cash flow hedges is assessed by comparing the change in the fair value of the hedge contract with the change in the fair value of the forecasted cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness for equity forward contracts and foreign exchange net investment hedge forward contracts is assessed by comparing changes in fair value due to changes in spot rates for both the derivative and the hedged item. For foreign exchange option contracts, hedge effectiveness is assessed based on the hedging instrument’s entire change in fair value. Hedge effectiveness for interest rate swaps is assessed by comparing the change in fair value of the swap with the change in the fair value of the hedged item due to changes in the benchmark interest rate.
(l)(m) Foreign Currency TranslationAssets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries that operate in a local currency environment, where that local currency is the functional currency, are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, with the resulting translation adjustments directly recorded to a separate component of AOCI. Income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Remeasurement adjustments are recorded in other income (loss), net. The effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents was not material for any of the fiscal years presented.

(m)(n) Concentrations of RiskCash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and, with the exception of certain financing transactions, does not require collateral from its customers. The Company receives certain of its components from sole suppliers. Additionally, the Company relies on a limited number of contract manufacturers and suppliers to provide manufacturing services for its products. The inability of a contract manufacturer or supplier to fulfill supply requirements of the Company could materially impact future operating results.

(n)(o) Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In instances where final acceptance of the product, system, or solution is specified by the customer, revenue is deferred until all acceptance criteria have been met. For hosting arrangements, the Company recognizes subscription revenue ratably over the subscription period, while usage revenue is recognized based on utilization. Software subscription revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscription term upon delivery of the first product and commencement of the term. Technical support services revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the period during which the services are to be performed, which is typically from one to three years. Advanced services transactional revenue is recognized upon delivery or completion of performance.

The Company uses distributors that stock inventory and typically sell to systems integrators, service providers, and other resellers. In addition, certain products are sold through retail partners. The Company refers to this as its two-tier system of sales to the end customer. Revenue from distributors and retail partners generally is recognized based on a sell-through method using information provided by them. Distributors and retailother partners participate in various rebate, cooperative marketing and other programs, and the Company maintains estimated accruals and allowances for these programs. The ending liability for these programs was included in other current liabilities and the balance as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013 was $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. The Company accrues for warranty costs, sales returns,

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and other allowances based on its historical experience. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales,revenue, with the associated costs included in cost of sales.

In October 2009, the FASB amended the accounting standards for revenue recognition to remove from the scope of industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance tangible products containing software components and nonsoftware components that function together to deliver the product’s essential functionality. In October 2009, the FASB also amended the accounting standards for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements to:

(i)provide updated guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and how consideration should be allocated;

(ii)require an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices (ESP) of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) or third-party evidence of selling price (TPE); and

(iii)eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.

The Company elected to early adopt this accounting guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2010 on a prospective basis for applicable transactions originating or materially modified after July 25, 2009. This guidance does not generally change the units of accounting for the Company’s revenue transactions. Most products and services qualify as separate units of accounting and the revenue is recognized when the applicable revenue recognition criteria are met. The Company’s arrangements generally do not include any provisions for cancellation, termination, or refunds that would significantly impact recognized revenue.

Many of the Company’s products have both software and nonsoftware components that function together to deliver the products’ essential functionality. The Company’s product offerings fall into the following categories: Routers, Switches, New Products,Switching, Next-Generation Network (NGN) Routing, Service Provider Video, Collaboration, Data Center, Wireless, Security, and Other Products. The Other Products category includes optical networking and emerging technology items. The Company also provides technical support and advanced services. The Company has a broad customer base that encompasses virtually all types of public and private entities, including enterprise businesses, service providers, and commercial customers, and consumers.customers. The Company and its salesforce are not organized by product divisions, and the Company’s products and services can be sold standalone or together in various combinations across the Company’s geographic segments or customer markets. For example, service provider arrangements are typically larger in scale with longer deployment schedules and involve the delivery of a variety of product technologies, including high-end routing, video and network management software, and other product technologies along with technical support and advanced services. The Company’s enterprise and commercial arrangements are typically unique for each customer and smaller in scale and may include network infrastructure products such as routers and switches or collaboration technologies such as unified communicationsUnified Communications and Cisco TelePresence systems products along with technical support services. Consumer products, which constitute a small portion of the Company’s overall business, are sold in standalone arrangements directly to distributors and retailers without support, as customers generally only require repair or replacement of defective products or parts under warranty.

The Company enters into revenue arrangements that may consist of multiple deliverables of its product and service offerings due to the needs of its customers. For example, a customer may purchase routing products along with a contract for technical support services. This arrangement would consist of multiple elements, with the products delivered in one reporting period and the technical support services delivered across multiple reporting periods. Another customer may purchase networking products along with advanced service offerings, in which all the elements are delivered within the same reporting period. In addition, distributors and retail partners purchase products or technical support services on a standalone basis for resale to an end user or for purposes of stocking certain products, and these transactions would not result in a multiple elementmultiple-element arrangement. For transactions entered into prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company primarily recognized revenue based on software revenue recognition guidance. For the vast majority of the Company’s arrangements involving multiple deliverables, such as sales of products with services, the entire fee from the arrangement was allocated to each respective element based on its relative selling price, using VSOE. In the limited circumstances when the Company was not able to determine VSOE for all of the deliverables of the arrangement, but was able to obtain VSOE for any undelivered elements, revenue was allocated using the residual method. Under the residual method, the amount of revenue allocated to delivered elements equaled the total arrangement consideration less the aggregate selling price of any undelivered elements, and no revenue was recognized until all elements without VSOE had been delivered. If VSOE of any undelivered items did not exist, revenue from the entire arrangement was initially deferred and recognized at the earlier of (i) delivery of those elements for which VSOE did not exist or (ii) when VSOE could be established. However, in limited cases where technical support services were the only undelivered element without VSOE, the entire arrangement fee was recognized ratably as a single unit of accounting over the technical services contractual period. The residual and ratable revenue recognition

methods were generally used in a limited number of arrangements containing products within the New Products category, such as Cisco TelePresence systems. Several of these technologies are sold as solution offerings, whereas products or services are not sold on a standalone basis.

In many instances, products are sold separately in standalone arrangements as customers may support the products themselves or purchase support on a time-and-materials basis. Advanced services are sometimes sold in standalone engagements such as general consulting, network management, or security advisory projects, and technical support services are sold separately through renewals of annual contracts. As a result, for substantially all of the arrangements with multiple deliverables pertaining to routing and switching products and related services, as well as most arrangements containing products within the New Products and Other Products categories, the Company has used and intends to continue using VSOE to allocate the selling price to each deliverable. Consistent with its methodology under previous accounting guidance, theThe Company determines VSOEits vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) based on its normal pricing and discounting practices for the specific product or service when sold separately. In determining VSOE the Companydetermination requires that a substantial majority of the historical standalone transactions have the selling prices for a product or service that fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range, generally evidenced by approximately 80% of such historical standalone transactions falling within plus or minus 15% of the median rates. In addition, the Company considers the geographies in which the products or services are sold, major product and service groups and customer classifications, and other environmental or marketing variables in determining VSOE.

In certain limited instances,

When the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. Thiselements, which may be due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately, not pricing products within a narrow range, or only having a limited sales history, such as in the case of certain products within the New Products and Other Products categories. When VSOE cannot be established,newly introduced product categories, the Company attempts to establishdetermine the selling price of each element based on TPE.third-party evidence of selling price (TPE). TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, the Company’s go-to-market strategy typically differs from that of its peers, and its offerings contain a significant level of customization and differentiation such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained. Furthermore, the Company is unable to reliably determine what similar competitor products’ selling prices are on a standalone basis. Therefore, the Company is typically not able to determine TPE.

When the Company is unable to establish selling pricefair value using VSOE or TPE, the Company uses ESPestimated selling prices (ESP) in its allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were regularly sold on a standalone basis. ESP is generally used for new or highly customizedproprietary offerings and solutions or for offerings not priced within a reasonably narrow range, and it applies to a small proportion of the Company’s arrangements with multiple deliverables.

range. The Company determines ESP for a product or service by considering multiple factors, including, but not limited to, geographies, market conditions, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives, and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and formal approval by the Company’s management, taking into consideration the go-to-market strategy.

The Company regularly reviews VSOE, TPE, and ESP and maintains internal controls over the establishment and updates of these estimates. There were no material impacts during the fiscal year, nor does the Company currently expect a material impact in the near term from changes in VSOE, TPE, or ESP.

The Company’s arrangements with multiple deliverables may have a standalone software deliverable that is subject to the existing software revenue recognition guidance. In these cases, revenue for the software is generally recognized upon shipment or electronic delivery.delivery and granting of the license. The revenue for these multiple-element arrangements is allocated to the software deliverable and the nonsoftware deliverables based on the relative selling prices of all of the deliverables in the arrangement using the hierarchy in the new revenueapplicable accounting guidance. In the limited circumstances where the Company cannot

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determine VSOE or TPE of the selling price for all of the deliverables in the arrangement, including the software deliverable, ESP is used for the purposes of performing this allocation.

(o)(p) Advertising CostsThe Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs included within sales and marketing expenses were approximately $325$196 million $290, $218 million, and $165$218 million for fiscal 2011, 20102014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively.

(p)(q) Share-Based Compensation ExpenseThe Company measures and recognizes the compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, stock grants, stock units, and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“employee stock purchase rights”Employee Stock Purchase Rights”) based on estimated fair values. The fair value of employee stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“lattice-binomial model”Lattice-Binomial Model”) or the Black-Scholes model, and for employee stock purchase rights the Company estimates the fair value using the Black-Scholes model. PriorThe fair value for time-based stock awards and stock awards that are contingent upon the achievement of financial performance metrics is based on the grant date share price reduced by the present value of the expected dividend yield prior to the initial declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on March 17, 2011, thevesting. The fair value of share-basedmarket-based stock awards was measured based onis estimated using an expected dividend yield of 0% as the Company did not historically pay cash dividends on its common stock. For awards granted on or subsequent to March 17, 2011, the Company used an annualized dividend yield basedoption-pricing model on the per share dividend declared by its Boarddate of Directors. The value of awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. Because share-basedgrant. Share-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for forfeitures.

(q)(r) Software Development CostsSoftware development costs, including costs to develop software sold, leased, or otherwise marketed, that are incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility are capitalized if significant. Costs incurred during the application development stage for internal-use software are capitalized if significant. Capitalized software development costs are amortized using the straight-line amortization method over the estimated useful life of the applicable software. Such software development costs required to be capitalized for software sold, leased, or otherwise marketed have not been material to date. Software development costs required to be capitalized for internal use software have also not been material to date.

(r)(s) Income TaxesIncome tax expense is based on pretax financial accounting income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company classifies the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that the Company anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes.

(s)(t) Computation of Net Incomeper ShareBasic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding includeincludes the dilutive effect of in-the-money options, unvested restricted stock, and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of such equity awards is calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are collectively assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

(t)(u) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities  The Company uses a qualitative approach in assessing the consolidation requirement for variable interest entities. The approach focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the variable interest entity’s economic performance and which enterprise has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the variable interest entity. In the event that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the variable interest entity will be included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

(u)(v) Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for the following, among others:

Revenue recognition
Allowances for accounts receivable, sales returns, and financing receivables
Inventory valuation and liability for purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers
Loss contingencies and product warranties
Fair value measurements and other-than-temporary impairments

Revenue recognition

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Goodwill and purchased intangible asset impairments
Income taxes

Inventory valuation and liability for purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers

Warranty costs

Share-based compensation expense

Fair value measurements and other-than-temporary impairments

Goodwill and purchased intangible asset impairments

Income taxes

Loss contingencies

The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially from management’s estimates.

(v) Recent

(w) New Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Recently Adopted

In MayDecember 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an accounting standard update requiring enhanced disclosures about certain financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset in the statement of financial position or that are subject to provide guidance on achieving a consistent definition of and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure concerning fair value as between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. This accounting standard update isbecame effective for the Company beginning in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company is currently evaluating2014. As a result of the impactapplication of this accounting standard update, on its Consolidated Financial Statements but does not expect it will have a material impact.

the Company has provided additional disclosures in Note 11.

In June 2011,July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to provide guidance on increasing the prominence of items reported insimplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets other comprehensive income.than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. This accounting standard update eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires that the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. It is also required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This accounting standard update isbecame effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

2014, and its adoption did not have any impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2011,February 2013, the FASB approved a revisedissued an accounting standard update intended to simplify howrequire reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to be presented either in the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements. This accounting standard became effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. As a result of the application of this accounting standard update, the Company has provided additional disclosures in Note 15.
(x) Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective
In March 2013, the FASB issued an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The amendment will allowaccounting standard update requiring an entity to first assess qualitative factorsrelease into net income the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to determine whetherits investment in a foreign entity when as a parent it is necessary to performsells either a part or all of its investment in the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Anforeign entity or no longer willholds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within the foreign entity. This accounting standard update was effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Upon adoption, the application of this accounting standard update did not have any impact to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that provides explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under the new standard update, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, is to be requiredpresented in the financial statements as a reduction to calculatea deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward or a tax credit carryforward. This accounting standard update was effective for the fair valueCompany beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and applied prospectively with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the application of this accounting standard update did not have a material impact to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the criteria for reporting unit unlessdiscontinued operations. This accounting standard update raises the entity determines, based onthreshold for a qualitative assessment,disposal transaction to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations and disposals of individually significant components that it is more likely thando not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.qualify as discontinued operations. This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 20132016. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to revenue from contracts with customers, which will supersede nearly all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and earlyeliminate industry-specific guidance. The underlying principle is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.





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3. Business Combinations

Table of Contents

3.Business Combinations
(a)Acquisition Summary
The Company completed sixeight business combinations during fiscal 2011.2014. A summary of the allocation of the total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in millions):

Fiscal 2011

  Shares Issued   Purchase
Consideration
   Net Tangible
Assets Acquired/
(Liabilities
Assumed)
  Purchased
Intangible
Assets
   Goodwill 

Total

       $288    $(10 $114    $184  

Fiscal 2014Purchase Consideration 
Net Tangible
Assets Acquired
(Liabilities
Assumed)
 Purchased Intangible Assets Goodwill
Composite Software, Inc.$160
 $(10) $75
 $95
Sourcefire, Inc.2,449
 81
 577
 1,791
WhipTail Technologies, Inc.351
 (34) 105
 280
Tail-f Systems167
 (7) 61
 113
All others (four in total)54
 (5) 20
 39
Total acquisitions$3,181
 $25
 $838
 $2,318
On July 29, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of privately held Composite Software, Inc. (“Composite Software”), a provider of data virtualization software and services. Composite Software provides technology that connects many types of data from across the network and makes it appear as if the data is in one place. With its acquisition of Composite Software, the Company intends to extend its next-generation services platform by connecting data and infrastructure. Revenue from the Composite Software acquisition has been included in the Company's Service category.
On October 7, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Sourcefire, Inc. (“Sourcefire”), a provider of intelligent cybersecurity solutions. Sourcefire delivers innovative, highly automated security through continuous awareness, threat detection, and protection across its portfolio, including next-generation intrusion prevention systems, next-generation firewalls, and advanced malware protection. With the Sourcefire acquisition, the Company aims to accelerate its security strategy of defending, discovering, and remediating advanced threats to provide continuous security solutions to the Company’s customers in more places across the network. Product revenue from the Sourcefire acquisition has been included in the Company's Security product category.
On October 28, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of privately held WhipTail Technologies, Inc. (“WhipTail”), a provider of high-performance, scalable solid state memory systems. With its WhipTail acquisition, the Company aims to strengthen its Unified Computing System (UCS) strategy and enhance application performance by integrating scalable solid-state memory into the UCS’s fabric computing architecture. Product revenue from the WhipTail acquisition has been included in the Company's Data Center product category.
On July 8, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of privately held Tail-f Systems ("Tail-f"), a provider of multi-vendor network service orchestration solutions for traditional and virtualized networks. Tail-f's products help customers implement applications, network services, and solutions across networking devices. With the Tail-f acquisition, the Company intends to advance its cloud virtualization strategy.
The total purchase consideration related to the Company’s business combinations completed during fiscal 20112014 consisted of either cash consideration or cash consideration along with vested share-based awards assumed. TotalThe total cash and cash equivalents acquired from these business combinations was approximately $134 million.
Fiscal 2013 Business Combinations
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business combinations completed in fiscal 2013 is summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal 2013
Purchase
Consideration
 
Net 
Liabilities
Assumed
 
Purchased
Intangible
Assets
 Goodwill
NDS Group Limited$5,005
 $(185) $1,746
 $3,444
Meraki, Inc.974
 (59) 289
 744
Intucell, Ltd.360
 (23) 106
 277
Ubiquisys Limited280
 (30) 123
 187
All others (nine in total)363
 (25) 127
 261
Total acquisitions$6,982
 $(322) $2,391
 $4,913


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Acquisition of NDS Group Limited
On July 30, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of NDS Group Limited (“NDS”), a provider of video software and content security solutions that enable service providers and media companies to securely deliver and monetize new video entertainment experiences. The acquisition of NDS will be combined with the delivery of Cisco Videoscape, the Company’s comprehensive content delivery platform that enables service providers and media companies to deliver next-generation entertainment experiences. The Company has included revenue from the NDS acquisition, subsequent to the acquisition date, in its Service Provider Video product category.
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company paid total cash consideration of approximately $5.0 billion, which included the repayment of $993 million of pre-existing NDS debt to third party creditors at the closing of the acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase consideration for the NDS acquisition (in millions):
  Fair Value
Cash consideration to seller $4,012
Repayment of NDS debt to third party creditors 993
Total purchase consideration $5,005
The payment of the total purchase consideration of approximately $5.0 billion shown above, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired, is classified as a use of cash under investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The total purchase allocation for NDS is summarized as follows (in millions):
  Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents $98
Accounts receivable, net 199
Other tangible assets 268
Goodwill 3,444
Purchased intangible assets 1,746
Deferred tax liabilities, net (378)
Liabilities assumed (372)
Total purchase consideration $5,005
Other Fiscal 2013 Business Combinations
The Company acquired privately held Meraki, Inc. (“Meraki”) in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Prior to its acquisition, Meraki offered mid-market customers on-premise networking solutions centrally managed from the cloud. With its acquisition of Meraki, the Company intends to address the shift to cloud networking as a key part of the Company’s overall strategy to accelerate the adoption of software-based business models that provide new consumption options for customers and revenue opportunities for partners. The Company has included revenue from the Meraki acquisition, subsequent to the acquisition date, in its Wireless product category.
The Company acquired privately held Intucell, Ltd. (“Intucell”) in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Prior to its acquisition, Intucell provided advanced self-optimizing network software for mobile carriers. With its acquisition of Intucell, the Company intends to enhance its commitment to global service providers by adding a critical network intelligence layer to manage and optimize spectrum, coverage, and capacity, and ultimately the quality of the mobile experience. The Company has included revenue from the Intucell acquisition, subsequent to the acquisition date, in its NGN Routing product category.
The Company acquired privately held Ubiquisys Limited (“Ubiquisys”) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Prior to its acquisition, Ubiquisys offered service providers intelligent 3G and long-term evolution (LTE) small-cell technologies for seamless connectivity across mobile networks. With its acquisition of Ubiquisys, the Company intends to strengthen its commitment to global service providers by enabling a comprehensive small-cell solution that supports the transition to next-generation radio access networks. The Company has included revenue from the Ubiquisys acquisition, subsequent to the acquisition date, in its NGN Routing product category.
The total purchase consideration related to the Company’s business combinations completed during fiscal 2011 were2013 consisted of cash consideration, repayment of debt, and vested share-based awards assumed. The total cash and cash equivalents acquired from these business combinations was approximately $7 million.

$156 million.


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Fiscal 2012 Business Combinations
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business combinations completed in fiscal 2012 is summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal 2012
Purchase
Consideration
 
Net 
Liabilities
Assumed
 
Purchased
Intangible
Assets
 Goodwill
Total acquisitions (seven in total)$398
 $(39) $200
 $237
(b)Other Acquisition/Divestiture Information
Total transaction costs related to the Company’s business combination activities during fiscal 20112014, 2013, and 20102012 were $10$7 million, $40 million, and $32$15 million respectively, which, respectively. These transaction costs were expensed as incurred in general and recorded as G&A expenses. administrative (G&A) expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company continues to evaluate certain assets and liabilities related toCompany’s purchase price allocation for business combinations completed during the period.recent periods is preliminary and subject to revision as additional information about fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date but was at that time was unknown to the Company, may become known to the Company during the remainder of the measurement period, a period not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. ChangesAdjustments in the purchase price allocation may require a recasting of the amounts allocated to amounts recorded as assets or liabilities may resultgoodwill retroactive to the period in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.

which the acquisition occurred.

The goodwill generated from the Company’s business combinations completed during the year ended July 30, 2011fiscal 2014 is primarily related to expected synergies. The goodwill is generally not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Fiscal 2010 and 2009

Allocation of the purchase consideration for business combinations completed in fiscal 2010 is summarized as follows (in millions):

Fiscal 2010

  Shares Issued   Purchase
Consideration
   Net Tangible
Assets Acquired/
(Liabilities
Assumed)
  Purchased
Intangible
Assets
   Goodwill 

ScanSafe, Inc.

   —      $154    $2   $31    $121  

Starent Networks, Corp.

   —       2,636     (17  1,274     1,379  

Tandberg ASA

   —       3,268     17    980     2,271  

Other

   —       128     2    95     31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   —      $6,186    $4   $2,380    $3,802  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allocation of the purchase consideration for business combinations completed in fiscal 2009 is summarized as follows (in millions):

Fiscal 2009

  Shares Issued   Purchase
Consideration
   Net Tangible
Assets Acquired/
(Liabilities
Assumed)
  Purchased
Intangible
Assets
   Goodwill   IPR&D 

PostPath, Inc.

   —      $197    $(10) $52    $152    $3  

Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.

   27     533     (9)  191     299     52  

Pure Networks, Inc.

   —       105     (4  30     79     —    

Other

   —       146     (5  75     68     8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   27    $981    $(28) $348    $598    $63  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of each business combination from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations for the acquisitions completed during the fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009years presented have not been presented because the effects of the acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Company’s financial results.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed the sale of its Linksys product line to a third party. The financial statement impact of the Company’s Linksys product line and its resulting sale were not material for any of the fiscal years presented.
(c)Insieme Networks, Inc.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company acquired the remaining interest in Insieme Networks, Inc. See Note 12.

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4. Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets

Table of Contents

4.Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
(a)Goodwill
(a) Goodwill

The following tables present the goodwill allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, as well as the changes to goodwill during fiscal 20112014 and 20102013 (in millions):

   Balance at
July 31, 2010
   Acquisitions   Other  Balance at
July 30, 2011
 

United States and Canada

  $11,289    $121    $(66 $11,344  

European Markets

   2,729     35     25    2,789  

Emerging Markets

   762     4     —      766  

Asia Pacific Markets

   1,894     24     1    1,919  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $16,674    $184    $(40 $16,818  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Balance at
July 25, 2009
   Acquisitions   Other  Balance at
July 31, 2010
 

United States and Canada

  $9,512    $1,802    $(25) $11,289  

European Markets

   1,669     1,089     (29)  2,729  

Emerging Markets

   437     324     1    762  

Asia Pacific Markets

   1,307     587     —      1,894  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $12,925    $3,802    $(53) $16,674  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

In the preceding tables, “Other” includes foreign currency translation and purchase accounting adjustments for both fiscal 2011 and 2010. In fiscal 2011, “Other” also includes a goodwill reduction of $63 million related to the pending sale of the Company’s manufacturing operations in Juarez, Mexico, and an adjustment related to a divestiture. The goodwill reduction was included in restructuring and other charges. See Note 5.

 Balance at July 27, 2013   Acquisitions Other Balance at July 26, 2014
Americas$13,800
 
 $1,275
 $5
 $15,080
EMEA5,037
 
 681
 (3) 5,715
APJC3,082
 
 362
 
 3,444
Total$21,919
 
 $2,318
 $2
 $24,239
 Balance at July 28, 2012 NDS Acquisition Other Acquisitions Other Balance at July 27, 2013
Americas$11,755
 $1,230
 $828
 $(13) $13,800
EMEA3,287
 1,327
 411
 12
 5,037
APJC1,956
 887
 230
 9
 3,082
Total$16,998
 $3,444
 $1,469
 $8
 $21,919
(b)Purchased Intangible Assets
(b) Purchased Intangible Assets

The following tables present details of the Company’s intangible assets acquired through business combinations completed during fiscal 20112014 and 20102013 (in millions, except years):

  FINITE LIVES  INDEFINITE
LIVES
  TOTAL 
  TECHNOLOGY  CUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIPS
  OTHER  IPR&D  
Fiscal 2011 Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
  Amount  Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
  Amount  Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
  Amount  Amount  Amount 

Total

  4.8   $92    6.4   $16    2.5   $1   $5   $114  

  FINITE LIVES  INDEFINITE
LIVES
  TOTAL 
  TECHNOLOGY  CUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIPS
  OTHER  IPR&D  
Fiscal 2010 Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
  Amount  Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
  Amount  Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
  Amount  Amount  Amount 

ScanSafe, Inc.

  5.0   $14    6.0   $11    3.0   $6   $ —     $31  

Starent Networks, Corp.

  6.0    691    7.0    434    0.3    35    114    1,274  

Tandberg ASA

  5.0    709    7.0    179    3.0    21    71    980  

Other

  4.0    68    4.8    12    1.0    1    14    95  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,482    $636    $63   $199   $2,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 FINITE LIVES 
INDEFINITE
LIVES
 TOTAL
 TECHNOLOGY 
CUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIPS
 OTHER IPR&D 
Fiscal 2014
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount Amount Amount
Composite Software, Inc.6.0 $60
 3.9 $14
 0.0 $
 $1
 $75
Sourcefire, Inc.7.0 400
 5.0 129
 3.0 26
 22
 577
WhipTail Technologies, Inc.5.0 63
 5.0 1
 2.7 3
 38
 105
Tail-f Systems7.0 55
 6.8 6
 0.0 
 
 61
All others (four in total)3.6 18
 4.0 2
 0.0 
 
 20
Total  $596
   $152
   $29
 $61
 $838
 FINITE LIVES 
INDEFINITE
LIVES
 TOTAL
 TECHNOLOGY 
CUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIPS
 OTHER IPR&D 
Fiscal 2013
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount Amount Amount
NDS Group Limited6.4 $807
 6.7 $818
 7.4
 $27
 $94
 $1,746
Meraki, Inc.8.0 259
 6.0 30
 
 
 
 289
Intucell, Ltd.5.0 59
 5.0 11
 
 
 36
 106
Ubiquisys Limited4.0 66
 5.0 7
 
 
 50
 123
All others (nine in total)4.7 95
 5.8 17
 5.0
 1
 14
 127
Total
 $1,286
 
 $883
 
 $28
 $194
 $2,391


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Table of Contents

The following tables present details of the Company’s purchased intangible assets (in millions):

July 30, 2011

  Gross   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net 

Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:

     

Technology

  $1,961    $(561 $1,400  

Customer relationships

   2,277     (1,346  931  

Other

   123     (91  32  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives

   4,361     (1,998  2,363  

IPR&D, with indefinite lives

   178         178  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $4,539    $(1,998 $2,541  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

July 31, 2010

  Gross   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net 

Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:

     

Technology

  $2,396    $(686 $1,710  

Customer relationships

   2,326     (1,045  1,281  

Other

   172     (85  87  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives

   4,894     (1,816  3,078  

IPR&D, with indefinite lives

   196     —      196  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $5,090    $(1,816 $3,274  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

July 26, 2014 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net
Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:      
Technology $4,100
 $(1,976) $2,124
Customer relationships 1,706
 (720) 986
Other 51
 (13) 38
Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives 5,857
 (2,709) 3,148
In-process research and development, with indefinite lives 132
 
 132
Total $5,989
 $(2,709) $3,280
July 27, 2013 Gross 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:      
Technology $3,563
 $(1,366) $2,197
Customer relationships 1,566
 (466) 1,100
Other 30
 (10) 20
Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives 5,159
 (1,842) 3,317
In-process research and development, with indefinite lives 86
 
 86
Total $5,245
 $(1,842) $3,403
Purchased intangible assets include intangible assets acquired through business combinations as well as through direct purchases or licenses.

The following table presents the amortization of purchased intangible assets (in millions):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

Amortization of purchased intangible assets:

     

Cost of sales

 $492    $277    $211  

Operating expenses:

     

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

  520     491     533  

Restructuring and other charges

  8     —       —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 $1,020    $768    $744  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization

Years Ended July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Amortization of purchased intangible assets:      
Cost of sales $742
 $606
 $424
Operating expenses 275
 395
 383
Total $1,017
 $1,001
 $807
There were no impairment charges related to purchased intangible assets during fiscal 2014 and 2013. For fiscal 2012, amortization of purchased intangible assets for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 included impairment charges of approximately $164$12 million $28 million and $95 million, respectively. For fiscal 2011, the impairment charges were categorized as $97 million impairment in technology assets, $40 million impairment in customer relationships, and $27 million impairment in other. These impairments were primarily due toa result of declines in the estimated fair value of intangible assetsresulting from reductions in expected future cash flows associated with certain of the Company’s consumer products as a resulttechnology assets.
The estimated future amortization expense of reductions in the expected future cash flows of such consumer products, and a portion of these impairment charges was recorded under restructuring and other charges upon the Company’s decision to exit its Flip Video cameras product line. The fair value for purchased intangible assets for which the carrying amount was not deemed to be recoverable was determined using the future discounted cash flows that the assets were expected to generate. For fiscal 2010 and 2009, the impairment charges were due to reductions in expected future cash flows related to certain of the Company’s technologies and customer relationships, and were recorded as amortization of purchased intangible assets.

For purchased intangible assets with finite lives the estimated future amortization expense as of July 30, 201126, 2014 is as follows (in millions):

Fiscal Year

  Amount 

2012

  $736  

2013

   621  

2014

   434  

2015

   366  

2016

   160  

Thereafter

   46  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $2,363  
  

 

 

 

Fiscal YearAmount
2015$979
2016743
2017567
2018407
2019307
Thereafter145
Total$3,148


89

5.

5.Restructuring and Other Charges
Fiscal 2014 Plan and Other ChargesFiscal 2011 Plans

In August 2013, the second halfCompany announced a workforce reduction plan that would impact up to 4,000 employees, or 5% of the Company’s global workforce. In connection with this restructuring action, the Company incurred charges of $418 million during fiscal 2014 (included as part of the charges discussed below). The Company has completed the Fiscal 2014 restructuring and does not expect any remaining charges related to this action.
The Fiscal 2011 Plans consist primarily of the realignment and restructuring of the Company’s business announced in July 2011 and of certain consumer product lines as announced during April 2011. The Company completed the Fiscal 2011 Plans at the end of fiscal 2013. The Company incurred cumulative charges of approximately $1.1 billion in connection with these plans.
As part of the Fiscal 2011 Plans, other charges incurred during fiscal 2012 were primarily for the Company initiated a numberconsolidation of key, targeted actionsexcess facilities, as well as an incremental charge related to address several areas in its business model intended to accomplish the following: simplify and focussale of the Company’s organization and operating model; align the Company’s cost structure given transitionsJuarez, Mexico manufacturing operations, which sale was completed in the marketplace; divest or exit underperforming operations; and deliver value to the Company’s shareholders. The Company is taking these actions to align its business based on its five foundational priorities: leadership in its core business (routing, switching, and associated services) which includes comprehensive security and mobility solutions; collaboration; data center virtualization and cloud; video; and architectures for business transformation. first quarter of fiscal 2012.
The following table summarizes the activityactivities related to the restructuring and other charges (in millions):

   Voluntary Early
Retirement Program
  Employee
Severance
  Goodwill and Intangible
Assets
  Other  Total 

Fiscal 2011 Charges

  $453   $247   $71   $28   $799  

Cash payments

   (436)  (13)  —      —      (449

Non-cash items

   —      —      (71)  (17)  (88
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Restructuring liability as of July 30, 2011

  $17   $234   $ —     $11   $262  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

As part ofpursuant to the Company’s plan to reduce its operating expenses,Fiscal 2014 Plan and the Company announced during fiscalFiscal 2011 its intent to reduce its global workforce across all functions by approximately 6,500 employees, which includes approximately 2,100 employees who elected to participate in a voluntary early retirement program. This global workforce reduction represents approximately 9% of the Company’s regular full-time workforce. The employee severance charge incurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was approximately $214 million and wasPlans related to approximately 2,600 employees, most of whom are expected to exit in early fiscal 2012. The remaining employee severance charges during fiscal 2011 were related to the restructuring of the Company’s consumer business that began during the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

The Company also incurred a charge of approximately $63 million related to a reduction to goodwill as a result of the pending sale of its Juarez manufacturing operations. See Note 4. Approximately 5,000 employees of this manufacturing operation will be transferred to the buyer upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in fiscal 2012. In connection with the restructuring of the Company’s consumer business related to the exit of the Flip Video cameras product line in fiscal 2011, the Company recorded an intangible asset impairment of $8 million. See Note 4.

The charges included in “Other” were primarily related to the consolidation of excess facilities and other charges associated with the realignment and restructuring of the Company’s consumer business.

During fiscal 2011,business (in millions):

  Fiscal 2011 Plans Fiscal 2014 Plan  
  
Voluntary Early Retirement 
Program
 
Employee
Severance
 Other 
Employee
Severance
 Other Total
Liability as of July 30, 2011 $17
 $234
 $11
 $
 $
 $262
Gross charges in fiscal 2012 
 299
 54
 
 
 353
Change in estimate related to fiscal 2011 charges 
 (49) 
 
 
 (49)
Cash payments (17) (401) (18) 
 
 (436)
Non-cash items 
 
 (20) 
 
 (20)
Liability as of July 28, 2012 
 83
 27
 
 
 110
Gross charges in fiscal 2013 
 111
 (6) 
 
 105
Cash payments 
 (173) (11) 
 
 (184)
Non-cash items 
 
 (3) 
 
 (3)
Liability as of July 27, 2013 
 21
 7
 
 
 28
Gross charges in fiscal 2014 
 
 
 366
 52
 418
Cash payments 
 (19) (3) (326) (4) (352)
Non-cash items 
 (2) (1) 
 (22) (25)
Liability as of July 26, 2014 $
 $
 $3
 $40
 $26
 $69
Fiscal 2015 Plan
In August 2014 the Company also recorded chargesannounced a restructuring plan that will impact up to 6,000 employees, representing approximately 8% of $124 million, primarily relatedits global workforce. The Company expects to inventory and supply chaintake action under this plan beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company currently estimates that it will recognize pre-tax charges in connectionan amount not expected to exceed $700 million, consisting of severance and other one-time termination benefits and other associated costs. These charges are primarily cash-based. The Company expects that approximately $250 million to $350 million of these charges will be recognized during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, with the Company’s consumer restructuring activities andremaining amount to be recognized during the exitingrest of its Flip Video cameras product line, which were recorded in costfiscal 2015.

90


6.Balance Sheet Details
The following tables provide details of selected balance sheet items (in millions):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

Inventories:

   

Raw materials

  $219   $217  

Work in process

   52    50  

Finished goods:

   

Distributor inventory and deferred cost of sales

   631    587  

Manufactured finished goods

   331    260  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total finished goods

   962    847  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Service-related spares

   182    161  

Demonstration systems

   71    52  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,486   $1,327  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net:

   

Land, buildings, and building & leasehold improvements

  $4,760   $4,470  

Computer equipment and related software

   1,429    1,405  

Production, engineering, and other equipment

   5,093    4,702  

Operating lease assets(1)

   293    255  

Furniture and fixtures

   491    476  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   12,066    11,308  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)

   (8,150  (7,367)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $3,916   $3,941  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)      Accumulated depreciation related to operating lease assets was $169 and $144 as of July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010, respectively.

         

 

Other assets:

   

Deferred tax assets

  $1,864   $2,079  

Investments in privately held companies

   796    756  

Other

   441    371  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $3,101   $3,206  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred revenue:

   

Service

  $8,521   $7,428  

Product:

   

Unrecognized revenue on product shipments and other deferred revenue

   3,003    2,788  

Cash receipts related to unrecognized revenue from two-tier distributors

   683    867  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total product deferred revenue

   3,686    3,655  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $12,207   $11,083  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Reported as:

   

Current

  $8,025   $7,664  

Noncurrent

   4,182    3,419  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $12,207   $11,083  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
Inventories:    
Raw materials $77
 $105
Work in process 5
 24
Finished goods:    
Distributor inventory and deferred cost of sales 595
 572
Manufactured finished goods 606
 480
Total finished goods 1,201
 1,052
Service-related spares 273
 256
Demonstration systems 35
 39
Total $1,591
 $1,476
Property and equipment, net:    
Land, buildings, and building and leasehold improvements $4,468
 $4,426
Computer equipment and related software 1,425
 1,416
Production, engineering, and other equipment 5,756
 5,721
Operating lease assets 362
 326
Furniture and fixtures 509
 497
  12,520
 12,386
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (9,268) (9,064)
Total $3,252
 $3,322
 
Other assets:
    
Deferred tax assets $1,700
 $1,539
Investments in privately held companies 899
 833
Other 732
 743
Total $3,331
 $3,115
Deferred revenue:    
Service $9,640
 $9,403
Product: 
  
Unrecognized revenue on product shipments and other deferred revenue 3,924
 3,340
Cash receipts related to unrecognized revenue from two-tier distributors 578
 680
Total product deferred revenue 4,502
 4,020
Total $14,142
 $13,423
Reported as: 
  
Current $9,478
 $9,262
Noncurrent 4,664
 4,161
Total $14,142
 $13,423





91

7. Financing Receivables and Guarantees


7.Financing Receivables and Operating Leases
(a)Financing Receivables
(a) Financing Receivables

Financing receivables primarily consist of lease receivables, loan receivables, and financed service contracts and other. Lease receivables represent sales-type and direct-financing leases resulting from the sale of the Company’s and complementary third-party products and are typically collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. Loan receivables represent financing arrangements related to the sale of the Company’s products and services, which may include additional funding for other costs associated with network installation and integration of the Company’s products and services. Lease receivables consist of arrangements with terms of four years on average, while loan receivables generally have terms of up to three years.years. The financed service contracts and other category includes financing receivables related to technical support and otheradvanced services, as well as an insignificant amount of receivables related to financing of certain indirect costs associated with leases. Revenue related to the technical support services is typically deferred and included in deferred service revenue and is recognized ratably over the period during which the related services are to be performed, which typically ranges from one to three years.

A summary of the Company’sCompany's financing receivables is presented as follows (in millions):

July 30, 2011

  Lease
Receivables
  Loan
Receivables
  Financed
Service
Contracts & Other (1)
  Total Financing
Receivables
 

Gross

  $3,111   $1,468   $2,637   $7,216  

Unearned income

   (250          (250

Allowance for credit loss

   (237  (103)  (27  (367
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total, net

  $2,624   $1,365   $2,610   $6,599  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Reported as:

     

Current

  $1,087   $673   $1,351   $3,111  

Noncurrent

   1,537    692    1,259    3,488  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total, net

  $2,624   $1,365   $2,610   $6,599  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

July 26, 2014
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed
Service
Contracts and Other
 Total
Gross$3,532
 $1,683
 $3,210
 $8,425
Residual value233
 
 
 233
Unearned income(238) 
 
 (238)
Allowance for credit loss(233) (98) (18) (349)
Total, net$3,294
 $1,585
 $3,192
 $8,071
Reported as:       
Current$1,476
 $728
 $1,949
 $4,153
Noncurrent1,818
 857
 1,243
 3,918
Total, net$3,294
 $1,585
 $3,192
 $8,071
July 27, 2013
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed
Service
Contracts and Other
 Total
Gross$3,529
 $1,649
 $3,136
 $8,314
Residual value251
 
 
 251
Unearned income(273) 
 
 (273)
Allowance for credit loss(238) (86) (20) (344)
Total, net$3,269
 $1,563
 $3,116
 $7,948
Reported as:       
Current$1,418
 $898
 $1,721
 $4,037
Noncurrent1,851
 665
 1,395
 3,911
Total, net$3,269
 $1,563
 $3,116
 $7,948
(1)

As of July 30, 2011, the deferred service revenue related to financed service contracts and other was $2,044 million.

July 31, 2010

  Lease
Receivables
  Loan
Receivables
  Financed
Service
Contracts
& Other
  Total
Financing
Receivables
 

Gross

  $2,411   $1,249   $1,773   $5,433  

Unearned income

   (215  —      —      (215

Allowance for credit loss

   (207  (73)  (21  (301
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total, net

  $1,989   $1,176   $1,752   $4,917  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Reported as:

     

Current

  $813   $501   $989   $2,303  

Noncurrent

   1,176    675    763    2,614  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total, net

  $1,989   $1,176   $1,752   $4,917  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Contractual maturities of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, the grossdeferred service revenue related to the financed service contracts and other was $1,843 million and $2,036 million, respectively.

Future minimum lease receivablespayments at July 30, 201126, 2014 are summarized as follows (in millions):

Fiscal Year

  Amount 

2012

  $1,269  

2013

   919  

2014

   572  

2015

   270  

2016

   76  

Thereafter

   5  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $3,111  
  

 

 

 

Fiscal YearAmount
2015$1,608
20161,049
2017590
2018227
201958
Total$3,532
Actual cash collections may differ from the contractual maturities due to early customer buyouts, refinancings, or defaults.


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Table of Contents


(b)
(b)Credit Quality of Financing Receivables

Financing

Gross receivables less unearned income categorized by the Company’s internal credit risk rating for each portfolio segment and class as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 27, 2013 are summarized as follows (in millions):

   INTERNAL CREDIT RISK
RATING
             
   1 to 4   5 to 6   7 and Higher   Total   Residual
Value
   Gross Receivables,
Net of Unearned
Income
 

Established Markets

            

Lease receivables

  $1,214    $1,182    $23    $2,419    $292    $2,711  

Loan receivables

   204     187     4     395     —       395  

Financed service contracts & other

   1,622     939     52     2,613     —       2,613  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Established Markets

  $3,040    $2,308    $79    $5,427    $292    $5,719  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Growth Markets

            

Lease receivables

  $35    $93    $18    $146    $4    $150  

Loan receivables

   458     580     35     1,073     —       1,073  

Financed service contracts & other

   1     19     4    24     —       24  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Growth Markets

  $494    $692    $57    $1,243    $4    $1,247  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $3,534    $3,000    $136    $6,670    $296    $6,966  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit

 INTERNAL CREDIT RISK RATING
July 26, 20141 to 4 5 to 6 7 and Higher Total
Lease receivables$1,615
 $1,538
 $141
 $3,294
Loan receivables953
 593
 137
 1,683
Financed service contracts and other1,744
 1,367
 99
 3,210
Total$4,312
 $3,498
 $377
 $8,187
 INTERNAL CREDIT RISK RATING
July 27, 20131 to 4 5 to 6 7 and Higher Total
Lease receivables$1,681
 $1,482
 $93
 $3,256
Loan receivables842
 777
 30
 1,649
Financed service contracts and other1,876
 1,141
 119
 3,136
Total$4,399
 $3,400
 $242
 $8,041
The Company determines the adequacy of its allowance for credit loss by assessing the risks and losses inherent in its financing receivables by portfolio segment. The portfolio segment is based on the types of financing offered by the Company to its customers, which consist of the following: lease receivables, loan receivables, and financed service contracts and other.
The Company’s internal credit risk ratings of 1 through 4 correspond to investment-grade ratings, while credit risk ratings of 5 and 6 correspond to non-investment-gradenon-investment grade ratings. Credit risk ratings of 7 and higher correspond to substandard ratings and constitute a relatively small portion of the Company’s financing receivables. The credit risk profile of the Company’s financing receivables as of July 30, 2011 is not materially different than the credit risk profile as of July 31, 2010.

ratings.

In circumstances when collectabilitycollectibility is not deemed reasonably assured, the associated revenue is deferred in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies, and the related allowance for credit loss, if any, is included in deferred revenue. The Company also records deferred revenue associated with financing receivables when there are remaining performance obligations, as it does for financed service contracts. The total of theTotal allowances for credit loss and the deferred revenue as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013 were $2,220 million and $2,453 million, respectively, and they were associated with total financing receivables asbefore allowance for credit loss of July 30, 2011 was $2,793$8,420 million compared with a gross financing receivables balance (net of unearned income) of $6,966 and $8,292 million as of July 30, 2011. The losses that the Company has incurred historically with respect to its financing receivables have been immaterial and consistent with the performance of an investment-grade portfolio.

As of July 30, 2011, the portion of the portfolio that was deemed to be impaired, generally with a credit risk rating of 8 or higher, was immaterial. The total net write-offs of financing receivables were not material for fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2011, the Company did not modify any financing receivables.

their respective period ends.

The following table presentstables present the aging analysis of gross receivables less unearned income as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013 (in millions):
 DAYS PAST DUE (INCLUDES BILLED AND UNBILLED)        
July 26, 201431-60 61-90  91+ 
Total
Past Due
 Current Total 
Nonaccrual
Financing
Receivables
 
Impaired
Financing
Receivables
Lease receivables$104
 $43
 $165
 $312
 $2,982
 $3,294
 $48
 $41
Loan receivables2
 1
 16
 19
 1,664
 1,683
 19
 19
Financed service contracts and other301
 238
 230
 769
 2,441
 3,210
 12
 9
Total$407
 $282
 $411
 $1,100
 $7,087
 $8,187
 $79
 $69
 DAYS PAST DUE (INCLUDES BILLED AND UNBILLED)        
July 27, 201331-60 61-90  91+ 
Total
Past Due
 Current Total 
Nonaccrual
Financing
Receivables
 
Impaired
Financing
Receivables
Lease receivables$85
 $48
 $124
 $257
 $2,999
 $3,256
 $27
 $22
Loan receivables6
 3
 11
 20
 1,629
 1,649
 11
 9
Financed service contracts and other75
 48
 392
 515
 2,621
 3,136
 18
 11
Total$166
 $99
 $527
 $792
 $7,249
 $8,041
 $56
 $42

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Table of Contents

Past due financing receivables are those that are 31 days or more past due according to their contractual payment terms. The data in the preceding tables are presented by portfolio segmentcontract, and classthe aging classification of each contract is based on the oldest outstanding receivable, and therefore past due amounts also include unbilled and current receivables within the same contract. The balances of either unbilled or current financing receivables included in the category of 91 days plus past due for financing receivables were $296 million and $406 million as of July 30, 2011 (in millions):

Established Markets

 31-60 Days
Past Due (1)
  61-90 Days
Past Due (1)
  Greater than
90 Days

Past
Due (1) (2)
  Total
Past Due
  Current  Gross
Receivables,
Net of
Unearned
Income
  Non-Accrual
Financing
Receivables
  Impaired
Financing
Receivables
 

Lease receivables

 $85   $33   $139   $257   $2,454   $2,711   $16   $6  

Loan receivables

  6    1    9    16    379    395    1    1  

Financed service contracts & other

  68    33    265    366    2,247    2,613    17    6  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Established Markets

 $159   $67   $413   $639   $5,080   $5,719   $34   $13  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Growth Markets

                        

Lease receivables

 $4   $2   $13   $19   $131   $150   $18   $18  

Loan receivables

  2    6    12    20    1,053    1,073    3    3  

Financed service contracts & other

  —      —      —      —      24    24    —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Growth Markets

 $6   $8   $25   $39   $1,208   $1,247   $21   $21  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $165   $75   $438   $678   $6,288   $6,966   $55   $34  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(26, 2014 and 1)

Past due financing receivables are those that are 31 days or more past due according to their contractual payment terms. The data in the preceding table are presented by contract and the aging classification of each contract is based on the oldest outstanding receivable, and therefore past due amounts also include unbilled and current receivables within the same contract. Effective in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the presentation of the aging table excludes pending adjustments on billed tax assessment in certain international markets.

(2)

The balance of either unbilled or current financing receivables included in the greater-than-90 days past due category for lease receivables, loan receivables, and financed service contracts and other was $116 million, $15 million, and $230 million as of July 30, 2011, respectively.

The aging profile of the Company’s financing receivables as of July 30, 2011 is not materially different than that of July 31, 2010. 27, 2013, respectively.

As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company had financing receivables of $50$116 million, net of unbilled or current receivables from the same contract, that were in the greater than 90category of 91 days plus past due category but remained on accrual status. Such balance was $87 million as of July 27, 2013. A financing receivable may be placed on non-accrualnonaccrual status earlier if, in management’s opinion, a timely collection of the full principal and interest becomes uncertain.

(c) Allowance for Credit Loss Rollforward

(c)Allowance for Credit Loss Rollforward
The activity for fiscal 2011 related to the allowances for credit loss and the related financing receivables as of July 30, 2011 are summarized as follows (in millions):

  CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES 
  Lease
Receivables
  Loan
Receivables
  Financed Service
Contracts & Other
  Total 

Allowance for credit loss as of July 31, 2010

 $207   $73   $21   $301  

Provisions

  31    43    8    82  

Write-offs, net

  (13)  (18)  (2)  (33)

Foreign exchange and other

  12    5    —      17  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Allowance for credit loss as of July 30, 2011

 $237   $103   $27   $367  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross receivables as of July 30, 2011, net of unearned income

 $2,861   $1,468   $2,637   $6,966  

Financing

 CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
 
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts and Other
 Total
Allowance for credit loss as of July 27, 2013$238
 $86
 $20
 $344
Provisions4
 9
 1
 14
Recoveries (write-offs), net(11) 5
 (3) (9)
Foreign exchange and other2
 (2) 
 
Allowance for credit loss as of July 26, 2014$233
 $98
 $18
 $349
Financing receivables as of July 26, 2014 (1)
$3,527
 $1,683
 $3,210
 $8,420
 CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
 
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts and Other
 Total
Allowance for credit loss as of July 28, 2012$247
 $122
 $11
 $380
Provisions21
 (20) 10
 11
Recoveries (write-offs), net(30) (15) (1) (46)
Foreign exchange and other
 (1) 
 (1)
Allowance for credit loss as of July 27, 2013$238
 $86
 $20
 $344
Financing receivables as of July 27, 2013 (1)
$3,507
 $1,649
 $3,136
 $8,292
 CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
 
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts and Other
 Total
Allowance for credit loss as of July 30, 2011$237
 $103
 $27
 $367
Provisions22
 22
 (13) 31
Recoveries (write-offs), net(2) 
 (1) (3)
Foreign exchange and other(10) (3) (2) (15)
Allowance for credit loss as of July 28, 2012$247
 $122
 $11
 $380
Financing receivables as of July 28, 2012 (1)
$3,179
 $1,796
 $2,651
 $7,626
(1) Total financing receivables that were individually evaluatedbefore allowance for impairment during fiscal 2011 were not material and therefore are not presented separately in the preceding table.

(d) Financing Guaranteescredit loss.

In the ordinary course


94



(d)Operating Leases
The Company provides financing guarantees thatof certain equipment through operating leases, and the amounts are included in property and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts relating to equipment on operating lease assets and the associated accumulated depreciation are summarized as follows (in millions):
 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
Operating lease assets$362
 $326
Accumulated depreciation(202) (203)
Operating lease assets, net$160
 $123
Minimum future rentals on non-cancelable operating leases at July 26, 2014 are approximately $0.2 billion per year for various third-party financing arrangements extended to channel partners and end-user customers.

Channel Partner Financing Guarantees The Company facilitates arrangements for third-party financing extended to channel partners, consisting of revolving short-term financing, generally with payment terms ranging from 60 to 90 days. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners, and, in some cases, the Company guarantees a portion of these arrangements. The volume of channel partner financing was $18.2 billion, $17.2 billion and $14.2fiscal 2015, $0.1 billion for fiscal 2011, 2010,2016, and 2009, respectively. The balanceless than $0.1 billion per year for each of the channel partner financing subject to guarantees was $1.4 billion as of each July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010.

End-User Financing Guarantees The Company also provides financing guarantees for third-party financing arrangements extended to end-user customers related to leases and loans that typically have terms of up to three years. The volume of financing provided by third parties for leases and loans on which the Company has provided guarantees was $1.2 billion for fiscal 2011, $944 million for2017 through fiscal 2010, and $1.2 billion for fiscal 2009. For the periods presented, payments under these guarantee arrangements were not material.2019.

Financing Guarantee Summary The aggregate amount of financing guarantees outstanding at July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010, representing the total maximum potential future payments under financing arrangements with third parties, and the related deferred revenue are summarized in the following table (in millions):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

Maximum potential future payments relating to financing guarantees:

   

Channel partner

  $336   $448  

End user

   277    304  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $613   $752  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred revenue associated with financing guarantees:

   

Channel partner

  $(248) $(277)

End user

   (248)  (272)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $(496) $(549)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Maximum potential future payments relating to financing guarantees, net of associated deferred revenue

  $117   $203  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 


8. Investments

8.Investments
(a)Summary of Available-for-Sale Investments

(a) Summary of Available-for-Sale Investments

The following tables summarize the Company’s available-for-sale investments (in millions):

July 30, 2011

 Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Fixed income securities:

    

U.S. government securities

 $19,087   $52   $ —     $19,139  

U.S. government agency securities(1)

  8,742    35    (1)  8,776  

Non-U.S. government and agency securities(2)

  3,119    14    (1)  3,132  

Corporate debt securities

  4,333    65    (4  4,394  

Asset-backed securities

  120    5    (4  121  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed income securities

  35,401    171    (10  35,562  

Publicly traded equity securities

  734    639    (12  1,361  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $36,135   $810   $(22 $36,923  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

July 31, 2010

 Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Fixed income securities:

    

U.S. government securities

 $16,570   $42   $ —     $16,612  

U.S. government agency securities(1)

  13,511    68    —      13,579  

Non-U.S. government and agency securities(2)

  1,452    15    —      1,467  

Corporate debt securities

  2,179    64    (21  2,222  

Asset-backed securities

  145    9    (5  149  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed income securities

  33,857    198    (26  34,029  

Publicly traded equity securities

  889    411    (49  1,251  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $34,746   $609   $(75 $35,280  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

July 26, 2014
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Fixed income securities:       
U.S. government securities$31,717
 $29
 $(12) $31,734
U.S. government agency securities1,062
 1
 
 1,063
Non-U.S. government and agency securities860
 2
 (1) 861
Corporate debt securities9,092
 74
 (7) 9,159
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities574
 5
 
 579
Total fixed income securities43,305
 111
 (20) 43,396
Publicly traded equity securities1,314
 648
 (10) 1,952
Total$44,619
 $759
 $(30) $45,348
        
July 27, 2013
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Fixed income securities:       
U.S. government securities$27,814
 $22
 $(13) $27,823
U.S. government agency securities3,083
 7
 (1) 3,089
Non-U.S. government and agency securities1,094
 3
 (2) 1,095
Corporate debt securities7,876
 55
 (50) 7,881
Total fixed income securities39,867
 87
 (66) 39,888
Publicly traded equity securities2,063
 738
 (4) 2,797
Total$41,930
 $825
 $(70) $42,685
Non-U.S. government and agency securities include agency and corporate debt securities that are guaranteed by non-U.S. governments.







95



(1)

Includes corporate securities that are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

(b)Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Investments
(2)

Includes agency and corporate securities that are guaranteed by non-U.S. governments.

(b) Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Investments

The following tables presenttable presents the gross and net realized gains (losses)and gross realized losses related to the Company’s available-for-sale investments (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Gross realized gains

  $348   $279   $435  

Gross realized losses

   (169  (110  (459)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $179   $169   $(24)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 
    

Realized gains (losses) net:

    

Publicly traded equity securities

  $88   $66   $86  

Fixed income securities

   91    103    (110)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $179   $169   $(24)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

There were no significant

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Gross realized gains$341
 $264
 $561
Gross realized losses(41) (216) (460)
Total$300
 $48
 $101
The following table presents the realized net gains related to the Company’s available-for-sale investments by security type (in millions):
Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Net gains on investments in publicly traded equity securities$253
 $17
 $43
Net gains on investments in fixed income securities47
 31
 58
Total$300
 $48
 $101
For fiscal 2014, the realized net gains related to the Company's available-for-sale investments included impairment charges on available-for-sale investments for the year ended July 30, 2011. There was noof $11 million. These impairment charge for the year ended July 31, 2010 while for the year ended July 25, 2009, net losses on fixed income securities and net gains oncharges related to publicly traded equity securities included impairment charges of $219 million and $39 million, respectively. The impairment charges for fiscal 2009 were due to a decline in the fair value of the investmentsthose securities below their cost basis that were judgeddetermined to be other than temporarytemporary. There were no impairment charges on available-for-sale investments for fiscal 2013 and were recorded as a reduction to the amortized cost of the respective investments.

The following table summarizes the activity related to credit losses for fixed income securities (in millions):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

Balance at beginning of fiscal year

  $(95 $(153

Sales of other-than-temporarily impaired fixed income securities

   72    58  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of fiscal year

  $(23 $(95
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2012.

The following tables present the breakdown of the available-for-sale investments with gross unrealized losses and the duration that those losses had been unrealized at July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 201027, 2013 (in millions):

  UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS
  UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER
  TOTAL 

July 30, 2011

 Fair Value  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses
 

Fixed income securities:

      

U.S. government agency securities (1)

 $2,310   $(1) $ —     $ —     $2,310   $(1

Non-U.S. government and agency securities (2)

  875    (1)  —      —      875    (1)

Corporate debt securities

  548    (2)  56    (2)  604    (4)

Asset-backed securities

  —      —      105    (4  105    (4)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed income securities

  3,733    (4)  161    (6)  3,894    (10)

Publicly traded equity securities

  112    (12)  —      —      112    (12)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $3,845   $(16) $161   $(6) $4,006   $(22)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS
  UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER
  TOTAL 

July 31, 2010

 Fair Value  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses
 

Fixed income securities:

      

Corporate debt securities

 $140   $(1 $304   $(20 $444   $(21

Asset-backed securities

  2    —      115    (5  117    (5
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total fixed income securities

  142    (1  419    (25  561    (26

Publicly traded equity securities

  168    (12  393    (37  561    (49
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $310   $(13 $812   $(62 $1,122   $(75
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Includes corporate securities that are guaranteed by the FDIC.

(2)

Includes agency and corporate securities that are guaranteed by non-U.S. governments.

For

 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS
 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER
 TOTAL
July 26, 2014Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses
Fixed income securities:           
U.S. government securities 
$7,676
 $(12) $45
 $
 $7,721
 $(12)
Non-U.S. government and agency securities361
 (1) 22
 
 383
 (1)
Corporate debt securities1,875
 (3) 491
 (4) 2,366
 (7)
Total fixed income securities9,912
 (16)
558

(4)
10,470

(20)
Publicly traded equity securities132
 (10) 
 
 132
 (10)
Total$10,044
 $(26) $558
 $(4) $10,602
 $(30)
 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS
 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER
 TOTAL
July 27, 2013Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses
Fixed income securities:           
U.S. government securities 
$7,865
 $(13) $
 $
 $7,865
 $(13)
U.S. government agency securities294
 (1) 
 
 294
 (1)
Non-U.S. government and agency securities432
 (2) 
 
 432
 (2)
Corporate debt securities3,704
 (50) 4
 
 3,708
 (50)
Total fixed income securities12,295
 (66) 4
 
 12,299
 (66)
Publicly traded equity securities278
 (4) 
 
 278
 (4)
Total$12,573
 $(70) $4
 $
 $12,577
 $(70)

96


As of July 26, 2014, for fixed income securities that havewere in unrealized losses as of July 30, 2011,loss positions, the Company has determined that (i) it does not have the intent to sell any of these investments, and (ii) it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell any of these investments before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In addition, as of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company anticipates that it will recover the entire amortized cost basis of such fixed income securities and has determined that no other-than-temporary impairments associated with credit losses were required to be recognized during the year ended July 30, 2011.

26, 2014.

The Company has evaluated its publicly traded equity securities as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and has determined that there was no indication of other-than-temporary impairments in the respective categories of unrealized losses. This determination was based on several factors, which include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the publicly traded equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

(c)Maturities of Fixed Income Securities
(c) Maturities of Fixed Income Securities

The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s fixed income securities at July 30, 201126, 2014 (in millions):

   Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value 

Less than 1 year

  $17,720    $17,748  

Due in 1 to 2 years

   11,519     11,575  

Due in 2 to 5 years

   5,860     5,921  

Due after 5 years

   302     318  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $35,401    $35,562  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Amortized Cost Fair Value
Less than 1 year$15,444
 $15,457
Due in 1 to 2 years13,449
 13,484
Due in 2 to 5 years13,711
 13,743
Due after 5 years701
 712
Total$43,305
 $43,396

Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

The remaining contractual principal maturities for mortgage-backed securities were allocated assuming no prepayments.

(d)Securities Lending
(d) Securities Lending

The Company periodically engages in securities lending activities with certain of its available-for-sale investments. These transactions are accounted for as a secured lending of the securities, and the securities are typically loaned only on an overnight basis. The average daily balance of securities lending for fiscal 20112014 and 20102013 was $1.6$1.5 billion and $1.5$0.7 billion, respectively. The Company requires collateral equal to at least 102% of the fair market value of the loaned security and that the collateral be in the form of cash or liquid, high-quality assets. The Company engages in these secured lending transactions only with highly creditworthy counterparties, and the associated portfolio custodian has agreed to indemnify the Company against any collateral losses. The Company did not experience any losses in connection with the secured lending of securities during the yearsperiods presented. As of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, the Company had no outstanding securities lending transactions.

9. Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact, and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

(e)Investments in Privately Held Companies
The accounting guidance for fair value measurement requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1     Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2     Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Level 3     Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the faircarrying value of the assets or liabilities.

(b) AssetsCompany’s investments in privately held companies was included in other assets. For such investments that were accounted for under the equity and Liabilities Measured at Fair Valuecost method as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, the amounts are summarized in the table below (in millions):

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
Equity method investments$630
 $591
Cost method investments269
 242
Total$899
 $833

97


Variable Interest Entities
VCE Joint Venture VCE is a joint venture that the Company formed in fiscal 2010 with EMC Corporation (“EMC”), with investments from VMware, Inc. (“VMware”) and Intel Corporation. VCE helps organizations leverage best-in-class technologies and disciplines from Cisco, EMC, and VMware to enable the transformation to cloud computing.
As of July 26, 2014, the Company’s cumulative gross investment in VCE was approximately $716 million, inclusive of accrued interest, and its ownership percentage was approximately 35%.  The Company invested $185 million in VCE during fiscal 2014, $93 million during fiscal 2013, and $276 million during fiscal 2012.
For the period presented, the Company accounted for its investment in VCE under the equity method, and its portion of VCE’s net loss is recognized in other income (loss), net. The Company’s share of VCE’s losses, based upon its portion of the overall funding, was approximately 36.8% for each of the fiscal years ended July 26, 2014, July 27, 2013, and July 28, 2012. As of July 26, 2014, the Company had recorded cumulative losses from VCE of $644 million since inception, of which losses of $223 million, $183 million, and $160 million were recorded for the fiscal years ended July 26, 2014, July 27, 2013, and July 28, 2012, respectively. The Company’s carrying value in VCE as of July 26, 2014 was $72 million.
Over the next 12 months, as VCE scales its operations, the Company may make additional investments in VCE and may incur additional losses proportionate with the Company’s share ownership.
From time to time, EMC and Cisco may enter into guarantee agreements on a Recurring Basisbehalf of VCE to indemnify third parties, such as customers, for monetary damages. Such guarantees were not material as of

July 26, 2014.

Other Variable Interest EntitiesIn the ordinary course of business, the Company has investments in other privately held companies and provides financing to certain customers. These other privately held companies and customers may be considered to be variable interest entities. The Company evaluates on an ongoing basis its investments in these other privately held companies and its customer financings, and has determined that as of July 26, 2014 there were no other variable interest entities required to be consolidated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
9.Fair Value
(a)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 201027, 2013 were as follows (in millions):

  JULY 30, 2011
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
  JULY 31, 2010
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total
Balance
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total
Balance
 

Assets

        

Cash equivalents:

        

Money market funds

 $5,852   $—     $ —     $5,852   $2,521   $—     $ —     $2,521  

U.S. government securities

  —      —      —      —      —      235    —      235  

U.S. government agency securities(1)

  —      1    —      1    —      40    —      40  

Corporate debt securities

  —      —      —      —      —      1    —      1  

Available-for-sale investments:

        

U.S. government securities

  —      19,139    —      19,139    —      16,612    —      16,612  

U.S. government agency securities(1)

  —      8,776    —      8,776    —      13,579    —      13,579  

Non-U.S. government and agency securities(2)

  —      3,132    —      3,132    —      1,467    —      1,467  

Corporate debt securities

  —      4,394    —      4,394    —      2,222    —      2,222  

Asset-backed securities

  —      —      121    121    —      —      149    149  

Publicly traded equity securities

  1,361    —      —      1,361    1,251    —      —      1,251  

Derivative assets

  —      220    2    222    —      160    3    163  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $7,213   $35,662   $123   $42,998   $3,772   $34,316   $152   $38,240  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Derivative liabilities

 $—     $24   $—     $24   $—     $19   $ —     $19  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $—     $24   $—     $24   $—     $19   $—     $19  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Includes corporate securities that are guaranteed by the FDIC.

(2)

Includes agency and corporate securities that are guaranteed by non-U.S. governments.

 
JULY 26, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
JULY 27, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Total
Balance
 Level 1 Level 2 
Total
Balance
Assets:             
Cash equivalents:             
Money market funds$4,935
 $
 $
 $4,935
 $6,045
 $
 $6,045
Available-for-sale investments:            
U.S. government securities
 31,734
 
 31,734
 
 27,823
 27,823
U.S. government agency securities
 1,063
 
 1,063
 
 3,089
 3,089
Non-U.S. government and agency securities
 861
 
 861
 
 1,095
 1,095
Corporate debt securities
 9,159
 
 9,159
 
 7,881
 7,881
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
 579
 
 579
 
 
 
Publicly traded equity securities1,952
 
 
 1,952
 2,797
 
 2,797
Derivative assets
 158
 2
 160
 
 182
 182
Total$6,887
 $43,554
 $2
 $50,443
 $8,842
 $40,070
 $48,912
Liabilities:             
Derivative liabilities$
 $67
 $
 $67
 $
 $171
 $171
Total$
 $67
 $
 $67
 $
 $171
 $171
Level 1 publicly traded equity securities are determined by using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 fixed income securities are priced using quoted market prices for similar instruments or nonbinding market prices that are corroborated by observable market data. The Company uses inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, and other similar data, which are obtained from quoted market prices, independent pricing vendors, or other sources, to determine the ultimate fair value of these assets and liabilities. The Company uses such pricing data as the primary input to

98


make its assessments and determinations as to the ultimate valuation of its investment portfolio and has not made, during the periods presented, any material adjustments to such inputs. The Company is ultimately responsible for the financial statements and underlying estimates. The Company’s derivative instruments are primarily classified as Level 2, as they are not actively traded and are valued using pricing models that use observable market inputs. The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during either fiscal 2011 or 2010.

the periods presented.

Level 3 assets include asset-backed securities and certain derivative instruments, the values of which are determined based on discounted cash flow models using inputs that the Company could not corroborate with market data.

(b)Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The following tables present a reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010 (in millions):

  Asset-Backed
Securities
  Derivative
Assets
  Total 

Balance at July 31, 2010

 $149   $3   $152  

Total gains and losses (realized and unrealized):

   

Included in other income (loss), net

  3    (1)  2  

Purchases, sales and maturities

  (31  —      (31)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at July 30, 2011

 $121   $2   $123  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Losses attributable to assets still held as of July 30, 2011

 $—     $(1 $(1)
  Asset-Backed
Securities
  Derivative
Assets
  Total 

Balance at July 25, 2009

 $223   $4   $227  

Total gains and losses (realized and unrealized):

   

Included in other income (loss), net

  (6  —      (6)

Included in operating expenses

  —      (1  (1)

Included in other comprehensive income

  34    —      34  

Purchases, sales and maturities

  (102  —      (102)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at July 31, 2010

 $149   $3   $152  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Losses attributable to assets still held as of July 31, 2010

 $—     $(1 $(1)

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The following tables presenttable presents the Company’s financial instruments and nonfinancial assets that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the indicated periods and the related recognized gains and losses for the periods (in millions):

     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS USING    
  Net Carrying
Value as of
July 30, 2011
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total Losses
for the
Year Ended
July 30, 2011
 

Investments in privately held companies

 $13   $ —     $ —     $13   $(10

Purchased intangible assets

 $ —     $—     $—     $ —      (164

Property held for sale

 $20   $—     $—     $20    (38

Manufacturing operations held for sale

 $167   $—     $—     $167    (61
     

 

 

 

Total

     $(273
     

 

 

 
     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS USING    
  Net Carrying
Value as of
July 31, 2010
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total (Losses)
Gains

for the
Year Ended
July 31, 2010
 

Investments in privately held companies

 $45   $ —     $ —     $45   $(25

Purchased intangible assets

 $ —     $—     $—     $ —      (28

Property held for sale

 $25   $—     $—     $25    (86

Gains on assets no longer held as of July 31, 2010

      2  
     

 

 

 

Total

     $(137
     

 

 

 

  July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
  
Net Carrying
Value as of
Year End
 
Total Gains (Losses)
for the
Year Ended
 
Net Carrying
Value as of
Year End
 
Total Gains (Losses)
for the
Year Ended
 
Net Carrying
Value as of
Year End
 
Total Gains (Losses)
for the
Year Ended
Assets held for sale $
 $
 $1
 $(1) $63
 $(413)
Investments in privately held companies (impaired) $28
 (21) $63
 (31) $47
 (23)
Purchased intangible assets $
 
 $
 
 $
 (12)
Gains (losses) on assets no longer held at end of fiscal year   (2)   75
   14
Total gains (losses) for nonrecurring measurements   $(23)   $43
   $(434)
The assets in the preceding tables were classified as Level 3 assets because the Company used unobservable inputs to value them, reflecting the Company’s assessment of the assumptions market participants would use in pricing these assets due to the absence of quoted market prices and the inherent lack of liquidity. These assetstable were measured at fair value due to events or circumstances the Company identified as having significantly impacted thesignificant impact on their fair value during the respective indicated periods.

To arrive at the valuation of these assets, the Company considers any significant changes in the financial metrics and economic variables and also uses third-party valuation reports to assist in the valuation as necessary. These assets were classified as Level 3 assets because the Company used unobservable inputs to value them.

The assets held for sale represent land and buildings that met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The fair value of assets held for investments in privately held companiessale was measured usingwith the assistance of third-party valuation models, which used discounted cash flow techniques as part of their analysis. The fair value measurement was categorized as Level 3 as significant unobservable inputs were used in the valuation report. The impairment charges as a result of the valuations, which represented the difference between the fair value less cost to sell and the carrying amount of the assets held for sale, were included in G&A expenses.
The fair value measurement of the impaired investments was classified as Level 3 because significant unobservable inputs were used in the valuation due to the absence of quoted market prices and inherent lack of liquidity. Significant unobservable inputs, which included financial metrics comparison to otherof comparable private and public companies, and analysis of the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuers, includinginvestees, recent financing activities of the investees, and theirthe investees’ capital structure as well as other economic variables.variables, reflected the assumptions market participants would use in pricing these assets. The impairment charges, representing the difference between the net book value and the fair value as a result of the evaluation, for the investments in privately held companies waswere recorded to other income (loss), net.

The fair value forof purchased intangible assets for whichmeasured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis was categorized as Level 3 due to the carrying amount was not deemeduse of significant unobservable inputs in the valuation. Significant unobservable inputs that were used included expected revenues and net income related to be recoverable was determined using the future discounted cash flows that the assets areand the expected to generate.life of the assets. The difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the assets was recorded as an impairment charge. There was no impairment charge which was includedrelated to purchased intangible assets during the fiscal years ended July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013. For the fiscal year ended July 28, 2012, such impairment charges were recorded in product cost of sales and operating expenses as applicable.appropriate. See Note 4.

(c)Other Fair Value Disclosures
The carrying value of the Company’s investments in privately held companies that were accounted for under the cost method was $269 million and $242 million as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively. It was not practicable to estimate the fair value of this portfolio.
The fair value of property held for sale was measured using discounted cash flow techniques.

the Company’s short-term loan receivables and financed service contracts approximates their carrying value due to their short duration. The loss related to the manufacturing operations held for sale was primarily related to a reduction in goodwill related to the pending saleaggregate carrying value of the Company’s set-top box manufacturing operations in Juarez, Mexico. See Note 5. This goodwill reduction represents the difference between the carrying valuelong-term loan receivables and the impliedfinanced service contracts and other as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013 was $2.1 billion. The estimated fair value of the goodwill associated withCompany’s long-


99


term loan receivables and financed service contracts and other approximates their carrying value. The Company uses significant unobservable inputs in determining discounted cash flows to estimate the disposal group being evaluated.

(d) Other

The fair value of certainits long-term loan receivables and financed service contracts, and therefore they are categorized as Level 3.

As of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are not measured at fairshort-term debt approximates its carrying value including accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and other current liabilities, approximatesdue to the carrying amount because of their short maturities. In addition,As of July 26, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s loan receivablessenior notes and financed service contracts also approximates theother long-term debt was $22.4 billion with a carrying amount.amount of $20.9 billion. This compares to a fair value of $17.6 billion and a carrying amount of $16.2 billion as of July 27, 2013. The fair value of the Company’ssenior notes and other long-term debt is disclosedwas determined based on observable market prices in Note 10a less active market and was determined using quoted market prices for those securities.

categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

10. Borrowings

(a) Short-Term Debt

10.Borrowings
(a)Short-Term Debt

The following table summarizes the Company’s short-term debt (in millions, except percentages):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 
   Amount   Weighted-Average
Interest Rate
  Amount   Weighted-Average
Interest Rate
 

Commercial paper

  $500     0.14 $—       —    

Current portion of long-term debt

   —       —      3,037     3.12

Other notes and borrowings

   88     4.59  59     4.21%
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total short-term debt

  $588     $3,096    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
 Amount Effective Rate Amount Effective Rate
Current portion of long-term debt$500
 3.11% $3,273
 0.63%
Other notes and borrowings8
 2.67% 10
 2.52%
Total short-term debt$508
   $3,283
 
In fiscal 2011, the Company established a short-term debt financing program of up to $3.0$3.0 billion through the issuance of commercial paper notes. The Company useduses the proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper notes for general corporate purposes, including repaymentpurposes. In the third quarter of matured debt. The outstandingfiscal 2014, the Company issued and repaid $1.0 billion of indebtedness under commercial paper and had no commercial paper notes outstanding as of each of July 30, 2011 had a maturity date26, 2014 and July 27, 2013.
The effective interest rate on the current portion of approximately three months or less.

long-term debt includes the impact of interest rate swaps, as discussed further in "(b) Long-Term Debt." The Company repaid senior floating-rate and fixed-rate notes upon their maturity in the third quarter of fiscal 20112014 for an aggregate principal amount of $3.0$3.3 billion. Other notes and borrowings in the preceding table consist of notes and credit facilities establishedthe short-term portion of secured borrowings associated with a number of financial institutions that are available to certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company.customer financing arrangements. These notes and credit facilities arewere subject to various terms and foreign currency market interest rates pursuant to individual financial arrangements between the financing institution and the applicable foreign subsidiary.

As


100


(b)Long-Term Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’s long-term debt (in millions, except percentages):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 
   Amount  Effective Rate  Amount  Effective Rate 

Senior Notes:

     

Floating-rate notes, due 2014

  $1,250    0.60 $—      —    

5.25% fixed-rate notes, due 2011

   —      —      3,000    3.12%

2.90% fixed-rate notes, due 2014

   500    3.11  500    3.11%

1.625% fixed-rate notes, due 2014

   2,000    0.58  —      —    

5.50% fixed-rate notes, due 2016

   3,000    3.06  3,000    3.18%

3.15% fixed-rate notes, due 2017

   750    0.81  —      —    

4.95% fixed-rate notes, due 2019

   2,000    5.08  2,000    5.08%

4.45% fixed-rate notes, due 2020

   2,500    4.50%  2,500    4.50%

5.90% fixed-rate notes, due 2039

   2,000    6.11  2,000    6.11%

5.50% fixed-rate notes, due 2040

   2,000    5.67%  2,000    5.67%
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total

   16,000     15,000   

Unaccreted discount

   (73)   (73) 

Hedge accounting adjustment

   307     298   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total

  $16,234    $15,225   

Less: current portion

   —       (3,037) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total long-term debt

  $16,234    $12,188   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

   July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
 Maturity Date Amount Effective Rate Amount Effective Rate
Senior notes:         
Floating-rate notes:         
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.25%March 14, 2014 $
  $1,250
 0.62%
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.05%September 3, 2015(1)850
 0.35% 
 
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.28%March 3, 2017(1)1,000
 0.56% 
 
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.50%March 1, 2019(1)500
 0.78% 
 
Fixed-rate notes:         
1.625%March 14, 2014 
  2,000
 0.64%
2.90%November 17, 2014 500
 3.11% 500
 3.11%
5.50%February 22, 2016 3,000
 3.04% 3,000
 3.07%
1.10%March 3, 2017(1)2,400
 0.56% 
 
3.15%March 14, 2017 750
 0.79% 750
 0.84%
4.95%February 15, 2019 2,000
 4.69% 2,000
 4.70%
2.125%March 1, 2019(1)1,750
 0.77% 
 
4.45%January 15, 2020 2,500
 2.98% 2,500
 4.15%
2.90%March 4, 2021(1)500
 0.93% 
 
3.625%March 4, 2024(1)1,000
 1.05% 
 
5.90%February 15, 2039 2,000
 6.11% 2,000
 6.11%
5.50%January 15, 2040 2,000
 5.67% 2,000
 5.67%
Other long-term debt  4
 2.39% 21
 1.46%
Total  20,754
   16,021
  
Unaccreted discount  (63)   (65)  
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments  210
   245
  
Total  $20,901
   $16,201
  
          
Reported as:         
Current portion of long-term debt  $500
   $3,273
  
Long-term debt  20,401
   12,928
  
Total  $20,901
   $16,201
  
(1)In March 2011,2014, the Company issued senior notes for an aggregate principal amount of $4.0 billion, including $1.25 billion of senior floating interest rate notes due 2014, $2.0 billion of 1.625% fixed-rate senior notes due 2014, and $750 million of 3.15% fixed-rate senior notes due 2017. $8.0 billion.
To achieve its interest rate risk management objectives, the Company entered into interest rate swaps with aan aggregate notional amount of $2.75$10.4 billion designated as fair value hedges of thecertain of its fixed-rate senior notes included in the March 2011 debt issuance.notes. In effect, these swaps convert the fixed interest rates of the fixed-rate notes to floating interest rates based on LIBOR.the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps substantially offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt that are attributable to the changes in market interest rates. SeeFor additional information, see Note 11.

The effective rates for the fixed-rate debt include the interest on the notes, the accretion of the discount, and, if applicable, adjustments related to hedging. Based on market prices, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $17.4 billion as of July 30, 2011. Interest is payable semiannually on each class of the senior fixed-rate notes and payable quarterly on the floating-rate notes. Each of the senior fixed-rate notes is redeemable by the Company at any time, subject to a make-whole premium.

The senior notes rank at par with the issued commercial paper notes, as well as any other commercial paper notes that may be issued in the future pursuant to the Company’s short-term debt financing program, as discussed earlierabove under “Short-Term“(a) Short-Term Debt.” TheAs of July 26, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants ascovenants.

101


As of July 30, 2011.

Future26, 2014, future principal payments for long-term debt, as of July 30, 2011including the current portion, are summarized as follows (in millions):

Fiscal Year

  Amount 

2014

  $3,250  

2015

   500  

2016

   3,000  

Thereafter

   9,250  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $16,000  
  

 

 

 

Fiscal YearAmount
2015$500
20163,853
20174,151
2018
20194,250
Thereafter8,000
Total$20,754
(c)Credit Facility
(c) Credit Facility

TheOn February 17, 2012, the Company hasentered into a credit agreement with certain institutional lenders providingthat provides for a $3.0$3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire on AugustFebruary 17, 2012.2017. Any advances under the credit agreement will accrue interest at rates that are equal to, based on certain conditions, either (i) the higher of the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% or, Bank of America’s “prime rate” as announced from time to time, or one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin that is based on the Company’s senior debt credit ratings as published by Standard & Poor’s RatingsFinancial Services, LLC and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. The credit agreement requires the Company to comply with certain covenants, including that it maintain an interest coverage ratio as defined in the agreement. TheAs of July 26, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the required interest coverage ratio and the other covenants, as of July 30, 2011.

and the Company had not borrowed any funds under the credit facility.

The Company may also, upon the agreement of either the then-existingexisting lenders or additional lenders not currently parties to the agreement, increase the commitments under the credit facility by up to an additional $1.9$2.0 billion and/or extend the expiration date of the credit facility by up to August 15, 2014. As of July 30, 2011, the Company had not borrowed any funds under the credit facility.

two additional years, or up to February 17, 2019.


11. Derivative Instruments

(a) Summary of Derivative Instruments

11.Derivative Instruments
(a)Summary of Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to manage exposures to foreign currency exchange rate, interest rate, and equity price risks. The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices. The Company’s derivatives expose it to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement. The Company does, however, seek to mitigate such risks by limiting its counterparties to major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored. Management does not expect material losses as a result of defaults by counterparties.

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments and the line items on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to which they were recorded are summarized as follows (in millions):

  DERIVATIVE ASSETS  

DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES

 
  Balance Sheet Line Item July 30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
  

Balance Sheet Line Item

 July 30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

      

Foreign currency derivatives

 Other current assets $67   $82   

Other current liabilities

 $12   $7  

Interest rate derivatives

 Other assets  146    72   

Other long-term liabilities

  —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   213    154     12    7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

      

Foreign currency derivatives

 Other current assets  7    6   

Other current liabilities

  12    12  

Total return swaps-deferred compensation

 Other current assets  —      1   

Other current liabilities

  —      —    

Equity derivatives

 Other assets  2    2   

Other long-term liabilities

  —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   9    9     12    12  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $222   $163    $24   $19  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 DERIVATIVE ASSETS DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
 Balance Sheet Line Item July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 Balance Sheet Line Item July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:           
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets $7
 $33
 Other current liabilities $6
 $7
Interest rate derivativesOther assets 148
 147
 Other long-term liabilities 3
 2
Equity derivativesOther current assets 
 
 Other current liabilities 56
 155
Total  155
 180
   65
 164
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:           
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets 3
 2
 Other current liabilities 2
 7
Equity derivativesOther assets 2
 
 Other long-term liabilities 
 
Total  5
 2
   2
 7
Total  $160
 $182
   $67
 $171

102


The effects of the Company’s cash flow and net investment hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (OCI) and the Consolidated Statements of Operations are summarized as follows (in millions):

GAINS (LOSSES) RECOGNIZED

IN OCI ON DERIVATIVES FOR

THE YEARS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)

  

GAINS (LOSSES) RECLASSIFIED FROM

AOCI INTO INCOME FOR

THE YEARS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)

 

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow
Hedging Instruments

 July 30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
  July 25,
2009
  

Line Item in Statements of Operations

 July 30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
  July 25,
2009
 

Foreign currency derivatives

 $87   $33   $(116 

Operating expenses

 $89   $(1 $(95
    

Cost of sales-service

  17    —      (13

Interest rate derivatives

  —      23    (42 

Interest expense

  2    —      —    

Other derivatives

  —      —      (2 

Operating expenses

  —      —      (2
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $87   $56   $(160  $108   $(1 $(110
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

During the years ended July 30, 2011, July 31, 2010, and July 25, 2009, the amounts recognized in earnings on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges related to the ineffective portion were not material, and the Company did not exclude any component of the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

GAINS (LOSSES) RECOGNIZED
IN OCI ON DERIVATIVES FOR
THE YEARS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)
 
GAINS (LOSSES) RECLASSIFIED FROM
AOCI INTO INCOME FOR
THE YEARS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 Line Item in Statements of Operations July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:              
Foreign currency derivatives $48
 $73
 $(131) Operating expenses $55
 $10
 $(59)
        
Cost of salesservice
 13
 2
 (14)
Interest rate derivatives 
 
 
 Interest expense 
 
 1
Total $48
 $73
 $(131)   $68
 $12
 $(72)
               
Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments:              
Foreign currency derivatives $(15) $(1) $23
 Other income (loss), net $
 $
 $
As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company estimates that approximately $18$0.2 million of net derivative gainslosses related to its cash flow hedges included in AOCIaccumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

The effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges and the underlying hedged items is summarized as follows (in millions):

      GAINS (LOSSES) ON
DERIVATIVES
INSTRUMENTS FOR THE
YEARS ENDED
  GAINS (LOSSES)
RELATED TO HEDGED
ITEMS FOR THE YEARS
ENDED
 

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value
Hedging Instruments

  

Line Item in Statements of
Operations

  July 30,
2011
   July 31,
2010
   July 25,
2009
  July 30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
  July 25,
2009
 

Equity derivatives

  Other income (loss), net  $ —      $3    $97   $ —     $(3) $(99

Interest rate derivatives

  Other income (loss), net   —       —       (7  —      —      10  

Interest rate derivatives

  Interest expense   74     72     —      (77)  (77)  —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $74    $75    $90   $(77) $(80) $(89)
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

    
GAINS (LOSSES) ON
DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS FOR THE
YEARS ENDED
 
GAINS (LOSSES)
RELATED TO HEDGED
ITEMS FOR THE YEARS
ENDED
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments Line Item in Statements of Operations July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Equity derivatives Other income (loss), net $(72) $(155) $(4) $72
 $155
 $4
Interest rate derivatives Interest expense (2) (78) 78
 
 78
 (80)
Total   $(74) $(233) $74
 $72
 $233
 $(76)
The effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations of derivative instruments not designated as hedges is summarized as follows (in millions):

    GAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE
YEARS ENDED
 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

Line Item in Statements of Operations

 July 30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
  July 25,
2009
 

Foreign currency derivatives

 Other income (loss), net $264   $(100) $1  

Total return swaps-deferred compensation

 Operating expenses  33    18    (14

Equity derivatives

 Other income (loss), net  25    12    11  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $322   $(70) $(2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

    
GAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE
YEARS ENDED
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Line Item in Statements of Operations July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Foreign currency derivatives Other income (loss), net $23
 $(74) $(206)
Total return swaps—deferred compensation Cost of sales—product 
 
 4
Total return swaps—deferred compensation Operating expenses 47
 61
 3
Equity derivatives Other income (loss), net 34
 
 6
Total   $104
 $(13) $(193)
The notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding derivatives are summarized as follows (in millions):

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

    

Foreign currency derivatives—cash flow hedges

  $3,433    $2,611  

Interest rate derivatives

   4,250     1,500  

Net investment hedging instruments

   73     105  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

    

Foreign currency derivatives

   4,565     4,619  

Total return swaps

   262     169  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $12,583    $9,004  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(b) Foreign Currency Exchange Risk


103


 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
Foreign currency derivatives—cash flow hedges$1,618
 $1,885
Interest rate derivatives10,400
 5,250
Net investment hedging instruments345
 662
Equity derivatives238
 1,098
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:   
Foreign currency derivatives2,528
 3,739
Total return swaps—deferred compensation428
 358
Total$15,557
 $12,992
(b)Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
The Company presents its derivative instruments at gross fair values in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the Company’s master netting and other similar arrangements with the respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions, which are designed to reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement with the same counterparty. To further limit credit risk, the Company also enters into collateral security arrangements related to certain derivative instruments whereby cash is posted as collateral between the counterparties based on the fair market value of the derivative instrument. Information related to these offsetting arrangements is summarized as follows (in millions):
 OFFSETTING OF DERIVATIVE ASSETS
 Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but with Legal Rights to Offset
July 26, 2014Gross Amount of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented on Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Derivative Amounts with Legal Rights to Offset Cash Collateral Received Net Amount
Derivatives$160
 $
 $160
 $(39) $(60) $61
 OFFSETTING OF DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
 Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but with Legal Rights to Offset
July 26, 2014Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented on Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Derivative Amounts with Legal Rights to Offset Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount
Derivatives$67
 $
 $67
 $(39) $(1) $27
 OFFSETTING OF DERIVATIVE ASSETS
 Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but with Legal Rights to Offset
July 27, 2013Gross Amount of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented on Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Derivative Amounts with Legal Rights to Offset Cash Collateral Received Net Amount
Derivatives$182
 $
 $182
 $(120) $
 $62
 OFFSETTING OF DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
 Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but with Legal Rights to Offset
July 27, 2013Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented on Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Derivative Amounts with Legal Rights to Offset Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount
Derivatives$171
 $
 $171
 $(120) $
 $51


104


(c)Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The Company conducts business globally in numerous currencies. Therefore, it is exposed to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. To limit the exposure related to foreign currency changes, the Company enters into foreign currency contracts. The Company does not enter into such contracts for trading purposes.

The Company hedges forecasted foreign currency forecasted transactions related to certain operating expenses and service cost of sales with currency options and forward contracts. These currency optionoptions and forward contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, generally have maturities of less than 18 months.months. The Company assesses effectiveness based on changes in total fair value of the derivatives. The effective portion of the derivative instrument’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of AOCI and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion, if any, of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately. During the fiscal years presented, the Company did not discontinue any cash flow hedgehedges for which it was probable that a forecasted transaction would not occur.

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward and option contracts to reduce the short-term effects of foreign currency fluctuations on assets and liabilities such as foreign currency receivables, including long-term customer financings, investments, and payables. These derivatives are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses on the contracts are included in other income (loss), net, and substantially offset foreign exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of intercompany balances or other current assets, investments, or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the reporting entity.

The Company hedges certain net investments in its foreign subsidiariesoperations with forward contracts whichto reduce the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on the Company’s net investment in those foreign subsidiaries. These derivative instruments generally have maturities of up to six months. The Company recognized a loss of $10 million in OCI for the effective portion of its net investment hedges for the year ended July 30, 2011.

(d)Interest Rate Risk
(c) Interest Rate Risk

Interest Rate Derivatives, Investments   The Company’s primary objective for holding fixed income securities is to achieve an appropriate investment return consistent with preserving principal and managing risk. To realize these objectives, the Company may utilize interest rate swaps or other derivatives designated as fair value or cash flow hedges. As of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 201027, 2013, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate derivatives related to its fixed income securities.

Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedge, Long-Term Debt   In fiscal 2011,2014 and 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges related to fixed-rate senior notes that were issued in March 2011 and are due in 2014 and 2017.on various dates from 2017 through 2024. In fiscal 2010,the previous periods, the Company entered into interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges for a portion ofrelated to fixed-rate senior fixed-rate notes that were issued in 2006 and are due in 2016.2016 and 2017. Under these interest rate swaps, the Company receives fixed-rate interest payments and makes interest payments based on LIBOR plus a fixed number of basis points. The effect of such swaps is to convert the fixed

interest rates of the senior fixed-rate notes to floating interest rates based on LIBOR. The gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are included in interest expense and substantially offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt that are attributable to the changes in market interest rates. The fair value of the interest rate swaps was reflected in other assets.

Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedge, Long-Term Debt In fiscal 2010, the Company entered into contracts related to interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, with an aggregate notional amount of $3.7 billion to hedge against interest rate movements in connection with its anticipated issuance of senior notes. These derivative instruments were settled in connection with the actual issuance of the senior notes. The effective portion of these hedges was recorded to AOCI, net of tax,assets and is being amortized to interest expense over the respective lives of the notes.other long-term liabilities.

(d) Equity Price Risk

(e)Equity Price Risk
The Company may hold equity securities for strategic purposes or to diversify its overall investment portfolio. The publicly traded equity securities in the Company’s portfolio are subject to price risk. To manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of certain equity securities, the Company may enterhas entered into equity derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the value of the hedging instruments are included in other income (loss), net, and offset the change in the fair value of the underlying hedged investment. In addition, the Company periodically manages the risk of its investment portfolio by enteringenters into equity derivatives that are not designated as accounting hedges. The changes in the fair value of these derivatives wereare also included in other income (loss), net. The Company did not have any equity derivatives outstanding related to its investment portfolio at July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010.

The Company is also exposed to variability in compensation charges related to certain deferred compensation obligations to employees. Although not designated as accounting hedges, the Company utilizes derivatives such as total return swaps to economically hedge this exposure.

(f)Hedge Effectiveness
For the fiscal years presented, amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness were not material for fair value, cash flow, and net investment hedges. In addition, hedge ineffectiveness for fair value, cash flow, and net investment hedges was not material for any of the fiscal years presented.

105


(g)Collateral and Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
For certain derivative instruments, the Company and its counterparties have entered into arrangements requiring the party that is in a liability position from a mark-to-market standpoint to post cash collateral to the other party. See further discussion under "(b) Offsetting of Derivative Instruments" above.
(e) Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features

CertainIn addition, certain derivative instruments are executed under agreements that have provisions requiring the Company and the counterparty to maintain a specified credit rating from certain credit ratingcredit-rating agencies. IfUnder such agreements, if the Company’s or the counterparty’s credit rating falls below a specified credit rating, either party has the right to request collateral on the derivatives’ net liability position. Such provisions did not affect the Company’s financialThe fair market value of these derivatives that are in a net liability position as of July 30, 2011 and 26, 2014 was $3 million. There was no such balance as of July 31, 2010.

27, 2013.


12. Commitments and Contingencies

12.Commitments and Contingencies
(a)Operating Leases

(a) Operating Leases

The Company leases office space in severalmany U.S. locations. Outside the United States, larger leased sites include sites in Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Rent expense totaled $428 million, $364 million, and $328 million in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company also leases equipment and vehicles. Future minimum lease payments under all noncancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year as of July 30, 201126, 2014 are as follows (in millions):

Fiscal Year

  Amount 

2012

  $374  

2013

   259  

2014

   186  

2015

   153  

2016

   67  

Thereafter

   277  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,316  
  

 

 

 

Fiscal YearAmount
2015$399
2016277
2017180
2018131
201965
Thereafter187
Total$1,239
(b) Purchase Commitments with Contract ManufacturersRent expense for office space and Suppliersequipment totaled $413 million, $416 million, and

$404 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

(b)Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and Suppliers
The Company purchases components from a variety of suppliers and uses several contract manufacturers to provide manufacturing services for its products. During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing lead times and help ensure adequate component supply, the Company enters into agreements with contract manufacturers and suppliers that either allow them to procure inventory based upon criteria as defined by the Company or that establish the parameters defining the Company’s requirements. A significant portion of the Company’s reported purchase commitments arising from these agreements consists of firm, noncancelable, and unconditional commitments. In certain instances, these agreements allow the Company the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust the Company’s requirements based on its business needs prior to firm orders being placed. As of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, the Company had total purchase commitments for inventory of $4.313 billion$4,169 million and $4.319 billion,$4,033 million, respectively.

The Company records a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in excess of its future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of the Company’s excess and obsolete inventory. As of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, the liability for these purchase commitments was $168$162 million and $135$172 million, respectively, and was included in other current liabilities.

(c) Other Commitments

(c)Other Commitments
In connection with the Company’s business combinations, and asset purchases, the Company has agreed to pay certain additional amounts contingent upon the achievement of certain agreed-upon-technology,agreed-upon technology, development, product, or other milestones or upon the continued employment with the Company of certain employees of the acquired entities.
The Company recognized suchfollowing table summarizes the compensation expense of $127 million, $120 million, and $291 million during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The largest component of such compensation expense during the fiscal years presented was related to milestone payments made to former noncontrolling interest holdersacquisitions (in millions):
 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Compensation expense related to acquisitions$607
 $123
 $50

106


As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company estimated that future cash compensation expense and contingent consideration of up to $59$574 million may be required to be recognized pursuant to the applicable business combination agreements, which included the remaining potential compensation expense related to Insieme Networks, Inc., as more fully discussed immediately below.
Insieme Networks, Inc.In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company made an investment in Insieme Networks, Inc. ("Insieme"), an early stage company focused on research and assetdevelopment in the data center market. As set forth in the agreement between the Company and Insieme, this investment included $100 million of funding and a license to certain of the Company’s technology. Immediately prior to the call option exercise and acquisition described below, the Company owned approximately 83% of Insieme as a result of these investments and consolidated the results of Insieme in its Consolidated Financial Statements. In connection with this investment, the Company and Insieme entered into a put/call option agreement that provided the Company with the right to purchase agreements.

the remaining interests in Insieme. In addition, the noncontrolling interest holders could require the Company to purchase their shares upon the occurrence of certain events.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company exercised its call option and entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining interests in Insieme. The acquisition closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, at which time the former noncontrolling interest holders became eligible to receive up to two milestone payments, which will be determined using agreed-upon formulas based primarily on revenue for certain of Insieme’s products. During fiscal 2014, the Company recorded compensation expense of $416 million related to the fair value of the vested portion of amounts that are expected to be earned by the former noncontrolling interest holders. Continued vesting and changes to the fair value of the amounts probable of being earned will result in adjustments to the recorded compensation expense in future periods. Based on the terms of the agreement, the Company has determined that the maximum amount that could be recorded as compensation expense by the Company is approximately $855 million, net of forfeitures and including the $416 million that has been expensed in fiscal 2014. The milestone payments, if earned, are expected to be paid primarily during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017.
The Company also has certain funding commitments, primarily related to its investments in privately held companies and venture funds, some of which are based on the achievement of certain agreed-upon milestones, and some of which are required to be funded on demand. The funding commitments were $192$255 million and $279$263 million as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, respectively.

(d) Variable Interest Entities

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has investments in privately held companies and provides financing to certain customers. These privately held companies and customers may be considered to be variable interest entities. The Company evaluates on an ongoing basis its investments in these privately held companies and its customer financings and has determined that as of July 30, 2011 there were no material unconsolidated variable interest entities.

In fiscal 2010, Cisco and EMC Corporation (“EMC”), together with VMware, Inc. (“VMware”) formed the Virtual Computing Environment coalition. Similarly, the Company’s investment in Acadia Enterprises LLC (“Acadia”), a joint venture with EMC in which VMware and Intel have also invested, is designed to pave the way for new delivery models in cloud computing solutions. During fiscal 2011, the Virtual Computing Environment coalition and Acadia were combined into a single entity and renamed The Virtual Computing Environment Company (“VCE”). As of July 30, 2011, the Company’s cumulative investment in the combined VCE entity was approximately $100 million and it owned approximately 35% of the outstanding equity. The Company accounts for its investment in VCE under the equity method, and accordingly the Company’s carrying value in VCE has been reduced by $79 million, reflecting its cumulative share of VCE’s losses primarily in fiscal 2011. Over the

next 12 months, as VCE scales its operations, the Company expects that it will make additional investments in VCE and may incur additional losses proportionate with the Company’s ownership percentage.

(e) Product Warranties and Guarantees

(d)Product Warranties
The following table summarizes the activity related to the product warranty liability during fiscal 2011 and 2010 (in millions):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

Balance at beginning of fiscal year

  $360   $321  

Provision for warranties issued

   456    469  

Payments

   (474)  (437)

Fair value of warranty liability acquired

   —      7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of fiscal year

  $342   $360  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Balance at beginning of fiscal year$402
 $373
 $340
Provision for warranties issued704
 649
 617
Payments(660) (620) (584)
Balance at end of fiscal year$446
 $402
 $373
The Company accrues for warranty costs as part of its cost of sales based on associated material product costs, labor costs for technical support staff, and associated overhead. The Company’s products are generally covered by a warranty for periods ranging from 90 days to five years, and for some products the Company provides a limited lifetime warranty.

(e)Financing and Other Guarantees
In the ordinary course of business, the Company provides financing guarantees for various third-party financing arrangements extended to channel partners and end-user customers. Payments under these financing guarantee arrangements were not material for the periods presented.
Channel Partner Financing Guarantees   The Company facilitates arrangements for third-party financing extended to channel partners, consisting of revolving short-term financing, generally with payment terms ranging from 60 to 90 days. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners, and, in some cases, the Company guarantees a portion of these arrangements. The volume of channel partner financing was $24.6 billion, $23.8 billion, and $21.3 billion for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The balance of the channel partner financing subject to guarantees was $1.2 billion and $1.4 billion as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively.
End-User Financing Guarantees   The Company also provides financing guarantees for third-party financing arrangements extended to end-user customers related to leases and loans, which typically have terms of up to three years. The volume of financing provided by third parties for leases and loans as to which the Company had provided guarantees was $129 million for fiscal 2014, $185 million for fiscal 2013, and $227 million for fiscal 2012.

107


Financing Guarantee Summary   The aggregate amounts of financing guarantees outstanding at July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, representing the total maximum potential future payments under financing arrangements with third parties along with the related deferred revenue, are summarized in the following table (in millions):
 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
Maximum potential future payments relating to financing guarantees:   
Channel partner$263
 $438
End user202
 237
Total$465
 $675
Deferred revenue associated with financing guarantees:   
Channel partner$(127) $(225)
End user(166) (191)
Total$(293) $(416)
Maximum potential future payments relating to financing guarantees, net of associated deferred revenue$172
 $259
Other Guarantees The Company’s other guarantee arrangements as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013 that were subject to recognition and disclosure requirements were not material.
(f)Supplier Component Remediation Liability
The Company has recorded in other current liabilities a liability for the expected remediation cost for certain products sold in prior fiscal years containing memory components manufactured by a single supplier between 2005 and 2010. These components are widely used across the industry and are included in a number of the Company's products. Defects in some of these components have caused products to fail after a power cycle event.  Defect rates due to this issue have been and are expected to be low. However, recently the Company has seen a small number of its customers experience a growing number of failures in their networks as a result of this component problem. Although the majority of these products are beyond the Company's warranty terms, the Company is proactively working with customers on mitigation. Prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company had a liability of $63 million related to this issue for expected remediation costs based on the intended approach at that time. In February 2014, on the basis of the growing number of failures described above, the Company decided to expand its approach, which resulted in an additional charge to product cost of sales of $655 million being recorded for the second quarter of fiscal 2014. As of July 26, 2014, the remaining supplier component remediation liability was $670 million.
(g)Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company indemnifies other parties, including customers, lessors, and parties to other transactions with the Company, with respect to certain matters. The Company has agreed to hold the othersuch parties harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations or covenants or out of intellectual property infringement or other claims made against certain parties. These agreements may limit the time within which an indemnification claim can be made and the amount of the claim.
The Company has an obligation to indemnify certain expenses pursuant to such agreements in a case involving certain of the Company’s service provider customers that are subject to patent infringement claims asserted by Sprint Communications Company, L.P. (“Sprint”) in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas filed on December 19, 2011 (including one case that was later transferred to the District of Delaware). Sprint alleges that the service providers infringe Sprint’s patents by offering Voice over Internet Protocol-based telephone services utilizing products provided by the Company and other manufacturers. Sprint is seeking monetary damages. Trial dates have been set for the first half of calendar year 2015. The parties intend to conduct a mediation later this calendar year, and the Company may be asked to participate. The mediation could result in a resolution of the case for some or all of the Company's service provider customers. The Company believes that the service providers have strong defenses and that its products do not infringe the patents subject to the claims. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the litigation process, which involves numerous defendants, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of this litigation at this time. Should the plaintiff prevail in litigation, mediation, or settlement, the Company may have an obligation to indemnify its service provider customers for damages, mediation awards, or settlement amounts arising from their use of Cisco products.
In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its officers and directors, and the Company’s bylawsAmended and Restated Bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations to the Company’s agents.

108


It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the Company’s limited history with prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by the Company under these agreements have not had a material effect on the Company’s operating results, financial position, or cash flows.

The Company also provides financing guarantees, which are generally for various third-party financing arrangements to channel partners and other end-user customers. See Note 7. The Company’s other guarantee arrangements as of July 30, 2011 that are subject to recognition and disclosure requirements were not material.

(h)Legal Proceedings
(f) Legal ProceedingsBrazil

Brazilian authorities have investigated the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary and certain of its current and former employees, as well as a Brazilian importer of the Company’s products, and its affiliates and employees, relating to alleged evasion of import taxes and alleged improper transactions involving the subsidiary and the importer. Brazilian tax authorities have assessed claims against the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary based on a theory of joint liability with the Brazilian importer for import taxes, interest, and related penalties. In addition to claims asserted during prior fiscal years by the Brazilian federal tax authorities in prior fiscal years, tax authorities from the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo have asserted similar claims on the same legal basis duringin prior fiscal years. In the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2011.

2013, the Brazilian federal tax authorities asserted an additional claim against the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary based on a theory of joint liability with respect to an alleged underpayment of income taxes, social taxes, interest, and penalties by a Brazilian distributor.

The asserted claims by Brazilian federal tax authorities are for calendar years 2003 through 20072008, and the asserted claims by the tax authorities from the state of Sao Paulo are for calendar years 2005 through 2007. The total asserted claims by Brazilian state and federal tax authorities aggregatedaggregate to approximately $522$389 million for the alleged evasion of import and other taxes, approximately $860 million$1.3 billion for interest, and approximately $2.4$1.7 billion for various penalties, all determined using an exchange rate as of July 30, 2011.26, 2014. The Company has completed a thorough review of the mattermatters and believes the asserted tax claims against itthe Company’s Brazilian subsidiary are without merit, and the Company

intends to defend is defending the claims vigorously. While the Company believes there is no legal basis for itsthe alleged liability, due to the complexities and uncertainty surrounding the judicial process in Brazil and the nature of the claims asserting joint liability with the importer, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome against itits Brazilian subsidiary and is unable to reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any. The Company does not expect a final judicial determination for several years.

On March 31, 2011, a purported shareholder class action lawsuit was filed in

Russia and the UnitedCommonwealth of Independent States District Court forAt the Northern Districtrequest of California againstthe U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Department of Justice, the Company is conducting an investigation into allegations which the Company and certainthose agencies received regarding possible violations of its officers and directors. A second lawsuit with substantially similar allegations was filed with the same court on April 12, 2011 againstU.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act involving business activities of the CompanyCompany's operations in Russia and certain of its officersthe Commonwealth of Independent States, and directors. The lawsuits are purportedly brought on behalfby certain resellers of those who purchased the Company’s publicly traded securities between May 12, 2010products in those countries.  The Company takes any such allegations very seriously and February 9, 2011,is fully cooperating with and between February 3, 2010sharing the results of its investigation with the SEC and February 9, 2011, respectively. Plaintiffsthe Department of Justice.  While the outcome of the Company's investigation is currently not determinable, the Company does not expect that it will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The countries that are the subject of the investigation collectively comprise less than 2% of the Company’s revenues.
RockstarThe Company and some of its service provider customers are subject to patent claims asserted in December 2013 in the Eastern District of Texas and the District of Delaware by subsidiaries of the Rockstar Consortium ("Rockstar"). Rockstar, whose members include Apple, Microsoft, LM Ericsson, Sony, and Blackberry, purchased a portfolio of patents out of the Nortel Networks’ bankruptcy proceedings (the “Nortel Portfolio”). Rockstar’s subsidiaries allege that defendants made false and misleading statements during quarterly earnings calls, purport to assert claims for violationssome of the federal securities laws,Company’s NGN Routing, Switching and seek unspecified compensatory damages andCollaboration products, as well as video solutions deployed by its service provider customers, infringe some of the patents in the Nortel Portfolio. Rockstar seeks monetary damages. A trial date for one service provider customer has been set for October 2015; no other relief.trial dates have been set. The Company believeshas various defenses to the patent infringement allegations, and has various offensive claims are without meritagainst Rockstar and intendssome of its consortium members available to defend the actions vigorously. Whileit as well, and the Company believes there is no legal basis for liability, duewill also explore alternative means of resolution. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the litigation process, which involves numerous lawsuits and parties, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome and a range of loss, if any, of these litigations at this time.

Beginning in April 2011, purported shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in both the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and the California Superior Court for the County of Santa Clara against the Company’s Board of Directors and several of its officers for allowing management to make allegedly false statements during earnings calls. The Company’s management of its stock repurchase program is also alleged to have breached a fiduciary duty. The complaints include claims for violation of the federal securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, and violations of the California Corporations Code. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, disgorgement, and other relief.

In addition, the Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, the Company does not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.



109

13. Shareholders’ Equity

13.Shareholders’ Equity
(a)
Cash Dividends on Shares of Common Stock
During

(a) Stock Repurchase Programfiscal 2014

, the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.72 per common share, or $3.8 billion, on the Company’s outstanding common stock. During fiscal 2013, the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.62 per common share, or $3.3 billion, on the Company’s outstanding common stock.

On August 26, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per common share to be paid on October 22, 2014 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 2, 2014. Any future dividends will be subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors.
(b)Stock Repurchase Program
In September 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program. As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors had authorized an aggregate repurchase of up to $82$97 billion of common stock under this program, and the remaining authorized repurchase amount was $10.2$8.6 billion, with no termination date. A summary of the stock repurchase activity under the stock repurchase program, reported based on the trade date, is summarized as follows (in millions, except per-share amounts):

   Shares
Repurchased
   Weighted-
Average Price
per Share
   Amount
Repurchased
 

Cumulative balance at July 25, 2009

   2,802    $20.41    $57,179  

Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program

   325     24.02     7,803  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cumulative balance at July 31, 2010

   3,127    $20.78    $64,982  

Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program

   351     19.36     6,791  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cumulative balance at July 30, 2011

   3,478    $20.64    $71,773  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Weighted-
Average Price
per Share
 
Amount
Repurchased
Cumulative balance at July 28, 20123,740
 $20.36
 $76,133
Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program (1)
128
 21.63
 2,773
Cumulative balance at July 27, 20133,868
 20.40
 78,906
Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program (1)
420
 22.71
 9,539
Cumulative balance at July 26, 20144,288
 $20.63
 $88,445
(1)Includes stock repurchases of $126 million, which were pending settlement as of July 26, 2014. There were no stock repurchases pending settlement as of July 27, 2013.
The purchase price for the shares of the Company’s stock repurchased is reflected as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. The Company is required to allocate the purchase price of the repurchased shares as (i) a reduction to retained earnings until retained earnings are zero and then as an increase to accumulated deficit and (ii) a reduction of common stock and additional paid-in capital. Issuance of common stock and the tax benefit related to employee stock incentive plans are recorded as an increase to common stock and additional paid-in capital.

(c)Restricted Stock Unit Withholdings
(b) Cash Dividends on Shares of Common Stock

During fiscal 2011, cash dividends of $0.12 per share, or $658 million, were declared and paid on the Company’s outstanding common stock. Any future dividends will be subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors.

(c) Other Repurchases of Common Stock

For the years ended July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, the Company repurchased approximately 9.518 million and 5.616 million shares, or $183$430 million and $130$330 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock or stock units.

(d) Preferred Stock

(d)Preferred Stock
Under the terms of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may determine the rights, preferences, and terms of the Company’s authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock.

(e) Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows (in millions):

Years Ended

 July  30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
  July 25,
2009
 

Net income

 $6,490   $7,767   $6,134  

Net change in unrealized gains/losses on available-for-sale investments:

   

Change in net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax benefit (expense) of $(151), $(199), and $33 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively

  281    334    (71)

Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings, net of tax effects of $68, $17, and $10 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively

  (112  (151)  33  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  169    183    (38
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains/losses on derivative instruments:

   

Change in derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0, $(9) and $16 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively

  87    46    (141)

Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings

  (108)  2    108  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (21  48    (33
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(34), $(9), and $38 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively

  538    (55  (192)
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

  7,176    7,943    5,871  

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

  (15)  12    19  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.

 $7,161   $7,955   $5,890  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The components of AOCI, net of tax, are summarized as follows (in millions):

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

Net unrealized gains on investments

  $487    $333    $138  

Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

   6     27     (21

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

   801     263     318  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,294    $623    $435  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

14. Employee Benefit Plans

14.Employee Benefit Plans
(a)Employee Stock Incentive Plans

(a) Employee Stock Incentive Plans

Stock Incentive Plan Program Description    As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company had fivefour stock incentive plans: the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”); the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”); the 1997 Supplemental Stock Incentive Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”); the Cisco Systems, Inc. SA Acquisition Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “SA Acquisition Plan”); and the Cisco Systems, Inc. WebEx Acquisition Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “WebEx Acquisition Plan”). In addition, the Company has, in connection with the acquisitions of various companies, assumed the share-based awards granted under stock incentive plans of the acquired companies or issued share-based awards in replacement thereof. Share-based awards are designed to reward employees for their long-term contributions to the Company and provide incentives for them to remain with the Company. The number and frequency of share-based awards are based on competitive practices, operating results of the Company, government regulations, and other factors. Since the inception of the stock incentive plans, the Company has granted share-based awards to a significant percentage of its employees, and the majority has been granted to employees below the vice president level. The Company’s primary stock incentive plans are summarized as follows:

2005 PlanAs amended on November 15, 2007,of July 26, 2014, the maximum number of shares issuable under the 2005 Plan over its term is 559was 694 million shares, plus the amountnumber of any shares underlying awards outstanding on November 15, 2007 under the 1996 Plan, the SA Acquisition Plan, and the WebEx Acquisition Plan that are forfeited or are terminated for any other reason before being

110


exercised or settled. If any awards granted under the 2005 Plan are forfeited or are terminated for any other reason before being exercised or settled, then the unexercised or unsettled shares underlying the awards will again be available under the 2005 Plan.

Prior Starting November 19, 2013, shares withheld by the Company from an award other than a stock option or stock appreciation right to satisfy withholding tax liabilities resulting from such award will again be available for issuance, based on the fungible share ratio in effect on the date of grant.

Pursuant to an amendment approved by the Company’s shareholders on November 12, 2009, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2005 Plan was reduced by 2.5 shares for each share awarded as a stock grant or stock unit. Pursuant to an amendment approved by the Company’s shareholders on November 12, 2009, following that amendment the number of shares available for issuance under the 2005 Plan is reduced by 1.5 shares for each share awarded as a stock grant or a stock unit, and any shares underlying awards outstanding under the 1996 Plan, the SA Acquisition Plan, and the WebEx Acquisition Plan that expire unexercised at the end of their maximum terms become available for reissuance under the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan permits the granting of stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units (RSUs), the vesting of which may be performance-based or market-based along with the requisite service requirement, and stock appreciation rights to employees (including employee directors and officers), consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and non-employee directors of the Company. Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2005 Plan have an exercise price of at least 100% of the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date and prior to November 12, 2009 have an expiration date no later than nine years from the grant date. The expiration date for stock options and stock appreciation rights granted subsequent to the amendment approved on November 12, 2009 shall be no later than ten10 years from the grant date.
The stock options will generally become exercisable for 20% or 25% of the option shares one year from the date of grant and then ratably over the following 48 monthsor 36 months, respectively. StockTime-based stock grants and stock unitstime-based RSUs will generally vest with respect to 20% or 25% of the shares or share units covered by the grant on each of the first through fifth or fourth anniversaries of the date of the grant, respectively. Performance-based and market-based RSUs typically vest at the end of the three-year requisite service period or earlier if the award recipient meets certain retirement eligibility conditions. The Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors has the discretion to use different vesting schedules. Stock appreciation rights may be

awarded in combination with stock options or stock grants, and such awards shall provide that the stock appreciation rights will not be exercisable unless the related stock options or stock grants are forfeited. Stock grants may be awarded in combination with non-statutory stock options, and such awards may provide that the stock grants will be forfeited in the event that the related non-statutory stock options are exercised.

1996 Plan   The 1996 Plan expired on December 31, 2006, and the Company can no longer make equity awards under the 1996 Plan. The maximum number of shares issuable over the term of the 1996 Plan was 2.5 billion shares. Stock options granted under the 1996 Plan have an exercise price of at least 100% of the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date and expire no later than nine years from the grant date. The stock options generally becomebecame exercisable for 20% or 25% of the option shares one year from the date of grant and then ratably over the following 48 monthsor 36 months, respectively. Certain other grants have utilized a 60-month ratable vesting schedule. In addition, the Board of Directors, or other committees administering the plan, have1996 Plan, had the discretion to use a different vesting schedule and have donedid so from time to time.

Supplemental Plan  The Supplemental Plan expired on December 31, 2007, and the Company can no longer make equity awards under the Supplemental Plan. Officers and members of the Company’s Board of Directors were not eligible to participate in the Supplemental Plan. Nine million shares were reserved for issuance under the Supplemental Plan.

Acquisition Plans In connection with the Company’s acquisitions of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (“Scientific-Atlanta”) and WebEx Communications, Inc. (“WebEx”), the Company adopted the SA Acquisition Plan and the WebEx Acquisition Plan, respectively, each effective upon completion of the applicable acquisition. These plans constitute assumptions, amendments, restatements, and renamings of the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Scientific-Atlanta and the WebEx Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, respectively. The plans permit the grant of stock options, stock, stock units, and stock appreciation rights to certain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates who had been employed by Scientific-Atlanta or its subsidiaries or WebEx or its subsidiaries, as applicable. As a result of the shareholder approval of the amendment and extension of the 2005 Plan, as of November 15, 2007, the Company will no longer make stock option grants or direct share issuances under either the SA Acquisition Plan or the WebEx Acquisition Plan.

(b)Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(b) Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which includes its subplan named the International Employee Stock Purchase Plan (together, the “Purchase Plan”), under which 471.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance as of July 30, 2011. Effective July 1, 2009, eligible26, 2014. Eligible employees are offered shares through a 24-month offering period, which consists of four consecutive 6-month purchase periods.periods. Employees may purchase a limited number of shares of the Company’s stock at a discount of up to 15% of the lesser of the market value at the beginning of the offering period or the end of each 6-month purchase period. The Purchase Plan is scheduled to terminate on January 3, 2020.2020. The Company issued 34 million, 27 million, 36 million, and 2835 million shares under the Purchase Plan in fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively. As of July 30, 2011, 12226, 2014, 25 million shares were available for issuance under the Purchase Plan.

(c) Summary


111


(c)Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense consists primarily of expenses for stock options, stock purchase rights, restricted stock, and restricted stock units granted to employees. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense (in millions):

Years Ended

 July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Cost of sales—product

 $61   $57   $46  

Cost of sales—service

  177    164    128  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales

  238    221    174  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Research and development

  481    450    382  

Sales and marketing

  651    602    482  

General and administrative

  250    244    193  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses

  1,382    1,296    1,057  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total share-based compensation expense

 $1,620   $1,517   $1,231  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Cost of sales—product$45
 $40
 $53
Cost of sales—service150
 138
 156
Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales195
 178
 209
Research and development411
 286
 401
Sales and marketing549
 484
 588
General and administrative198
 175
 203
Restructuring and other charges(5) (3) 
Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses1,153
 942
 1,192
Total share-based compensation expense$1,348
 $1,120
 $1,401
Income tax benefit for share-based compensation$324
 $285
 $335
As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the total compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards not yet recognized was $2.9$2.4 billion, which is expected to be recognized over approximately 2.22.3 years on a weighted-average basis. The income tax benefit for share-based compensation expense was $444 million, $415 million, and $317 million for fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

(d)Share-Based Awards Available for Grant
(d) Share-Based Awards Available for Grant

A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in millions):

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Balance at beginning of fiscal year228
 218
 255
Restricted stock, stock units, and other share-based awards granted(98) (102) (95)
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited/expired36
 115
 64
Additional shares reserved135
 
 
Shares withheld for taxes and not issued6
 
 
Other3
 (3) (6)
Balance at end of fiscal year310
 228
 218
Share-Based Awards
Available for  Grant

BALANCE AT JULY 26, 2008

362

Options granted and assumed

(14)

Restricted stock, stock units, and other share-based awards granted and assumed

(140)

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited/expired

38

Additional shares reserved

7

BALANCE AT JULY 25, 2009

253

Options granted and assumed

(15)

Restricted stock, stock units, and other share-based awards granted and assumed

(81)

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited/expired

123

Additional shares reserved

15

BALANCE AT JULY 31, 2010

295

Restricted stock, stock units, and other share-based awards granted and  assumed

(84)

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited/expired

42

Additional shares reserved

2

BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2011

255

As reflected in the preceding table, for each share awarded as restricted stock or subject to a restricted stock unit award under the 2005 Plan, beginning November 15, 2007 and prior to November 12, 2009, an equivalent of 2.51.5 shares was deducted from the available share-based award balance. Effective as of November 12, 2009, the equivalent number of shares was revised to 1.5 shares for each share awarded asFor restricted stock units that were awarded with vesting contingent upon the achievement of future financial performance or subject to a restricted stock unit award undermarket-based metrics, the 2005 Plan beginning on this date.

maximum awards that can be achieved upon full vesting of such awards were reflected in the preceding table.


112


(e)Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards
(e) Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards

A summary of the restricted stock and stock unit activity, which includes time-based and performance-based or market-based restricted stock units, is as follows (in millions, except per-share amounts):

   Restricted Stock/
Stock Units
  Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share
   Aggregated Fair
Market Value
 

BALANCE AT JULY 26, 2008

   10   $24.27    

Granted and assumed

   57    20.90    

Vested

   (4)  23.56    $69  

Canceled/forfeited

   (1)  22.76    
  

 

 

    

BALANCE AT JULY 25, 2009

   62    21.25    

Granted and assumed

   54    23.40    

Vested

   (16)  21.56    $378  

Canceled/forfeited

   (3)  22.40    
  

 

 

    

BALANCE AT JULY 31, 2010

   97    22.35    

Granted and assumed

   56    20.62    

Vested

   (27)  22.54    $529  

Canceled/forfeited

   (10)  22.04    
  

 

 

    

BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2011

   116   $21.50    
  

 

 

    

Certain of the restricted stock units awarded in fiscal 2011 were contingent on the future achievement of financial performance metrics.

Prior to the initial declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on March 17, 2011, the fair value of restricted stock units was measured based on the grant date share price reduced by the present value of the dividend using an expected dividend yield of 0%, as the Company did not historically pay cash dividends on its common stock. For awards granted on or subsequent to March 17, 2011, the Company used an annualized dividend yield based on the per-share dividends declared by its Board of Directors.

 
Restricted Stock/
Stock Units
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share
 
Aggregated Fair
Market Value
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2011116
 $21.50
  
Granted and assumed65
 17.45
  
Vested(35) 21.94
 $580
Canceled/forfeited(18) 20.38
  
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 28, 2012128
 19.46
  
Granted and assumed72
 18.52
  
Vested(46) 20.17
 $932
Canceled/forfeited(11) 18.91
  
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 27, 2013143
 18.80
  
Granted and assumed72
 20.85
  
Vested(53) 19.55
 $1,229
Canceled/forfeited(13) 18.61
  
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 26, 2014149
 $19.54
  
(f)Stock Option Awards
(f) Stock Option Awards

A summary of the stock option activity is as follows (in millions, except per-share amounts):

   STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING 
   Number
Outstanding
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price per Share
 

BALANCE AT JULY 26, 2008

   1,199   $27.83  

Granted and assumed

   14    19.01  

Exercised (1)

   (33)  14.67  

Canceled/forfeited/expired

   (176)  49.79  
  

 

 

  

BALANCE AT JULY 25, 2009

   1,004    24.29  

Granted and assumed

   15    13.23  

Exercised (1)

   (158)  17.88  

Canceled/forfeited/expired

   (129)  47.31  
  

 

 

  

BALANCE AT JULY 31, 2010

   732    21.39  

Exercised (1)

   (80)  16.55  

Canceled/forfeited/expired

   (31)  25.91  
  

 

 

  

BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2011

   621   $21.79  
  

 

 

  

 STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price per Share
BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2011621
 $21.79
Assumed from acquisitions1
 2.08
Exercised(66) 13.51
Canceled/forfeited/expired(36) 23.40
BALANCE AT JULY 28, 2012520
 22.68
Assumed from acquisitions10
 0.77
Exercised(154) 18.51
Canceled/forfeited/expired(100) 22.18
BALANCE AT JULY 27, 2013276
 24.44
Assumed from acquisitions6
 3.60
Exercised(78) 18.30
Canceled/forfeited/expired(17) 27.53
BALANCE AT JULY 26, 2014187
 $26.03
The total pretax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $458 million, $661 million, and $333 million, respectively.

113


(1)

The total pretax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $312 million, $1.0 billion, and $158 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable stock options as of July 30, 201126, 2014 (in millions, except years and share prices):

   STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING   STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISABLE 

Range of Exercise Prices

  Number
Outstanding
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

(in Years)
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price per
Share
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
   Number
Exercisable
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price per
Share
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

$  0.01 – 15.00

   56     1.59    $10.62    $300     54    $10.74    $282  

  15.01 – 18.00

   97     3.03     17.72     2     96     17.72     2  

  18.01 – 20.00

   167     1.91     19.29     —       166     19.29     —    

  20.01 – 25.00

   154     3.87     22.75     —       144     22.75     —    

  25.01 – 35.00

   147     5.08     30.65     —       115     30.62     —    
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

   621     3.29    $21.79    $302     575    $21.37    $284  
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

  STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
Range of Exercise Prices 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(in Years)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price per
Share
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Number
Exercisable
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price per
Share
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$  0.01 – 15.00 8
 5.2 $4.00
 $172
 4
 $5.54
 $85
15.01 – 18.00 11
 0.3 17.79
 93
 11
 17.79
 93
18.01 – 20.00 3
 0.7 19.38
 20
 3
 19.38
 20
20.01 – 25.00 62
 1.2 22.86
 192
 62
 22.86
 192
25.01 – 30.00 27
 1.9 26.59
 4
 27
 26.59
 4
30.01 – 35.00 76
 2.0 32.16
 
 76
 32.16
 
Total 187
 1.7 $26.03
 $481
 183
 $26.50
 $394
The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $15.97$25.97 as of July 29, 2011, which25, 2014, that would have been received by the option holders had those option holders exercised their stock options as of that date. The total number of in-the-money stock options exercisable as of July 30, 201126, 2014 was 57 million.94 million. As of July 31, 2010, 60627, 2013, 271 million outstanding stock options were exercisable and the weighted-average exercise price was $20.51.

(g) $24.84.

(g)Valuation of Employee Share-Based Awards
Time-based restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units (PRSUs) that are based on the Company’s financial performance metrics or non-financial operating goals are valued using the market value of Employee Stock Purchase Rightsthe Company’s common stock on the date of grant, discounted for the present value of expected dividends. On the date of grant, the Company estimated the fair value of the total shareholder return (TSR) component of the PRSUs using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The assumptions for the valuation of time-based RSUs and Employee Stock OptionsPRSUs are summarized as follows:

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
Years EndedJuly 26, 2014
July 27, 2013
July 28, 2012
Number of shares granted (in millions)56

64

62
Grant date fair value per share$20.61

$18.39

$17.26
Weighted-average assumptions/inputs:     
   Expected dividend yield3.1%
3.0%
1.5%
   Range of risk-free interest rates
0.0%  1.7%


0.0% – 1.1%

0.0% – 1.1%
 PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Number of shares granted (in millions)7
 4
 2
Grant date fair value per share$21.90
 $19.73
 $22.17
Weighted-average assumptions/inputs:     
   Expected dividend yield3.0% 2.9% 1.3%
   Range of risk-free interest rates
0.0%  1.7%

 0.1% – 0.7%
 0.0% – 0.9%
   Range of expected volatilities for index14.2% – 70.5%
 18.3% – 78.3%
 19.8% – 60.8%
The PRSUs granted during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 are contingent on the achievement of the Company’s financial performance metrics, its comparative market-based returns, or the achievement of non-financial operating goals. For the awards based on financial performance metrics or its comparative market-based returns, generally

50% of the PRSUs are earned based on the average of annual operating cash flow and earnings per share goals established at the beginning of each fiscal year over a three-year performance period. Generally, the remaining 50% of the PRSUs are earned based on the Company’s TSR measured against the benchmark TSR of a peer group over the same period. Each PRSU recipient could vest in 0% to 150% of the target shares granted contingent on the achievement of the Company's financial performance metrics or its comparative market-based returns, and 0% or 100% of the target shares granted contingent on the achievement of non-financial operating goals.


114


The assumptions for the valuation of employee stock purchase rights are summarized as follows:
 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Weighted-average assumptions:     
   Expected volatility25.1% 28.7% 27.2%
   Risk-free interest rate0.1% 0.4% 0.2%
   Expected dividend2.8% 1.5% 1.5%
   Expected life (in years)0.8
 1.8
 0.8
Weighted-average estimated grant date fair value per share$5.54
 $4.68
 $3.81
The valuation of employee stock purchase rights and the underlyingrelated assumptions being used are summarized as follows:

   EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS 

Years Ended

  July 30,
2011
  July 31,
2010
  July 25,
2009
 

Weighted-average assumptions:

    

Expected volatility

   28.0%  30.9%  36.4%

Risk-free interest rate

   0.3%  0.5%  0.6%

Expected dividend

   1.5%  0.0%  0.0%

Weighted-average expected life (in years)

   1.3    1.3    1.1  

Weighted-average estimated grant date fair value per share

  $4.24   $6.53   $5.46  

The valuation offor the employee stock options andpurchases made during the underlying assumptions being used are summarized as follows:

   EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS 

Years Ended

  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Weighted-average assumptions:

   

Expected volatility

   30.5%  36.0%

Risk-free interest rate

   2.3%  3.0%

Expected dividend

   0.0%  0.0%

Kurtosis

   4.1    4.5  

Skewness

   0.20    (0.19)

Weighted-average expected life (in years)

   5.1    5.9  

Weighted-average estimated grant date fair value per option

  $6.50   $6.60  

respective fiscal years.

The Company estimates onuses third-party analyses to assist in developing the date of grant the value of employee stock purchase rights using the Black-Scholes model and the value of employee stock options using a lattice-binomial model. The determination of the fair

value of employee stock options and employee stock purchase rights is impacted by the Company’s stock price on the date of grantassumptions used in, as well as calibrating, its lattice-binomial and Black-Scholes models. The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions regarding a numberused in estimating the fair value of highly complex and subjective variables.

its share-based payment awards.

The Company used the implied volatility for traded options (with contract terms corresponding to the expected life of the employee stock purchase rights) on the Company’s stock as the expected volatility assumption required in the Black-Scholes model. The implied volatility is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the term of the Company’s employee stock purchase rights. The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of dividend payouts at the grant date. Prior to the initial declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on March 17, 2011, the fair value of employee stock purchase rights and employee stock options was measured based on an expected dividend yield of 0% as the Company did not historically pay cash dividends on its common stock. For awards granted on or subsequent to March 17, 2011, the Company used an annualized dividend yield based on the per-share dividend declared by its Board of Directors.

The lattice-binomial model is more capable of incorporating the features of the Company’s employee stock options, such as the vesting provisions and various restrictions including restrictions on transfer and hedging, among others, and the options are often exercised prior to their contractual maturity. The use of the lattice-binomial model requires extensive actual employee exercise behavior data for the relative probability estimation purpose, and a number of complex assumptions as presented in the preceding table. The Company used the implied volatility for two-year traded options on the Company’s stock as the expected volatility assumption required in the lattice-binomial model. The implied volatility is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the term of the Company’s employee stock options. The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of dividend payouts at the grant date. The estimated kurtosis and skewness are technical measures of the distribution of stock price returns, which affect expected employee stock option exercise behaviors, and are based on the Company’s stock price return history as well as consideration of various academic analyses. The expected life of employee stock options is a derived output of the lattice-binomial model, which represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding.

The Company uses third-party analyses to assist in developing the assumptions used in, as well as calibrating, its lattice-binomial and Black-Scholes models. The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards is affected by assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value or be indicative of the fair value that would be observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market for the Company’s employee stock options.

(h)Employee 401(k) Plans
(h) Employee 401(k) Plans

The Company sponsors the Cisco Systems, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”) to provide retirement benefits for its employees. As allowed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Plan provides for tax-deferred salary contributions and after-tax contributions for eligible employees. Effective January 1, 2009, theThe Plan allows employees to contribute from 1% to 75% of their annual compensation to the Plan on a pretax and after-tax basis and effective January 1, 2011, the Plan also allowsincluding Roth contributions. Employee contributions are limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Code. Effective January 1, 2009, theThe Company matches pretax employee contributions up to 100% of the first 4.5% of eligible earnings that are contributed by employees. Therefore, the maximum matching contribution that the Company may allocate to each participant’s account will not exceed $11,025$11,700 for the 20112014 calendar year due to the $245,000$260,000 annual limit on eligible earnings imposed by

the Internal Revenue Code. All matching contributions vest immediately. The Company’s matching contributions to the Plan totaled $239$236 million $210, $234 million, and $202$231 million in fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively.

The Plan allows employees who meet the age requirements and reach the Plan contribution limits to make a catch-up contribution not to exceed the lesser of 75% of their eligible compensation or the limit set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The catch-up contributions are not eligible for matching contributions. In addition, the Plan provides for discretionary profit-sharing contributions as determined by the Board of Directors. Such contributions to the Plan are allocated among eligible participants in the proportion of their salaries to the total salaries of all participants. There were no discretionary profit-sharing contributions made in fiscal 2011, 2010, or 2009.

2014, 2013, and 2012.

The Company also sponsors other 401(k) plans that arose from acquisitions of other companies. The Company’s contributions to these plans were not material to the Company on either an individual or aggregate basis for any of the fiscal years presented.

(i)Deferred Compensation Plans
(i) Deferred Compensation Plans

The Cisco Systems, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, became effective in 2007. As required by applicable law, participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan is limited to a select group of the Company’s management employees. Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, which is an unfunded and unsecured deferred compensation arrangement, a participant may elect to defer base salary, bonus, and/or commissions, pursuant to such rules as may be established by the Company, up to the maximum percentages for each deferral election as described in the plan. The Company may also, at its discretion, make a matching contribution to the employee under the Deferred Compensation Plan. A matching contribution equal to 4.5% of eligible compensation in excess of the Internal Revenue Code limit for qualified plans for calendar year 20112014 that is deferred by participants under the Deferred Compensation Plan (with a $1.5$1.5 million cap on eligible compensation) will be made to eligible participants’ accounts at the end of calendar year 2011.2014. The deferred compensation liability under the Deferred Compensation Plan, together with a deferred compensation plan assumed from Scientific-Atlanta, was approximately $375$509 million and $280$441 million as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, respectively, and was recorded primarily in other long-term liabilities.



115

15. Income Taxes

(a) Provision for Income Taxes


15.Comprehensive Income
The components of AOCI, net of tax, and the other comprehensive income (loss), excluding noncontrolling interest are summarized as follows (in millions):
 Net Unrealized Gains on Investments Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Cumulative Translation Adjustment and Other Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2011$487
 $6
 $801
 $1,294
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.(19) (131) (532) (682)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income(101) 72
 
 (29)
Tax benefit (expense)42
 
 36
 78
BALANCE AT JULY 28, 2012409
 (53) 305
 661
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.3
 74
 (83) (6)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income(48) (12) 
 (60)
Tax benefit (expense)15
 (1) (1) 13
BALANCE AT JULY 27, 2013379
 8
 221
 608
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.380
 48
 49
 477
(Gains) losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income(300) (68) 
 (368)
Tax benefit (expense)(35) 
 (5) (40)
BALANCE AT JULY 26, 2014$424
 $(12) $265
 $677

The net gains (losses) reclassified out of other comprehensive income into the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with line item location, during each period were as follows (in millions):
  July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012  
Comprehensive Income Components Income Before Taxes Line Item in Statements of Operations
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments        
  $300
 $48
 $101
 Other income (loss), net
         
Net unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments:        
Foreign currency derivatives 55
 10
 (59) Operating expenses
Foreign currency derivatives 13
 2
 (14) Cost of sales—service
Interest rate derivatives 
 
 1
 Interest expense
  68
 12
 (72)  
         
Total amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income $368
 $60
 $29
  


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16.Income Taxes
(a)Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Federal:

    

Current

  $914   $1,469   $1,615  

Deferred

   (168)  (435)  (397)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   746    1,034    1,218  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

State:

    

Current

   49    186    132  

Deferred

   83    —      (30)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   132    186    102  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign:

    

Current

   529    470    386  

Deferred

   (72)  (42)  (147)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   457    428    239  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,335   $1,648   $1,559  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Federal:     
Current$1,672
 $601
 $1,836
Deferred(383) 152
 (270)
 1,289
 753
 1,566
State:     
Current176
 81
 119
Deferred(64) 48
 (53)
 112
 129
 66
Foreign:     
Current692
 599
 477
Deferred(231) (237) 9
 461
 362
 486
Total$1,862
 $1,244
 $2,118

Income before provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

United States

  $1,214    $1,102    $1,650  

International

   6,611     8,313     6,043  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $7,825    $9,415    $7,693  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
United States$2,734
 $3,716
 $3,235
International6,981
 7,511
 6,924
Total$9,715
 $11,227
 $10,159
The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and the provision for income taxes consist of the following:

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Federal statutory rate

   35.0   35.0   35.0

Effect of:

    

State taxes, net of federal tax benefit

   1.5    1.4    1.3  

Foreign income at other than U.S. rates

   (19.4)  (19.3)  (18.9)

Tax credits

   (3.0)  (0.5)  (2.4)

Transfer pricing adjustment related to share-based compensation

   —      (1.7)  2.3  

Nondeductible compensation

   2.5    2.0    2.6  

Other, net

   0.5    0.6    0.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   17.1  17.5  20.3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Federal statutory rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Effect of:     
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit0.5
 0.8
 0.4
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates(16.4) (16.4) (15.6)
Tax credits(0.7) (1.6) (0.4)
Domestic manufacturing deduction(0.9) (1.0) (1.1)
Nondeductible compensation3.3
 1.3
 1.8
Tax audit settlement
 (7.1) 
Other, net(1.6) 0.1
 0.7
Total19.2 %
11.1 % 20.8 %
During fiscal 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Company settled all outstanding items related to the audit of the Company’s federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ended July 27, 2002 through July 28, 2007. As a result of the settlement, the Company recognized a net benefit to the provision for income taxes of $794 million. In addition, the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the TaxAmerican Taxpayer Relief Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 reinstated the U.S. federal R&D tax credit through December 2013, retroactive to January 1, 2010.2012. As a result, the tax provision in fiscal 2011 includes2013 included a tax benefit of $65$184 million related to the R&D tax credit for fiscal 2010.

During fiscal 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the “Ninth Circuit”) withdrew its prior holding and reaffirmed the 2005 U.S. Tax Court ruling inXilinx, Inc. v. Commissioner. This final decision impacted the tax treatment of share-based compensation expenses for the purpose of determining intangible development costs under a company’s research and development cost sharing arrangement. While the Company was not a named party to the case, this decision resulted in a change in the Company’s tax benefits recognized in its financial statements. As a result of the decision, the Company recognized in fiscal 2011 a combined tax benefit of $724 million, of which $158 million was recorded as a reduction to the provision for income taxes and $566 million was recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. These tax benefits effectively reversed the related charges that the Company incurred during fiscal 2009. The tax provision in fiscal 2009 also included a net tax benefit of $106 million, related to the R&D tax credit for fiscal 2008, as a result of the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 which reinstated the U.S. federal R&D tax credit, retroactiveof which $72 million was attributable to January 1, 2008.fiscal 2012.

U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes associated with the repatriation of earnings of foreign subsidiaries were not provided for on a cumulative total of $36.7$52.7 billion of undistributed earnings for certain foreign subsidiaries as of the end of fiscal 2011.2014. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in its foreign subsidiaries. If these earnings were distributed to the United States in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of the relevant foreign subsidiaries were sold or otherwise transferred, the Company would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for

117


foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.

As a result of certain employment and capital investment actions, the Company’s income in certain foreign countries is subject to reduced tax rates and in some cases is wholly exempt from taxes. A portion of these tax incentives will expire at the end of fiscal 2015, and the majority of the remaining balance will expire at the end of fiscal 2025. The gross income tax benefit attributable to tax incentives was estimated to be $1.3 billion ($0.25 per diluted share) in fiscal 2014, of which approximately $0.5 billion ($0.10 per diluted share) is based on tax incentives that will expire at the end of fiscal 2015. As of the end of the respective fiscal years,2013 and fiscal 2012, the gross income tax benefits attributable to these tax incentives were estimated to be $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion ($0.240.26 and $0.24 per diluted share) in fiscal 2011, $1.7 billion ($0.30 per diluted share) in fiscal 2010, and $1.3 billion ($0.22 per diluted share) in fiscal 2009. Thesefor each of the respective years. The gross income tax benefits for the respective years were partially offset by accruals of U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings.

(b)

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Beginning balance

  $2,677   $2,816   $2,505  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

   374    246    190  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

   93    60    307  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

   (60)  (250)  (17)

Settlements

   (56)  (140)  (109)

Lapse of statute of limitations

   (80)  (55)  (60)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $2,948   $2,677   $2,816  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Beginning balance$1,775
 $2,819
 $2,948
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year262
 138
 155
Additions for tax positions of prior years64
 187
 54
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(13) (1,027) (226)
Settlements(17) (199) (41)
Lapse of statute of limitations(133) (143) (71)
Ending balance$1,938
 $1,775
 $2,819
As of July 30, 2011, $2.626, 2014, $1.7 billion of the unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate if realized. During fiscal 2011,2014 the Company recognized $38$29 million of net interest expense and $9$8 million of penalties. During fiscal 2010,2013, the Company recognized $167$115 million of net interest incomeexpense and $5$2 million of penalties. During fiscal 2012, the Company recognized $146 million of net interest expense and $21 million of penalties. The Company’s total accrual for interest and penalties was $214$304 million, $268 million, and $167$381 million as of the end of fiscal 20112014, 2013, and 2010,2012, respectively. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax audit for returns covering tax years through fiscal 2001.2007. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to foreign, state, andor local or foreign income tax audits for returns covering tax years through fiscal 1997.

2002.

During fiscal 2010, the Ninth Circuit withdrew its prior holding and reaffirmed the 2005 U.S. Tax Court ruling inXilinx, Inc. v. Commissioner. As a result of this final decision in fiscal 2010, the Company decreased the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $220 million and decreased the amount of accrued interest by $218 million, which effectively reversed a similar amount that was recorded as an increase in the unrecognized tax benefits during fiscal 2009 as a result of the Ninth Circuit’s initial decision.

The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. Specific positions that may be resolved include issues involving transfer pricing and various other matters. The Company estimates that the unrecognized tax benefits at July 30, 201126, 2014 could be reduced by approximately $350$300 million in the next 12 months.

(c) Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

(b)Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents the breakdown between current and noncurrent net deferred tax assets (in millions):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

Deferred tax assets—current

  $2,410   $2,126  

Deferred tax liabilities—current

   (131)  (87)

Deferred tax assets—noncurrent

   1,864    2,079  

Deferred tax liabilities—noncurrent

   (264  (276)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax assets

  $3,879   $3,842  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
Deferred tax assets—current$2,808
 $2,616
Deferred tax liabilities—current(134) (114)
Deferred tax assets—noncurrent1,700
 1,539
Deferred tax liabilities—noncurrent(369) (399)
Total net deferred tax assets$4,005
 $3,642


118


The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):

   July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010 

ASSETS

   

Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns

  $413   $248  

Sales-type and direct-financing leases

   178    224  

Inventory write-downs and capitalization

   160    176  

Investment provisions

   226    329  

IPR&D, goodwill, and purchased intangible assets

   106    191  

Deferred revenue

   1,634    1,752  

Credits and net operating loss carryforwards

   713    752  

Share-based compensation expense

   1,084    970  

Accrued compensation

   507    339  

Other

   590    517  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

   5,611    5,498  

Valuation allowance

   (82)  (76)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

   5,529    5,422  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

   

Purchased intangible assets

   (997)  (1,224)

Depreciation

   (298)  (120)

Unrealized gains on investments

   (265  (185)

Other

   (90)  (51)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   (1,650)  (1,580)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax assets

  $3,879   $3,842  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013
ASSETS   
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns$464
 $390
Sales-type and direct-financing leases231
 167
Inventory write-downs and capitalization307
 216
Investment provisions212
 214
IPR&D, goodwill, and purchased intangible assets135
 123
Deferred revenue1,689
 1,624
Credits and net operating loss carryforwards796
 681
Share-based compensation expense661
 783
Accrued compensation496
 486
Other676
 560
Gross deferred tax assets5,667
 5,244
Valuation allowance(114) (98)
Total deferred tax assets5,553
 5,146
LIABILITIES   
Purchased intangible assets(1,229) (1,101)
Depreciation(48) (169)
Unrealized gains on investments(245) (211)
Other(26) (23)
Total deferred tax liabilities(1,548) (1,504)
Total net deferred tax assets$4,005
 $3,642
As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company’s federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes were $334$233 million $1.7 billion,, $658 million, and $298$699 million, respectively. A significant amount of the federal net operating loss carryforwards relates to acquisitions and, as a result, is limited in the amount that can be recognized in any one year. If not utilized, the federal net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in fiscal 2019,2018, and the foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in fiscal 2012, and the2015. The Company has provided a valuation allowance of $71 million for deferred tax assets related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards will beginlosses that are not expected to expire in fiscal 2012. be realized.
As of July 30, 2011,26, 2014, the Company’s federal, state, and stateforeign tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes were approximately $5$8 million, $710 million, and $531$13 million, respectively. If not utilized, theThe federal and stateforeign tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in fiscal 20132014 and fiscal 2012,2027, respectively.

16. Segment Information and Major Customers

The majority of state tax credits can be carried forward indefinitely; however, the Company designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other productshas provided a valuation allowance of $43 million for deferred tax assets related to the communications and IT industry and provides services associated with these products and their use. Cisco product categories consist of Routers, Switches, New Products, and Other Products. These products, primarily integrated by Cisco IOS Software, link geographically dispersed local-area networks (LANs), metropolitan-area networks (MANs) and wide-area networks (WANs).

state tax credits that are not expected to be realized.


17.Segment Information and Major Customers
(a)Revenue and Gross Margin by Segment
(a) Net Sales and Gross Margin by Segment

The Company conducts business globally and is primarily managed on a geographic basis. Asbasis consisting of July 30, 2011,three segments: the Company had four geographic segments, which consisted of United StatesAmericas, EMEA, and Canada, European Markets, Emerging Markets, and Asia Pacific Markets, as presented in the following tables. As the Company strives for faster decision making with greater accountability and alignment to support the Company’s emerging countries and the five foundational priorities as discussed in Note 5, beginning in fiscal 2012, the Company will organize into the following three geographic segments: The Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”); and Asia Pacific, Japan, and China (“APJC”).

APJC. The Company’s management makes financial decisions and allocates resources based on the information it receives from its internal management system. Sales are attributed to a geographic segment based on the ordering

location of the customer. The Company does not allocate research and development, sales and marketing, or general and administrative expenses to its geographic segments in this internal management system because management does not include the information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments. In addition, the Company does not allocate amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, significant litigation and other contingencies, impacts to cost of sales from purchase accounting adjustments to inventory, charges related to asset impairments and restructurings, and certain other charges to the gross margin for each segment because management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments.


119


Summarized financial information by segment for fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, based on the Company’s internal management system and as utilized by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM)(“CODM”), is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011  July 31, 2010  July 25, 2009 

Net sales:

    

United States and Canada(1)

  $23,115   $21,740   $19,345  

European Markets

   8,536    8,048    7,683  

Emerging Markets

   4,966    4,367    3,999  

Asia Pacific Markets

   6,601    5,885    5,090  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $43,218   $40,040   $36,117  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross margin:

    

United States and Canada

  $14,618   $14,042   $12,660  

European Markets

   5,529    5,425    5,116  

Emerging Markets

   3,067    2,805    2,438  

Asia Pacific Markets

   4,147    3,847    3,272  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment total

   27,361    26,119    23,486  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Unallocated corporate items(2)

   (825)  (476  (392
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $26,536   $25,643   $23,094  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Revenue:     
Americas$27,781
 $28,639
 $26,501
EMEA12,006
 12,210
 12,075
APJC7,355
 7,758
 7,485
Total$47,142
 $48,607
 $46,061
Gross margin:     
Americas$17,379
 $17,887
 $16,639
EMEA7,700
 7,876
 7,605
APJC4,252
 4,637
 4,519
Segment total29,331
 30,400
 28,763
Unallocated corporate items(1,562) (960) (554)
Total$27,769
 $29,440
 $28,209
Revenue in the United States was $24.3 billion, $24.6 billion, and $22.6 billion for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
(1)

Net sales in the United States were $21.5 billion, $20.4 billion,

(b)Revenue for Groups of Similar Products and $18.2 billion for fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Services
(2)

The unallocated corporate items include the effects of amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, and charges related to asset impairments and restructurings.

(b) Net Sales for Groups of Similar Products

The Company designs, manufactures, and Services

sells Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and IT industry and provides services associated with these products and their use. The Company groups its products and technologies into the following categories: Switching, NGN Routing, Service Provider Video, Collaboration, Data Center, Wireless, Security, and Other Products. These products, primarily integrated by Cisco IOS Software, link geographically dispersed local-area networks (LANs), metropolitan-area networks (MANs), and wide-area networks (WANs).

The following table presents net salesrevenue for groups of similar products and services (in millions):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

Net sales:

      

Routers

  $7,100    $6,728    $6,521  

Switches

   13,418     13,454     11,923  

New Products

   13,025     11,386     9,859  

Other Products

   983     852     828  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Product

   34,526     32,420     29,131  

Service

   8,692     7,620     6,986  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $43,218    $40,040    $36,117  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Revenue:     
Switching$14,056
 $14,767
 $14,634
NGN Routing7,662
 8,243
 8,395
Service Provider Video3,969
 4,855
 3,869
Collaboration3,734
 3,956
 4,194
Data Center2,640
 2,074
 1,298
Wireless2,265
 2,228
 1,697
Security1,566
 1,348
 1,341
Other280
 558
 898
Product36,172
 38,029
 36,326
Service10,970
 10,578
 9,735
Total$47,142
 $48,607
 $46,061
The New Products category consistsCompany has made certain reclassifications to the product revenue amounts for prior years to conform to the current year’s presentation.











120


(c)Additional Segment Information
(c) Additional Segment Information

The majority of the Company’s assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents and investments, as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010 was27, 2013 were attributable to its U.S. operations. The Company’s total cash and cash equivalents and investments held outside of the United States inby various foreign subsidiaries were $39.8$47.4 billion and $33.2$40.4 billion as of July 30, 201126, 2014 and July 31, 2010,27, 2013, respectively, and the remaining $4.8$4.7 billion and $6.7$10.2 billion at the respective fiscal year ends was heldwere available in the United States. In fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009, 2012, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales.

revenue.

Property and equipment information is based on the physical location of the assets. The following table presents property and equipment information for geographic areas (in millions):

   July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

Property and equipment, net:

      

United States

  $3,284    $3,283    $3,330  

International

   632     658     713  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $3,916    $3,941    $4,043  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 July 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Property and equipment, net:     
United States$2,697
 $2,780
 $2,842
International555
 542
 560
Total$3,252
 $3,322
 $3,402

17. Net Income per Share

18.Net Income per Share

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in millions, except per-share amounts):

Years Ended

  July 30, 2011   July 31, 2010   July 25, 2009 

Net income

  $6,490    $7,767    $6,134  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares—basic

   5,529     5,732     5,828  

Effect of dilutive potential common shares

   34     116     29  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares—diluted

   5,563     5,848     5,857  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share—basic

  $1.17    $1.36    $1.05  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share—diluted

  $1.17    $1.33    $1.05  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Antidilutive employee share-based awards, excluded

   379     344     977  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Years EndedJuly 26, 2014 July 27, 2013 July 28, 2012
Net income$7,853
 $9,983
 $8,041
Weighted-average shares—basic5,234
 5,329
 5,370
Effect of dilutive potential common shares47
 51
 34
Weighted-average shares—diluted5,281
 5,380
 5,404
Net income per share—basic$1.50
 $1.87
 $1.50
Net income per share—diluted$1.49
 $1.86
 $1.49
Antidilutive employee share-based awards, excluded254
 407
 591
Employee equity share options, unvested shares, and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common shares outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of in-the-money options, unvested restricted stock, and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of such equity awards is calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are collectively assumed to be used to repurchase shares.



121


Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited)

(in millions, except per-share amounts)

Quarters Ended

  July 30,  2011(1)   April 30,  2011(1)   January 29, 2011   October 30, 2010 

Net sales

  $11,195    $10,866    $10,407    $10,750  

Gross margin

  $6,861    $6,659    $6,261    $6,755  

Net income (1)

  $1,232    $1,807    $1,521    $1,930  

Net income per share—basic

  $0.22    $0.33    $0.27    $0.34  

Net income per share—diluted

  $0.22    $0.33    $0.27    $0.34  

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $0.06    $0.06    $    $  

Cash and cash equivalents and investments

  $44,585    $43,367    $40,229    $38,925  

Quarters EndedJuly 26, 2014 April 26, 2014 
January 25, 2014 (1)
 October 26, 2013
Revenue$12,357
 $11,545
 $11,155
 $12,085
Gross margin$7,405
 $7,006
 $5,951
 $7,407
Operating income$2,681
 $2,542
 $1,667
 $2,455
Net income$2,247
 $2,181
 $1,429
 $1,996
Net income per share - basic$0.44
 $0.42
 $0.27
 $0.37
Net income per share - diluted$0.43
 $0.42
 $0.27
 $0.37
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.19
 $0.19
 $0.17
 $0.17
Cash and cash equivalents and investments$52,074
 $50,469
 $47,065
 $48,201
Quarters EndedJuly 27, 2013 April 27, 2013 
January 26, 2013 (2)
 October 27, 2012
Revenue$12,417
 $12,216
 $12,098
 $11,876
Gross margin$7,347
 $7,511
 $7,343
 $7,239
Operating income$2,814
 $2,942
 $2,789
 $2,651
Net income $2,270
 $2,478
 $3,143
 $2,092
Net income per share - basic$0.42
 $0.47
 $0.59
 $0.39
Net income per share - diluted$0.42
 $0.46
 $0.59
 $0.39
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.17
 $0.17
 $0.14
 $0.14
Cash and cash equivalents and investments$50,610
 $47,388
 $46,376
 $45,000

(1) 

Net income forIn the quarters ended July 30, 2011 and April 30, 2011 included restructuring and other chargessecond quarter of $602fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $655 million and $92to product cost of sales, which corresponds to $526 million, net of tax, respectively.for the expected remediation cost for certain products sold in prior fiscal years containing memory components manufactured by a single supplier between 2005 and 2010. See Note 512(f) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Quarters Ended

    July 31, 2010        May 1, 2010       January 23, 2010     October 24, 2009  

Net sales

  $10,836    $10,368    $9,815    $9,021  

Gross margin

  $6,793    $6,630    $6,332    $5,888  

Net income

  $1,935    $2,192    $1,853    $1,787  

Net income per share—basic

  $0.34    $0.38    $0.32    $0.31  

Net income per share—diluted

  $0.33    $0.37    $0.32    $0.30  

Cash and cash equivalents and investments

  $39,861    $39,106    $39,638    $35,365  

Stock Market Information

Cisco common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CSCO. The following table lists the high and low sales prices for each period indicated:

   FISCAL 2011   FISCAL 2010 

Fiscal

  High   Low   High   Low 

First quarter

  $24.87    $19.82    $24.83    $20.68  

Second quarter

  $24.60    $19.00    $25.10    $22.55  

Third quarter

  $22.34    $16.52    $27.74    $22.35  

Fourth quarter

  $17.99    $14.78    $27.69    $20.93  

(2)
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the IRS and the Company settled all outstanding items related to the Company’s federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ended July 27, 2002 through July 28, 2007. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $794 million. Also during the three months ended January 26, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 reinstated the U.S. federal R&D tax credit, retroactive to January 1, 2012. As a result of the credit, the Company recognized tax benefits of $184 million in fiscal 2013, of which $72 million related to fiscal 2012 R&D expenses.

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

None.

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on our management’s evaluation (with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer), as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


122


Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting are set forth, respectively, on page 7972 under the caption “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and on page 7871 of this report.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth quarter of fiscal 20112014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item relating to our directors and nominees is included under the captions “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors—General,” “—Business Experience and Qualifications of Nominees,” and “—Board CommitteesMeetings and Meetings—Committees—Nomination and Governance Committee” in our Proxy Statement related to the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this item regarding our Audit Committee is included under the caption “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors—Board Committees and Meetings” in our Proxy Statement related to the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this item relating to our executive officers is included under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of this report.

The information required by this item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1934 is included under the caption “Ownership of Securities—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement related to the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer and all members of our finance department, including the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This code of ethics, which consists of the “Special Ethics Obligations for Employees with Financial Reporting Responsibilities” section of our Code of Business Conduct that applies to employees generally, is posted on our website. The Internet address for our website iswww.cisco.com, and the code of ethics may be found from our main webpage by clicking first on “About Cisco” and then on “Corporate Governance” under “Investor Relations,” next on “Code of Business Conduct” under “Corporate Governance,” and finally on “Special Ethics Obligations for Employees with Financial Reporting Responsibilities.”

We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this code of ethics by posting such information on our website, on the webpage found by clicking through to “Code of Business Conduct” as specified above.

Item 11.Executive Compensation

The information appearing under the headings “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors—Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation and Related Information” in our Proxy Statement related to the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included under the caption “Ownership of Securities,” and the information required by this item relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included under the caption “Proposal No. 2: Approval“Ownership of the Amendment and Restatement of the 2005 Stock IncentiveSecurities— Equity Compensation Plan Information,” in each case in our Proxy Statement related to the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item relating to review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons is included under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” and the information required by this item relating to director independence is included under the caption “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors—Independent Directors,” in each case in our Proxy Statement related to the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.


123


Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is included under the captions “Proposal No. 5:4: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Principal Accountant Fees and Services” and “Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement related to the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)1.Financial Statements
See the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 70 of this report.

See the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 77 of this report.

2.Financial Statement Schedule
See “Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts” (below) within Item 15 of this report.

See “Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts” on page 134 of this report.

3.Exhibits

See the “Index to Exhibits” immediately following the signature page of this report.

See the “Index to Exhibits” immediately following the signature page of this report.

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in millions)

   Allowances For 
   Lease
Receivables
  Loan
Receivables
  Accounts
Receivable
 

Year ended July 25, 2009:

    

Balance at beginning of fiscal year

  $136   $128   $177  

Provision

   80    33    54  

Write-offs, net

   0    (44  (15

Other*

   (3  (29  0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of fiscal year

  $213   $88   $216  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended July 31, 2010:

    

Balance at beginning of fiscal year

  $213   $88   $216  

Provision

   25    43    44  

Write-offs, net

   (1  (69  (25

Other*

   (30  11    0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of fiscal year

  $207   $73   $235  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Year ended July 30, 2011:

    

Balance at beginning of fiscal year

  $207   $73   $235  

Provision

   31    43    7  

Write-offs, net

   (13  (18  (38

Other*

   12    5    0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of fiscal year

  $237   $103   $204  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

*Other includes the impact of foreign exchange and certain immaterial reclassifications.

 Allowances For
 
Financing
Receivables
 
Accounts
Receivable
Year ended July 28, 2012:   
Balance at beginning of fiscal year$367
 $204
Provisions31
 19
Recoveries (write-offs), net(3) (16)
Foreign exchange and other(15) 
Balance at end of fiscal year$380
 $207
Year ended July 27, 2013:   
Balance at beginning of fiscal year$380
 $207
Provisions11
 33
Recoveries (write-offs), net(46) (12)
Foreign exchange and other(1) 
Balance at end of fiscal year$344
 $228
Year ended July 26, 2014:   
Balance at beginning of fiscal year$344
 $228
Provisions14
 65
Recoveries (write-offs), net(9) (28)
Balance at end of fiscal year$349
 $265
Foreign exchange and other includes the impact of foreign exchange and certain immaterial reclassifications.


124


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

September 14, 20119, 2014  CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
   
/S/    S/ JOHNT.CHAMBERS
  John T. Chambers
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints John T. Chambers and Frank A. Calderoni, jointly and severally, his attorney-in-fact, each with the full power of substitution, for such person, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might do or could do in person hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/S/    JOHN T. CHAMBERS        

John T. Chambers

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

September 14, 2011

/S/    FRANK A. CALDERONI        

Frank A. Calderoni

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

September 14, 2011

/S/    PRAT S. BHATT        

Prat S. Bhatt

Vice President and Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

September 14, 2011

/S/    CAROL A. BARTZ        

Carol A. Bartz

Lead Independent Director

September 14, 2011

/S/    M. MICHELE BURNS        

M. Michele Burns

Director

September 14, 2011

/S/    MICHAEL D. CAPELLAS        

Michael D. Capellas

Director

September 14, 2011

/S/    LARRY R. CARTER        

Larry R. Carter

Director

September 14, 2011

Signature

Title

Date

/S/    BRIAN L. HALLA        

Brian L. Halla

Director

September 14, 2011

/S/    JOHN L. HENNESSY        

Dr. John L. Hennessy

Director

September 14, 2011

/S/    RICHARD M. KOVACEVICH        

Richard M. Kovacevich

Director

September 14, 2011

/S/    RODERICK C. MCGEARY        

Roderick C. McGeary

Director

September 14, 2011

Arun Sarin

Director

/S/    STEVEN M. WEST        

Steven M. West

Signature
TitleDate
 

Director

/S/ JOHN T.CHAMBERS
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorSeptember 14, 20119, 2014
John T. Chambers

Jerry Yang

Director

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

   

Filed
Herewith

 
      Form   File No.   Exhibit   Filing Date     

  3.1

  Restated Articles of Incorporation of Cisco Systems, Inc., as currently in effect   S-3     333-56004     4.1     2/21/2001    

  3.2

  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cisco Systems, Inc., as currently in effect   8-K     000-18225     3.1     3/23/2007    

  4.1

  Indenture, dated February 22, 2006, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee   8-K     000-18225     4.1     2/22/2006    

  4.2

  Indenture, dated February 17, 2009, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee   8-K     000-18225     4.1     2/17/2009    

  4.3

  Indenture, dated November 17, 2009, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee   8-K     000-18225     4.1     11/17/2009    

  4.4

  Indenture, dated March 16, 2011, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee   8-K     000-18225     4.1     03/16/2011    

  4.5

  Forms of Global Note for the registrant’s 5.25% Senior Notes due 2011 and 5.50% Senior Notes due 2016   8-K     000-18225     4.1     2/22/2006    

  4.6

  Forms of Global Note for the registrant’s 4.95% Senior Notes due 2019 and 5.90% Senior Notes due 2039   8-K     000-18225     4.1     2/17/2009    

  4.7

  Forms of Global Note for the registrant’s 2.90% Senior Notes due 2014, 4.45% Senior Notes due 2020, and 5.50% Senior Notes due 2040   8-K     000-18225     4.1     11/17/2009    

  4.8

  Forms of Global Note for the Company’s Floating Rate Notes due 2014, 1.625% Senior Notes due 2014 and 3.150% Senior Notes due 2017   8-K     000-18225     4.1     03/16/2011    

10.1*

  Cisco Systems, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (including related form agreements)           X  

10.2*

  Cisco Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (including related form agreements)   10-K     000-18225     10.2     9/21/2010    

10.3*

  1997 Supplemental Stock Incentive Plan (including related form agreements)   10-K     000-18225     10.2     9/18/2007    

10.4*

  Cisco Systems, Inc. SA Acquisition Long-Term Incentive Plan (amends and restates the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Scientific-Atlanta) (including related form agreements)   10-K     000-18225     10.4     9/18/2007    


Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

   

Filed
Herewith

 
      Form   File No.   Exhibit   Filing Date     

10.5*

  Cisco Systems, Inc. WebEx Acquisition Long-Term Incentive Plan. (amends and restates the WebEx Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan) (including related form agreements)   10-K     000-18225     10.5     9/18/2007    

10.6*

  Cisco Systems, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan   8-K     000-18225     10.2     11/12/2009    

10.7*

  Notice of Grant of Stock Option and Stock Option Agreement between John T. Chambers and Cisco Systems, Inc.   10-K     000-18225     10.6     9/20/2004    

10.8*

  Cisco Systems, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended   10-K     000-18225     10.7     9/18/2007    

10.9*

  Cisco Systems, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan   8-K     000-18225     10.2     11/19/2007    

10.10

  Amended and Restated International Assignment Agreement dated as of February 15, 2010 by and between Cisco Systems, Inc. and Wim Elfrink   8-K     000-18225     10.1     2/17/2010    

10.11*

  Form of Executive Officer Indemnification Agreement   10-K     000-18225     10.7     9/20/2004    

10.12*

  Form of Director Indemnification Agreement   10-K     000-18225     10.8     9/20/2004    

10.13

  Credit Agreement dated as of August 17, 2007, by and among Cisco Systems, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and an L/C issuer   8-K     000-18225     10.1     8/17/2007    

10.14

  First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 2009, by and among Cisco Systems, Inc., the Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and an L/C issuer   10-K     000-18225     10.14     9/11/2009    

10.15

  Lender Joinder Agreement dated as of February 12, 2010, by and among Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Cisco Systems, Inc.   10-Q     000-18225     10.2     5/26/2010    

10.16

  Form of Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement   10-Q     000-18225     10.1     2/23/2011    

10.17

  Commercial Paper Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement dated January 31, 2011 between the Registrant and Bank of America, N.A.   10-Q     000-18225     10.2     2/23/2011    

21.1

  Subsidiaries of the Registrant           X  

23.1

  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm           X  

24.1

  Power of Attorney (included on page 135 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)           X  


Exhibit

Number

Exhibit Description

Incorporated by Reference

Filed
Herewith

(Principal Executive Officer)
 
   
/S/ FRANK A.CALDERONI
FormExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerSeptember 9, 2014
Frank A. Calderoni(Principal Financial Officer) File No.ExhibitFiling Date
   
/S/ PRAT S.BHATT
Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller andSeptember 9, 2014
Prat S. BhattChief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/S/ CAROL A.BARTZ
Lead Independent DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Carol A. Bartz
/S/ MARC BENIOFF
DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Marc Benioff
Director
M. Michele Burns

125


31.1

Signature
TitleRule 13a–14(a)/15d–14(a) Certification of Principal Executive OfficerDate
   
X
/S/ MICHAEL D.CAPELLAS
DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Michael D. Capellas 

31.2

Rule 13a–14(a)/15d–14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer  
X
/S/ BRIAN L.HALLA
DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Brian L. Halla 

32.1

Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer  
X/S/ JOHN L. HENNESSYDirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Dr. John L. Hennessy 

32.2

Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer  
X
/S/ KRISTINA M.JOHNSON
DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Dr. Kristina M. Johnson 

101.INS**

XBRL Instance Document  
X
/S/ RODERICK C.MCGEARY        
DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Roderick C. McGeary 

101.SCH**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document  
X
/S/ ARUN SARIN
DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Arun Sarin 

101.CAL**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document  
X
/S/ STEVEN M.WEST
DirectorSeptember 9, 2014
Steven M. West 

101.DEF**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document  



126


INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
 Exhibit Description Incorporated by Reference 
Filed
Herewith
    Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date  
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Cisco Systems, Inc., as currently in effect S-3 333-56004 4.1 2/21/2001  
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cisco Systems, Inc., as currently in effect 8-K 000-18225 3.1 10/4/2012  
4.1 Indenture, dated February 22, 2006, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee 8-K 000-18225 4.1 2/22/2006  
4.2 Indenture, dated February 17, 2009, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee 8-K 000-18225 4.1 2/17/2009  
4.3 Indenture, dated November 17, 2009, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee 8-K 000-18225 4.1 11/17/2009  
4.4 Indenture, dated March 16, 2011, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee 8-K 000-18225 4.1 3/16/2011  
4.5 Indenture, dated March 3, 2014, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee 8-K 000-18225 4.1 3/3/2014  
4.6 Forms of Global Note for the registrant’s 5.50% Senior Notes due 2016 8-K 000-18225 4.1 2/22/2006  
4.7 Forms of Global Note for the registrant’s 4.95% Senior Notes due 2019 and 5.90% Senior Notes due 2039 8-K 000-18225 4.1 2/17/2009  
4.8 Forms of Global Note for the registrant’s 2.90% Senior Notes due 2014, 4.45% Senior Notes due 2020, and 5.50% Senior Notes due 2040 8-K 000-18225 4.1 11/17/2009  
4.9 Forms of Global Note for the Company’s 3.150% Senior Notes due 2017 8-K 000-18225 4.1 3/16/2011  
4.10 Form of Officer’s Certificate setting forth the terms of the Fixed and Floating Rate Notes issued in March 2014 8-K 000-18225 4.2 3/3/2014  
10.1* Cisco Systems, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (including related form agreements) 8-K 000-18225 10.1 11/20/2013  
10.2* Cisco Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (including related form agreements) 10-K 000-18225 10.2 9/21/2010  
10.3* Cisco Systems, Inc. SA Acquisition Long-Term Incentive Plan (amends and restates the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Scientific-Atlanta) (including related form agreements) 10-K 000-18225 10.4 9/18/2007  
10.4* Cisco Systems, Inc. WebEx Acquisition Long-Term Incentive Plan. (amends and restates the WebEx Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan) (including related form agreements) 10-K 000-18225 10.5 9/18/2007  
10.5* Cisco Systems, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan 8-K 000-18225 10.2 11/12/2009  
10.6* Cisco Systems, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended 10-K 000-18225 10.7 9/10/2013  
             
             
             

127


Exhibit
Number
 Exhibit Description Incorporated by Reference 
Filed
Herewith
    Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date  
10.7* Cisco Systems, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan 8-K 000-18225 10.1 11/16/2012  
10.8* Form of Executive Officer Indemnification Agreement 10-K 000-18225 10.7 9/20/2004  
10.9* Form of Director Indemnification Agreement 10-K 000-18225 10.8 9/20/2004  
10.10* Relocation Agreement between Cisco Systems, Inc. and Charles Robbins 10-Q 000-18225 10.2 11/22/2013  
10.11 Credit Agreement dated as of February 17, 2012, by and among Cisco Systems, Inc. and Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administration agent, swing line lender and an L/C issuer 8-K 000-18225 10.1 2/17/2012  
10.12 Form of Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement 10-Q 000-18225 10.1 2/23/2011  
10.13 Commercial Paper Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement dated January 31, 2011 between the Registrant and Bank of America, N.A. 10-Q 000-18225 10.2 2/23/2011  
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant         X
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm         X
24.1 Power of Attorney (included on page 125 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)         X
31.1 Rule 13a–14(a)/15d–14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer         X
31.2 Rule 13a–14(a)/15d–14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer         X
32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer         X
32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer         X
101.INS XBRL Instance Document         X
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document         X
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document         X
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document         X
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document         X
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document         X
X

101.LAB**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentX

101.PRE**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentX

*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed herewith, is not a part of a registration statement or Prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.





128