Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020

or
OR
o☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
          
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-18225 

image-logoa13.jpgcsco-20201024_g1.jpg
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California77-0059951
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, California 95134
(Address of principal executive office and zip code)
(408) 526-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and formal fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
_____________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per shareCSCOThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
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.    Yes x☒   No  o☐
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).  Yes x☒    No  o☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer☒Accelerated filer☐
Non-accelerated filer☐Smaller reporting company☐
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filerEmerging growth companyo
Non-accelerated filero(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting companyo☐
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes¨☐Nox☒
Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 15, 2018: 4,817,517,410November 12, 2020: 4,225,514,401
____________________________________ 

1

Table of Contents
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020
INDEX
Page
Page
Part I
3
Item 1.
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
Item 2.
4839
Item 3.
7659
Item 4.
7860
Part II.
7860
Item 1.
7860
Item 1A.
7961
Item 2.
9575
Item 3.
9575
Item 4.
9575
Item 5.
9575
Item 6.
9676
9777



2
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except par value)
(Unaudited)
January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017October 24, 2020July 25, 2020
ASSETS   ASSETS
Current assets:   Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$17,624
 $11,708
Cash and cash equivalents$10,822 $11,809 
Investments56,059
 58,784
Investments19,190 17,610 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $181 at January 27, 2018 and $211 at July 29, 20173,963
 5,146
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $125 at October 24, 2020 and $143 at July 25, 2020Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $125 at October 24, 2020 and $143 at July 25, 20203,980 5,472 
Inventories1,896
 1,616
Inventories1,303 1,282 
Financing receivables, net4,925
 4,856
Financing receivables, net5,105 5,051 
Other current assets1,583
 1,593
Other current assets2,589 2,349 
Total current assets86,050
 83,703
Total current assets42,989 43,573 
Property and equipment, net3,113
 3,322
Property and equipment, net2,412 2,453 
Financing receivables, net4,913
 4,738
Financing receivables, net5,516 5,714 
Goodwill30,391
 29,766
Goodwill34,535 33,806 
Purchased intangible assets, net2,474
 2,539
Purchased intangible assets, net1,581 1,576 
Deferred tax assets3,097
 4,239
Deferred tax assets4,138 3,990 
Other assets1,472
 1,511
Other assets3,832 3,741 
TOTAL ASSETS$131,510
 $129,818
TOTAL ASSETS$95,003 $94,853 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt$13,741
 $7,992
Short-term debt$5,002 $3,005 
Accounts payable1,060
 1,385
Accounts payable2,294 2,218 
Income taxes payable2,204
 98
Income taxes payable810 839 
Accrued compensation2,736
 2,895
Accrued compensation2,978 3,122 
Deferred revenue11,102
 10,821
Deferred revenue11,271 11,406 
Other current liabilities4,521
 4,392
Other current liabilities4,636 4,741 
Total current liabilities35,364
 27,583
Total current liabilities26,991 25,331 
Long-term debt25,625
 25,725
Long-term debt9,564 11,578 
Income taxes payable9,185
 1,250
Income taxes payable8,786 8,837 
Deferred revenue7,686
 7,673
Deferred revenue9,202 9,040 
Other long-term liabilities1,668
 1,450
Other long-term liabilities2,303 2,147 
Total liabilities79,528
 63,681
Total liabilities56,846 56,933 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Equity:   Equity:
Cisco shareholders’ 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; 4,868 and 4,983 shares issued and outstanding at January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, respectively44,535
 45,253
Retained earnings7,364
 20,838
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)83
 46
Preferred stock, no par value: 5 shares authorized; NaN issued and outstandingPreferred stock, no par value: 5 shares authorized; NaN issued and outstanding0 0 
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.001 par value: 20,000 shares authorized; 4,222 and 4,237 shares issued and outstanding at October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, respectivelyCommon stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.001 par value: 20,000 shares authorized; 4,222 and 4,237 shares issued and outstanding at October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, respectively41,360 41,202 
Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficit(2,756)(2,763)
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(447)(519)
Total equity51,982
 66,137
Total equity38,157 37,920 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$131,510
 $129,818
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$95,003 $94,853 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3
Table of Contents
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
(Unaudited) 
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
REVENUE:       REVENUE:
Product$8,709
 $8,491
 $17,763
 $17,793
Product$8,587 $9,878 
Service3,178
 3,089
 6,260
 6,139
Service3,342 3,281 
Total revenue11,887

11,580
 24,023
 23,932
Total revenue11,929 13,159 
COST OF SALES:


    COST OF SALES:
Product3,354
 3,305
 6,969
 6,708
Product3,206 3,524 
Service1,035
 999
 2,129
 2,064
Service1,142 1,171 
Total cost of sales4,389

4,304
 9,098
 8,772
Total cost of sales4,348 4,695 
GROSS MARGIN7,498
 7,276
 14,925
 15,160
GROSS MARGIN7,581 8,464 
OPERATING EXPENSES:


    OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development1,549
 1,508
 3,116
 3,053
Research and development1,612 1,666 
Sales and marketing2,235
 2,222
 4,569
 4,640
Sales and marketing2,217 2,480 
General and administrative483
 456
 1,040
 1,011
General and administrative544 519 
Amortization of purchased intangible assets60
 64
 121
 142
Amortization of purchased intangible assets36 36 
Restructuring and other charges98
 133
 250
 544
Restructuring and other charges602 184 
Total operating expenses4,425

4,383
 9,096
 9,390
Total operating expenses5,011 4,885 
OPERATING INCOME3,073

2,893
 5,829
 5,770
OPERATING INCOME2,570 3,579 
Interest income396
 329
 775
 624
Interest income174 273 
Interest expense(247) (222) (482) (420)Interest expense(112)(178)
Other income (loss), net10
 (37) 72
 (58)Other income (loss), net49 12 
Interest and other income (loss), net159

70
 365
 146
Interest and other income (loss), net111 107 
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES3,232

2,963
 6,194
 5,916
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES2,681 3,686 
Provision for income taxes12,010
 615
 12,578
 1,246
Provision for income taxes507 760 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$(8,778)
$2,348
 $(6,384) $4,670
NET INCOMENET INCOME$2,174 $2,926 



 

    
Net income (loss) per share:

 

    
Net income per share:Net income per share:
Basic$(1.78)
$0.47
 $(1.29) $0.93
Basic$0.51 $0.69 
Diluted$(1.78)
$0.47
 $(1.29) $0.92
Diluted$0.51 $0.68 
Shares used in per-share calculation:




    Shares used in per-share calculation:
Basic4,924
 5,015
 4,942
 5,021
Basic4,230 4,246 
Diluted4,924
 5,040
 4,942
 5,054
Diluted4,244 4,273 






    
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.29
 $0.26
 $0.58
 $0.52
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4
Table of Contents
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Net income (loss)$(8,778) $2,348
 $(6,384) $4,670
Available-for-sale investments:       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1 and $(22) for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018, respectively, and $73 and $154 for the corresponding periods of fiscal 2017, respectively(191) (276) (196) (397)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings, net of tax (benefit) expense of $15 and $25 for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018, respectively, and $(11) and $(6) for the corresponding periods of fiscal 2017, respectively(43) 19
 (66) 9

(234) (257) (262) (388)
Cash flow hedging instruments:       
Change in unrealized gains and losses, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(2) and $(3) for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018, respectively, and $1 and $4 for the corresponding periods of fiscal 2017, respectively28
 (1) 35
 (44)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings, net of tax (benefit) expense of $2 and $4 for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018, respectively, and $(2) and $(3) for the corresponding periods of fiscal 2017, respectively(16) 25
 (27) 36

12
 24
 8
 (8)
Net change in cumulative translation adjustment and actuarial gains and losses net of tax benefit (expense) of $(4) and $(6) for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018, respectively, and $0 and $(1) for the corresponding periods of fiscal 2017, respectively
274
 (44) 291
 (71)
Other comprehensive income (loss)52
 (277) 37
 (467)
Comprehensive income (loss)(8,726) 2,071
 (6,347) 4,203
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests—
 —
 —
 (8)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.$(8,726) $2,071
 $(6,347) $4,195
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Net income$2,174 $2,926 
Available-for-sale investments:
Change in net unrealized gains and losses, net of tax benefit (expense) of $17 and $(14) for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively(24)73 
Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings, net of tax (benefit) expense of $5 for each of the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020(10)(5)
(34)68 
Cash flow hedging instruments:
Change in unrealized gains and losses, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0 and $1 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively(2)0 
Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings, net of tax (benefit) expense of $1 and $0 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively(1)0 
(3)0 
Net change in cumulative translation adjustment and actuarial gains and losses net of tax benefit (expense) of $(1) and $0 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively109 (91)
Other comprehensive income (loss)72 (23)
Comprehensive income$2,246 $2,903 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.




5
Table of Contents
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$2,174 $2,926 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization, and other451 461 
Share-based compensation expense438 395 
Provision for receivables13 50 
Deferred income taxes(120)81 
(Gains) losses on divestitures, investments and other, net(59)(8)
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable1,526 515 
Inventories(21)34 
Financing receivables167 146 
Other assets(259)59 
Accounts payable73 (45)
Income taxes, net(84)(330)
Accrued compensation(165)(473)
Deferred revenue(45)158 
Other liabilities7 (382)
Net cash provided by operating activities4,096 3,587 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments(3,756)(2,028)
Proceeds from sales of investments657 2,342 
Proceeds from maturities of investments1,425 1,966 
Acquisitions and divestitures(830)(163)
Purchases of investments in privately held companies(68)(54)
Return of investments in privately held companies29 57 
Acquisition of property and equipment(171)(202)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment4 4 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(2,710)1,922 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuances of common stock1 2 
Repurchases of common stock—repurchase program
(800)(784)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(89)(194)
Short-term borrowings, original maturities of 90 days or less, net0 (3,470)
Repayments of debt0 (2,720)
Dividends paid(1,520)(1,486)
Other35 (16)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,373)(8,668)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(987)(3,159)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period11,812 11,772 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$10,825 $8,613 
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest$160 $204 
Cash paid for income taxes, net$710 $1,009 
 Six Months Ended

January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income (loss)$(6,384) $4,670
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation, amortization, and other1,112
 1,148
Share-based compensation expense785
 724
Provision for receivables(43) 4
Deferred income taxes1,021
 (26)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation—
 (101)
(Gains) losses on divestitures, investments and other, net(174) 79
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
 
Accounts receivable1,236
 1,396
Inventories(276) (51)
Financing receivables(156) (764)
Other assets(15) 155
Accounts payable(338) (98)
Income taxes, net10,246
 (257)
Accrued compensation(189) (417)
Deferred revenue237
 611
Other liabilities88
 (571)
Net cash provided by operating activities7,150
 6,502
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Purchases of investments(13,954) (27,847)
Proceeds from sales of investments9,111
 18,420
Proceeds from maturities of investments7,365
 5,245
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired(754) (251)
Proceeds from business divestitures27
 —
Purchases of investments in privately held companies(89) (142)
Return of investments in privately held companies124
 108
Acquisition of property and equipment(379) (526)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment51
 5
Other(7) 10
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities1,495
 (4,978)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Issuances of common stock302
 386
Repurchases of common stock—repurchase program
(5,457) (1,991)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(433) (432)
Short-term borrowings, original maturities of 90 days or less, net
5,095
 300
Issuances of debt6,877
 6,232
Repayments of debt(6,230) (1)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation—
 101
Dividends paid(2,861) (2,612)
Other(22) (240)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(2,729) 1,743
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents5,916
 3,267
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period11,708
 7,631
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$17,624
 $10,898
    
Supplemental cash flow information:   
Cash paid for interest$454
 $419
Cash paid for income taxes, net$1,311
 $1,529


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6
Table of Contents
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended October 24, 2020Shares of
Common
Stock		Common Stock
and
Additional
Paid-In Capital		Accumulated DeficitAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss		Total
Equity
BALANCE AT JULY 25, 20204,237 $41,202 $(2,763)$(519)$37,920 
Net income2,174 2,174 
Other comprehensive income72 72 
Issuance of common stock7 1 1 
Repurchase of common stock(20)(192)(608)(800)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(2)(89)(89)
Cash dividends declared ($0.36 per common share)(1,521)(1,521)
Effect of adoption of accounting standard(38)(38)
Share-based compensation438 438 
BALANCE AT OCTOBER 24, 20204,222 $41,360 $(2,756)$(447)$38,157 

Three Months Ended October 26, 2019Shares of
Common
Stock		Common Stock
and
Additional
Paid-In Capital		Accumulated DeficitAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss		Total
Equity
BALANCE AT JULY 27, 20194,250 $40,266 $(5,903)$(792)$33,571 
Net income2,926 2,926 
Other comprehensive loss(23)(23)
Issuance of common stock11 2 2 
Repurchase of common stock(16)(148)(620)(768)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(4)(194)(194)
Cash dividends declared ($0.35 per common share)(1,486)(1,486)
Share-based compensation395 395 
BALANCE AT OCTOBER 26, 20194,241 $40,321 $(5,083)$(815)$34,423 
7
 
Shares of
Common
Stock
 
Common Stock
and
Additional
Paid-In Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total Cisco
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Non-controlling
Interests
 Total Equity
BALANCE AT JULY 29, 20174,983
 $45,253
 $20,838
 $46
 $66,137
 $—
 $66,137
Net income (loss)    (6,384)   (6,384)   (6,384)
Other comprehensive income (loss)      37
 37
   37
Issuance of common stock52
 302
     302
   302
Repurchase of common stock(154) (1,393) (4,238)   (5,631)   (5,631)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(13) (433)     (433)   (433)
Cash dividends declared ($0.58 per common share)    (2,861)   (2,861)   (2,861)
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting standard    9
   9
   9
Share-based compensation  785
     785
   785
Purchase acquisitions and other  21
     21
   21
BALANCE AT JANUARY 27, 20184,868
 $44,535
 $7,364
 $83
 $51,982
 $—
 $51,982

Table of Contents
 
Shares of
Common
Stock
 
Common Stock
and
Additional
Paid-In Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total Cisco
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Non-controlling
Interests
 Total  Equity
BALANCE AT JULY 30, 20165,029
 $44,516
 $19,396
 $(326) $63,586
 $(1) $63,585
Net income    4,670
   4,670
   4,670
Other comprehensive income (loss)      (475) (475) 8
 (467)
Issuance of common stock57
 386
     386
   386
Repurchase of common stock(65) (575) (1,427)   (2,002)   (2,002)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock units(14) (432)     (432)   (432)
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per common share)    (2,612)   (2,612)   (2,612)
Tax effects from employee stock incentive plans  (54)     (54)   (54)
Share-based compensation  738
     738
   738
Purchase acquisitions and other  6
     6
   6
BALANCE AT JANUARY 28, 20175,007
 $44,585
 $20,027
 $(801) $63,811
 $7
 $63,818


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


1.Basis of Presentation
1.Basis of Presentation
The fiscal year for Cisco Systems, Inc. (the “Company”“Company,” “Cisco,” “we,” “us,” or “Cisco”“our”) is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in July. Fiscal 20182021 is a 53-week fiscal year and fiscal 2017 are each2020 was a 52-week fiscal years.year. The Consolidated Financial Statements include theour accounts and those of Cisco and itsour subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company conductsWe conduct business globally and isare primarily managed on a geographic basis in the following three3 geographic segments: the Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia Pacific, Japan, and China (APJC).
TheWe have prepared the accompanying financial data as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and for the threefirst quarter of fiscal 2021 and six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017 has been prepared by the Company,2020, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"(“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"(“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The July 29, 201725, 2020 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, the Company believeswe believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2017.25, 2020.
The Company consolidates its investmentspreparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires us to make judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. The inputs into certain of our judgments, assumptions, and estimates considered the economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on our critical and significant accounting estimates. The actual results that we experience may differ materially from our estimates. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, many of our estimates could require increased judgment and carry a venture fund managed by SOFTBANK Corp.higher degree of variability and its affiliates (“SOFTBANK”)volatility. As events continue to evolve our estimates may change materially in future periods.
In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheet as this is aof October 24, 2020, the results of operations, the statements of comprehensive income (loss), the statements of cash flows and the statements of equity for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, as applicable, have been made. The results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.
Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and entities consolidated under the variable interest entity and the Company is the primary beneficiary.voting models. The noncontrolling interests attributed to SOFTBANKthese investments, if any, are presented as a separate component from the Company’sour equity in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. SOFTBANK’sThe share of earnings attributable to the earnings in the venture fundnoncontrolling interests are not presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as these amounts are not material for any of the fiscal periods presented.
In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheet as of January 27, 2018; the results of operations and the statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017; the statements of cash flows and equity for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, as applicable, have been made. The results of operations for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the amounts in prior periods in order to conform to the current period’s presentation. The Company hasWe have evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.


2.Recent Accounting Pronouncements
2.Recent Accounting Pronouncements
(a)New Accounting Updates Recently Adopted
Share-Based Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that impacts the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cisco adopted this accounting standard update beginning the first quarter of fiscal 2018 on a prospective basis. This resulted in an overall decrease in the effective tax rate for the six months ended January 27, 2018 due to recognition of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation. The application of this accounting standard update did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective as of Period End
Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard related to revenue recognition. The new standard will supersede nearly all U.S. GAAP on revenue recognition and eliminate industry-specific guidance. The underlying principle of the new standard is to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services at an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires increased disclosures including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows related to contracts with customers.
The standard allows two methods of adoption: i) retrospectively to each prior period presented (“full retrospective method”), or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in retained earnings as of the date of adoption ("modified retrospective method"). Cisco will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective method at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2019.
Cisco is on schedule in establishing new accounting policies, implementing systems and processes (including more extensive use of estimates), and internal controls necessary to support the requirements of the new standard. Cisco has completed its preliminary

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assessment of the financial statement impact of the new standard, as discussed below, and will continue to update that assessment as more information becomes available.
The new standard will primarily impact Cisco’s revenue recognition for software arrangements and sales to two-tier distributors. In both areas, the new standard will accelerate the recognition of revenue. The table below details both the current and expected revenue recognition timing in these areas:
Current Revenue StandardNew Revenue Standard
Software arrangements:
Perpetual software licensesUpfrontUpfront
Term software licensesRatableUpfront
Security software licensesRatableRatable
Enterprise license agreementsRatableUpfront
Software support servicesRatableRatable
Software-as-a-serviceRatableRatable
Two-tier distributionSell-ThroughSell-In
Cisco expects that the new standard will not have a material impact on total revenue in the year of adoption based on two factors: i) revenue will be accelerated consistent with the changes in timing as indicated in the preceding table, largely offset by ii) the reduction of revenue from software arrangements where revenue was previously deferred in prior periods and recognized ratably over time as required under the current standard. This preliminary assessment is based on the types and number of revenue arrangements currently in place. The exact impact of the new standard will be dependent on facts and circumstances at adoption and could vary from quarter to quarter.
In addition to the above revenue recognition timing impacts, the new standard will require incremental contract acquisition costs (such as sales commissions) for customer contracts to be capitalized and amortized over the contract period. Currently, these costs are expensed as incurred.
Cisco will be required to record cumulative effect adjustments to retained earnings (net of tax) upon adopting the new standard at the beginning of fiscal 2019. The most significant of these adjustments will be to reduce product deferred revenue and increase retained earnings at the date of adoption to reflect revenue that would have been already recognized under the new standard related to existing arrangements. There will also be an adjustment to increase accounts receivable and reduce inventories related to the changes in revenue recognition on sales to two-tier distributors. Lastly, an adjustment will be recorded to establish an asset and increase retained earnings related to the requirement to capitalize incremental contract acquisition costs for customer contracts.
Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The accounting standard update will be effective for Cisco beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The most significant impact of this accounting standard update for Cisco is that it will require the remeasurement of investments that are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value at the end of each reporting period with the changes recorded to the income statement. While Cisco is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its Consolidated Financial Statements, Cisco expects that this accounting standard update will increase the variability of other income (loss), net.
Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to leases requiring lessees to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities on the balance sheet, as well as corresponding right-of-use assets. The new lease standard also makes some changes to lessor accounting and aligns key aspects of the lessor accounting model with the revenue recognition standard. In addition, disclosures will be required to enable users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The accounting standard update will be effective for Cisco beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 on a modified retrospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. Cisco is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Credit Losses of Financial InstrumentsIn June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amount. The accountingWe adopted this standard update will be effective for Ciscoat the beginning in theof our first quarter of fiscal 2021, applied it at the beginning of the period of adoption and did not restate prior periods. The standard primarily impacts our financial assets measured at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. The standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
Our significant accounting policies have been updated as a modified retrospectiveresult of adopting this standard are as follows:
Allowance for Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets and Financing ReceivablesWe estimate our allowances for credit losses using relevant available information from internal and external sources, related to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis and early adoption in fiscal 2020 is permitted. Cisco is currently evaluatingfor the impactestimation of this accounting standard update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

expected credit losses. When assessing for credit losses, we determine collectibility by pooling our assets with similar characteristics.
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The allowances for credit losses are each measured on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Our internal credit risk ratings are categorized as 1 through 10, with the lowest credit risk rating representing the highest quality. Our assets within each internal credit risk rating share similar risk characteristics and therefore are assessed as one portfolio segment for credit loss. Assets that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. The allowances for credit losses are each measured by multiplying the exposure probability of default, the probability the asset will default within a given time frame, by the loss given default rate, the percentage of the asset not expected to be collected due to default, based on the pool of assets.
ClassificationProbability of Cash Flow Elementsdefault rates are published quarterly by third-party credit agencies. Adjustments to our internal credit risk ratings may take into account including, but not limited to, various customer-specific factors, the potential sovereign risk of the geographic locations in which the customer is operating and macroeconomic conditions. These factors are updated regularly or when facts and circumstances indicate that an update is deemed necessary.
Available-for-Sale Debt Investments For our available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, we determine whether a credit loss exists. In August 2016,this assessment, we consider the FASB issued an accounting standard updateextent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the classificationsecurity, among other factors. If factors indicate a credit loss exists, an allowance for credit loss is recorded to other income (loss), net, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The amount of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The accounting standard updatefair value change relating to all other factors will be effective for Cisco beginningrecognized in the first quarterother comprehensive income (OCI).

3.Revenue
We enter into contracts with customers that can include various combinations of fiscal 2019 on a retrospective basis,products and early adoption is permitted. Cisco is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Income Taxes on Intra-Entity Transfers of AssetsIn October 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires recognition of the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets (other than inventory) at the transaction date. The accounting standard update will be effective for Cisco beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 on a modified retrospective basis,services which are generally distinct and early adoption is permitted. Cisco is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Restricted Cash in Statement of Cash Flow In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that provides guidance on the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The accounting standard update will be effective for Cisco beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using a retrospective transition method to each period presented, and early adoption is permitted. Cisco does not expect that this accounting standard update will have a material impact on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Definition of a BusinessIn January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that clarifies the definition of a business to help companies evaluate whether acquisition or disposal transactions should be accounted for as asset groupsseparate performance obligations. As a result, our contracts may contain multiple performance obligations. We determine whether arrangements are distinct based on whether the customer can benefit from the product or as businesses. The accounting standard update will be effective for Cisco beginningservice on its own or together with other resources that are readily available and whether our commitment to transfer the product or service to the customer is separately identifiable from other obligations in the first quartercontract. We classify our hardware, perpetual software licenses, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) as distinct performance obligations. Term software licenses represent multiple obligations, which include software licenses and software maintenance. In transactions where we deliver hardware or software, we are typically the principal and we record revenue and costs of fiscal 2019goods sold on a prospectivegross basis. The impactWe refer to our term software licenses, security software licenses, SaaS, and associated service arrangements as subscription offers.
We recognize revenue upon transfer of this accounting standard update will be fact dependent, but Cisco expectscontrol of promised goods or services in a contract with a customer in an amount that some transactions that were previously accountedreflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. Transfer of control occurs once the customer has the contractual right to use the product, generally upon shipment or once title and risk of loss has transferred to the customer. Transfer of control can also occur over time for software maintenance and services as business combinations or disposal transactions will be accountedthe customer receives the benefit over the contract term. Our hardware and perpetual software licenses are distinct performance obligations where revenue is recognized upfront upon transfer of control. Term software licenses include multiple performance obligations where the term licenses are recognized upfront upon transfer of control, with the associated software maintenance revenue recognized ratably over the contract term as services and software updates are provided. SaaS arrangements do not include the right for as asset purchases or asset sales under the accounting standard update.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill ImpairmentIn January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that removes Step 2customer to take possession of the goodwill impairment test,software during the term, and therefore have one distinct performance obligation which requiresis satisfied over time with revenue recognized ratably over the assessment of fair value of individual assetscontract term as the customer consumes the services. On our product sales, we record consideration from shipping and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairments. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value. The accounting standard update will be effective for Cisco beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021handling on a prospectivegross basis within net product sales. We record our revenue net of any associated sales taxes.
An allowance for future sales returns is established based on historical trends in product return rates. The allowance for future sales returns as of October 24, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Cisco does not expect that this accounting standard update will impact its Consolidated Financial Statements.July 25, 2020 was $81 million and $79 million, respectively, and was recorded as a reduction of our accounts receivable and revenue.
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2018, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update that allows companies to reclassify from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings stranded tax effects resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). Cisco will adopt this accounting standard update in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 on a retrospective basis. The application of this accounting standard update will not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.







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(Unaudited)



Significant Judgments

Revenue is allocated among these performance obligations in a manner that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to for the promised goods or services based on standalone selling prices (SSP). SSP is estimated for each distinct performance obligation and judgment may be required in their determination. The best evidence of SSP is the observable price of a product or service when we sell the goods separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers. In instances where SSP is not directly observable, we determine SSP using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs.
We apply judgment in determining the transaction price as we may be required to estimate variable consideration when determining the amount of revenue to recognize. Variable consideration includes potential contractual penalties and various rebate, cooperative marketing and other incentive programs that we offer to our distributors, channel partners and customers. When determining the amount of revenue to recognize, we estimate the expected usage of these programs, applying the expected value or most likely estimate and update the estimate at each reporting period as actual utilization becomes available. We also consider the customers' right of return in determining the transaction price, where applicable.
We assess certain software licenses, such as for security software, that contain critical updates or upgrades which customers can download throughout the contract term. Without these updates or upgrades, the functionality of the software would diminish over a relatively short time period. These updates or upgrades provide the customer the full functionality of the purchased security software licenses and are required to maintain the security license's utility as the risks and threats in the environment are rapidly changing. In these circumstances, the revenue from these software arrangements is recognized as a single performance obligation satisfied over the contract term.
(a)Disaggregation of Revenue
We disaggregate our revenue into groups of similar products and services that depict the nature, amount, and timing of revenue and cash flows for our various offerings. The sales cycle, contractual obligations, customer requirements, and go-to-market strategies differ for each of our product categories, resulting in different economic risk profiles for each category. The following table presents this disaggregation of revenue (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Revenue:
Infrastructure Platforms$6,341 $7,553 
Applications1,380 1,499 
Security861 816 
Other Products5 11 
Total Product8,587 9,878 
Services3,342 3,281 
Total$11,929 $13,159 
Amounts may not sum due to rounding. We have made certain reclassifications to the product revenue amounts for prior period to conform to the current year presentation.
Infrastructure Platforms consist of our core networking technologies of switching, routing, wireless, and data center products that are designed to work together to deliver networking capabilities and transport and/or store data. These technologies consist of both hardware and software offerings, including software licenses and SaaS, that help our customers build networks, automate, orchestrate, integrate, and digitize data. We are shifting and expanding more of our business to software and subscriptions across our core networking portfolio. Our hardware and perpetual software in this category are distinct performance obligations where revenue is recognized upfront upon transfer of control. Term software licenses are multiple performance obligations where the term license is recognized upfront upon transfer of control with the associated software maintenance revenue recognized ratably over the contract term. SaaS arrangements in this category have one distinct performance obligation which is satisfied over time with revenue recognized ratably over the contract term.
Applications consists of offerings that utilize the core networking and data center platforms to provide their functions. The products consist primarily of software offerings, including software licenses and SaaS, as well as hardware. Our perpetual software and hardware in this category are distinct performance obligations where revenue is recognized upfront upon transfer of control. Term software licenses are multiple performance obligations where the term license is recognized upfront upon
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(Unaudited)

transfer of control with the associated software maintenance revenue recognized ratably over the contract term. SaaS arrangements in this category have one distinct performance obligation which is satisfied over time with revenue recognized ratably over the contract term.
Security primarily includes our network security, cloud and email security, identity and access management, advanced threat protection, and unified threat management products. These products consist of both hardware and software offerings, including software licenses and SaaS. Updates and upgrades for the term software licenses are critical for our software to perform its intended commercial purpose because of the continuous need for our software to secure our customers' network environments against frequent threats. Therefore, security software licenses are generally represented by a single distinct performance obligation with revenue recognized ratably over the contract term. Our hardware and perpetual software in this category are distinct performance obligations where revenue is recognized upfront upon transfer of control. SaaS arrangements in this category have one distinct performance obligation which is satisfied over time with revenue recognized ratably over the contract term.
Other Products primarily includes our cloud and system management products. These products include both hardware and software licenses. Our offerings in this category are distinct performance obligations where revenue is recognized upfront upon transfer of control.
In addition to our product offerings, we provide a broad range of service and support options for our customers, including technical support services and advanced services. Technical support services represent the majority of these offerings which are distinct performance obligations that are satisfied over time with revenue recognized ratably over the contract term. Advanced services are distinct performance obligations that are satisfied over time with revenue recognized as services are delivered.
The sales arrangements as discussed above are typically made pursuant to customer purchase orders based on master purchase or partner agreements. Cash is received based on our standard payment terms which is typically 30 days. We provide financing arrangements to customers for all of our hardware, software and service offerings. Refer to Note 9 for additional information. For these arrangements, cash is typically received over time.
(b)Contract Balances
Accounts receivable, net was $4.0 billion as of October 24, 2020 compared to $5.5 billion as of July 25, 2020, as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Contract assets consist of unbilled receivables and are recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of scheduled billings to our customers. These amounts are primarily related to software and service arrangements where transfer of control has occurred but we have not yet invoiced. Our contract assets for these unbilled receivables, net of allowances, were $1.2 billion as of October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, and were included in other current assets and other assets.
Gross contract assets by our internal risk ratings are summarized as follows (in millions):
3.AcquisitionsOctober 24,
2020
1 to 4$442 
5 to 6737 
7 and DivestituresHigher119 
Total$1,298 
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue. Deferred revenue was $20.5 billion as of October 24, 2020 compared to $20.4 billion as of July 25, 2020. We recognized approximately $3.9 billion of revenue during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, that was included in the deferred revenue balance at July 25, 2020.
(c)Capitalized Contract Acquisition Costs
We capitalize direct and incremental costs incurred to acquire contracts, primarily sales commissions, for which the associated revenue is expected to be recognized in future periods. We incur these costs in connection with both initial contracts and renewals. These costs are initially deferred and typically amortized over the term of the customer contract which corresponds to the period of benefit. Deferred sales commissions were$771 million and $732 million as of October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, respectively, and were included in other current assets and other assets. The Companyamortization expense associated with these costs was $123 million and $116 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, and was included in sales and marketing expenses.

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(Unaudited)

4.Acquisitions and Divestitures
We completed five3 acquisitions during the six months ended January 27, 2018.first quarter of fiscal 2021. A summary of the allocation of the total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in millions):
 Purchase Consideration Net Tangible Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed) Purchased Intangible Assets Goodwill
Viptela$497
 $(18) $180
 $335
Springpath248
 (11) 160
 99
Others (three in total)43
 (2) 21
 24
Total$788
 $(31) $361
 $458
Purchase ConsiderationNet Tangible Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed)Purchased Intangible AssetsGoodwill
Total acquisitions (3 in total)$878 $2 $210 $666 
On July 31, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of privately held Viptela Inc. ("Viptela"), a provider of software-defined wide area networking products. Revenue from the Viptela acquisition has been included in the Company's Infrastructure Platforms product category.
On September 22, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of privately held Springpath, Inc. ("Springpath"), a hyperconvergence software company. Revenue from the Springpath acquisition has been included in the Company's Infrastructure Platforms product category.
The total purchase consideration related to our acquisitions completed during the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 consisted of cash consideration and vested share-based awards assumed.consideration. The total cash and cash equivalents acquired from these acquisitions was approximately $12$34 million. Total transaction costs related to acquisition and divestiture activities were $14$4 million and $3$5 million for the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 and January 28, 2017,2020, respectively. These transaction costs were expensed as incurred in general and administrative expenses ("(“G&A"&A”) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognized a gain of $46 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 in connection with a step acquisition. This gain was recognized in other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The purchase price allocation for acquisitions completed during recent periods is preliminary and subject to revision as additional information about fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information that existed as of the acquisition date but 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. Adjustments in the purchase price allocation may require a recasting of the amounts allocated to goodwill retroactive to the period in which the acquisition occurred.
The goodwill generated from acquisitions completed during the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 is primarily related to expected synergies. The goodwill is generally not0t deductible for income tax purposes.
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of each acquisition from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations and the revenue and net income subsequent to the acquisition date for the acquisitions completed during the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 have not been presented because the effects of the acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Company’sour financial results.
The Company completed two divestitures during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The financial statement impact of these divestitures was not material for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018.
Pending Acquisition of BroadSoftAcacia Communications On February 1, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of BroadSoft,July 9, 2019, we announced our intent to acquire Acacia Communications, Inc. ("BroadSoft"(“Acacia”), a cloud callingpublic fabless semiconductor company that develops, manufactures and contact center solutions company forsells high-speed coherent optical interconnect products that are designed to transform communications networks through improvements in performance, capacity and cost.
Under the terms of the agreement, we have agreed to pay total consideration of approximately $1.9$2.6 billion, net of cash and short-term investments. Revenuemarketable securities, to acquire Acacia. The acquisition is expected to close during the first half of fiscal 2021, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Upon close of the acquisition, revenue from the BroadSoft acquisitionAcacia will be included in the Company's Applicationsour Infrastructure Platforms product category. The Company expects that most of the purchase price will be allocated to goodwill and purchased intangible assets.



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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
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5.Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
4.Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
(a)Goodwill
(a)Goodwill
The following table presents the goodwill allocated to the Company’sour reportable segments as of October 24, 2020 and during the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 (in millions):
Balance at July 25, 2020AcquisitionsForeign Currency Translation and OtherBalance at October 24, 2020
Americas$21,304 $393 $40 $21,737 
EMEA8,040 183 15 8,238 
APJC4,462 90 8 4,560 
Total$33,806 $666 $63 $34,535 
 Balance at     Balance at
 July 29, 2017 Acquisitions Other January 27, 2018
Americas$18,691
 $337
 $101
 $19,129
EMEA7,057
 93
 42
 7,192
APJC4,018
 28
 24
 4,070
Total$29,766
 $458
 $167
 $30,391
(b)Purchased Intangible Assets
“Other” in the table above primarily consists of foreign currency translation, as well as immaterial purchase accounting adjustments.
(b)Purchased Intangible Assets
The following table presents details of the Company’sour intangible assets acquired through acquisitions completed during the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 (in millions, except years):
 FINITE LIVESINDEFINITE LIVESTOTAL
 TECHNOLOGYCUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIPS		OTHERIPR&D
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)		AmountWeighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)		AmountWeighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)		AmountAmountAmount
Total acquisitions (3 in total)3.9$162 4.0$42 2.0$6 0 $210 
 FINITE LIVES INDEFINITE LIVES TOTAL
 TECHNOLOGY 
CUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIPS
 OTHER IPR&D 
 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Life (in Years)
 Amount Amount Amount
Viptela5.0 $144
 6.0 $35
 1.0 $1
 $—
 $180
Springpath4.0 157
 0.0 —
 0.0 —
 3
 160
Others (three in total)2.5 18
 4.0 3
 0.0 —
 —
 21
Total  $319
   $38
   $1
 $3
 $361
The following tables present details of the Company’sour purchased intangible assets (in millions):
January 27, 2018 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net
October 24, 2020October 24, 2020GrossAccumulated AmortizationNet
Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:      Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:
Technology $3,465
 $(1,659) $1,806
Technology$3,086 $(2,104)$982 
Customer relationships 1,387
 (867) 520
Customer relationships797 (393)404 
Other 82
 (51) 31
Other14 (5)9 
Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives 4,934
 (2,577) 2,357
Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives3,897 (2,502)1,395 
In-process research and development, with indefinite lives 117
 —
 117
In-process research and development, with indefinite lives186 — 186 
Total $5,051
 $(2,577) $2,474
 Total$4,083 $(2,502)$1,581 
July 29, 2017 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net
July 25, 2020July 25, 2020GrossAccumulated AmortizationNet
Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:      Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:
Technology $3,182
 $(1,386) $1,796
Technology$3,298 $(2,336)$962 
Customer relationships 1,353
 (765) 588
Customer relationships760 (365)395 
Other 82
 (38) 44
Other26 (20)6 
Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives 4,617
 (2,189) 2,428
Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives4,084 (2,721)1,363 
In-process research and development, with indefinite lives 111
 —
 111
In-process research and development, with indefinite lives213 — 213 
Total $4,728
 $(2,189) $2,539
 Total$4,297 $(2,721)$1,576 
Purchased intangible assets include intangible assets acquired through acquisitions as well as through direct purchases or licenses.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



There were no impairment charges related to purchased intangible assets for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018. Impairment charges related to purchased intangible assets for the three and six months ended January 28, 2017 were zero and $42 million, respectively. Of these impairment charges, $38 million was recorded to restructuring and other charges in connection with the Company's decision to exit certain product lines, and the corresponding elimination of future associated cash flows. Impairment charges were primarily as a result of declines in estimated fair values of certain purchased intangible assets resulting from the reduction or elimination of expected future cash flows associated with certain of the Company’s technology and IPR&D intangible assets.
The following table presents the amortization of purchased intangible assets, including impairment charges (in millions):
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Amortization of purchased intangible assets:       Amortization of purchased intangible assets:
Cost of sales$160
 $124
 $314
 $253
Cost of sales$170 $166 
Operating expenses  

    Operating expenses36 36 
Amortization of purchased intangible assets60
 64
 121
 142
Restructuring and other charges—
 —
 —
 38
Total$220
 $188
 $435
 $433
Total$206 $202 
The estimated future amortization expense of purchased intangible assets with finite lives as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 is as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2021 (remaining nine months)$487 
2022$431 
2023$286 
2024$170 
2025$15 
Thereafter$6 

14
Fiscal YearAmount
2018 (remaining six months)$431
2019781
2020564
2021364
2022145
Thereafter72
   Total$2,357


13
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



6.Restructuring and Other Charges
5.Restructuring and Other Charges
The Company began taking action underWe initiated a restructuring plan in August 2016 (the "Fiscal 2017 Plan"), in order to reinvest in its key priority areas. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018,2021 (the “Fiscal 2021 Plan”), which includes a voluntary early retirement program, in order to realign the Company extendedorganization and enable further investment in key priority areas. The total pretax charges are estimated to be approximately $900 million. In connection with the Fiscal 20172021 Plan, we incurred charges of $602 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
We initiated a restructuring plan in fiscal 2020 (the “Fiscal 2020 Plan”) in order to include an additional $150 million of estimated additionalrealign the organization and enable further investment in key priority areas. The total pretax charges for employee severance and other one-time termination benefits. The Company has substantially completedare estimated to be approximately $300 million. In connection with the Fiscal 20172020 Plan, and haswe have incurred cumulative charges of $1.0 billion. These$255 million.
The aggregate pretax charges related to these plans are primarily cash basedcash-based and consist of employee severance and other one-time termination benefits, and other associated costs. In connection with this Plan, the Company incurred charges of $98 million and $133 million for the three months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively, and $250 million and $544 million for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively.We expect to substantially complete both plans in fiscal 2021.
The following tables summarize the activities related to the restructuring and other charges (in millions):
FISCAL 2020 AND PRIOR PLANSFISCAL 2021 PLAN
Employee
Severance		OtherEmployee
Severance		OtherTotal
Liability as of July 25, 2020$58 $14 $0 $0 $72 
Charges0 0 590 12 602 
Cash payments(58)0 (272)0 (330)
Non-cash items0 0 0 (11)(11)
Liability as of October 24, 2020$0 $14 $318 $1 $333 
FISCAL 2018 AND PRIOR PLANS
Employee
Severance		OtherTotal
Liability as of July 27, 2019$22 $11 $33 
Charges175 9 184 
Cash payments(154)(1)(155)
Non-cash items0 (15)(15)
Liability as of October 26, 2019$43 $4 $47 



15
  FISCAL 2017 PLAN  
  
Employee
Severance
 Other Total
Liability as of July 29, 2017 $74
 $43
 $117
Charges 223
 27
 250
Cash payments (213) (27) (240)
Non-cash items 3
 (18) (15)
Liability as of January 27, 2018 $87
 $25
 $112
  FISCAL 2017 AND PRIOR PLANS  
  
Employee
Severance
 Other Total
Liability as of July 30, 2016 $21
 $24
 $45
Charges 452
 92
 544
Cash payments (381) (7) (388)
Non-cash items (6) (67) (73)
Liability as of January 28, 2017 $86
 $42
 $128


14
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



7.Balance Sheet and Other Details
6.Balance Sheet Details
The following tables provide details of selected balance sheet and other items (in millions):
October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020
Cash and cash equivalents$10,822 $11,809 
Restricted cash included in other current assets3 0 
Restricted cash included in other assets0 3 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$10,825 $11,812 
Inventories:
Raw materials$380 $456 
Work in process19 25 
Finished goods:
Deferred cost of sales54 59 
Manufactured finished goods646 542 
Total finished goods700 601 
Service-related spares191 184 
Demonstration systems13 16 
Total$1,303 $1,282 
Our provision for inventory was $29 million and $18 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Property and equipment, net:
Gross property and equipment:
Land, buildings, and building and leasehold improvements$4,273 $4,252 
Computer equipment and related software872 875 
Production, engineering, and other equipment5,157 5,163 
Operating lease assets338 337 
Furniture, fixtures and other385 387 
Total gross property and equipment11,025 11,014 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(8,613)(8,561)
Total$2,412 $2,453 
Deferred revenue:
Product$8,139 $7,895 
Service12,334 12,551 
Total$20,473 $20,446 
Reported as:
Current$11,271 $11,406 
Noncurrent9,202 9,040 
Total$20,473 $20,446 
Remaining Performance Obligations:
Product$11,340 $11,261 
Service16,129 17,093 
Total$27,469 $28,354 
Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) are comprised of deferred revenue plus unbilled contract revenue. As of October 24, 2020, the aggregate amount of RPO was comprised of $20.5 billion of deferred revenue and $7.0 billion of unbilled contract revenue. We expect approximately 53% of this amount of be recognized as revenue over the next year. As of July 25, 2020, the aggregate amount of RPO was comprised of $20.4 billion of deferred revenue and $7.9 billion of unbilled contract revenue. Unbilled contract revenue represents noncancelable contracts for which we have not invoiced, have an obligation to perform, and revenue has not yet been recognized in the financial statements.
16
  January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Inventories:    
Raw materials $385
 $289
Work in Process —
 1
Finished goods:   
Distributor inventory and deferred cost of sales 465
 451
Manufactured finished goods 727
 552
Total finished goods 1,192
 1,003
Service-related spares 292
 300
Demonstration systems 27
 23
Total $1,896
 $1,616
Property and equipment, net:    
Gross property and equipment:    
Land, buildings, and building and leasehold improvements $4,790
 $4,926
Computer equipment and related software 1,207
 1,258
Production, engineering, and other equipment 5,702
 5,707
Operating lease assets 364
 356
Furniture and fixtures 375
 572
Total gross property and equipment 12,438
 12,819
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (9,325) (9,497)
Total $3,113
 $3,322
Deferred revenue:    
Service $10,963
 $11,302
Product: 
  
Deferred revenue related to recurring software and subscription offers 5,451
 4,971
Other product deferred revenue 2,374
 2,221
Total product deferred revenue 7,825
 7,192
Total $18,788
 $18,494
Reported as: 
  
Current $11,102
 $10,821
Noncurrent 7,686
 7,673
Total $18,788
 $18,494



15
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



8.Leases
7.Financing Receivables and Operating Leases
(a)Financing Receivables
(a)Lessee Arrangements
The following table presents our operating lease balances (in millions):
Balance Sheet Line ItemOctober 24, 2020July 25, 2020
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOther assets$953 $921 
Operating lease liabilitiesOther current liabilities$332 $341 
Operating lease liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities695 661 
Total operating lease liabilities$1,027 $1,002 
The components of our lease expenses were as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Operating lease expense$98 $113 
Short-term lease expense18 17 
Variable lease expense46 40 
Total lease expense$162 $170 
Supplemental information related to our operating leases is as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities — operating cash flows$105 $104 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating leases liabilities$115 $48 
The weighted-average lease term was 4.2 years as of each of October 24, 2020 and October 26, 2019. The weighted-average discount rate was 1.3% and 1.9% as of October 24, 2020 and October 26, 2019, respectively.
The maturities of our operating leases (undiscounted) as of October 24, 2020 are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2021 (remaining nine months)$272 
2022269 
2023211 
2024136 
202581 
Thereafter87 
Total lease payments1,056 
Less interest(29)
Total$1,027 
17
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

(b)Lessor Arrangements
Our leases primarily represent sales-type leases with terms of four yearson average. We provide leasing of our equipment and complementary third-party products primarily through our channel partners and distributors, for which the income arising from these leases is recognized through interest income. Interest income was $21 million and $26 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, and was included in interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The net investment of our lease receivables is measured at the commencement date as the gross lease receivable, residual value less unearned income and allowance for credit loss. For additional information, see Note 9.
Future minimum lease payments on our lease receivables as of October 24, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2021 (remaining nine months)$670 
2022664 
2023418 
2024202 
2025109 
Total2,063 
Less: Present value of lease payments1,958 
Unearned income$105 
Actual cash collections may differ from the contractual maturities due to early customer buyouts, refinancings, or defaults.
We provide financing of 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 held by Cisco and the associated accumulated depreciation are summarized as follows (in millions):
October 24, 2020July 25, 2020
Operating lease assets$338 $337 
Accumulated depreciation(200)(198)
Operating lease assets, net$138 $139 
Our operating lease income was $43 million and $44 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, and was included in product revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Minimum future rentals on noncancelable operating leases as of October 24, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2021 (remaining nine months)$58 
202233 
202312 
20241 
Total$104 

18
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

9.Financing Receivables
(a)Financing Receivables
Financing receivables primarily consist of lease receivables, loan receivables, and financed service contracts. Lease receivables represent sales-type and direct-financing leases resulting from the sale of the Company’sCisco’s and complementary third-party products and are typically collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. Lease receivables consist of arrangements with terms of four years on average. Loan receivables represent financing arrangements related to the sale of the Company’sour hardware, software, and services, which may include additional funding for other costs associated with network installation and integration of the Company’sour products and services. Loan receivables generally have terms of up to three years.years on average. Financed service contracts include financing receivables related to technical support and advanced services. 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'sour financing receivables is presented as follows (in millions):
October 24, 2020Lease
Receivables		Loan
Receivables		Financed Service
Contracts		Total
Gross$2,063 $5,954 $2,744 $10,761 
Residual value119 — — 119 
Unearned income(105)0 0 (105)
Allowance for credit loss(46)(101)(7)(154)
Total, net$2,031 $5,853 $2,737 $10,621 
Reported as:
Current$936 $2,733 $1,436 $5,105 
Noncurrent1,095 3,120 1,301 5,516 
Total, net$2,031 $5,853 $2,737 $10,621 
January 27, 2018
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts
 Total
July 25, 2020July 25, 2020Lease
Receivables		Loan
Receivables		Financed Service
Contracts		Total
Gross$2,762
 $4,846
 $2,479
 $10,087
Gross$2,127 $5,937 $2,830 $10,894 
Residual value168
 —
 —
 168
Residual value123 — — 123 
Unearned income(145) —
 —
 (145)Unearned income(114)0 0 (114)
Allowance for credit loss(165) (94) (13) (272)Allowance for credit loss(48)(81)(9)(138)
Total, net$2,620
 $4,752
 $2,466
 $9,838
Total, net$2,088 $5,856 $2,821 $10,765 
Reported as:       Reported as:
Current$1,222
 $2,258
 $1,445
 $4,925
Current$918 $2,692 $1,441 $5,051 
Noncurrent1,398
 2,494
 1,021
 4,913
Noncurrent1,170 3,164 1,380 5,714 
Total, net$2,620
 $4,752
 $2,466
 $9,838
Total, net$2,088 $5,856 $2,821 $10,765 

19
July 29, 2017
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts
 Total
Gross$2,784
 $4,560
 $2,517
 $9,861
Residual value173
 —
 —
 173
Unearned income(145) —
 —
 (145)
Allowance for credit loss(162) (103) (30) (295)
Total, net$2,650
 $4,457
 $2,487
 $9,594
Reported as:       
Current$1,301
 $2,104
 $1,451
 $4,856
Noncurrent1,349
 2,353
 1,036
 4,738
Total, net$2,650
 $4,457
 $2,487
 $9,594
Future minimum lease payments to the Company on lease receivables as of January 27, 2018 are summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2018 (remaining six months)$707
20191,054
2020602
2021292
202298
Thereafter9
Total$2,762
Actual cash collections may differ from the contractual maturities due to early customer buyouts, refinancings, or defaults.

16
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



(b)Credit Quality of Financing Receivables
(b)Credit Quality of Financing Receivables
Gross financing receivables(1) categorized by our internal credit risk rating by period of origination as of October 24, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearThree Months Ended
Internal Credit Risk RatingPriorJuly 29, 2017July 28, 2018July 27, 2019July 25, 2020October 24, 2020Total
Lease Receivables:
1 to 4$17 $60 $166 $263 $389 $25 $920 
5 to 617 65 151 300 389 54 976 
7 and Higher4 3 9 21 21 4 62 
Total Lease Receivables$38 $128 $326 $584 $799 $83 $1,958 
Loan Receivables:
1 to 4$30 $170 $458 $858 $1,430 $793 $3,739 
5 to 616 87 174 456 887 441 2,061 
7 and Higher3 3 9 72 62 5 154 
Total Loan Receivables$49 $260 $641 $1,386 $2,379 $1,239 $5,954 
Financed Service Contracts:
1 to 4$4 $56 $88 $246 $555 $634 $1,583 
5 to 62 36 73 285 465 267 1,128 
7 and Higher0 0 3 16 13 1 33 
Total Financed Service Contracts$6 $92 $164 $547 $1,033 $902 $2,744 
(1) Lease receivables calculated as gross lease receivables, excluding residual value, less unearned income
The following table summarizes our gross receivables categorized by the Company’sour internal credit risk rating as of January 27, 2018July 25, 2020 and July 29, 2017 are summarized as follows (in millions):
 INTERNAL CREDIT RISK RATING
January 27, 20181 to 4 5 to 6 7 and Higher Total
Lease receivables$1,322
 $1,244
 $51
 $2,617
Loan receivables3,054
 1,716
 76
 4,846
Financed service contracts1,572
 895
 12
 2,479
Total$5,948
 $3,855
 $139
 $9,942
 INTERNAL CREDIT RISK RATING
July 29, 20171 to 4 5 to 6 7 and Higher Total
Lease receivables$1,408
 $1,181
 $50
 $2,639
Loan receivables2,865
 1,516
 179
 4,560
Financed service contracts1,593
 902
 22
 2,517
Total$5,866
 $3,599
 $251
 $9,716
The Company determineswas not restated to reflect the adequacyimpact 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 consistadoption of the following: lease receivables, loan receivables, and financed service contracts.accounting standards update on Credit Losses on Financial Instruments:
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 grade ratings. Credit risk ratings of 7 and higher correspond to substandard ratings.
 INTERNAL CREDIT RISK RATING
July 25, 20201 to 45 to 67 and HigherTotal
Lease receivables$992 $952 $69 $2,013 
Loan receivables3,808 1,961 168 5,937 
Financed service contracts1,645 1,153 32 2,830 
Total$6,445 $4,066 $269 $10,780 
In circumstances when collectibility 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 following tables present the aging analysis of gross receivables excluding residual value and less unearned income as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 201725, 2020 (in millions):
DAYS PAST DUE
(INCLUDES BILLED AND UNBILLED)
October 24, 202031-6061-90 91+Total
Past Due		CurrentTotal120+ Still AccruingNonaccrual
Financing
Receivables		Impaired
Financing
Receivables
Lease receivables$45 $21 $103 $169 $1,789 $1,958 $4 $39 $39 
Loan receivables113 32 80 225 5,729 5,954 10 54 54 
Financed service contracts77 34 182 293 2,451 2,744 33 4 4 
Total$235 $87 $365 $687 $9,969 $10,656 $47 $97 $97 
20
Table of Contents
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

 
DAYS PAST DUE
(INCLUDES BILLED AND UNBILLED)
        
January 27, 201831-60 61-90  91+ 
Total
Past Due
 Current Total 
Nonaccrual
Financing
Receivables
 
Impaired
Financing
Receivables
Lease receivables$98
 $96
 $278
 $472
 $2,145
 $2,617
 $19
 $19
Loan receivables66
 124
 151
 341
 4,505
 4,846
 45
 45
Financed service contracts54
 85
 414
 553
 1,926
 2,479
 2
 2
Total$218
 $305
 $843
 $1,366
 $8,576
 $9,942
 $66
 $66
DAYS PAST DUE
(INCLUDES BILLED AND UNBILLED)
DAYS PAST DUE
(INCLUDES BILLED AND UNBILLED)
        
July 29, 201731-60 61-90  91+ 
Total
Past Due
 Current Total 
Nonaccrual
Financing
Receivables
 
Impaired
Financing
Receivables
July 25, 2020July 25, 202031-6061-90 91+Total
Past Due		CurrentTotalNonaccrual
Financing
Receivables		Impaired
Financing
Receivables
Lease receivables$160
 $60
 $216
 $436
 $2,203
 $2,639
 $14
 $14
Lease receivables$29 $47 $48 $124 $1,889 $2,013 $43 $43 
Loan receivables230
 48
 259
 537
 4,023
 4,560
 43
 43
Loan receivables129 78 78 285 5,652 5,937 65 65 
Financed service contracts160
 77
 523
 760
 1,757
 2,517
 18
 2
Financed service contracts69 75 124 268 2,562 2,830 4 4 
Total$550
 $185
 $998
 $1,733
 $7,983
 $9,716
 $75
 $59
Total$227 $200 $250 $677 $10,103 $10,780 $112 $112 
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 is 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. The balances of either unbilled or current financing receivables included in the category of 91 days plus past due for financing receivables were $462 million and $666 million as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, respectively.

17
Table of Contents
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


As of January 27, 2018, the CompanyJuly 25, 2020, we had financing receivables of $358$67 million, net of unbilled or current receivables, that were in the category of 91greater than 120 days plus past due but remained on accrual status as they are well secured and in the process of collection. Such balance was $315 million as of July 29, 2017.
(c)Allowance for Credit Loss Rollforward
(c)Allowance for Credit Loss Rollforward
The allowances for credit loss and the related financing receivables are summarized as follows (in millions):
Three months ended October 24, 2020CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
Lease
Receivables		Loan
Receivables		Financed Service
Contracts		Total
Allowance for credit loss as of July 25, 2020$48 $81 $9 $138 
Provisions (benefits)(3)3 (1)(1)
Other1 17 (1)17 
Allowance for credit loss as of October 24, 2020$46 $101 $7 $154 
Three months ended October 26, 2019CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
Lease
Receivables		Loan
Receivables		Financed Service
Contracts		Total
Allowance for credit loss as of July 27, 2019$46 $71 $9 $126 
Provisions (benefits)(3)27 0 24 
Recoveries (write-offs), net0 (16)0 (16)
Foreign exchange and other0 (1)0 (1)
Allowance for credit loss as of October 26, 2019$43 $81 $9 $133 

21
Three months ended January 27, 2018CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
 Lease
Receivables		 Loan
Receivables		 Financed Service
Contracts		 Total
Allowance for credit loss as of October 28, 2017$160
 $106
 $23
 $289
Provisions3
 (13) (10) (20)
Foreign exchange and other2
 1
 —
 3
Allowance for credit loss as of January 27, 2018$165
 $94
 $13
 $272
Six months ended January 27, 2018CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
 
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts
 Total
Allowance for credit loss as of July 29, 2017$162
 $103
 $30
 $295
Provisions1
 (11) (16) (26)
Foreign exchange and other2
 2
 (1) 3
Allowance for credit loss as of January 27, 2018$165
 $94
 $13
 $272
Three months ended January 28, 2017CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
 Lease
Receivables		 Loan
Receivables		 Financed Service
Contracts		 Total
Allowance for credit loss as of October 29, 2016$227
 $111
 $48
 $386
Provisions2
 —
 (1) 1
Recoveries (write-offs), net(2) (4) —
 (6)
Foreign exchange and other(2) (1) —
 (3)
Allowance for credit loss as of January 28, 2017$225
 $106
 $47
 $378
Six months ended January 28, 2017CREDIT LOSS ALLOWANCES
 
Lease
Receivables
 
Loan
Receivables
 
Financed Service
Contracts
 Total
Allowance for credit loss as of July 30, 2016$230
 $97
 $48
 $375
Provisions(2) 12
 (1) 9
Recoveries (write-offs), net(2) (4) —
 (6)
Foreign exchange and other(1) 1
 —
 —
Allowance for credit loss as of January 28, 2017$225
 $106
 $47
 $378
The Company assesses the allowance for credit loss related to financing receivables on either an individual or a collective basis. The Company considers various factors in evaluating lease and loan receivables and the earned 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 customer’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 representing the highest quality financing receivables.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)




Typically, the Company also considers receivables with a risk rating10.Available-for-Sale Debt and Equity Investments
(a)Summary of 8 or higher to be impaired and will include them in the individual assessment for allowance. These balances, as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, are presented under “(b) Credit Quality of Financing Receivables” above.Available-for-Sale Debt Investments
The Company evaluates the remainder of its financing receivables portfolio for impairment on a collective basis and records an allowance for credit loss at the portfolio segment level. When evaluating the financing receivables on a collective basis, the Company uses expected default frequency rates published by a major third-party credit-rating agency 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.
(d)Operating Leases
The Company provides financing of 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):
 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017
Operating lease assets$364
 $356
Accumulated depreciation(232) (212)
Operating lease assets, net$132
 $144
Minimum future rentals on noncancelable operating leases as of January 27, 2018 are summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2018 (remaining six months)$103
2019137
202068
202115
Thereafter2
Total$325


8.Investments
(a)Summary of Available-for-Sale Investments
The following tables summarize the Company’sour available-for-sale debt investments (in millions):
January 27, 2018
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Fixed income securities:       
October 24, 2020October 24, 2020Amortized
Cost		Gross
Unrealized
Gains		Gross
Unrealized and Credit
Losses		Fair
Value
U.S. government securities$17,506
 $—
 $(140) $17,366
U.S. government securities$2,656 $61 $0 $2,717 
U.S. government agency securities1,722
 —
 (10) 1,712
U.S. government agency securities178 0 0 178 
Non-U.S. government and agency securities340
 —
 (1) 339
Corporate debt securities31,508
 80
 (233) 31,355
Corporate debt securities11,266 298 (27)11,537 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities2,106
 —
 (49) 2,057
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities2,494 41 (6)2,529 
Commercial paper1,414
 —
 —
 1,414
Commercial paper1,712 0 0 1,712 
Certificates of deposit196
 —
 —
 196
Certificates of deposit517 0 0 517 
Total fixed income securities54,792
 80
 (433) 54,439
Publicly traded equity securities924
 697
 (1) 1,620
Total (1)
$55,716
 $777
 $(434) $56,059
Total (1)
$18,823 $400 $(33)$19,190 

July 25, 2020Amortized
Cost		Gross
Unrealized
Gains		Gross
Unrealized
Losses		Fair
Value
U.S. government securities$2,614 $71 $0 $2,685 
U.S. government agency securities110 0 0 110 
Corporate debt securities11,549 334 (6)11,877 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,987 49 (1)2,035 
Commercial paper727 0 0 727 
Certificates of deposit176 0 0 176 
Total$17,163 $454 $(7)$17,610 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


July 29, 2017
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Fixed income securities:       
U.S. government securities$19,880
 $3
 $(60) $19,823
U.S. government agency securities2,057
 —
 (5) 2,052
Non-U.S. government and agency securities389
 —
 (1) 388
Corporate debt securities31,626
 202
 (93) 31,735
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities2,037
 3
 (17) 2,023
Commercial paper996
 —
 —
 996
Certificates of deposit60
 —
 —
 60
Total fixed income securities57,045
 208
 (176) 57,077
Publicly traded equity securities1,180
 554
 (27) 1,707
Total (1)
$58,225
 $762
 $(203) $58,784
(1) Includes investments that were pending settlement as of the respective fiscal years. The net Net unsettled investment purchases (sales)sales were $(3) million and $(30)$57 million as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017, respectively.were included in other current assets.
Non-U.S. government and agency securities include agency and corporate debt securities that are guaranteed by non-U.S. governments.
(b)Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Investments
The following table presents the gross realized gains and gross realized losses related to available-for-sale debt investments (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Gross realized gains$15 $12 
Gross realized losses0 (2)
Total$15 $10 
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Gross realized gains$165
 $18
 $232
 $48
Gross realized losses(107) (48) (141) (63)
Total$58
 $(30) $91
 $(15)

The following table presents the realized net gains (losses) related to available-for-sale investments by security type (in millions):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Net gains (losses) on investments in publicly traded equity securities$154
 $4
 $183
 $9
Net gains (losses) on investments in fixed income securities(96) (34) (92) (24)
Total$58
 $(30) $91
 $(15)

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


The following tables present the breakdown of the available-for-sale debt investments with gross unrealized losses and the duration that those losses had been unrealized at January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 201725, 2020 (in millions):
 UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS		UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER		TOTAL
October 24, 2020Fair ValueGross
Unrealized
Losses		Fair ValueGross
Unrealized
Losses		Fair ValueGross 
Unrealized 
Losses
U.S. government securities 
$144 $0 $0 $0 $144 $0 
U.S. government agency securities65 0 0 0 65 0 
Corporate debt securities1,008 (2)0 0 1,008 (2)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,076 (6)0 0 1,076 (6)
Certificates of deposit15 0 0 0 15 0 
Total$2,308 $(8)$0 $0 $2,308 $(8)
 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS
 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER
 TOTAL
January 27, 2018Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses
Fixed income securities:           
U.S. government securities 
$11,553
 $(96) $5,804
 $(44) $17,357
 $(140)
U.S. government agency securities1,152
 (5) 559
 (5) 1,711
 (10)
Non-U.S. government and agency securities136
 —
 203
 (1) 339
 (1)
Corporate debt securities16,003
 (146) 4,287
 (87) 20,290
 (233)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,161
 (19) 876
 (30) 2,037
 (49)
Total fixed income securities30,005
 (266)
11,729

(167)
41,734

(433)
Publicly traded equity securities10
 (1) —
 —
 10
 (1)
Total$30,015
 $(267) $11,729
 $(167) $41,744
 $(434)
22
 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS
 
UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER
 TOTAL
July 29, 2017Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses
Fixed income securities:           
U.S. government securities 
$14,962
 $(55) $771
 $(5) $15,733
 $(60)
U.S. government agency securities1,791
 (4) 130
 (1) 1,921
 (5)
Non-U.S. government and agency securities368
 (1) —
 —
 368
 (1)
Corporate debt securities9,487
 (92) 101
 (1) 9,588
 (93)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,485
 (16) 38
 (1) 1,523
 (17)
Total fixed income securities28,093
 (168) 1,040
 (8) 29,133
 (176)
Publicly traded equity securities122
 (27) —
 —
 122
 (27)
Total$28,215
 $(195) $1,040
 $(8) $29,255
 $(203)
The net realized losses related to the Company's available-for-sale investments included impairment charges of zero and $26 million for the three and six months ended January 27, 2018, respectively. These impairment charges related primarily to publicly traded equity securities and were due to a decline in the fair value of those securities below their cost basis that were determined to be other than temporary. There were no impairment charges on available-for-sale investments for the corresponding periods in fiscal 2017.
As of January 27, 2018, for fixed income securities that were in unrealized 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 January 27, 2018, 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 six months ended January 27, 2018.
The Company has evaluated its publicly traded equity securities as of January 27, 2018 and has determined that there were no additional 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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



 UNREALIZED LOSSES
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS		UNREALIZED LOSSES
12 MONTHS OR GREATER		TOTAL
July 25, 2020Fair ValueGross
Unrealized
Losses		Fair ValueGross
Unrealized
Losses		Fair ValueGross 
Unrealized 
Losses
U.S. government agency securities$33 $0 $0 $0 $33 $0 
Corporate debt securities1,060 (6)3 0 1,063 (6)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities265 (1)0 0 265 (1)
Total$1,358 $(7)$3 $0 $1,361 $(7)
(c)Maturities of Fixed Income Securities
The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s fixed income securitiesour available-for-sale debt investments as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 (in millions):
 Amortized Cost Fair Value
Less than 1 year$15,881
 $15,847
Due in 1 to 2 years12,267
 12,188
Due in 2 to 5 years22,095
 21,926
Due after 5 years2,443
 2,421
Mortgage-backed securities with no single maturity2,106
 2,057
Total$54,792
 $54,439
Amortized CostFair Value
Within 1 year$7,480 $7,490 
After 1 year through 5 years6,897 7,052 
After 5 years through 10 years1,943 2,109 
After 10 years9 10 
Mortgage-backed securities with no single maturity2,494 2,529 
Total$18,823 $19,190 
Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.
(d)Securities Lending
The Company periodically engages in(b)Summary of Equity Investments
Our net adjustments to non-marketable equity securities lending activities with certainmeasured using the measurement alternative was a net gain of its available for sale investments. These transactions are accounted for as$1 million and a secured lendingnet loss of the securities, and the securities are typically loaned only on an overnight basis. The average daily balance of securities lending$1 million for the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 and January 28, 2017 was $0.42020, respectively. We held equity interests in certain private equity funds of $0.7 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively. The Company requires collateral equal to at least 102%as of the fair market valueeach 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 collateral losses. The Company did not experience any losses in connection with the secured lending of securities during the periods presented. As of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017, the Company had no outstanding securities lending transactions.
(e)Investments in Privately Held Companies
The carrying value of the investments in privately held companies was included in other assets. For such investments that were25, 2020, which are accounted for under the equity and cost method as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, the amounts are summarized in the following table (in millions):NAV practical expedient.
 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017
Equity method investments$121
 $124
Cost method investments861
 859
Total$982
 $983
For additional information on impairment charges related to investments in privately held companies, see Note 9.
(c)Variable Interest Entities
In the ordinary course of business, the Company haswe have investments in privately held companies and providesprovide financing to certain customers. These privately held companies and customers may be considered to beare evaluated for consolidation under the variable interest entities. The Company evaluatesor voting interest entity models. We evaluate on an ongoing basis itsour investments in these privately held companies and itsour customer financings, and hashave determined that as of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, except as disclosed in Note 1,herein, there were no0 significant variable interest or voting interest entities required to be consolidated in the Company’sour Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of January 27, 2018, theThe carrying value of our investments in privately held companies was $982 million,$1.4 billion and $1.3 billion as of which $528 millionOctober 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, respectively.
Of the total carrying value of our investments in privately held companies as of October 24, 2020, $0.7 billion of such investments are considered to be in variable interest entities which are unconsolidated. In addition, the Company has additionalWe have total funding commitments of $215 million$0.3 billion related to these privately held investments, some of which aremay be based on the achievement of certain agreed-upon milestones, and some of which are required to be funded on demand. The carrying value of these investments and the additional funding commitments collectively represent the Company'sour maximum exposure related to these variable interest entities.privately held investments.



2211. Fair Value
Table of Contents
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


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 either recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company considerswe consider the principal or most advantageous market in which itwe would transact, and itwe also considersconsider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
(a)Fair Value Hierarchy
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


(a)Fair Value Hierarchy
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.
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.

(b)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


(b)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017 were as follows (in millions):
OCTOBER 24, 2020JULY 25, 2020
JANUARY 27, 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS		 JULY 29, 2017
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS		FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTSFAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Total
Balance
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Total
Balance
 Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Balance		Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Balance
Assets:               Assets:
Cash equivalents:               Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$15,537
 $—
 $—
 $15,537
 $9,567
 $—
 $—
 $9,567
Money market funds$8,634 $0 $0 $8,634 $10,024 $0 $0 $10,024 
U.S. government securities—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 139
 —
 139
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities0 4 0 4 0 8 0 8 
Commercial paper—
 41
 —
 41
 —
 160
 —
 160
Commercial paper0 120 0 120 0 0 0 0 
Certificates of deposit—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 25
 —
 25
Available-for-sale investments:              
Available-for-sale debt investments:Available-for-sale debt investments:
U.S. government securities—
 17,366
 —
 17,366
 —
 19,823
 —
 19,823
U.S. government securities0 2,717 0 2,717 0 2,685 0 2,685 
U.S. government agency securities—
 1,712
 —
 1,712
 —
 2,052
 —
 2,052
U.S. government agency securities0 178 0 178 0 110 0 110 
Non-U.S. government and agency securities—
 339
 —
 339
 —
 388
 —
 388
Corporate debt securities—
 31,355
 —
 31,355
 —
 31,735
 —
 31,735
Corporate debt securities0 11,537 0 11,537 0 11,877 0 11,877 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities—
 2,057
 —
 2,057
 —
 2,023
 —
 2,023
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities0 2,529 0 2,529 0 2,035 0 2,035 
Commercial paper—
 1,414
 —
 1,414
 —
 996
 —
 996
Commercial paper0 1,712 0 1,712 0 727 0 727 
Certificates of deposit—
 196
 —
 196
 —
 60
 —
 60
Certificates of deposit0 517 0 517 0 176 0 176 
Publicly traded equity securities1,620
 —
 —
 1,620
 1,707
 —
 —
 1,707
Assets:Assets:
Derivative assets—
 90
 —
 90
 —
 149
 —
 149
Derivative assets0 179 3 182 0 190 1 191 
Total$17,157
 $54,570
 $—
 $71,727
 $11,274
 $57,550
 $—
 $68,824
Total$8,634 $19,493 $3 $28,130 $10,024 $17,808 $1 $27,833 
Liabilities:               Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities$—
 $76
 $—
 $76
 $—
 $4
 $—
 $4
Derivative liabilities$0 $22 $0 $22 $0 $10 $0 $10 
Total$—
 $76
 $—
 $76
 $—
 $4
 $—
 $4
Total$0 $22 $0 $22 $0 $10 $0 $10 
Level 1 publicly traded equitymarketable securities are determined by using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 fixed income securitiesavailable-for-sale debt investments are priced using quoted market prices for similar instruments or nonbinding market prices that are corroborated by observable market data. The Company usesWe use 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 usesWe use such pricing data as the primary input to make itsour assessments and determinations as to the ultimate valuation of itsour investment portfolio and hashave not made, during the periods presented, any material adjustments to such inputs. The Company isWe are ultimately responsible for the financial statements and underlying estimates. The Company’sOur derivative instruments are primarily classified as Level 2, as they are not actively traded and are valued using pricing models
24
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

that use observable market inputs. The CompanyWe did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented.
Level 3 assets include certain derivative instruments, the values of which are determined based on discounted cash flow models using inputs that the Companywe could not corroborate with market data.

(c)Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
24
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


(c)Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The following table presents the Company’s assets that were measured atcarrying value of our non-marketable equity securities recorded to fair value on a nonrecurringnon-recurring basis during the indicated periods and the related recognized gains and lossesis adjusted for the periods indicated (in millions):
 TOTAL GAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED TOTAL GAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Investments in privately held companies (impaired)$(18) $(64) $(39) $(111)
Purchased intangible assets (impaired)—
 —
 —
 (42)
Property held for sale—land and buildings20
 (24) 20
 (24)
Total gains (losses) for nonrecurring measurements$2
 $(88) $(19) $(177)
These assets were measured at fair value due to eventsobservable transactions for identical or circumstances the Company identified as having significant impact on their fair value during the respective 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.
The fair value measurementsimilar investments of the impaired investments wassame issuer or impairment. These securities are 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 of comparable private and public companies, financial condition and near-term prospects of the investees, recent financing activities of the investees, and the investees’ capital structure as well as other economic 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 hierarchy because we estimate the value based on valuation methods using the observable transaction price at the transaction date and other unobservable inputs such as a resultvolatility, rights, and obligations of the evaluation, were recorded to other income (loss), net. The remaining carrying value of the investments that were impaired was $44 million as of each of January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017.
The fair value for purchased intangible assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis was categorized as Level 3 due to the use of significant unobservable inputs in the valuation. Significant unobservable inputs that were used included expected revenues and net income related to the assets and the expected life of the assets. The difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the assets was recorded as an impairment charge, which was included in product cost of sales and operating expenses as applicable. See Note 4. The remaining carrying value of the specific purchased intangible assets that were impaired was $9 million as of January 28, 2017.
The fair value of property held for sale was measured with 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 charge 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, was included in restructuring and other charges. The remaining carrying value of the property held for sale that was impaired was zero and $11 million as of January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively.

securities we hold.
(d) Other Fair Value Disclosures
The carrying value of investments in privately held companies that were accounted for under the cost method was $861 million and $859 million as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, respectively. It was not practicable to estimate the fair value of this portfolio.
The fair value ofour short-term loan receivables and financed service contracts approximates their carrying value due to their short duration. The aggregate carrying value of our long-term loan receivables and financed service contracts as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 201725, 2020 was $3.5$4.4 billion and $3.4$4.5 billion, respectively. The estimated fair value of our long-term loan receivables and financed service contracts approximates their carrying value. The Company usesWe use significant unobservable inputs in determining discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of itsour long-term loan receivables and financed service contracts, and therefore they are categorized as Level 3.
As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, the estimated fair value of theour short-term debt approximates its carrying value due to the short maturities. As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, the fair value of the Company’sour senior notes and other long-term debt was $31.8$17.0 billion with a carrying amount of $30.4$14.6 billion. This compares to a fair value of $32.1$17.4 billion and a carrying amount of $30.5$14.6 billion as of July 29, 2017.25, 2020. The fair value of the senior notes and other long-term debt was determined based on observable market prices in a less active market and was categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.


25
Table of Contents12.Borrowings
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.(a)Short-Term Debt
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


10.Borrowings
(a)Short-Term Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’sour short-term debt (in millions, except percentages):
 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017
 Amount Effective Rate Amount Effective Rate
Current portion of long-term debt$4,749
 1.78% $4,747
 1.66%
Commercial paper8,992
 1.51% 3,245
 1.16%
Total short-term debt$13,741
   $7,992
 
 October 24, 2020July 25, 2020
 AmountEffective RateAmountEffective Rate
Current portion of long-term debt$5,002 2.00 %$3,005 2.07 %
The Company hasWe have a short-term debt financing program of up to $10.0 billion through the issuance of commercial paper notes. The Company usesWe use the proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper notes for general corporate purposes.
The effective rates for the short- and long-term debt include the interest on the notes, the accretion of the discount, the issuance costs, and, if applicable, adjustments related to hedging.

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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



(b)Long-Term Debt
(b)Long-Term Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’sour long-term debt (in millions, except percentages):
 October 24, 2020July 25, 2020
 Maturity DateAmountEffective RateAmountEffective Rate
Senior notes:
Fixed-rate notes:
2.20%February 28, 2021$2,500 2.30%$2,500 2.30%
2.90%March 4, 2021500 0.91%500 0.94%
1.85%September 20, 20212,000 1.90%2,000 1.90%
3.00%June 15, 2022500 1.19%500 1.21%
2.60%February 28, 2023500 2.68%500 2.68%
2.20%September 20, 2023750 2.27%750 2.27%
3.625%March 4, 20241,000 1.03%1,000 1.06%
3.50%June 15, 2025500 1.35%500 1.37%
2.95%February 28, 2026750 3.01%750 3.01%
2.50%September 20, 20261,500 2.55%1,500 2.55%
5.90%February 15, 20392,000 6.11%2,000 6.11%
5.50%January 15, 20402,000 5.67%2,000 5.67%
Total14,500 14,500 
Unaccreted discount/issuance costs(86)(88)
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments152 171 
Total$14,566 $14,583 
Reported as:
Current portion of long-term debt$5,002 $3,005 
Long-term debt9,564 11,578 
Total$14,566 $14,583 
   January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017
 Maturity Date Amount Effective Rate Amount Effective Rate
Senior notes:         
Floating-rate notes:         
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.60%February 21, 2018 $1,000
 2.11% $1,000
 1.84%
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.31%June 15, 2018 900
 1.96% 900
 1.62%
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.50%March 1, 2019 500
 2.04% 500
 1.76%
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.34%September 20, 2019 500
 2.01% 500
 1.66%
Fixed-rate notes:         
1.40%February 28, 2018 1,250
 1.47% 1,250
 1.47%
1.65%June 15, 2018 1,600
 1.72% 1,600
 1.72%
4.95%February 15, 2019 2,000
 5.04% 2,000
 4.96%
1.60%February 28, 2019 1,000
 1.67% 1,000
 1.67%
2.125%March 1, 2019 1,750
 2.18% 1,750
 1.84%
1.40%September 20, 2019 1,500
 1.48% 1,500
 1.48%
4.45%January 15, 2020 2,500
 4.11% 2,500
 3.84%
2.45%June 15, 2020 1,500
 2.54% 1,500
 2.54%
2.20%February 28, 2021 2,500
 2.30% 2,500
 2.30%
2.90%March 4, 2021 500
 2.34% 500
 2.00%
1.85%September 20, 2021 2,000
 1.90% 2,000
 1.90%
3.00%June 15, 2022 500
 2.60% 500
 2.26%
2.60%February 28, 2023 500
 2.68% 500
 2.68%
2.20%September 20, 2023 750
 2.27% 750
 2.27%
3.625%March 4, 2024 1,000
 2.46% 1,000
 2.12%
3.50%June 15, 2025 500
 2.76% 500
 2.43%
2.95%February 28, 2026 750
 3.01% 750
 3.01%
2.50%September 20, 2026 1,500
 2.55% 1,500
 2.55%
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%
Total  30,500
   30,500
  
Unaccreted discount/issuance costs  (125)   (136)  
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments  (1)   108
  
Total  $30,374
   $30,472
  
          
Reported as:         
Current portion of long-term debt  $4,749
   $4,747
  
Long-term debt  25,625
   25,725
  
Total  $30,374
   $30,472
  

The CompanyWe have entered into interest rate swaps in prior periods with an aggregate notional amount of $6.75$2.5 billion designated as fair value hedges of certain of itsour fixed-rate senior notes. These swaps convert the fixed interest rates of the fixed-rate notes to floating interest rates based on the London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"(“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. For additional information, see Note 11.13.

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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


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 Companyus at any time, subject to a make-whole premium. The senior notes rank at par with the commercial paper notes that have beenmay be issued in the future pursuant to the Company’sour short-term debt financing program, as discussed above under “(a) Short-Term Debt.” As of January 27, 2018, the Company wasOctober 24, 2020, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, future principal payments for long-term debt, including the current portion, are summarized as follows (in millions):
Fiscal YearAmount
2021 (remaining nine months)$3,000 
20222,500 
2023500 
20241,750 
2025500 
Thereafter6,250 
Total$14,500 
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Fiscal YearAmount
2018 (remaining six months)$4,750
20195,250
20206,000
20213,000
20222,500
Thereafter9,000
Total$30,500
(c)Credit Facility
(c)Credit Facilities
On May 15, 2015, the Company2020, we entered into a 364-day credit agreement with certain institutional lenders that provides for a $3.0$2.75 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire on May 14, 2021. The credit agreement is structured as an amendment and restatement of our five-year credit facility which would have terminated on May 15, 2020. 2020, the end of its five-year term. As of October 24, 2020, we were in compliance with the required interest coverage ratio and the other covenants, and we had 0t borrowed any funds under the credit facility.
Any advances under the credit agreement will accrue interest at rates that are equal to, based on certain conditions, either (i) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) Bank of America’s “prime rate” as announced from time to time, or (c) LIBOR, or a comparable or successor rate that is approved by the Administrative Agent (“Eurocurrency Rate”), for an interest period of one-month plus 1.00%, or (ii) the Eurocurrency Rate, plus a margin that is based on the Company’sour senior debt credit ratings as published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., provided that in no event will the Eurocurrency Rate be less than zero. The Company0.25%. 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 $2.0 billion and/or extend the expiration date of the credit facility up to May 15, 2022.
In addition, on March 30, 2017, the Company entered into a 364-Day credit agreement with certain institutional lenders that provides for a $2.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire on March 29, 2018.billion. The credit agreement also provides the Company with the option to, for a fee, convert any borrowing outstanding thereunder on March 29, 2018 to a term loan maturing no later than March 29, 2019. The interest rate applicable to outstanding balances under the credit agreement will be based on either (i) the higher of (a) the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System (i.e., Federal Funds rate) plus 0.50%, (b) Bank of America’s “prime rate” as announced from time to time or (c) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%, or (ii) LIBOR plus a marginrequires that is based on the Company's senior debt credit ratings as published by S&P Global Rating, a business unit of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
These credit agreements require that the Companywe comply with certain covenants, including that the Company maintainswe maintain an interest coverage ratio as defined in these agreements. Asthe agreement.

13.Derivative Instruments
(a)Summary of January 27, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the required interest coverage ratios and the other covenants, and the Company had not borrowed any funds under these credit facilities.Derivative Instruments

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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


11.Derivative Instruments
(a)Summary of Derivative Instruments
The Company usesWe use derivative instruments primarily to manage exposures to foreign currency exchange rate, interest rate, and equity price risks. The Company’sOur 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’sOur derivatives expose itus to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement. The Company does,We do, however, seek to mitigate such risks by limiting itsour 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’sour 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 January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017		 Balance Sheet Line Item January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:           
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets $47
 $46
 Other current liabilities $—
 $1
Equity derivativesOther current assets —
 —
 Other current liabilities 49
 —
Interest rate derivativesOther assets 18
 102
 Other long-term liabilities 26
 —
Total  65
 148
   75
 1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:           
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets 24
 1
 Other current liabilities 1
 3
Total return swaps—deferred compensation

Other current assets 1
 —
 Other current liabilities —
 —
Total  25
 1
   1
 3
Total  $90
 $149
   $76
 $4

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):
 DERIVATIVE ASSETSDERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
 Balance Sheet Line ItemOctober 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		Balance Sheet Line ItemOctober 24,
2020		July 25,
2020
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets$11 $7 Other current liabilities$10 $2 
Interest rate derivativesOther current assets4 6 Other current liabilities0 0 
Interest rate derivativesOther assets151 169 Other long-term liabilities0 0 
Total166 182 10 2 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivativesOther current assets13 8 Other current liabilities11 8 
Equity derivativesOther current assets0 0 Other current liabilities1 0 
Equity derivativesOther assets3 1 Other long-term liabilities0 0 
Total16 9 12 8 
Total$182 $191 $22 $10 
27
GAINS (LOSSES) RECOGNIZED
IN OCI ON DERIVATIVES FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)
 
GAINS (LOSSES) RECLASSIFIED FROM
AOCI INTO INCOME FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 
Line Item in
Statements of Operations
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:          
Foreign currency derivatives $30
 $(2) Operating expenses $14
 $(21)
      
Cost of sales—service
 4
 (6)
Total $30
 $(2)   $18
 $(27)
           
Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments:          
Foreign currency derivatives $(12) $(3) Other income (loss), net $—
 $—

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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)




GAINS (LOSSES) RECOGNIZED
IN OCI ON DERIVATIVES FOR THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)
 
GAINS (LOSSES) RECLASSIFIED FROM
AOCI INTO INCOME FOR THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED (EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 
Line Item in
Statements of Operations
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:          
Foreign currency derivatives $38
 $(48) Operating expenses $24
 $(30)
      
Cost of sales—service
 7
 (9)
Total $38
 $(48)   $31
 $(39)
           
Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments:          
Foreign currency derivatives $(17) $6
 Other income (loss), net $—
 $—
As of January 27, 2018, the Company estimates that approximately $56 million of net derivative gains related to its cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months when the underlying hedged item impacts earnings.
The effectfollowing amounts were recorded on the Consolidated Statements of OperationsBalance Sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for our fair value hedges (in millions):
 CARRYING AMOUNT OF THE HEDGED ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)CUMULATIVE AMOUNT OF FAIR VALUE HEDGING ADJUSTMENT INCLUDED IN THE CARRYING AMOUNT OF THE HEDGED ASSETS/LIABILITIES
Balance Sheet Line Item of Hedged ItemOctober 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020
Short-term debt$(504)$(506)$(4)$(6)
Long-term debt$(2,143)$(2,159)$(148)$(165)
The effect of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, recognized in interest and the underlying hedged itemsother income (loss), net is summarized as follows (in millions):
    
GAINS (LOSSES) ON
DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
GAINS (LOSSES)
RELATED TO HEDGED
ITEMS FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments Line Item in Statements of Operations January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Interest rate derivatives Interest expense $(63) $(175) $63
 $172
Equity derivatives Other income (loss), net (35) —
 35
 —
Total   $(98) $(175) $98
 $172

    
GAINS (LOSSES) ON
DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS FOR THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
GAINS (LOSSES)
RELATED TO HEDGED
ITEMS FOR THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments Line Item in Statements of Operations January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Interest rate derivatives Interest expense $(109) $(266) $109
 $262
Equity derivatives Other income (loss), net (49) —
 49
 —
Total   $(158) $(266) $158
 $262
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Interest rate derivatives:
Hedged items$19 $(21)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments(20)22 
Total$(1)$1 
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
THREE MONTHS ENDED
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments		Line Item in Statements of OperationsOctober 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Foreign currency derivativesOther income (loss), net$14 $(7)
Total return swaps—deferred compensationOperating expenses and other23 0 
Equity derivativesOther income (loss), net5 2 
Total$42 $(5)
    
GAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
GAINS (LOSSES) FOR THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 Line Item in Statements of Operations January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Foreign currency derivatives Other income (loss), net $66
 $(20) $73
 $(36)
Total return swaps—deferred compensation Operating expenses 41
 26
 57
 23
Equity derivatives Other income (loss), net 2
 8
 3
 9
Total   $109
 $14
 $133
 $(4)
The notional amounts of our outstanding derivatives are summarized as follows (in millions):

October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020
Foreign currency derivatives$4,338 $4,315 
Interest rate derivatives2,500 2,500 
Total return swaps—deferred compensation621 580 
Total$7,459 $7,395 
30
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



(b)Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
The notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding derivatives are summarized as follows (in millions):
 January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
Foreign currency derivatives—cash flow hedges$792
 $1,696
Interest rate derivatives6,750
 6,750
Net investment hedging instruments214
 351
Equity derivatives302
 —
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:   
Foreign currency derivatives3,072
 2,258
Total return swaps—deferred compensation590
 535
Total$11,720
 $11,590
(b)Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
The Company presents itsWe present our derivative instruments at gross fair values in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the Company’sour 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. As of October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, the potential effects of these rights of set-off associated with the derivative contracts would be a reduction to both derivative assets and derivative liabilities of $20 million and $10 million, respectively.
To further limit credit risk, the Companywe also entersenter 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 toUnder these offsettingcollateral security arrangements, is summarizedthe net cash collateral received as follows (in millions):of October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020 was $157 million and $173 million, respectively. Including the effects of collateral, this results in a net derivative asset of $3 million and $8 million as of October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, respectively.
 January 27, 2018
 GROSS AMOUNTS OFFSET IN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
BUT WITH LEGAL RIGHTS TO OFFSET
 Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset Net Amounts Presented Gross Derivative Amounts Cash Collateral Net Amount
Derivatives assets$90
 $—
 $90
 $(32) $(18) $40
Derivatives liabilities$76
 $—
 $76
 $(32) $(18) $26
(c)Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
 July 29, 2017
 GROSS AMOUNTS OFFSET IN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
BUT WITH LEGAL RIGHTS TO OFFSET
 Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset Net Amounts Presented Gross Derivative Amounts Cash Collateral Net Amount
Derivatives assets$149
 $—
 $149
 $(4) $(81) $64
Derivatives liabilities$4
 $—
 $4
 $(4) $—
 $—
(c)Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The Company conductsWe conduct business globally in numerous currencies. Therefore, it iswe are exposed to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. To limit the exposure related to foreign currency changes, the Company enterswe enter into foreign currency contracts. The Company doesWe do not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes.
The Company hedgesWe hedge forecasted foreign currency transactions related to certain revenues, operating expenses and service cost of sales with currency options and forward contracts. These currency options and forward contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, generally have maturities of less than 24 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 AOCIaccumulated other comprehensive income (“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 periods presented, the Companywe did not discontinue any cash flow hedges for which it was probable that a forecasted transaction would not occur.

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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


The Company entersWe enter 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 hedgesWe hedge certain net investments in itsour foreign operations with forward contracts to reduce the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on the Company’sour net investment in those foreign subsidiaries. These derivative instruments generally have maturities of up to six months.
(d)Interest Rate Risk
(d)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 January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate derivatives related to its fixed income securities.Risk
Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges, Long-Term Debt In the six months ended January 27, 2018, the Company did not enter into any interest rate swaps. In prior fiscal years, the Company entered into We hold interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges related to fixed-rate senior notes that are due in fiscal 20192021through 2025. Under these interest rate swaps, the Company receiveswe receive fixed-rate interest payments and makesmake 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 current assets and other assets.
(e)Equity Price Risk
The Company(e)Equity Price Risk
We may hold equity securities for strategic purposes or to diversify its overall investment portfolio. The publicly tradedmarketable equity securities in the Company’sour portfolio that are subject to price risk. To manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of certain equity securities, the Company has periodically 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 enters intodiversify our overall portfolio, we also hold equity derivatives that are not designated as accounting hedges. The changeschange in the fair value of each of these derivativesinvestment types are also included in other income (loss), net.
The Company isWe are also exposed to variability in compensation charges related to certain deferred compensation obligations to employees. Although not designated as accounting hedges, the Company utilizeswe utilize derivatives such as total return swaps to economically hedge this exposure.
(f)Hedge Effectiveness
Forexposure and offset the periods 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 periods presented.related compensation expense.



32
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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)




12.
14.Commitments and Contingencies
(a)Operating Leases
The Company leases office space in many U.S. locations. Outside the United States, larger leased sites include sites in Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Poland and the United Kingdom. The Company also leases equipmentContingencies
(a)Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and vehicles. Future minimum lease payments under all noncancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year as of January 27, 2018 are as follows (in millions):Suppliers
Fiscal YearAmount
2018 (remaining six months)$220
2019323
2020239
2021147
2022122
Thereafter178
Total$1,229
(b)Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and Suppliers
The Company purchasesWe purchase components from a variety of suppliers and usesuse several contract manufacturers to provide manufacturing services for itsour products. During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing lead times and help ensure adequate component supply, the Company enterswe enter into agreements with contract manufacturers and suppliers that either allow them to procure inventory based upon criteria as defined by the Companyus or establish the parameters defining the Company’sour requirements. A significant portion of the Company’sour reported purchase commitments arising from these agreements consists of firm, noncancelable, and unconditional commitments. Certain of these purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers relate to arrangements to secure long-term pricing for certain product components for multi-year periods. In certain instances, these agreements allow the Companyus the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust the Company’sour requirements based on itsour business needs prior to firm orders being placed.
The following table summarizes the Company's As of October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, we had total purchase commitments with contract manufacturersfor inventory of $4.2 billion and suppliers as of the respective period ends (in millions):$4.4 billion, respectively.
Commitments by PeriodJanuary 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Less than 1 year$4,498
 $4,620
1 to 3 years690
 20
3 to 5 years540
 —
Total$5,728
 $4,640
The Company recordsWe record a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in excess of itsour future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of the Company’sour excess and obsolete inventory. As of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017,25, 2020, the liability for these purchase commitments was $159$157 million and $162$141 million, respectively, and was included in other current liabilities. The provision for the liability related to purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers was $32 million and $29 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(c)Other Commitments
(b)Other Commitments
In connection with the Company’sour acquisitions, the Company haswe have agreed to pay certain additional amounts contingent upon the achievement of certain agreed-upon technology, development, product, or other milestones or upon the continued employment with the CompanyCisco of certain employees of the acquired entities.
The following table summarizes the compensation expense related to acquisitions (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Compensation expense related to acquisitions$57 $61 
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Compensation expense related to acquisitions$46
 $73
 $88
 $137

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As of January 27, 2018, the CompanyOctober 24, 2020, we estimated that future cash compensation expense of up to $246$495 million may be required to be recognized pursuant to the applicable business combination agreements.
Insieme Networks, Inc.In fiscal 2012, the Company made an investment in Insieme, an early stage company focused on research and development in the data center market. This investment included $100 million of funding and a license to certain of the Company’s technology. During fiscal 2014, the Company acquired the remaining interests in Insieme, at which time the former noncontrolling interest holders became eligible to receive up to two milestone payments, which were determined using agreed-upon formulas based primarily on revenue for certain of Insieme’s products. The former noncontrolling interest holders earned the maximum amount related to these two milestone payments and were paid approximately $422 million during the six months ended January 28, 2017. The Company recorded compensation expense of $12 million during the three months ended January 28, 2017, and $32 million during the six months ended January 28, 2017, related to these milestone payments. The Company does not expect a material amount of future compensation expense or further milestone payments related to this acquisition.
The CompanyWe also hashave certain funding commitments, primarily related to itsour non-marketable equity and other 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 $215 million and $216 million$0.3 billion as of January 27, 2018each of October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017, respectively.25, 2020.
(d)Product Warranties
(c)Product Warranties
The following table summarizes the activity related to the product warranty liability (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Balance at beginning of period$331 $342 
Provisions for warranties issued121 140 
Adjustments for pre-existing warranties1 (3)
Settlements(122)(149)
Balance at end of period$331 $330 
 Six Months Ended
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Balance at beginning of period$407
 $414
Provisions for warranty issued287
 367
Adjustments for pre-existing warranties(21) (3)
Settlements(292) (352)
Balance at end of period$381
 $426
The Company accruesWe accrue for warranty costs as part of itsour cost of sales based on associated material product costs, labor costs for technical support staff, and associated overhead. The Company’sOur products are generally covered by a warranty for periods ranging from 90 days to five years, and for some products the Company provideswe provide a limited lifetime warranty.
(e)Financing and Other Guarantees
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(d)Financing and Other Guarantees
In the ordinary course of business, the Company provideswe provide 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   We facilitate arrangements for third-party financing extended to channel partners, consisting of revolving short-term financing, generally with payment terms generally ranging from 60 to 90 days. During fiscal 2020, we expanded the payment terms on certain of our channel partner financing programs by 30 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners, and, in some cases, the Company guaranteeswe guarantee a portion of these arrangements. The volume of channel partner financing was $6.9$6.1 billion and $6.3$7.6 billion for the three months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 and January 28, 2017, respectively, and was $13.6 billion and $13.2 billion for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017,2020, respectively. The balance of the channel partner financing subject to guarantees was $1.0$1.3 billion and $1.1 billion as of each of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017.25, 2020, respectively.
End-User Financing Guarantees   The Company   We also providesprovide 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 Companywe had provided guarantees was $12 million and $30$5 million for each of the three months ended January 27, 2018first quarters of fiscal 2021 and January 28, 2017, respectively, and was $26 million and $36 million for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively.2020.

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Financing Guarantee Summary   The aggregate amounts of financing guarantees outstanding at January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017,25, 2020, 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):
October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020
Maximum potential future payments relating to financing guarantees:
Channel partner$193 $198 
End user8 9 
Total$201 $207 
Deferred revenue associated with financing guarantees:
Channel partner$(25)$(19)
End user(8)(9)
Total$(33)$(28)
Total$168 $179 
 January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Maximum potential future payments relating to financing guarantees:   
Channel partner$288
 $240
End user53
 74
Total$341
 $314
Deferred revenue associated with financing guarantees:   
Channel partner$(91) $(82)
End user(40) (52)
Total$(131) $(134)
Maximum potential future payments relating to financing guarantees, net of associated deferred revenue$210
 $180
(e)Indemnifications
Other Guarantees The Company’s other guarantee arrangements as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017 that were subject to recognition and disclosure requirements were not material.
(f)Supplier Component Remediation Liabilities
In fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a charge to product cost of sales of $655 million resulting from failures related to products containing memory components manufactured by a single supplier between 2005 and 2010. The Company performs regular assessments of the sufficiency of this liability and reduced the amount by $74 million and $164 million in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively based on updated analyses. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company further reduced the liability by $141 million to reflect lower than expected defects, actual usage history, and estimated lower future remediation costs as more of the impacted products age and near the end of the support period covered by the remediation program. In addition, during the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a charge to product cost of sales of $125 million related to the expected remediation costs for anticipated failures in future periods of a widely-used component sourced from a third party which is included in several of the Company’s products. The liabilities related to the supplier component remediation matters as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017 were $120 million and $174 million, respectively.
(g)Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company indemnifieswe indemnify other parties, including customers, lessors, and parties to other transactions with the Company,us, with respect to certain matters. The Company hasWe have agreed to hold such parties harmlessindemnify 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.
Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”), which acquired Time Warner Cable (“TWC”) in May 2016, is seeking indemnification from us for a final judgment obtained by Sprint Communications Company, L.P. (“Sprint”) against TWC in federal court in Kansas. Sprint sought monetary damages, alleging that TWC infringed certain Sprint patents by offering VoIP telephone services utilizing products provided by us generally in combination with those of other manufacturers. Following a trial on March 3, 2017, a jury in Kansas found that TWC willfully infringed 5 Sprint patents and awarded Sprint $139.8 million in damages. The Company hasCourt awarded Sprint pre and post judgment interest of approximately $10 million and denied TWC’s post-trial motions and appeals. Charter reported that it paid the judgment in full. At this time, we are working with Charter to calculate the correct amount of indemnification. We do not believe that our indemnity obligations under our agreement will be material.
We also have been asked to indemnify certain of the Company’sour service provider customers that have been subject to patent infringement claims asserted by Sprint Communications Company, L.P.Chanbond, LLC (“Chanbond”) in federal court in Kansas and Delaware. Sprintthe United States District Court for the District of Delaware on September 21, 2015. Chanbond alleges that the13 service provider customers infringed Sprint’scompanies, including among others, Comcast Corporation, Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”), Time Warner Cable, Inc. (subsequently acquired by Charter), Cox Communications, Inc. (“Cox”), and Cablevision Systems Corporation, infringe three patents by offering VoIP telephoneproviding high speed cable internet services to their customers utilizing productscable modems and cable modem termination systems, consistent with the DOCSIS 3.0 standard, provided by the Companyus and other manufacturers generally used in combination with those of other manufacturers. Sprinteach other. Chanbond seeks monetary damages. Following a trial on March 3, 2017 against Time Warner Inc., a jury in Kansas found that Time Warner Cable willfully infringed five Sprint patents and awarded Sprint $139.8 million in damages. On March 14, 2017, the Kansas court declined Sprint's request for enhanced damages and entered judgment in favor of Sprint for $139.8 million plus 1.06% in post-judgment interest. On May 30, 2017, the Court awarded Sprint $20.3 million in pre-judgment interest and denied Time Warner Cable's post-trial motions. Time Warner Cable has appealed. On October 16, 2017, Sprint and Comcast Cable Communications, LLC reached resolution of the claims in Sprint's lawsuit against Comcast and, on October 19, 2017, the Kansas court dismissed Sprint's lawsuit. On December 6, 2017, Sprint and Cox Communications, Inc. reached resolution of the claims in Sprint's lawsuit against Cox, and the Delaware court dismissed Sprint's lawsuit against Cox on December 7, 2017.

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13, 2020, the Court set Chanbond’s case against Cox for trial on May 17, 2021. The Company believesother cases against the remaining service provider defendants have not yet been set for trial. We believe that Time Warner Cable continues tothe service provider defendants have strong non-infringement, invalidity and invalidity defenses and arguments and/or that Sprint’s damages claims are inconsistent with prevailing law at trial and/or on appeal.other defenses. Due to the uncertaintyuncertainties surrounding the litigation process, the Company isprocesses, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of the Time Warner Cable litigationcases at this time. Should Sprinttime, but should Chanbond prevail in litigation, mediation, or settlement,its cases against the Company, in accordance with its agreements, may have an obligation to indemnify Time Warner Cable for damages, mediation awards, or settlement amounts arising from its use of Cisco products.
On January 15, 2016, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. (“Huawei”) filed four patent infringement actions against T-Mobile US, Inc. and T-Mobile USA, Inc. (collectively, “T-Mobile”) in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas. Huawei allegedservice provider defendants, we do not believe that T-Mobile’s use of 3GPP standards to implement its 3G and 4G cellular networks infringed 12 patents. Huawei's infringement allegations for some of the patents were based on T-Mobile's use of products provided by the Company in combination with those of other manufacturers. T-Mobile requestedany potential indemnity by the Company with respect to portions of the network that use the Company's equipment. On December 22, 2017, the Eastern District of Texas court dismissed Huawei's four lawsuits after the parties reached settlement, and T-Mobile's indemnity request was subsequently resolved.
During the first six months of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded legal and indemnification settlement charges of $127 million to product cost of sales in relation to these matters. At this time, the Company does not anticipate that its obligations regarding the final outcome of the above mattersliability would be material.
In addition, the Company haswe have entered into indemnification agreements with itsour officers and directors, and the Company’sour Amended and Restated Bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations to the Company’sour agents.
It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to uncertainties in the Company’s limited historylitigation process, coordination with prior indemnification claimsother suppliers and the defendants in these cases, and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by the Companyus under these agreements have not had a material effect on the Company’sour operating results, financial position, or cash flows.
(h)Legal Proceedings
(f)Legal Proceedings
BrazilBrazilian authorities have investigated the Company’sour Brazilian subsidiary and certain of its former employees, as well as a Brazilian importer of the Company’sour 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’sour Brazilian subsidiary based on a theory of joint liability with the Brazilian importer for import taxes, interest, and penalties. In addition to claims asserted 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 in prior fiscal years.
The asserted claims by Brazilian federal tax authorities that remain are for calendar years 2003 through 2007, 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 aggregate to $257 million$0.1 billion for the alleged evasion of import and other taxes, $1.6$0.7 billion for interest, and $1.2$0.4 billion for various penalties, all determined using an exchange rate as of January 27, 2018. The Company hasOctober 24, 2020.
We have completed a thorough review of the matters and believesbelieve the asserted claims against the Company’sour Brazilian subsidiary are without merit, and the Company iswe are defending the claims vigorously. While the Company believeswe believe there is no legal basis for the 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 iswe are unable to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome against itsour Brazilian subsidiary and isare unable to reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any. The Company doesWe do not expect a final judicial determination for several years.
SRI InternationalOn September 4, 2013, SRI International, Inc. (“SRI”) asserted patent infringement claims against the Companyus in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, accusing the Company'sour products and services in the area of network intrusion detection of infringing two2 U.S. patents. SRI sought monetary damages of at least a reasonable royalty and enhanced damages. The trial on these claims beganstarted on May 2, 2016, and, on May 12, 2016, the jury returned a verdict finding willful infringement of the asserted patents.infringement. The jury awarded SRI damages of $23.7 million. On May 25, 2017, the District Court awarded SRI enhanced damages and attorneys’ fees, entered judgment in the new amount of $57.0 million, and ordered an ongoing royalty of 3.5% through the expiration of the patents in 2018. The Company hasWe appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on various grounds. The Company believes itgrounds, and after various proceedings, on July 12, 2019, the Federal Circuit vacated the enhanced damages award; vacated and remanded in part the willful infringement finding; vacated and remanded the attorneys’ fees award for further proceedings; and affirmed the District Court’s other findings. On April 1, 2020, the District Court issued a final judgment on the remanded issues, finding no evidence of willful infringement and reinstating the $8 million award of attorneys’ fees. SRI appealed the judgment of no willful infringement to the Federal Circuit on April 3, 2020, and Cisco filed a cross-appeal on the attorneys’ fees award on April 9, 2020. Cisco has strong arguments to overturnpaid SRI $28.1 million, representing the jury verdict and/or reduceportion of the damages award.judgment that the Federal Circuit previously affirmed, plus interest and royalties on post-verdict sales. While the ultimate outcome of the caseremaining proceedings may still result in aan additional loss, the Company doeswe do not expect it to be material.

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SSL SSL Services, LLCCentripetal     On February 13, 2018, Centripetal Networks, Inc. (“SSL”Centripetal”) has asserted claims for patent infringement claims against the Companyus in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The proceeding was instituted on March 25, 2015. SSL allegesVirginia, alleging that the Company's AnyConnectseveral Cisco products that include Virtual Private Networking functions infringed a U.S. patent owned by SSL. SSL seeks money damages from the Company. On August 18, 2015, the Companyand services (including Cisco’s Catalyst switches, ASR and ISR series routers, ASAs with FirePOWER services, and Stealthwatch products) infringe 11 Centripetal patents. Cisco thereafter petitioned the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to review whether the patent SSLvalidity of 9 of the asserted patents. The PTAB instituted inter partes review proceedings (“IPR Proceedings”) on 6 asserted patents and certain claims of another asserted patent. The PTAB has asserted againstissued Final Written Decisions for 7 patents in the Company is valid over prior art. On February 23, 2016, a PTAB multi-judge panelinstituted IPR Proceedings, and all claims of 5 patents have been found a reasonable likelihood that the Company would prevail in showing that SSL’s patent claims are unpatentable and instituted proceedings. On June 28, 2016, in lightseveral of the PTAB’s decision to reviewclaims of the patent’s validity, the district court issued an order staying the district court case pending the final written decision from the PTAB. On February 22, 2017, following a hearing, the PTAB issued its Final Written Decision that the patent’s claims areother two patents have been found unpatentable. SSLCentripetal has appealed this decisionthe PTAB’s findings of unpatentability to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Starting on May 6, 2020 and concluding on June 25, 2020, the District Court conducted a bench trial by videoconference on the claims in the 5 patents not subject to the IPR Proceedings, including claims in 3 for which the PTAB declined to institute IPR Proceedings. Centripetal
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sought damages, enhanced damages for willful infringement, and broad injunctive relief. On October 5, 2020, the District Court issued a judgment finding validity and willful infringement of 4 of the asserted patents and non-infringement of the fifth patent. The Company believes it has strong argumentsCourt awarded Centripetal $1.9 billion, comprised of $755.8 million in damages, $1.1 billion in enhanced damages for willful infringement, and pre-judgment interest in the amount of $13.7 million. The Court declined to issue an injunction but, instead, awarded Centripetal a running royalty against revenue from the products found to infringe for an initial three-year term at a rate of 10%, with a minimum annual royalty of $167.7 million and a maximum annual royalty of $300.1 million, and for a second three-year term at a rate of 5%, with a minimum annual royalty of $83.9 million and a maximum annual royalty of $150.0 million. We believe that the Company's products doDistrict Court’s findings of validity, infringement, and willful infringement, its award of damages, including enhanced damages, and its award of an ongoing royalty are not infringesupported by either the law or the evidence presented at trial. We intend to appeal the District Court’s judgment as to the four patents found valid and infringed to the patentUnited States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and we believe that any relief ultimately awarded would not be material. On October 28, 2020, by agreement of the parties, the District Court stayed execution of the judgment until after resolution of any appeal in the matter and waived the requirement of any bond or security; accordingly, no money is invalid. Ifcurrently due under the Company does not prevailjudgment. On April 29, 2020 and a jury wereApril 30, 2020, Centripetal submitted complaints in the District Court of Dusseldorf in Germany against Cisco Systems GmbH and Cisco Systems, Inc., asserting 3 European patents seeking both injunctive relief and damages. Two of the three European patents are counterparts to find thattwo U.S. patents Centripetal asserted against us in the Company's AnyConnect products infringe,U.S. District Court proceedings, one of which has been invalidated by the Company believes damages, as appropriately measured, would be immaterial.PTAB. We are currently assessing the cases filed in Germany and we believe we have strong defenses. Due to uncertainty surrounding patent litigation processes in the CompanyU.S. and Europe, however, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of the cases at this time.
Finjan On January 6, 2017, Finjan, Inc. (“Finjan”) asserted patent infringement claims against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking injunctive relief and damages, including enhanced damages for allegations of willful infringement. Finjan alleges that Cisco’s AMP and ThreatGrid products and the URL rewrite feature of Cisco’s ESA Outbreak Filter product infringe 5 patents, 4 of which have expired. Finjan has conceded that they are not entitled to any pre-suit damages, accordingly it seeks approximately three weeks of damages for the alleged infringement of the 8,677,494 and 6,154,844 patents, approximately ten months of damages for the 6,804,780 patent, approximately three years of damages for the 7,647,633 patent, and approximately three-and-a-half years of past damages for the 8,141,154 patent and an ongoing royalty until its expiration on December 12, 2025. The case is currently set for jury trial starting January 11, 2021. While we believe that we have strong non-infringement arguments, that the patents are invalid, that Finjan’s damages theories are not supported by prevailing law and that Finjan will not be able to meet its burden required for injunctive relief, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of this litigation at this time.time due to uncertainties in the litigation processes. If we do not prevail in the District Court, we believe that any damages ultimately assessed would not be material.
Straight PathRamot On September 24, 2014, Straight Path IP Group, Inc.June 12, 2019, Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd. (“Straight Path”Ramot”) asserted patent infringement claims against us in the Company in U.S. District Court for the NorthernEastern District of California, accusing the Company’s 9971 IP Phone, Unified Communications Manager working in conjunction with 9971 IP Phones, and Video Communication Server products of infringement. All of the asserted patents have expired and Straight Path was therefore limited toTexas, seeking monetarydamages, including enhanced damages for the alleged past infringement. On November 13, 2017, the Court granted the Company's motion for summary judgmentallegations of non-infringement, thereby dismissing Straight Path's claims against the Companywillful infringement, and cancelling a trial which had beenrunning royalty on future sales. Ramot alleges that certain Cisco optical transceiver modules and line cards infringe 3 U.S. patents. The case is currently set for March 12, 2018. On January 16, 2018, Straight Path appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit.
DXC Technology On August 21, 2015, the Companya jury trial starting December 4, 2020. While we believe that we have strong non-infringement and Cisco Systems Capital Corporation (“Cisco Capital”) filed an action in Santa Clara County Superior Court for declaratory judgmentinvalidity arguments, and breach of contract against HP Inc. (“HP”) regarding a services agreement for management services of a third party’s network. HP prepaid the service agreement through a financing arrangement with Cisco Capital. HP terminated its agreement with the Company, and pursuant to the terms of the service agreement with HP, the Company determined the credit HP was entitled to receive under the agreement. HP disputed the Company’s credit calculation and contended that the Company owes a larger credit to HP than the Company had calculated. In December 2015, the Company filed an amended complaint which dropped the breach of contract claim in light of HP’s continuing payments to Cisco Capital under the financing arrangement. On January 19, 2016, HP Inc. filed a counterclaim for breach of contract simultaneously with its answer to the amended complaint. DXC Technology Corporation (“DXC”) reported that it is the party in interest in this matter pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement between the then Hewlett-Packard Co. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (“HPE") and the subsequent Separation and Distribution Agreement between HPE and DXC. On January 8, 2018, the court continued the trial date from March 12, 2018 to June 11, 2018. The Company isRamot’s damages theories are not supported by prevailing law, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of this litigation at this time due to uncertainty surroundinguncertainties in the litigation process. However,processes. If we do not prevail in the Company doesDistrict Court, we believe that any damages ultimately assessed would not anticipate that its obligation, if any, regarding the final outcome of the dispute would be material.
In addition, the Company iswe 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, the Company doeswe do not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on itsour consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. For additional information regarding intellectual property litigation, see “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors-We may be found to infringe on intellectual property rights of others” herein. 



15.Shareholders’ Equity
(a)Cash Dividends on Shares of Common Stock
We declared and paid cash dividends of $0.36 and $0.35 per common share, or $1.5 billion, on our outstanding common stock for each of the first quarters of fiscal 2021 and 2020.
Any future dividends will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.
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(b)Stock Repurchase Program
13.Shareholders’ Equity
(a)Cash Dividends on Shares of Common Stock
During the six months ended January 27, 2018, the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.58 per common share, or $2.9 billion, on the Company’s outstanding common stock. During the six months ended January 28, 2017, the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.52 per common share, or $2.6 billion, on the Company’s outstanding common stock.
On February 14, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per common share to be paid on April 25, 2018 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 5, 2018. 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’sour Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program. On February 14, 2018,As of October 24, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $25 billion increase to the stock repurchase program. The remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program including the additional authorization, iswas approximately $31$10.0 billion with no termination date. A summary of the stock repurchase activity for the first quarter of fiscal year 20182021 and 2017fiscal 2020 under the stock repurchase program, reported based on the trade date, is summarized as follows (in millions, except per-share amounts):

Quarter EndedSharesWeighted-Average Price per ShareAmount
Fiscal 2021
October 24, 202020 $40.44 $800 
Fiscal 2020
July 25, 20200 $0 $0 
April 25, 202025 $39.71 $981 
January 25, 202018 $46.71 $870 
October 26, 201916 $48.91 $768 
Quarter Ended Shares Weighted-Average Price per Share Amount
Fiscal 2018      
January 27, 2018 103
 $39.07
 $4,011
October 28, 2017 51
 $31.80
 $1,620
       
Fiscal 2017      
July 29, 2017 38
 $31.61
 $1,201
April 29, 2017 15
 $33.71
 $503
January 28, 2017 33
 $30.33
 $1,001
October 29, 2016 32
 $31.12
 $1,001
There were$240 million stock repurchases pending settlement as of January 27, 2018. There were $66 million of0 stock repurchases that were pending settlement as of October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017.25, 2020.
The purchase price for the shares of the Company’sour stock repurchased is reflected as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. The Company isWe are required to allocate the purchase price of the repurchased shares as (i) a reduction to retained earnings or an increase to accumulated deficit and (ii) a reduction of common stock and additional paid-in capital.
(c)
Restricted Stock Unit Withholdings
The Company repurchased approximately13 million and 14 million shares, for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, or $433 million and$432 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
Under the terms of the Company’sour Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may determine the rights, preferences, and terms of the Company’sour authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock.


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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.(a)Employee Stock Incentive Plans
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14.Employee Benefit Plans
(a)Employee Stock Incentive Plans
Stock Incentive Plan Program Description    As of January 27, 2018, the CompanyOctober 24, 2020, we had one1 stock incentive plan: the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). In addition, the Company has,we have, in connection with theour 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 Companyus and provide incentives for them to remain with the Company.Cisco. The number and frequency of share-based awards are based on competitive practices, operating results of the Company,Cisco, government regulations, and other factors. The Company’sOur primary stock incentive plan is summarized as follows:
2005 PlanThe 2005 Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock grants, stock units and stock appreciation rights (SARs), the vesting of which may be time-based or upon satisfaction of performance goals, or both, and/or other conditions. Employees (including employee directors and executive officers) and consultants of Cisco and its subsidiaries and affiliates and non-employee directors of Cisco are eligible to participate in the 2005 Plan. As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, the maximum number of shares issuable under the 2005 Plan over its term was 694 million shares, plus shares from certain previous plans that are forfeited or areshares. The 2005 Plan may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time and for any other reason, before being exercisedand is currently set to terminate at the 2021 Annual Meeting unless re-adopted or settled. If any awards granted underextended by the shareholders prior to or on such date.
Under the 2005 Plan are forfeited or are terminated for any other reason before being exercised or settled, the unexercised or unsettled shares underlying the awards will again be available under the 2005 Plan. In addition, starting November 19, 2013, shares withheld by the Company from an award other thanPlan’s share reserve feature, 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,distinction is made between the number of shares in the reserve attributable to (i) stock options and SARs and (ii) “full value” awards (i.e., stock grants and stock units). Shares issued as stock grants, pursuant to stock units or pursuant to the settlement of dividend equivalents are counted against 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 from certain previous plans 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. The expiration date for stock options and stock appreciation rights shall be no later than 10 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 months or 36 months, respectively. Time-based stock grants and time-based RSUs will generally vest over a four year term. The majority of the performance-based and market-based RSUs vests at the end of the three-year requisite service period or earlier if the award recipient meets certain retirement eligibility conditions. Certain performance-based RSUs, that are based on the achievement of financial and/or non-financial operating goals, typically vest upon the achievement of milestones (and may require subsequent service periods), with overall vesting of the shares underlying the award ranging from six months to three years. 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.
(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 621 million shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance as of January 27, 2018. Eligible employees are offered shares through a 24-month offering period, which consists of four consecutive 6-month purchase 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. The Company issued 12 million shares under the Purchase Plan during the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017. As of January 27, 2018, 88 million shares were available for issuance under the Purchase Plan.

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(Unaudited)


(c)Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense consists primarily of expenses for stock options, stock purchase rights, restricted stock, and RSUs granted to employees. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense (in millions):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Cost of sales—product$23
 $19
 $46
 $40
Cost of sales—service31
 34
 65
 67
Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales54
 53
 111
 107
Research and development134
 129
 270
 255
Sales and marketing135
 125
 270
 265
General and administrative64
 45
 128
 94
Restructuring and other charges12
 —
 18
 3
Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses345
 299
 686
 617
Total share-based compensation expense$399
 $352
 $797
 $724
Income tax benefit for share-based compensation$96
 $102
 $271
 $207
As of January 27, 2018, the total compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards not yet recognized was $3.4 billion, which is expected to be recognized over approximately 2.6 years on a weighted-average basis.
(d)Share-Based Awards Available for Grant
A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in millions):
Share-Based Awards
Available for Grant
BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2016242
Restricted stock, stock units, and other share-based awards granted(76)
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited/expired78
Shares withheld for taxes and not issued28
BALANCE AT JULY 29, 2017272
Restricted stock, stock units, and other share-based awards granted(46)
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited/expired10
Shares withheld for taxes and not issued18
BALANCE AT JANUARY 27, 2018254
As reflected in the preceding table, for1.5-to-1 ratio. For each share awarded as restricted stock or subject to a restricted stock unit award under the 2005 Plan, an equivalent of 1.5 shares was deducted from the available share-based award balance. For restricted stock units that were awarded with vesting contingent upon the achievement of future financial performance or market-based metrics, the maximum awards that can be achieved upon full vesting of such awards. If awards were reflected inissued under the preceding table.

2005 Plan are forfeited or terminated for any reason before being exercised or settled, then the shares underlying such awards, plus the number of additional shares, if any, that counted against shares available for issuance under the 2005 Plan at the time of grant as a result of the application of the share
40
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ratio described above, will become available again for issuance under the 2005 Plan. As of October 24, 2020, 175 million shares were authorized for future grant under the 2005 Plan.
(e)Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards
(b)Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We have an Employee Stock Purchase Plan under which721.4 million shares of our common stock have been reserved for issuance as of October 24, 2020. Eligible employees are offered shares through a 24-month offering period, which consists of 4 consecutive 6-month purchase periods. Employees may purchase a limited amount of shares of our stock at a discount of up to 15% of the lesser of the fair market value at the beginning of the offering period or the end of each 6-month purchase period. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is scheduled to terminate on the earlier of (i) January 3, 2030 and (ii) the date on which all shares available for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan are sold pursuant to exercised purchase rights. NaN shares were issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan during each of the first quarters of fiscal 2021 and 2020. As of October 24, 2020, 141 million shares were available for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
(c)Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense consists primarily of expenses for stock options, stock purchase rights, restricted stock, and RSUs granted to employees. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24, 2020October 26, 2019
Cost of sales—product$24 $23 
Cost of sales—service41 34 
Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales65 57 
Research and development167 146 
Sales and marketing134 127 
General and administrative61 60 
Restructuring and other charges11 8 
Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses373 341 
Total share-based compensation expense$438 $398 
Income tax benefit for share-based compensation$81 $131 
As of October 24, 2020, the total compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards not yet recognized was $3.6 billion which is expected to be recognized over approximately 2.9 years on a weighted-average basis.
(d)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 RSUs, is as follows (in millions, except per-share amounts):
Restricted Stock/
Stock Units		Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share		Aggregate Fair  Value
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 27, 2019100 $38.66 
Granted49 42.61 
Vested(44)35.20 $2,045 
Canceled/forfeited/other(9)40.45 
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 25, 202096 42.03 
Granted10 37.16 
Vested(6)39.95 $264 
Canceled/forfeited/other(4)39.17 
UNVESTED BALANCE AT OCTOBER 24, 202096 $41.77 

35
 
Restricted Stock/
Stock Units
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share
 Aggregate Fair  Value
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2016145
 $24.26
  
Granted50
 27.89
  
Assumed from acquisitions15
 32.21
  
Vested(54) 23.14
 $1,701
Canceled/forfeited(15) 23.56
  
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JULY 29, 2017141
 26.94
  
Granted31
 33.30
  
Assumed from acquisitions1
 28.26
  
Vested(36) 25.21
 $1,174
Canceled/forfeited(10) 27.83
  
UNVESTED BALANCE AT JANUARY 27, 2018127
 $28.90
  
(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 30, 201673
 $26.78
Assumed from acquisitions8
 4.47
Exercised(14) 12.11
Canceled/forfeited/expired(55) 31.83
BALANCE AT JULY 29, 201712
 6.15
Assumed from acquisitions3
 8.20
Exercised(4) 5.28
BALANCE AT JANUARY 27, 201811
 $7.03
The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable stock options as of January 27, 2018 (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 – 35.00 11
 6.5 $7.03
 $380
 5
 $6.40
 $194
The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $42.56 as of January 26, 2018, 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 January 27, 2018 was 5 million. As of July 29, 2017, 6 million outstanding stock options were exercisable and the weighted-average exercise price was $5.61.

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(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 the 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 PRSUs are summarized as follows:
 RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS 
PERFORMANCE BASED
RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
Three Months EndedJanuary 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Number of shares granted (in millions)21
 15
 —
 3
Grant date fair value per share$34.89
 $27.68
 $32.47
 $27.90
Weighted-average assumptions/inputs:       
   Expected dividend yield3.1% 3.4% 3.2% 3.4%
   Range of risk-free interest rates
0.0% – 2.1%

 
0.0% – 1.5%

 
1.0% – 1.8%

 
0.3% – 1.5%

   Range of expected volatilities for indexN/A
 N/A
 13.2% – 81.0%
 N/A
 RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS 
PERFORMANCE BASED
RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
Six Months EndedJanuary 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
Number of shares granted (in millions)28
 23
 3
 6
Grant date fair value per share$33.50
 $27.96
 $31.31
 $28.78
Weighted-average assumptions/inputs:       
   Expected dividend yield3.2% 3.4% 3.6% 3.4%
   Range of risk-free interest rates
0.0% – 2.1%

 
0.0% – 1.5%

 
1.0% – 1.8%

 
0.1% – 1.5%

   Range of expected volatilities for indexN/A
 N/A
 
13.2% – 81.0%

 
16.7% – 46.8%

The PRSUs granted during the periods presented are contingent on the achievement of the Company’s financial performance metrics, its comparative market-based returns, or the achievement of financial and non-financial operating goals. For the awards based on financial performance metrics or 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% to 100% of the target shares granted contingent on the achievement of non-financial operating goals.


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15.Comprehensive Income (Loss)

17.Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of AOCI, net of tax, and the other comprehensive income (loss), excluding noncontrolling interest, for the six months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 and January 28, 20172020 are summarized as follows (in millions):
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale InvestmentsNet Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging InstrumentsCumulative Translation Adjustment and Actuarial Gains (Losses)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
BALANCE AT JULY 25, 2020$315 $(6)$(828)$(519)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(41)(2)110 67 
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI(15)(2)0 (17)
Tax benefit (expense)22 1 (1)22 
BALANCE AT OCTOBER 24, 2020$281 $(9)$(719)$(447)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale InvestmentsNet Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging InstrumentsCumulative Translation Adjustment and Actuarial Gains (Losses)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
BALANCE AT JULY 27, 2019$0 $(14)$(778)$(792)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications87 (1)(92)(6)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI(10)0 1 (9)
Tax benefit (expense)(9)1 0 (8)
BALANCE AT OCTOBER 26, 2019$68 $(14)$(869)$(815)


18.Income Taxes
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Cumulative Translation Adjustment and Actuarial Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
BALANCE AT JULY 29, 2017$373
 $32
 $(359) $46
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.(174) 38
 292
 156
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI(91) (31) 5
 (117)
Tax benefit (expense)3
 1
 (6) (2)
BALANCE AT JANUARY 27, 2018$111
 $40
 $(68) $83
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Cumulative Translation Adjustment and Actuarial Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
BALANCE AT JULY 30, 2016$413
 $(59) $(680) $(326)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.(559) (48) (69) (676)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI15
 39
 (1) 53
Tax benefit (expense)148
 1
 (1) 148
BALANCE AT JANUARY 28, 2017$17
 $(67)
$(751) $(801)

The net gains (losses) reclassified out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with line item location, during each period were as follows (in millions):
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 
Comprehensive Income Components Income Before Taxes Income Before TaxesLine Item in Statements of Operations
Net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments $58
 $(30) $91
 $(15)Other income (loss), net
Net unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments         
Foreign currency derivatives 14
 (21) 24
 (30)Operating expenses
Foreign currency derivatives 4
 (6) 7
 (9)Cost of sales—service
  18

(27)
31
 (39) 
Cumulative translation adjustment and actuarial gains and losses (4) 1
 (5) 1
Operating expenses
Total amounts reclassified out of AOCI $72

$(56)
$117
 $(53) 


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16.Income Taxes
The following table provides details of income taxes (in millions, except percentages):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Income before provision for income taxes$3,232
 $2,963
 $6,194
 $5,916
Provision for income taxes$12,010
 $615
 $12,578
 $1,246
Effective tax rate371.6% 20.8% 203.1% 21.1%
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate income tax rate (“federal tax rate”) from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, implementing a modified territorial tax system, and imposing a mandatory one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. As a fiscal-year taxpayer, certain provisions of the Tax Act impact the Company in fiscal 2018, including the change in the federal tax rate and the one-time transition tax, while other provisions will be effective at the beginning of fiscal 2019, including the implementation of a modified territorial tax system and other changes to how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax, and elimination of the domestic manufacturing deduction.
As a result of the decrease in the federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, the Company has computed its income tax expense for the July 28, 2018 fiscal year using a blended federal tax rate of 27%. The 21% federal tax rate will apply to the Company’s fiscal year ending July 27, 2019 and each year thereafter. The Company must remeasure its deferred tax assets and liabilities ("DTA") using the federal tax rate that will apply when the related temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Income before provision for income taxes$2,681 $3,686 
Provision for income taxes$507 $760 
Effective tax rate18.9 %20.6 %
As of January 27, 2018, the Company has approximately $75 billion in undistributed earnings for certain foreign subsidiaries. Substantially all of these undistributed earnings are subject to the U.S. mandatory one-time transition tax and are eligible to be repatriated to the U.S. without additional U.S. tax under the Tax Act. The Company has historically asserted its intention to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries. The Company has reevaluated its historic assertion as a result of enactment of the Tax Act and no longer considers these earnings to be indefinitely reinvested in its foreign subsidiaries. As a result of this change in assertion, the Company has recorded a $1.2 billion tax expense for foreign withholding tax in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company anticipates repatriating $67 billion of foreign subsidiary earnings to the U.S. (in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or investments), of which $26 billion was repatriated to the U.S. in February 2018.
During the three months ended January 27, 2018, the Company recorded a provisional tax expense of $11.1 billion related to the Tax Act, comprised of $9.0 billion of U.S. transition tax, $1.2 billion of foreign withholding tax (discussed above), and $0.9 billion re-measurement of net DTA. The Company plans to pay the transition tax in installments over eight years in accordance with the Tax Act. The $1.2 billion foreign withholding tax was paid in February 2018.
In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which addresses how a company recognizes provisional amounts when a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the effect of the changes in the Tax Act. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. The final impact of the Tax Act may differ from the above provisional amounts due to changes in interpretations of the Tax Act, any legislative action to address questions that arise because of the Tax Act, by changes in accounting standard for income taxes and related interpretations in response to the Tax Act, and any updates or changes to estimates used in the provisional amounts. The Company has determined that the $9.0 billion of tax expense for the U.S. transition tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, the $1.2 billion of foreign withholding tax, and the $0.9 billion of tax expense for DTA re-measurement were each provisional amounts and reasonable estimates as of January 27, 2018. Estimates used in the provisional amounts include: the anticipated reversal pattern of the gross DTAs; and earnings, cash positions, foreign taxes and withholding taxes attributable to foreign subsidiaries.
As of January 27, 2018, the CompanyOctober 24, 2020, we had $2.0$2.5 billion of unrecognized tax benefit,benefits, of which $1.6$2.2 billion, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate. The CompanyWe regularly engagesengage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. The Company believesWe believe 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 January 27, 2018 could be reduced by approximately $250 million in the next 12 months.

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19.Segment Information and Major Customers
17.Segment Information and Major Customers
(a)Revenue and Gross Margin by Segment
The Company conducts(a)Revenue and Gross Margin by Segment
We conduct business globally and isare primarily managed on a geographic basis consisting of three3 segments: the Americas, EMEA, and APJC. The Company’sOur management makes financial decisions and allocates resources based on the information it receives from itsour internal management system. Sales are attributed to a segment based on the ordering location of the customer. The Company doesWe do not allocate research and development, sales and marketing, or general and administrative expenses to itsour segments in this internal management system because management does not include the information in itsour measurement of the performance of the operating segments. In addition, the Company doeswe do not allocate amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, significant litigation settlements and other contingencies, 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 itsour measurement of the performance of the operating segments.
Summarized financial information by segment for the threefirst quarter of fiscal 2021 and six months ended January 27, 2018 andJanuary 28, 2017,2020, based on the Company’sour internal management system and as utilized by the Company’sour Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"(“CODM”), is as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Revenue:
Americas$7,198 $7,977 
EMEA2,964 3,283 
APJC1,767 1,899 
Total$11,929 $13,159 
Gross margin:
Americas$4,847 $5,316 
EMEA1,894 2,166 
APJC1,113 1,194 
Segment total7,853 8,676 
Unallocated corporate items(272)(212)
Total$7,581 $8,464 
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Revenue:       
Americas$7,004
 $6,660
 $14,354
 $14,103
EMEA3,062
 3,065
 5,971
 6,078
APJC1,821
 1,855
 3,698
 3,751
Total$11,887
 $11,580
 $24,023
 $23,932
Gross margin:       
Americas$4,614
 $4,288
 $9,336
 $9,121
EMEA1,977
 2,012
 3,816
 4,025
APJC1,094
 1,121
 2,259
 2,325
Segment total7,685
 7,421
 15,411
 15,471
Unallocated corporate items(187) (145) (486) (311)
Total$7,498
 $7,276
 $14,925
 $15,160
Amounts may not sum and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding.
Revenue in the United States was$6.1 $6.5 billion and $5.9$7.1 billion for the three months ended January 27, 2018first quarter of fiscal 2021 and January 28, 2017, respectively,2020, respectively.
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(b)Revenue for Groups of Similar Products and was $12.6 billionServices
We design, manufacture, and $12.5 billion for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively.
(b)Revenue for Groups of Similar Products and Services
The Company designs, manufactures, and sellssell Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and IT industry and providesprovide services associated with these products and their use. Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company began reporting its product and service revenue in the following five categories: Infrastructure Platforms, Applications, Security, Other Products, and Services. The change better aligns the Company's product categories with its evolving business model. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. These products, primarily integrated by Cisco IOS Software, link geographically dispersed local-area networks (LANs), metropolitan-area networks (MANs), and wide-area networks (WANs).

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


The following table presents revenue for groups of similar products and services (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Revenue:
Infrastructure Platforms$6,341 $7,553 
Applications1,380 1,499 
Security861 816 
Other Products5 11 
Total Product8,587 9,878 
Services3,342 3,281 
Total$11,929 $13,159 
Amounts may not sum due to rounding.We have made certain reclassifications to the product revenue amounts for prior period to conform to the current year presentation.

20.Net Income per Share
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Revenue:       
Infrastructure Platforms$6,694
 $6,545
 $13,664
 $13,818
Applications1,184
 1,116
 2,387
 2,252
Security558
 528
 1,143
 1,068
Other Products273
 302
 569
 655
Total Product8,709
 8,491
 17,763
 17,793
Services3,178
 3,089
 6,260
 6,139
Total$11,887
 $11,580
 $24,023
 $23,932

(c)Additional Segment Information
The majority of the Company’s assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents and investments, was attributable to its U.S. operations as of each of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017. The Company’s total cash and cash equivalents and investments held by various foreign subsidiaries were$71.3 billion and $67.5 billion as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, respectively, and the remaining $2.4 billion and$3.0 billion at the respective period ends were available in the United States.
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):
 January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Property and equipment, net:   
United States$2,555
 $2,711
International558
 611
Total$3,113
 $3,322


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CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)


18.Net Income (Loss) per Share
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in millions, except per-share amounts):
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedOctober 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Net income (loss)$(8,778) $2,348
 $(6,384) $4,670
Net incomeNet income$2,174 $2,926 
Weighted-average shares—basic4,924
 5,015
 4,942
 5,021
Weighted-average shares—basic4,230 4,246 
Effect of dilutive potential common shares—
 25
 —
 33
Effect of dilutive potential common shares14 27 
Weighted-average shares—diluted4,924
 5,040
 4,942
 5,054
Weighted-average shares—diluted4,244 4,273 
Net income (loss) per share—basic$(1.78) $0.47
 $(1.29) $0.93
Net income (loss) per share—diluted$(1.78) $0.47
 $(1.29) $0.92
Net income per share—basicNet income per share—basic$0.51 $0.69 
Net income per share—dilutedNet income per share—diluted$0.51 $0.68 
Antidilutive employee share-based awards, excludedAntidilutive employee share-based awards, excluded35 11 
Employee equity share options, unvested shares, and similar equity instruments granted and assumed by Cisco 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 and the amount of compensation cost for future service that has not yet been recognized would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are collectively assumed to be used to repurchase shares.
For the three and six months ended January 27, 2018, the Company excluded the impact
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Table of potentially dilutive common shares from the calculation of net income (loss) per share as the inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. The Company excluded antidilutive employee-share based awards of 20 million and 103 million for the three and six months ended January 28, 2017.


Contents
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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,” "momentum," “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, future responses to and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 under “Part II, 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
Cisco designs and sells a broad range of technologies that have been powering the Internet since 1984. AcrossWe are integrating intent-based technologies across networking, security, collaboration, applications and the cloud, our evolving intent-basedcloud. These technologies are constantly learningdesigned to help our customers manage more users, devices and adaptingthings connecting to their networks. This will enable us to provide customers with a highly secure, intelligent platform for their digital business.
A summary of our results is as follows (in millions, except percentages and per-share amounts):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		% Variance
Revenue$11,929 $13,159 (9)%
Gross margin percentage63.6 %64.3 %(0.7)pts
Research and development$1,612 $1,666 (3)%
Sales and marketing$2,217 $2,480 (11)%
General and administrative$544 $519 5 %
Total research and development, sales and marketing, general and administrative$4,373 $4,665 (6)%
Total as a percentage of revenue36.7 %35.5 %1.2 pts 
Amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses$36 $36 — %
Restructuring and other charges included in operating expenses$602 $184 227 %
Operating income as a percentage of revenue21.5 %27.2 %(5.7)pts
Interest and other income (loss), net$111 $107 4 %
Income tax percentage18.9 %20.6 %(1.7)pts
Net income$2,174 $2,926 (26)%
Net income as a percentage of revenue18.2 %22.2 %(4.0)pts
Earnings per share—diluted$0.51 $0.68 (25)%
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance 
Revenue$11,887
 $11,580
 3 %  $24,023
 $23,932
 — % 
Gross margin percentage63.1 % 62.8% 0.3
pts 62.1 % 63.3% (1.2)pts
Research and development$1,549
 $1,508
 3 %  $3,116
 $3,053
 2 % 
Sales and marketing$2,235
 $2,222
 1 %  $4,569
 $4,640
 (2)% 
General and administrative$483
 $456
 6 %  $1,040
 $1,011
 3 % 
Total research and development, sales and marketing, general and administrative$4,267
 $4,186
 2 %  $8,725
 $8,704
 — % 
Total as a percentage of revenue35.9 % 36.1% (0.2)pts  36.3 % 36.4% (0.1)pts 
Amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses$60
 $64
 (6)%  $121
 $142
 (15)% 
Restructuring and other charges included in operating expenses$98
 $133
 (26)%  $250
 $544
 (54)% 
Operating income as a percentage of revenue25.9 % 25.0% 0.9
pts 24.3 % 24.1% 0.2
pts
Income tax percentage371.6 % 20.8% 350.8
pts 203.1 % 21.1% 182.0
pts
Net income (loss)$(8,778) $2,348
 (474)%  $(6,384) $4,670
 (237)% 
Net income (loss) as a percentage of revenue(73.8)% 20.3% (94.1)pts (26.6)% 19.5% (46.1)pts
Earnings (loss) per share$(1.78) $0.47
 (479)%  $(1.29) $0.92
 (240)% 




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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)



Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017October 26, 2019
In the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2018,2021, we saw broad strength across the business and delivered solid margins in a challenging environment with the COVID-19 pandemic. Total revenue decreased by 9% compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Our product revenue declined in Infrastructure Platforms and Applications, partially offset by growth strong marginsin Security, and operating cash flows.we continued to make progress in the transition of our business model to increased software and subscriptions. We remain focused on accelerating innovation across our portfolio, and we believe that we have made continued progress on our strategic priorities. We experienced solid revenue growth in Security and Applications and modest growth in Infrastructure Platforms, and we continued to make progress in the transition of our business model to increased software and subscriptions. We continue to operate in a challenging macroeconomic and highly competitive environment, which has negatively impacted certain of our offerings within our Infrastructure Platforms product category.environment. We continued to seeexperience broad-based weakening in the global macroeconomic environment during the quarter which impacted our commercial and enterprise markets. We also experienced continuing weakness in the service provider market and emerging countries, and we expect ongoing uncertainty in that area.these markets. While the overall environment remains uncertain, we continue to aggressively invest in priority areas with the objective of driving profitable growth over the long term.
Total revenue increased by 3% compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Within total revenue, product revenue decreased by 13% and service revenue each increased by 3%. Total gross margin increased by 0.3 percentage points, driven by productivity improvements and favorable product mix partially offset by unfavorable impacts from pricing. As a percentage of revenue, research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses, collectively, decreased by 0.2 percentage points. Operating income as a percentage of revenue increased by 0.9 percentage points. We had a net loss of $8.8 billion and a net loss per share of $1.78, primarily due to the $11.1 billion provisional tax expense related to the Tax Act, comprised of $9.0 billion U.S. transition tax, $1.2 billion of foreign withholding tax, and $0.9 billion of net deferred tax assets re-measurement.
In terms of our geographic segments, revenue from the Americas increased $344 million, driven in large part by product revenue growth in the United States. EMEA revenue decreased by $3 million, led by a product revenue decline in the United Kingdom. Revenue in our APJC segment decreased by $34 million, led by a product revenue decline in Japan. The “BRICM” countries experienced product revenue growth of 2% in the aggregate, driven by increased product revenue in the emerging countries of China, Russia and Brazil of 8%, 17% and 11%, respectively, partially offset by product revenue declines in India and Mexico of 11% and 4%, respectively.
From a customer market standpoint, we experienced product revenue growth in the public sector and commercial markets, partially offset by a product revenue decline in the service provider market. Product revenue in the enterprise market was flat.
From a product category perspective, product revenue increased 3% led by solid product revenue growth in Security and Applications, which each grew by 6%. We experienced a 2% product revenue increase in Infrastructure Platforms and we saw broad strength across the portfolio.


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Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
Total revenue was flat, with product revenue flat and service revenue increasing 2%. Total gross margin decreased by 1.20.7 percentage points, due todriven by unfavorable impacts from pricing and to a $127 million legal and indemnification settlement charge, partiallylesser extent, productivity, offset by productivity benefits and favorable product mix. As a percentage of revenue, research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses, collectively, decreasedincreased by 0.11.2 percentage points. Operating income as a percentage of revenue increaseddecreased by 0.25.7 percentage points. We hadincurred restructuring and other charges of $602 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Diluted earnings per share decreased by 25%, driven by a 26% decrease in net loss of $6.4 billionincome and a net loss perdecrease in diluted share count of $1.29, due primarily29 million shares.
In terms of our geographic segments, revenue from the Americas decreased $779 million, driven in large part by a product revenue decline in the United States. EMEA revenue decreased by $319 million and APJC revenue decreased by $132 million. The “BRICM” countries experienced a product revenue decline of 29% in the aggregate, driven by decreased product revenue across each of the BRICM countries.
From a customer market standpoint, we experienced product revenue declines across all customer segments, with the most significant declines in the commercial and enterprise markets. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we continued to see a revenue decline in the $11.1 billion provisional tax expensecommercial and enterprise markets, which we believe was significantly related to weakness in the Tax Actglobal macroeconomic environment.
From a product category perspective, the product revenue decrease of 13% was driven by declines in revenue in Infrastructure Platforms of 16% and Applications of 8%. These declines were partially offset by a product revenue increase in Security of 6%.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response Summary
During this extraordinary time, our priority has been supporting our employees, customers, partners and communities, while positioning Cisco for the future. The pandemic has driven organizations across the globe to digitize their operations and support remote workforces at a faster speed and greater scale than ever before. We remain focused on providing the technology and solutions our customers need to accelerate their digital organizations. The actions we are taking include:
Employees
•Most of our global workforce working from home.
•Seamless transition to work from home with a long-standing flexible work policy, and we build the technologies that allow organizations to stay connected, secure and productive.
•For the remainder who must be in the office to perform their roles, we are focused on their health and safety, and are taking all of the necessary precautions.
Customer and Partners
•Provided a variety of free offers and trials for our Webex and security technologies as discussed above.they dramatically shifted entire workforces to be remote.
Communities
•Committed significant funds to support both global and local pandemic response efforts.
•Providing technology and financial support for non-profits, first responders, and governments.
•Donating personal protective equipment to hospital workers including N95 masks and face shields 3D-printed by Cisco volunteers around the world.
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Strategy and Priorities
As our customers add billions of new connections to their enterprises, we believeand as more applications move to a multicloud environment, the network becomes even more critical. Our customers are navigating change at an unprecedented pace and our mission is becoming more critical than ever.to inspire new possibilities for them by helping transform their infrastructure, expand applications and analytics, address their security needs, and empower their teams. We believe that our customers are looking for intelligentintent-based networks that provide meaningful business value through automation, security, and analytics.analytics across private, hybrid, and multicloud environments. Our vision is to deliver a highly secure, software-defined, automated and intelligent platformplatforms for digital businesses. Our strategic priorities include accelerating our pace of innovation, increasing the value of the network, and delivering technology the way our customers want to consume it.customers.
For additional discussion of our strategy and priorities, see Item 1. Business in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 29, 2017.25, 2020.
Other Key Financial Measures
The following is a summary of our other key financial measures for the secondfirst quarter and first six months of fiscal 20182021 (in millions):
October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020
Cash and cash equivalents and investments$30,012 $29,419 
Deferred revenue$20,473 $20,446 
Inventories$1,303 $1,282 
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Cash provided by operating activities$4,096 $3,587 
Repurchases of common stock—stock repurchase program$800 $768 
Dividends paid$1,520 $1,486 

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  January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Cash and cash equivalents and investments $73,683
 $70,492
Deferred revenue $18,788
 $18,494
Inventories $1,896
 $1,616

  Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Cash provided by operating activities $7,150
 $6,502
Repurchases of common stock—stock repurchase program $5,631
 $2,002
Dividends $2,861
 $2,612


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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 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 29, 2017,25, 2020, as updated as applicable in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein, 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.
The inputs into certain of our judgments, assumptions, and estimates considered the economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on our critical and significant accounting estimates. The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our significant judgments, assumptions and estimates that are reflected in our results for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. These estimates are listed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending July 25, 2020, and include: goodwill and identified purchased intangible assets and income taxes, among other items. The actual results that we experience may differ materially from our estimates. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, many of our estimates could require increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. As events continue to evolve our estimates may change materially in future periods.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when allWe enter into contracts with customers that can include various combinations of the following criteria have been met:
Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. Contracts, Internet commerce agreements,products and customer purchase ordersservices which are generally used todistinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. As a result, our contracts may contain multiple performance obligations. We determine the existence of an arrangement.
Delivery has occurred. Shipping documents and customer acceptance, when applicable,whether arrangements are used to verify delivery. For software, delivery is considered to have occurred upon unrestricted license access and license term commencement, when applicable.
The fee is fixed or determinable. We assessdistinct based on whether the fee is fixedcustomer can benefit from the product or determinable basedservice on the payment terms associatedits own or together with the transactionother resources that are readily available and whether our commitment to transfer the sales price is subjectproduct or service to refund or adjustment.
Collectibility is reasonably assured. We assess collectibility based primarily on the creditworthiness of the customer is separately identifiable from other obligations in the contract. We classify our hardware, perpetual software licenses, and SaaS as determined by credit checksdistinct performance obligations. Term software licenses represent multiple obligations, which include software licenses and analysis, as wellsoftware maintenance. In transactions where we deliver hardware or software, we are typically the principal and we record revenue and costs of goods sold on a gross basis.
We recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in a contract with a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. Transfer of control occurs once the customer has the contractual right to use the product, generally upon shipment or once title and risk of loss has transferred to the customer. Transfer of control can also occur over time for software maintenance and services as the customer’s payment history.
In instances where final acceptance ofcustomer receives 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 revenue ratablybenefit over the hosting period, while usagecontract term. Our hardware and perpetual software licenses are distinct performance obligations where revenue is recognized based on utilization. Software subscriptionupfront upon transfer of control. Term software licenses include multiple performance obligations where the term licenses are recognized upfront upon transfer of control, with the associated software maintenance revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscriptioncontract term upon deliveryas services and software updates are provided. SaaS arrangements do not include the right for the customer to take possession of the first productsoftware during the term, and commencement of the term.
The amount oftherefore have one distinct performance obligation which is satisfied over time with revenue recognized ratably over the contract term as the customer consumes the services. On our product sales, we record consideration from shipping and handling on a gross basis within net product sales. We record our revenue net of any associated sales taxes.
Revenue is allocated among these performance obligations in a given periodmanner that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to for the promised goods or services based on standalone selling prices (SSP). SSP is affected by ourestimated for each distinct performance obligation and judgment as to whether an arrangement includes multiple deliverables and, if so, our valuation of the units of accounting. Our multiple element arrangements may contain only deliverables within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605, Revenue Recognition, deliverables within the scope of ASC 985-605, Software-Revenue Recognition, or a combination of both. According to the accounting guidance prescribedbe required in ASC 605, we use vendor-specific objectivetheir determination. The best evidence of sellingSSP is the observable price (VSOE) for each of those units, when available. We determine VSOE based on our normal pricing and discounting practices for the specifica product or service when sold separately.we sell the goods separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers. 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 rates. 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 our 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 characteristics of the deliverable. We typically arrive at an ESP for a product or service thatinstances where SSP is not sold separately by considering company-specific factors suchdirectly observable, we determine SSP using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs.
We apply judgment in determining the transaction price as geographies, competitive landscape, internal costs, profitability objectives, pricing practices used to establish bundled pricing, and existing portfolio pricing and discounting.
As our business and offerings evolve over time, our pricing practiceswe may be required to be modified accordingly, which could result in changes in selling prices, including both VSOEestimate variable consideration when determining the amount of revenue to recognize. Variable consideration includes potential contractual penalties and ESP, in subsequent periods. There were no material impacts during the first six months of fiscal 2018, nor do we currently expect a material impact in the next 12 months on our revenue recognition due to any changes in our VSOE, TPE, or ESP.

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We make sales to distributors which we refer to as two-tier sales to the end customer. Revenue from two-tier distributors is recognized based on a sell-through method using point-of-sale information provided by these distributors. Distributors participate in various rebate, cooperative marketing and other incentive programs that we offer to our distributors, channel partners and customers. When determining the amount of revenue to recognize, we maintain estimated accrualsestimate the expected usage of these programs, applying the expected value or most likely estimate and allowances for these programs.update the estimate at each reporting period as actual utilization becomes available. We also consider the customers' right of return in determining the transaction price, where applicable. If actual credits received by distributors 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):
    January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts $181
 $211
Percentage of gross accounts receivable 4.4% 3.9%
Allowance for credit loss—lease receivables $165
 $162
Percentage of gross lease receivables(1) 
 5.6% 5.5%
Allowance for credit loss—loan receivables $94
 $103
Percentage of gross loan receivables 1.9% 2.3%
(1)Calculated as allowance for credit loss on lease receivables as a percentage of gross lease receivables and residual value before unearned income.
The allowance 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 as well as historical and expected default frequency rates, which are published by major third-party credit-rating agencies and are updated on a quarterly basis. We also consider the concentration of receivables outstanding with a particular customer in assessing the adequacy of our allowances for doubtful 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 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.
A reserve for future sales returns is established based on historical trends in product return rates. The reserve for future sales returns as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017 was $121 million and $122 million, respectively, and was recorded as a reduction of our accounts receivable and revenue. 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
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 chargedSee Note 3 to the provisionConsolidated Financial Statements 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 January 27, 2018, the liability for these purchase commitments was $159 million, compared with $162 million as of July 29, 2017, and was included in other current liabilities.

more details.
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Our provision for inventory was $31 million and $35 million for the first six months of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. The provision for the liability related to purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers was $44 million and $74 million for the first six months of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. 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 our 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.
In fiscal 2014, we recorded a charge to product cost of sales of $655 million resulting from failures related to products containing memory components manufactured by a single supplier between 2005 and 2010. We perform regular assessments of the sufficiency of this liability and reduced the amount by $74 million and $164 million in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively based on updated analyses. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we further reduced the liability by $141 million to reflect lower than expected defects, actual usage history, and estimated lower future remediation costs as more of the impacted products age and near the end of the support period covered by the remediation program. In addition, during the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded a $125 million charge to product cost of sales related to the expected remediation costs for anticipated failures in future periods of a widely-used component sourced from a third party which is included in several of our products. The liabilities related to the supplier component remediation matters as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017 were $120 million and $174 million, respectively.
Estimating these liabilities 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 liabilities for these matters may be impacted.
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.
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 profitability could be adversely affected.
Fair Value Measurements
Our fixed income and publicly traded equity securities, collectively, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at a fair value of $56.1 billion as of January 27, 2018, compared with $58.8 billion as of July 29, 2017. Our fixed income investment portfolio as of January 27, 2018 consisted primarily of high quality investment-grade securities. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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As described more fully in Note 9 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.
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 the periods presented, 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 January 27, 2018. Level 3 assets do not represent a significant portion of our total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017.
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.
We also have investments in privately held companies, some of which are in the startup or development stages. As of January 27, 2018, our investments in privately held companies were $982 million, compared with $983 million as of July 29, 2017, and were included in other assets. We monitor these investments for events or circumstances indicative of potential impairment, and we 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.

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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. The 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.
The goodwill recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017 was $30.4 billion and $29.8 billion, respectively. 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. There was no impairment of goodwill in each of the first six monthsquarters of fiscal 20182021 and 2017.2020.
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.
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 that the asset 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 for the first six months of fiscal 2018, and there were $42 million of such impairment charges for the first six months of fiscal 2017. 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, R&D tax credits, domestic manufacturingforeign-derived intangible income deductions, global intangible low-taxed income, tax audit settlements, nondeductible compensation, international realignments, and transfer pricing adjustments. Our effective tax rate was 371.6%18.9% and20.8% 20.6% in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182021 and 2017,2020, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 203.1% and21.1%in the first six months of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The Tax Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, lowers the U.S. federal corporation income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, while also imposing a mandatory one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. During the three months ended January 27, 2018, the Company recorded a provisional tax expense of $11.1 billion related to the Tax Act, comprised of $9.0 billion of U.S. transition tax, $1.2 billion of foreign withholding tax and $0.9 billion of DTA re-measurement.
In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which addresses how a company recognizes provisional estimates when a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the effect of the changes in the Tax Act. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. The final impact of the Tax Act may differ from the provisional estimates due to changes in interpretations of the Tax Act, and legislative action to address questions that arise because of the Tax Act, by changes in accounting standard for income taxes and related interpretations in response to the Tax Act, and updates or changes to estimates used in the provisional amounts. We have determined that the $9.0 billion of tax expense for the U.S. transition tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, the $1.2 billion of foreign withholding tax, and the $0.9 billion of tax expense for DTA re-measurement were each provisional amounts and reasonable estimates as of January 27, 2018. Estimates used in the provisional amounts include: the anticipated reversal pattern of the gross DTAs; and earnings, cash positions, foreign taxes and withholding taxes attributable to foreign subsidiaries.

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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
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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 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 changes to domestic manufacturingforeign-derived intangible income deduction, global intangible low-tax income and base erosion and anti-abuse tax laws, regulations, or interpretations thereof; 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 changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, and 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 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international association comprised of 3537 countries, including the United States, has made changes to numerous long-standing tax principles. There can be no assurance that these changes, once adopted by countries, will not have an adverse impact on our provision for income taxes. AsFurther, as a result of certain of our ongoing employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries iswas subject to reduced tax rates. 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) 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.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue
The following table presents the breakdown of revenue between product and service (in millions, except percentages):
 Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent		October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars		Variance
in Percent
Revenue:                Revenue: 
Product $8,709
 $8,491
 $218
 3% $17,763
 $17,793
 $(30) — %Product$8,587 $9,878 $(1,291)(13)%
Percentage of revenue 73.3% 73.3%  
  
 73.9% 74.3%  
  
Percentage of revenue72.0 %75.1 %  
Service 3,178
 3,089
 89
 3% 6,260
 6,139
 121
 2 %Service3,342 3,281 61 2 %
Percentage of revenue 26.7% 26.7%  
  
 26.1% 25.7%  
  
Percentage of revenue28.0 %24.9 %  
Total $11,887
 $11,580
 $307
 3% $24,023
 $23,932
 $91
 — %Total$11,929 $13,159 $(1,230)(9)%
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):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars		Variance
in Percent
Revenue:
Americas$7,198 $7,977 $(779)(10)%
Percentage of revenue60.4 %60.7 %  
EMEA2,964 3,283 (319)(10)%
Percentage of revenue24.8 %24.9 %  
APJC1,767 1,899 (132)(7)%
Percentage of revenue14.8 %14.4 %  
Total$11,929 $13,159 $(1,230)(9)%
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent
Revenue:                
Americas $7,004
 $6,660
 $344
 5 % $14,354
 $14,103
 $251
 2 %
Percentage of revenue 58.9% 57.5%     59.7% 58.9%    
EMEA 3,062
 3,065
 (3) — % 5,971
 6,078
 (107) (2)%
Percentage of revenue 25.8% 26.5%     24.9% 25.4%    
APJC 1,821
 1,855
 (34) (2)% 3,698
 3,751
 (53) (1)%
Percentage of revenue 15.3% 16.0%     15.4% 15.7%    
Total $11,887
 $11,580
 $307
 3 % $24,023
 $23,932
 $91
 — %
Amounts may not sum and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding.
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017October 26, 2019
Total revenue increaseddecreased by 3%9%. Product revenue decreased by 13% and service revenue each increased by 3%2%. The increase inOur total revenue reflected solid growth indeclines across each of our geographic segments. Product revenue for the Americas segment, while revenue declined in the APJC segment and was flat in the EMEA segment. The emerging countries of BRICM, in the aggregate, experienced 2%a 29% product revenue growth,decline, with increases in China, Russia and Brazil partially offset by decreases in the other two BRICMeach of these countries.
In addition to the impact of macroeconomic factors, including a reduced IT spending environment and reductions in spending by government entities, revenue 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;multiple performance obligations; the mix of financing arrangements provided to 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 revenue related to these transactions may also be affected by the timing of revenue recognition, which in turn would impact the revenue of the relevant segment. As has been the case in certain emerging countries from time to time, customers require greater levels of financing arrangements, service, and support, and these activities may occur in future periods, which may also impact the timing of the recognition of revenue.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
Total revenue was flat. Product revenue was flat while service revenue increased by 2%. Our total revenue grew in the Americas segment and declined in the EMEA and APJC segments. Product revenue for the emerging countries of BRICM, in the aggregate, was flat, as revenue increases in Brazil, Russia and China were offset by decreases in the other two BRICM countries.




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Product Revenue by Segment
The following table presents the breakdown of product revenue by segment (in millions, except percentages):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars		Variance
in Percent
Product revenue:
Americas$5,129 $5,907 $(778)(13)%
Percentage of product revenue59.8 %59.8 %  
EMEA2,210 2,557 (347)(14)%
Percentage of product revenue25.7 %25.9 %  
APJC1,248 1,413 (165)(12)%
Percentage of product revenue14.5 %14.3 %  
Total$8,587 $9,878 $(1,291)(13)%
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent
Product revenue:                
Americas $4,988
 $4,695
 $293
 6 % $10,380
 $10,175
 $205
 2 %
Percentage of product revenue 57.3% 55.3%     58.4% 57.2%    
EMEA 2,375
 2,392
 (17) (1)% 4,614
 4,756
 (142) (3)%
Percentage of product revenue 27.3% 28.2%     26.0% 26.7%    
APJC 1,346
 1,404
 (58) (4)% 2,769
 2,862
 (93) (3)%
Percentage of product revenue 15.4% 16.5%     15.6% 16.1%    
Total $8,709
 $8,491
 $218
 3 % $17,763
 $17,793
 $(30) — %
AmericasAmounts may not sum and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding.
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017October 26, 2019
Americas
Product revenue in the Americas segment increaseddecreased by 6%, led by solid growth in the service provider and public sector markets and, to a lesser extent, growth in the commercial market. These increases were partially offset by a product revenue decline in the enterprise market.13%. The product revenue increase in the public sector marketdecrease was due primarily to higher sales to the U.S. federal government.across all of our customer segments. From a country perspective, product revenue increaseddecreased by 5%12% in the United States, 19%24% in Canada, 23% in Mexico and 11%41% in Brazil, partially offset by a decrease of 4% in Mexico.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
The increase in product revenue in the Americas segment was led by solid growth in the commercial market and, to a lesser extent, growth in the public sector and service provider markets. These increases were partially offset by a product revenue decline in the enterprise market. The product revenue growth in the public sector market was due primarily to higher sales to the U.S. federal government. From a country perspective, product revenue increased by 1% in the United States, 20% in Brazil and 8% in Canada, partially offset by a decrease of 16% in Mexico.Brazil.
EMEA
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017
Product revenue in the EMEA segment decreased by 1%14%, led by a decline in the service provider market and, to a lesser extent, a decline in the enterprise market, partially offset by product revenue growth in the public sector and commercial markets.with declines across all of our customer segments. Product revenue from emerging countries within EMEA increaseddecreased by 7% while16% and product revenue for the remainder of the EMEA segment, which primarily consists of countries in Western Europe, decreased by 3%13%.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
The decrease in From a country perspective, product revenue in the EMEA segment of 3% was driven by a decline in the service provider market and, to a lesser extent, a decline in the enterprise market. We experienced product revenue growth in the public sector and commercial markets in this segment. Product revenue from emerging countries within EMEA increased by 1% while product revenue for the remainder of the EMEA segment decreased by 4%.

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5% in Germany, 12% in United Kingdom and 17% in France.
APJC
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017
Product revenue in the APJC segment decreased by 4%. The product revenue decrease was led12%, driven by a decline in the service provider market, partially offset by solid growth in the commercial and enterprise markets. Product revenue in the public sector market was flat.declines across all customer segments. From a country perspective, product revenue decreased in Australia, China and India by 21% in Japan15%, 28%, and 11% in India, while product revenue increased by 8% in China.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
The decrease in product revenue in the APJC segment of 3% was led by decline in the service provider market,36%, respectively, partially offset by a product revenue growth in the commercial, enterprise and public sector markets. From a country perspective, product revenue decreased by 15%increase in Japan and 5% in India, while product revenue increased by 3% in China.of 13%.



Product Revenue 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 in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we began reportingWe report our product revenue in the following categories: Infrastructure Platforms, Applications, Security, and Other Products. This change better aligns our product categories with our evolving business model. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.
The following table presents revenue for groups of similar products (in millions, except percentages):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars		Variance
in Percent
Product revenue:
Infrastructure Platforms$6,341 $7,553 $(1,212)(16)%
Applications1,380 1,499 (119)(8)%
Security861 816 45 6 %
Other Products5 11 (6)(56)%
Total$8,587 $9,878 $(1,291)(13)%
Amounts may not sum and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding.
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  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent
Product revenue:                
Infrastructure Platforms $6,694
 $6,545
 $149
 2 % $13,664
 $13,818
 $(154) (1)%
Applications 1,184
 1,116
 68
 6 % 2,387
 2,252
 135
 6 %
Security 558
 528
 30
 6 % 1,143
 1,068
 75
 7 %
Other Products 273
 302
 (29) (10)% 569
 655
 (86) (13)%
Total $8,709
 $8,491
 $218
 3 % $17,763
 $17,793
 $(30) — %
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Infrastructure PlatformsCISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017October 26, 2019
Infrastructure Platforms
The Infrastructure Platforms product category represents our core networking offerings related to switching, routing, wireless, and the data center. The Infrastructure Platforms product category increasedrevenue decreased by 2%16%, or $149 million,$1.2 billion. This was the product area most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic environment. Switching revenue declined in both campus switching and we saw broad strength across the portfolio. Within switching, we had strong growth in our data center switching, andalthough we saw solid momentum withhad revenue growth in our intent-based networking Catalyst 9000 Series. Our revenue from data center also had strong growth driven by higher sales of server products and our hyperconverged data center offering, HyperFlex. We experienced solid revenue growth from wireless products driven by our Wave 2 offerings as well as Meraki. We had a modest decrease in sales of routing products, driven by continued weaknesswith declines primarily in the service provider market.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
The Infrastructure Platforms product category decreased by 1%, or $154 million, with the vast majority of the decrease driven by lower revenue from routing products. The decrease in routing revenue was driven by weakness in the service provider market and a slowdown in enterprise routing sales. Our switching revenue decreased modestly but we saw solid momentum in campus switching with our intent-based networking Catalyst 9000 Series. Within switching, we experienced an increase in sales of data center switches, driven by strength in our Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) portfolio.markets. We experienced solida revenue growthdecline from wireless products, andalthough we saw revenue growth in our WiFi6 products. Revenue from data center productsdeclined primarily driven by higher sales of server products and HyperFlex.

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our servers products.
Applications
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017
The Applications product category includes our collaboration offerings (unified communications, Cisco TelePresence and conferencing) as well as IoTthe Internet of Things (IoT) and AppDynamics analytics software offerings from AppDynamics and Jasper.offerings. Revenue in our Applications product category increaseddecreased by 6%8%, or $68$119 million, driven by increased revenuewith a decline in Telepresence, ConferencingUnified Communications and analytics from our fiscal 2017 acquisition of AppDynamicsCisco TelePresence partially offset by decreased revenue from unified communications endpoints. We continue to increase the amount of deferred revenue and the proportion of recurring revenue related to our Applications product category.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
Revenuegrowth in our Applications product category increased by 6%, or $135 million, with analytics from our fiscal 2017 acquisition of AppDynamics driving the majority of the increase and a modest revenue increase from collaboration offerings.

Webex.
Security
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017
Revenue in our Security product category increased 6%, or $30 million, driven by higher sales of unified threat management$45 million. Our cloud security portfolio reflected strong double-digit growth and web security products. We continue to increase the amount of deferred revenuecontinued momentum with our Duo and the proportion of recurring revenue related to our Security product category.Umbrella offerings.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
Revenue in our Security product category increased 7%, or $75 million, driven by higher sales of unified threat management and web security products.

Other Products
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017
The decrease in revenue from our Other Products category of 10%, or $29 million, was driven by a decrease in revenue from Service Provider Video software and solutions.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
The decrease in revenue from our Other Products category of 13%, or $86 million, was driven by a decrease in revenue from Service Provider Video software and solutions.


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Service Revenue by Segment
The following table presents the breakdown of service revenue by segment (in millions, except percentages):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars		Variance
in Percent
Service revenue:
Americas$2,070 $2,070 $— — %
Percentage of service revenue61.9 %63.1 %
EMEA754 726 28 4 %
Percentage of service revenue22.6 %22.1 %
APJC519 486 33 7 %
Percentage of service revenue15.5 %14.8 %
Total$3,342 $3,281 $61 2 %
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent
Service revenue:                
Americas $2,016
 $1,965
 $51
 3% $3,974
 $3,928
 $46
 1%
Percentage of service revenue 63.4% 63.6%     63.5% 64.0%    
EMEA 687
 673
 14
 2% 1,357
 1,322
 35
 3%
Percentage of service revenue 21.6% 21.8%     21.7% 21.5%    
APJC 475
 451
 24
 5% 929
 889
 40
 4%
Percentage of service revenue 15.0% 14.6%     14.8% 14.5%    
Total $3,178
 $3,089
 $89
 3% $6,260
 $6,139
 $121
 2%
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017Amounts may not sum and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding.
Service revenue increased 3%. Technical support services revenue and advanced services revenue each increased by 3%. Technical support services revenue increased across all geographic segments. The increase2% in technical support services revenue wasthe first quarter of fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in software and solution support offerings. Advanced services revenue, which relates to professional services for specific customer network needs, had solid revenue growth in our EMEA and Americas segments and declined in our APJC segment.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
Service revenue increased across all geographic segments. Technical support services revenue increased by 2% and advanced services increased by 3%. Technical support services revenue had solid growth in APJC and increased to a lesser extent in our Americas and EMEA segments. Advanced services revenue had strong growth in the EMEA segment and grew modestlyAPJC segments. Service revenue was flat in our APJC andthe Americas segments.segment.

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Gross Margin
The following table presents the gross margin for products and services (in millions, except percentages):
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  AMOUNT PERCENTAGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Gross margin:                
Product $5,355
 $5,186
 61.5% 61.1% $10,794
 $11,085
 60.8% 62.3%
Service 2,143
 2,090
 67.4% 67.7% 4,131
 4,075
 66.0% 66.4%
Total $7,498
 $7,276
 63.1% 62.8% $14,925
 $15,160
 62.1% 63.3%

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Three Months Ended
 AMOUNTPERCENTAGE
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Gross margin:
Product$5,381 $6,354 62.7 %64.3 %
Service2,200 2,110 65.8 %64.3 %
Total$7,581 $8,464 63.6 %64.3 %
Product Gross Margin
The following table summarizes the key factors that contributed to the change in product gross margin percentage for the secondfirst quarter and first six months of fiscal 20182021 as compared with the corresponding prior year periods:period:
Product Gross Margin Percentage
Fiscal 202064.3 %
Productivity (1)
(0.3)%
Product pricing(1.8)%
Mix of products sold1.4 %
Legal and indemnification charge(0.5)%
Others(0.4)%
Fiscal 202162.7 %
    Product Gross Margin Percentage
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
Fiscal 2017 61.1 % 62.3 %
Product pricing (1.3)% (1.7)%
Legal and indemnification settlements — % (0.7)%
Amortization of purchased intangibles (0.4)% (0.4)%
Mix of products sold 0.5 % 0.3 %
Productivity (1)
 1.7 % 0.9 %
Other (0.1)% 0.1 %
Fiscal 2018 61.5 % 60.8 %
(1)Productivity includes overall manufacturing-related costs, such as component costs, warranty expense, provision for inventory, freight, logistics, shipment volume, and other items not categorized elsewhere.
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017October 26, 2019
Product gross margin increaseddecreased by 0.41.6 percentage points driven by productivity improvements and a favorable mix impact partially offset by unfavorable impacts from product pricing.
Productivity improvements were drivenpricing and to a lesser extent, productivity, partially offset by value engineering efforts (e.g. component redesign, board configuration, test processes, and transformation processes), lower warranty expenses and continued operational efficiency in manufacturing operations. Our productivityfavorable product mix. In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued to be negatively impacted by an increase in the cost of certain memory componentsincur additional logistics costs, such as freight which are currently constrained. We expect the higher costshad a negative impact on these memory components to continue to impact productivity in the near term. The favorable product mix impact was driven by our products within the Infrastructure Platforms product category.gross margin. The negative pricing impact was driven by typical market factors and impacted each of our geographic segments and customer markets.
Our product gross margin was also negatively impacted by higher amortization expense from purchased intangible assets.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
Product gross margin decreased by 1.5 percentage points due largely to unfavorable impacts from product pricing and a charge of $127 million to product cost of sales recorded in the first six months of fiscal 2018 related to legal and indemnification settlements, partially offset by productivity benefits andsegments. The favorable product mix.
The negative pricingmix impact was driven by typical market factors and impactedimpacts from each of our geographic segments and customer markets. While productivity was positive to overall product gross margin, the benefit was lower than the prior year as these improvements were adversely impacted by an increase in the cost of certain memory components which are currently constrained. In addition, productivity was negatively impacted by decreases in Infrastructure Platforms revenue which limited our ability to generate cost savings. Productivity improvements were driven by value engineering efforts, lower warranty expenses and continued operational efficiency in manufacturing operations. Our product gross margin was also negatively impacted by higher amortization expense from purchased intangible assets.



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categories.
Service Gross Margin
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017October 26, 2019
Our service gross margin percentage decreasedincreased by 0.31.5 percentage points primarily due to increased headcount-related costs and unfavorable mix. These cost impacts were partially offset by the resulting benefit to gross margin of higher sales volume, in both advanced serviceslower headcount-related and technical support services.delivery costs and a favorable mix of service offerings.
Our service gross margin normally experiences some fluctuations due to various factors such as the timing of contract initiations andin our renewals, our strategic investments in headcount, and the resources we deploy to support the overall service business. Another factor isOther 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.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
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Service gross margin percentage decreased by 0.4 percentage points due largely to increased headcount-related costs and, to a lesser extent, increased delivery costs. These cost impacts were partially offset by the resulting benefit to gross margin of higher sales volume in both advanced services and technical support services.CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Gross Margin by Segment
The following table presents the total gross margin for each segment (in millions, except percentages):
Three Months Ended
AMOUNTPERCENTAGE
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Gross margin:
Americas$4,847 $5,316 67.3 %66.6 %
EMEA1,894 2,166 63.9 %66.0 %
APJC1,113 1,194 63.0 %62.9 %
Segment total7,853 8,676 65.8 %65.9 %
Unallocated corporate items (1)
(272)(212)
Total$7,581 $8,464 63.6 %64.3 %
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 AMOUNT PERCENTAGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Gross margin:               
Americas$4,614
 $4,288
 65.9% 64.4% $9,336
 $9,121
 65.0% 64.7%
EMEA1,977
 2,012
 64.6% 65.6% 3,816
 4,025
 63.9% 66.2%
APJC1,094
 1,121
 60.1% 60.4% 2,259
 2,325
 61.1% 62.0%
Segment total7,685
 7,421
 64.7% 64.1% 15,411
 15,471
 64.2% 64.6%
Unallocated corporate items (1)
(187) (145)     (486) (311)    
Total$7,498
 $7,276
 63.1% 62.8% $14,925
 $15,160
 62.1% 63.3%
                
(1)The unallocated corporate items include the effects of amortization and impairments of acquisition-related intangible assets, share-based compensation expense, significant litigation settlements and other contingencies, 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.
Amounts may not sum and percentages may not recalculate due to rounding.
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017
The Americas segment experienced a gross margin percentage increase due to productivity improvements and favorable product mix, partially offset by negative impacts from pricing. The favorable mix impact was driven by our products within the Infrastructure Platforms product category.
The gross margin percentage decrease in our EMEA segment was due primarily to negative impacts from pricing and mix partially offset by productivity improvements. Lower service gross margin also contributed to the decrease in the gross margin in this geographic segment.
Our APJC segment gross margin percentage decreased due to negative impacts from pricing and mix, partially offset by productivity improvements. Lower service gross margin also contributed to the decrease in the overall gross margin in this segment.

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Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017October 26, 2019
We experienced a gross margin percentage increase in our Americas segment due to productivity improvements and, to a lesser extent, a favorable impacts from product mix, partially offset by unfavorable impacts from pricing.
Thepricing and productivity. Higher service gross margin percentage decreasealso contributed to the increase in the gross margin in the Americas segment.
Gross margin in our EMEA segment wasdecreased due primarily to the negative impacts from pricing and to a lesser extent, an unfavorable product mixproductivity, partially offset by productivity improvements.favorable product mix.
The APJC segment gross margin percentage decreasedincrease was due primarily to favorable impacts from productivity improvements and to a lesser extent, from product mix, partially offset by negative impacts from pricing, partially offset by productivity improvementspricing. Higher service gross margin also contributed to the increase in the gross margin in this geographic segment.
The gross margin percentage for a particular segment may fluctuate, and favorable product mix.period-to-period changes in such percentages may or may not be indicative of a trend for that segment.


Research and Development (“R&D”), Sales and Marketing, and General and Administrative (“G&A”) Expenses
R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses are summarized in the following table (in millions, except percentages):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars		Variance
in Percent
Research and development$1,612 $1,666 $(54)(3)%
Percentage of revenue13.5 %12.7 %
Sales and marketing2,217 2,480 (263)(11)%
Percentage of revenue18.6 %18.8 %
General and administrative544 519 25 5 %
Percentage of revenue4.6 %3.9 %
Total$4,373 $4,665 $(292)(6)%
Percentage of revenue36.7 %35.5 %

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 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 Variance
in Percent
Research and development$1,549
 $1,508
 $41
 3% $3,116
 $3,053
 $63
 2 %
Percentage of revenue13.0% 13.0%     13.0% 12.8%    
Sales and marketing2,235
 2,222
 13
 1% 4,569
 4,640
 (71) (2)%
Percentage of revenue18.8% 19.2%     19.0% 19.4%    
General and administrative483
 456
 27
 6% 1,040
 1,011
 29
 3 %
Percentage of revenue4.1% 3.9%     4.3% 4.2%    
Total$4,267
 $4,186
 $81
 2% $8,725
 $8,704
 $21
 — %
Percentage of revenue35.9% 36.1%     36.3% 36.4%    


Three Months Ended October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended October 26, 2019
R&D Expenses
R&D expenses increased in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2018, as compared with the corresponding periods of fiscal 2017, primarilydecreased due to higher headcount-related expenses, higherlower discretionary spending and higher share-based compensation expense,lower headcount-related expenses, partially offset by lowerhigher contracted services and lower acquisition-related costs.spending.
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.

Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017, due to higher headcount-related expenses and higher share-based compensation expense, partially offset by lower contracted services and lower discretionary spending.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased in the first six months of fiscal 2018, as compared with the first six months of fiscal 2017,primarily due to lower contracted servicesdiscretionary spending and lower discretionary spending,headcount-related expenses, partially offset by higher headcount-related expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher share-based compensation expense.

contracted services spending.
G&A Expenses
G&A expenses increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017, due to increases inhigher contracted services share-based compensation expense, headcount-related expenses and discretionary spending, partially offset by the gains on divestitures.
G&A expenses increased in the first six months of fiscal 2018, as compared with the first six months of fiscal 2017, due to increases in contracted services, share-based compensation expense,lower discretionary spending and acquisition-related costs, partially offset by a decrease inlower headcount-related expenses.


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Effect of Foreign Currency
In the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2018,2021, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by approximately $24$15 million, or 0.6%, compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
In the first six months of fiscal 2018, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by approximately $41 million, or 0.5%0.3%, compared with the first six monthsquarter of fiscal 2017.

Share-Based Compensation Expense
The following table presents share-based compensation expense (in millions):
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Cost of sales—product $23
 $19
 $46
 $40
Cost of sales—service 31
 34
 65
 67
Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales 54
 53
 111
 107
Research and development 134
 129
 270
 255
Sales and marketing 135
 125
 270
 265
General and administrative 64
 45
 128
 94
Restructuring and other charges 12
 —
 18
 3
Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses 345
 299
 686
 617
Total share-based compensation expense $399
 $352
 $797
 $724
The increase in share-based compensation expense in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2018, as compared with the corresponding periods of fiscal 2017, was due primarily to higher expense related to equity awards assumed with respect to our recent acquisitions and higher restructuring charges.2020.
Amortization of Purchased Intangible Assets
The following table presents the amortization of purchased intangible assets including impairment charges related to purchased intangible assets (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Amortization of purchased intangible assets:
Cost of sales$170 $166 
Operating expenses36 36 
Total$206 $202 
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017
Amortization of purchased intangible assets:        
Cost of sales $160
 $124
 $314
 $253
Operating expenses:        
Amortization of purchased intangible assets 60
 64
 121
 142
Restructuring and other charges —
 —
 —
 38
Total $220
 $188
 $435
 $433
Three Months Ended October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended October 26, 2019
Amortization of purchased intangible assets increased for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017, due toThe increase in amortization of purchased intangible assets in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was due largely to the amortization of purchased intangibles from our recent acquisitions.
AmortizationRestructuring and Other Charges
In the first quarter of purchased intangible assets increased slightlyfiscal 2021, we initiated a restructuring plan, which includes a voluntary early retirement program, in order to realign the organization and enable further investment in key priority areas. The total pretax charges are estimated to be approximately $900 million. In connection with this restructuring plan, we incurred charges of $602 million for the first six monthsquarter of fiscal 2018, as compared2021. We expect the plan to be substantially completed in fiscal 2021 and estimate it will generate cost savings of approximately $1.0 billion on an annualized basis over the next few quarters.
We initiated a restructuring plan during fiscal 2020 in order to realign the organization and enable further investment in key priority areas. In connection with the first six monthsthis restructuring plan, we have incurred cumulative charges of $255 million. We expect this restructuring plan to be substantially completed in fiscal 2017, due to amortization of purchased intangible assets from our recent acquisitions, partially offset by the impact of the impairment charges in the prior period.2021.


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Restructuring and Other Charges
We incurred restructuring and other charges of $98 million and $133 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively, and $250 million and $544 million for first six months of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. These charges were related primarily to employee severance charges for employees impacted by the restructuring action announced in August 2016. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we extended the restructuring action to include an additional $150 million of estimated additional pretax charges for employee severance and other one-time termination benefits. We have substantially completed the restructuring action and have incurred cumulative charges of $1.0 billion as of January 27, 2018.
We expect to reinvest substantially all of the cost savings from the restructuring action in our key priority areas. As a result, the overall cost savings from the restructuring action are not expected to be material for future periods.
Operating Income
The following table presents our operating income and our operating income as a percentage of revenue (in millions, except percentages):
 Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended
 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Operating income $3,073
 $2,893
 $5,829
 $5,770
Operating income$2,570 $3,579 
Operating income as a percentage of revenue 25.9% 25.0% 24.3% 24.1%Operating income as a percentage of revenue21.5 %27.2 %
For the second quarter of fiscal 2018, as comparedThree Months Ended October 24, 2020 Compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017, operatingThree Months Ended October 26, 2019
Operating income increaseddecreased by 6%28%, and as a percentage of revenue operating income increaseddecreased by 0.95.7 percentage points. These increaseschanges resulted primarily from a revenue increase, a gross margin percentage increase and a decrease, inhigher restructuring and other charges related to the restructuring actions announced in August 2016.
For the first six months of fiscal 2018, as compared with the first six months of fiscal 2017, operating income increased by 1% and as a percentage of revenue operating income increased by 0.2 percentage points. These increases resulted primarily from a decrease in restructuring and other charges related to the restructuring actions announced in August 2016, partially offset by a gross margin percentage decrease driven(driven by unfavorable impacts from pricing and the charge of $127 million for legal and indemnification settlements.to a lesser extent, productivity, offset by favorable product mix).


Interest and Other Income (Loss), Net
Interest Income (Expense), Net   The following table summarizes interest income and interest expense (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars
Interest income$174 $273 $(99)
Interest expense(112)(178)66 
Interest income (expense), net$62 $95 $(33)
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars
Interest income $396
 $329
 $67
 $775
 $624
 $151
Interest expense (247) (222) (25) (482) (420) (62)
Interest income (expense), net $149
 $107
 $42
 $293
 $204
 $89
Three Months Ended October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended October 26, 2019
Interest income increaseddecreased driven by an increase in our portfolioa lower average balance of cash cash equivalents, and fixed incomeavailable-for-sale debt investments as well as higher yields on our portfolio.and lower interest rates. The increasedecrease in interest expense was driven by highera lower average debt balancesbalance and the impact of higherlower effective interest rates.

Other Income (Loss), Net The components of other income (loss), net, are summarized as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019		Variance
in Dollars
Gains (losses) on investments, net:
Available-for-sale debt investments$15 $10 $5 
Marketable equity investments(1)— (1)
Non-marketable equity and other investments42 10 32 
Net gains (losses) on investments56 20 36 
Other gains (losses), net(7)(8)1 
Other income (loss), net$49 $12 $37 
Three Months Ended October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended October 26, 2019
The total change in net gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt investments was primarily attributable to higher realized gains as a result of market conditions, and the timing of sales of these investments. The change in net gains (losses) on non-marketable equity and other investments was primarily due to higher net unrealized gains and lower impairment charges, offset by lower net realized gains.

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

  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars		 January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		 Variance
in Dollars
Gains (losses) on investments, net:            
Publicly traded equity securities $154
 $4
 $150
 $183
 $9
 $174
Fixed income securities (96) (34) (62) (92) (24) (68)
Total available-for-sale investments 58
 (30) 88
 91
 (15) 106
Privately held companies 2
 (3) 5
 37
 (53) 90
Net gains (losses) on investments 60
 (33) 93
 128
 (68) 196
Other gains (losses), net (50) (4) (46) (56) 10
 (66)
Other income (loss), net $10
 $(37) $47
 $72
 $(58) $130
Provision for Income Taxes
Three Months Ended January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 Compared with Three Months Ended January 28, 2017
The change in total net gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments was primarily attributable to higher realized gains on publicly traded equity securities, partially offset by higher realized losses on fixed income securities as a result of market conditions and the timing of sales of these securities.
The change in net gains (losses) on investments in privately held companies was primarily due to lower impairment charges on investments in privately held companies partially offset by lower realized gains on investments in privately held companies.
The change in other gains (losses), net was primarily driven by net unfavorable foreign exchange impacts and, to a lesser extent, impacts from equity derivatives.
Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared with Six Months Ended January 28, 2017
The change in total net gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments was primarily attributable to higher realized gains on publicly traded equity securities, partially offset by higher realized losses on fixed income securities as a result of market conditions and the timing of sales of these securities and $26 million of impairment charges on publicly traded equity securities.
The change in net gains (losses) on investments in privately held companies was primarily due to lower impairment charges and higher realized gains on investments in privately held companies.
The change in other gains (losses), net was primarily driven by net unfavorable foreign exchange impacts and to a lesser extent, impacts from equity derivatives.

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Provision for Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate income tax rate (“federal tax rate”) from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, implementing a modified territorial tax system, and imposing a mandatory one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. As a fiscal-year taxpayer, certain provisions of the Tax Act impact us in fiscal 2018, including the change in the federal tax rate and the one-time transition tax, while other provisions will be effective at the beginning of fiscalOctober 26, 2019 including the implementation of a modified territorial tax system and other changes to how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax, and elimination of the domestic manufacturing deduction.
As a result of the decrease in the federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, we have computed our income tax expense for the July 28, 2018 fiscal year using a blended federal tax rate of 27%. The 21% federal tax rate will apply to our fiscal year ending July 27, 2019 and each year thereafter. We must remeasure our deferred tax assets and liabilities ("DTA") using the federal tax rate that will apply when the related temporary differences are expected to reverse.
As of January 27, 2018, we had approximately $75 billion in undistributed earnings for certain foreign subsidiaries. Substantially all of these undistributed earnings are subject to the U.S. mandatory one-time transition tax and are eligible to be repatriated to the U.S. without additional U.S. tax under the Tax Act. We have historically asserted our intention to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries. We have reevaluated our historic assertion as a result of enactment of the Tax Act and no longer consider these earnings to be indefinitely reinvested in our foreign subsidiaries. As a result of this change in assertion, we have recorded a $1.2 billion tax expense for foreign withholding tax in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we anticipate repatriating $67 billion of foreign subsidiary earnings to the U.S. (in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or investments), of which $26 billion was repatriated to the U.S. in February 2018.
During the three months ended January 27, 2018, we recorded a provisional tax expense of $11.1 billion related to the Tax Act, comprised of $9.0 billion of U.S. transition tax, $1.2 billion of foreign withholding tax (discussed above), and $0.9 billion re-measurement of net DTA. We plan to pay the transition tax in installments over eight years in accordance with the Tax Act. The $1.2 billion foreign withholding tax was paid in February 2018. The Tax Act is discussed more fully in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The provision for income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of 371.6%18.9% for the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182021 compared with 20.8%20.6% for the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2017, a net 350.8 percentage point increase for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2017.2020. The provision for income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of 203.1% for the first six months of fiscal 2018 as compared with 21.1% for the first six months of fiscal 2017, a net 182.0 percentage point increase for the first six months of fiscal 2018 as compared with the first six months of fiscal 2017. The increasedecrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the mandatory one-time transitionan increase in foreign derived intangible income deduction offset by a decrease in tax on accumulated earnings ofbenefits from foreign subsidiaries, foreign withholding tax, and DTA re-measurement during the second quarter ofincome taxed at other than U.S. rates in fiscal 2018.2021 as compared to fiscal 2020.
As a result of the adoption of the new accounting standard on share-based compensation, ourOur effective tax rate will increase or decrease based upon the tax effect of the difference between the share-based compensation expenses and the benefits taken on the company's tax returns. We recognize excess tax benefits on a discrete basis and therefore anticipate the effective tax rate to vary from quarter to quarter depending on our share price in each period.

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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 activities 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):
January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017		 Increase (Decrease) October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents$17,624
 $11,708
 $5,916
Cash and cash equivalents$10,822 $11,809 $(987)
Fixed income securities54,439
 57,077
 (2,638)
Publicly traded equity securities1,620
 1,707
 (87)
Available-for-sale debt investmentsAvailable-for-sale debt investments19,190 17,610 1,580 
Total$73,683
 $70,492
 $3,191
Total$30,012 $29,419 $593 
The net increase in cash and cash equivalents and investments in the first six monthsquarter of fiscal 20182021 was primarily driven by cash provided by operating activities of $7.2 billion and a net increase in debt of $5.7$4.1 billion. These sourcesThis source of cash werewas partially offset by cash returned to shareholders in the form of repurchases of common stock of $5.5$0.8 billion under the stock repurchase program and cash dividends of $2.9$1.5 billion; net cash paid for acquisitions and divestitures of $0.8 billion;billion and capital expenditures of $0.4$0.2 billion.
Our total in cash and cash equivalents and investments held by various foreign subsidiaries was $71.3 billion and $67.5 billion as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, respectively. The balance of cash and cash equivalents and investments available in the United States as of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017 was $2.4 billion and $3.0 billion, respectively. During the three months ended January 27, 2018, as a result of the Tax Act, all historical undistributed foreign subsidiary earnings were subject to a mandatory one-time transition tax, which resulted in a provisional tax expense of $9.0 billion. We plan to pay the transition tax in installments over eight years in accordance with the Tax Act. Approximately $0.8 billion is payable in less than one year; $1.4 billion is payable between 1 to 3 years; another $1.4 billion is payable between 3 to 5 years; and the remaining $5.4 billion is payable in more than 5 years. In February 2018, we repatriated to the U.S. $26 billion of historical undistributed foreign subsidiary earnings and paid foreign withholding tax of $1.2 billion. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we anticipate repatriating to the U.S. an additional $41 billion of historical undistributed foreign subsidiary earnings. Future repatriation of cash and other property held by our foreign subsidiaries will generally not be subject to U.S. federal tax. As we evaluate the impact of the Tax Act and the future cash needs of our global operations, we may revise the amount of foreign earnings considered to be permanently reinvested in our foreign subsidiaries.
In addition to cash requirements in the normal course of business, in the third quarter of fiscal 2018,on July 9, 2019 we closed the acquisition of BroadSoftannounced our intent to acquire Acacia for a net purchase priceconsideration of approximately $1.9$2.6 billion net of cash and investments.in cash. Additionally, $9.0approximately $0.7 billion of commercial paper notes and $4.75the U.S. transition tax on accumulated earnings for foreign subsidiaries is payable in less than one year. Also, $5.0 billion of long termlong-term debt which were outstanding at January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 will mature within the next 12 months from the balance sheet date. See further discussion of liquidity under “Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements” below.
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 incomeavailable-for-sale debt investment portfolio consisting primarily of high quality investment-grade securities. We believe that our strong cash and cash equivalents and investments position is critical at this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and 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 payment of dividends as discussed below.

Securities Lending We periodically engage in securities lending activities with certain of our available-for-sale debt investments. These transactions are accounted for as a secured lending of the securities, and the securities are typically loaned only on an overnight basis. 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 collateral losses. We did not experience any losses in connection with the secured lending of securities during the periods presented.
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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):
Six Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 27,
2018		 January 28,
2017		October 24,
2020		October 26,
2019
Net cash provided by operating activities$7,150
 $6,502
Net cash provided by operating activities$4,096 $3,587 
Acquisition of property and equipment(379) (526)Acquisition of property and equipment(171)(202)
Free cash flow$6,771
 $5,976
Free cash flow$3,925 $3,385 
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, and the timing and amount of tax and other payments. For additional discussion, see “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this report.

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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 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 incomecash 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):
DIVIDENDSSTOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Quarter EndedPer ShareAmountSharesWeighted-Average Price per ShareAmountTOTAL
Fiscal 2021
October 24, 2020$0.36 $1,520 20 $40.44 $800 $2,320 
Fiscal 2020
July 25, 2020$0.36 $1,525 — $— $— $1,525 
April 25, 2020$0.36 $1,519 25 $39.71 $981 $2,500 
January 25, 2020$0.35 $1,486 18 $46.71 $870 $2,356 
October 26, 2019$0.35 $1,486 16 $48.91 $768 $2,254 
  DIVIDENDS STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM  
Quarter Ended Per Share Amount Shares Weighted-Average Price per Share Amount TOTAL
Fiscal 2018            
January 27, 2018 $0.29
 $1,425
 103
 $39.07
 $4,011
 $5,436
October 28, 2017 $0.29
 $1,436
 51
 $31.80
 $1,620
 $3,056
             
Fiscal 2017           

July 29, 2017 $0.29
 $1,448
 38
 $31.61
 $1,201
 $2,649
April 29, 2017 $0.29
 $1,451
 15
 $33.71
 $503
 $1,954
January 28, 2017 $0.26
 $1,304
 33
 $30.33
 $1,001
 $2,305
October 29, 2016 $0.26
 $1,308
 32
 $31.12
 $1,001
 $2,309
On February 14, 2018, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per common share to be paid on April 25, 2018 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 5, 2018. Any future dividends are subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.
On February 14, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a $25 billion increase to the stock repurchase program. The remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program including the additional authorization, is approximately $31$10.0 billion, with no termination date. We expect to utilize this remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases over the next 18 to 24 months.


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Accounts Receivable, Net  The following table summarizes our accounts receivable, net (in millions):
   January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017		 Increase (Decrease)
Accounts receivable, net$3,963
 $5,146
 $(1,183)
   October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		Increase (Decrease)
Accounts receivable, net$3,980 $5,472 $(1,492)
Our accounts receivable net, as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 decreased by approximately 23%27%, as compared with the end of fiscal 2017,2020, primarily due to timing and amount of product billings being more linear and the amount and timing of service billings in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182021 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.2020.
Inventory Supply Chain  The following table summarizes our inventories and purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers (in millions):
   January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017		 Increase (Decrease)
Inventories$1,896
 $1,616
 $280
   October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		Increase (Decrease)
Inventories$1,303 $1,282 $21 
Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers$4,189 $4,406 $(217)
Inventory as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 increased by 17%2% from our inventory balance at the end of fiscal 2017.2020. The increase in inventory was primarily due to higher levels of manufactured finished goods in support of current order activity and an increase in raw materials due to securing memory supply which is currently constrained.
Our finished goods, consistpartially offset by a decrease in raw materials. Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers decreased 5% compared to the end of distributorfiscal 2020. On a combined basis, inventories and purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers decreased 3% compared with the end of fiscal 2020. We believe our inventory and deferred cost of sales and manufactured finished goods. Distributor inventory and deferred cost of salespurchase commitments levels 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.in line with our current demand forecasts.
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.
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Our purchase commitments are for short-term product manufacturing requirements as well as for commitments to suppliers to secure manufacturing capacity. Certain of our purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers relate to arrangements to secure long-term pricing for certain product components for multi-year periods. 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. We believe our inventory and purchase commitments levels are in line with our current demand forecasts. The following table summarizes our purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers as of the respective period ends (in millions):
Commitments by PeriodJanuary 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Less than 1 year$4,498
 $4,620
1 to 3 years690
 20
3 to 5 years540
 —
Total$5,728
 $4,640
Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers increased by approximately 23% compared to the end of fiscal 2017. On a combined basis, inventories and purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers increased by 22% compared with the end of fiscal 2017.
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.
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 The following table summarizes our financing receivables (in millions):
   October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		Increase (Decrease)
Lease receivables, net$2,031 $2,088 $(57)
Loan receivables, net5,853 5,856 (3)
Financed service contracts, net2,737 2,821 (84)
Total, net$10,621 $10,765 $(144)
   January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017		 Increase (Decrease)
Lease receivables, net$2,620
 $2,650
 $(30)
Loan receivables, net4,752
 4,457
 295
Financed service contracts, net2,466
 2,487
 (21)
Total, net$9,838
 $9,594
 $244
Financing ReceivablesOur financing arrangements include leases, loans, and financed service contracts. Lease receivables include sales-type and direct-financing leases. Arrangements related to leases are generally collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. Our loan receivables include customerscustomer financing for purchases of our hardware, software and services and also may include additional funds for other costs associated with network installation and integration of our products and services. We also provide financing to certain qualified customers for long-term service contracts, which primarily relate to technical support services. The majority of the revenue from these financed service contracts is deferred and is recognized ratably over the period during which the services are performed. Financing receivables increaseddecreased by 3%1%. 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 generally ranging from 60 to 90 days. During fiscal 2020, we expanded the payment terms on certain of our channel partner financing programs by 30 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In certain instances, these financing arrangements result in a transfer of our receivables to the third party. The receivables are derecognized 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.
The volume of channel partner financing was $13.6$6.1 billion and $13.2$7.6 billion for the first six monthsquarter of fiscal 20182021 and 2017,2020, respectively. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners, and in some cases, we guarantee a portion of these arrangements. The balance of the channel partner financing subject to guarantees was $1.0$1.3 billion and $1.1 billion as of each of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017.25, 2020, respectively. 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. As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, the total maximum potential future payments related to these guarantees was approximately $341$201 million, of which approximately $131$33 million was recorded as deferred revenue.

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Borrowings
Senior NotesThe following table summarizes the principal amount of our senior notes (in millions):
 Maturity DateOctober 24,
2020		July 25,
2020
Senior notes:
Fixed-rate notes:
2.20%February 28, 2021$2,500 $2,500 
2.90%March 4, 2021500 500 
1.85%September 20, 20212,000 2,000 
3.00%June 15, 2022500 500 
2.60%February 28, 2023500 500 
2.20%September 20, 2023750 750 
3.625%March 4, 20241,000 1,000 
3.50%June 15, 2025500 500 
2.95%February 28, 2026750 750 
2.50%September 20, 20261,500 1,500 
5.90%February 15, 20392,000 2,000 
5.50%January 15, 20402,000 2,000 
Total$14,500 $14,500 
 Maturity Date January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017
Senior notes:     
Floating-rate notes:     
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.60%February 21, 2018 $1,000
 $1,000
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.31%June 15, 2018 900
 900
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.50%March 1, 2019 500
 500
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.34%September 20, 2019 500
 500
Fixed-rate notes:     
1.40%February 28, 2018 1,250
 1,250
1.65%June 15, 2018 1,600
 1,600
4.95%February 15, 2019 2,000
 2,000
1.60%February 28, 2019 1,000
 1,000
2.125%March 1, 2019 1,750
 1,750
1.40%September 20, 2019 1,500
 1,500
4.45%January 15, 2020 2,500
 2,500
2.45%June 15, 2020 1,500
 1,500
2.20%February 28, 2021 2,500
 2,500
2.90%March 4, 2021 500
 500
1.85%September 20, 2021 2,000
 2,000
3.00%June 15, 2022 500
 500
2.60%February 28, 2023 500
 500
2.20%September 20, 2023 750
 750
3.625%March 4, 2024 1,000
 1,000
3.50%June 15, 2025 500
 500
2.95%February 28, 2026 750
 750
2.50%September 20, 2026 1,500
 1,500
5.90%February 15, 2039 2,000
 2,000
5.50%January 15, 2040 2,000
 2,000
Total  $30,500
 $30,500
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-rate notes. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of January 27, 2018.October 24, 2020.
Commercial Paper We have a short-term debt financing program in which up to $10.0 billion is available through the issuance of commercial paper notes. We use the proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper notes for general corporate purposes. We had $9.0 billion and $3.2 billionno commercial paper notes outstanding as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017, respectively.25, 2020.
Credit FacilitiesFacilityOn May 15, 2015,2020, we entered into a 364-day credit agreement with certain institutional lenders that provides for a $3.0$2.75 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire on May 14, 2021. The credit agreement is structured as an amendment and restatement of our five-year credit facility which would have terminated on May 15, 2020.2020, the end of its five-year term. As of October 24, 2020, 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. Any advances under the credit agreement will accrue interest at rates that are equal to, based on certain conditions, either (i) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) Bank of America’s “prime rate” as announced from time to time, or (c) LIBOR, or a comparable or successor rate that is approved by the Administrative Agent (“Eurocurrency Rate”), for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%, or (ii) the Eurocurrency Rate, plus a margin that is based on our senior debt credit ratings as published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., provided that in no event will the Eurocurrency Rate be less than zero.0.25%. 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 $2.0 billion and/or extendbillion. This credit agreement requires that we comply with certain covenants, including that we maintain an interest coverage ratio as defined in the expiration dateagreement.
Deferred Revenue   The following table presents the breakdown of the credit facility up to May 15, 2022.deferred revenue (in millions):

   October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		Increase (Decrease)
Product$8,139 $7,895 $244 
Service12,334 12,551 (217)
Total$20,473 $20,446 $27 
Reported as:
Current$11,271 $11,406 $(135)
Noncurrent9,202 9,040 162 
    Total$20,473 $20,446 $27 
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In addition, on March 30, 2017 we entered into a 364-Day credit agreement with certain institutional lenders that provides for a $2.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire on March 29, 2018. The credit agreement also provides us the option to, for a fee, convert any borrowings outstanding thereunder on March 29, 2018 to a term loan maturing no later than March 29, 2019. The interest rate applicable to outstanding balances under the credit agreement will be based on either (i) the higher of (a) the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System (i.e., Federal Funds rate) plus 0.50%, (b) Bank of America’s “prime rate” as announced from time to time or (c) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%, or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin that is based on our senior debt credit ratings as published by S&P Global Rating, a business unit of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
These credit agreements require that we comply with certain covenants, including that we maintain interest coverage ratios as defined in these agreements. As of January 27, 2018, we were in compliance with the required interest coverage ratios and the other covenants, and we had not borrowed any funds under these credit facilities.
Deferred Revenue   The following table presents the breakdown of deferred revenue (in millions):
   January 27,
2018		 July 29,
2017		 Increase (Decrease)
Service$10,963
 $11,302
 $(339)
Product:    

Deferred revenue related to recurring software and subscription offers5,451
 4,971
 480
Other product deferred revenue2,374
 2,221
 153
Total product deferred revenue7,825
 7,192
 633
Total$18,788
 $18,494
 $294
Reported as:     
Current$11,102
 $10,821
 $281
Noncurrent7,686
 7,673
 13
    Total$18,788
 $18,494
 $294
Deferred product revenue increased 9% primarily due to increased deferrals related to our recurring software and subscription offers.offerings. The portion of product deferred revenue related to recurring software and subscription offers grew 36% on a year-over-year basis to $5.5 billion as of January 27, 2018. Security and Applications continued to experience strong product deferred revenue growth during the period. The 3%2% decrease in deferred service revenue was driven by the impact of ongoing amortization of deferred service revenue.
Remaining Performance Obligations The following table presents the breakdown of remaining performance obligations (in millions):
   October 24,
2020		July 25,
2020		Increase (Decrease)
Product$11,340 $11,261 $79 
Service16,129 17,093 (964)
Total$27,469 $28,354 $(885)
Total remaining performance obligations decreased 3% in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to the end of fiscal 2020. Remaining performance obligations for product increased 1% compared to the end of fiscal 2020. Remaining performance obligations for service decreased 6%.
Contractual Obligations
Operating LeasesTransition Tax Payable
We lease office spaceThe income tax payable outstanding as of October 24, 2020 for the U.S. transition tax on accumulated earnings for foreign subsidiaries is $7.6 billion. Approximately $0.7 billion is payable in many U.S. locations. Outside the United States, larger leased sites include sites in Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Polandless than one year; $1.4 billion is payable between 1 to 3 years; $3.2 billion is payable between 3 to 5 years; and the United Kingdom. We also lease equipment and vehicles. The future minimum lease payments under all ofremaining $2.3 billion is payable in more than 5 years.
For our noncancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of oneContractual Obligations see ourAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the year as of January 27, 2018 were $1.2 billion.ended July 25, 2020.
Other Commitments
In connection with our acquisitions, 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 1214 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Insieme Networks, Inc.In fiscal 2012, we made an investment in Insieme, an early stage company focused on research and development in the data center market. This investment included $100 million of funding and a license to certain of our technology. During fiscal 2014, we acquired the remaining interests in Insieme, at which time the former noncontrolling interest holders became eligible to receive up to two milestone payments, which were determined using agreed-upon formulas based primarily on revenue for certain of Insieme’s products. The former noncontrolling interest holders earned the maximum amount related to these two milestone payments and were paid approximately $422 million during the first six months of fiscal 2017. During the first six months of fiscal 2017, we recorded compensation expense of $32 million related to these milestone payments. We do not expect a material amount of future compensation expense or further milestone payments related to this acquisition.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Other Funding CommitmentsWe also have certain funding commitments primarily related to our investments in privately held companiesnon-marketable equity and venture funds,other investments, some of which aremay be based on the achievement of certain agreed-upon milestones, and some of which are required to be funded on demand. The funding commitments were $215 million$0.3 billion as of January 27, 2018, compared with $216 million aseach of October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017.

25, 2020.
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 non-marketable equity and other investments in privately held companies including venture funds and provide financing to certain customers. Certain of these investments are considered to be variable interest entities. We evaluate on an ongoing basis our non-marketable equity and other investments in these privately held companies and customer financings, and we have determined that as of January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 there were no material unconsolidated variable interest entities.
On an ongoing basis, we reassess our non-marketable equity and other 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.
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 the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017 was $0.4 billion and $0.9 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 collateral losses. As of January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017, we had no outstanding securities lending transactions. We believe these arrangements do not present a material risk or impact to our liquidity requirements.
Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements
While the COVID-19 pandemic has not materially impacted our liquidity and capital resources to date, it has led to increased disruption and volatility in capital markets and credit markets. The pandemic and resulting economic uncertainty could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources in the future. 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, pending acquisitions, future customer financings, and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations. There are no other transactions,
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

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.

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Item 3.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. We have seen an increase in these risks and related uncertainties with increased volatility in the financial markets in the current environment with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interest Rate Risk
Fixed Income SecuritiesAvailable-for-Sale Debt Investments We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. Our primary objective for holding fixed income securitiesavailable-for-sale debt investments 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 incomeavailable-for-sale debt investment portfolio. Conversely, declines in interest rates as has also happened recently, 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 securitiesavailable-for-sale debt investments as of January 27, 2018.October 24, 2020. Our fixed incomeavailable-for-sale debt investments are held for purposes other than trading. Our fixed incomeavailable-for-sale debt investments are not leveraged as of January 27, 2018.October 24, 2020. We monitor our interest rate and credit risks, including our credit exposures to specific rating categories and to individual issuers. We believe the overall credit quality of our portfolio is strong.
Financing Receivables As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, our financing receivables had a carrying value of $9.8$10.6 billion, compared with $9.6$10.8 billion as of July 29, 2017.25, 2020. As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, a hypothetical 50 basis points (“BPS”) increase or decrease in market interest rates would change the fair value of our financing receivables by a decrease or increase of approximately $0.1 billion, respectively.
Debt As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, we had $30.5$14.5 billion in principal amount of senior fixed-rate notes outstanding, which consisted of $2.9 billion floating-rate notes and $27.6 billion fixed-rate notes.outstanding. The carrying amount of the senior notes was $30.4$14.6 billion, and the related fair value based on market prices was $31.8$17.0 billion. As of January 27, 2018,October 24, 2020, a hypothetical 50 BPS increase or decrease in market interest rates would change the fair value of the fixed-rate debt, excluding the $6.8$2.5 billion of hedged debt, by a decrease or increase of approximately $0.6$0.5 billion, respectively. However, this hypothetical change in interest rates would not impact the interest expense on the fixed-rate debt that is not hedged.
Equity Price Risk
Marketable Equity Investments. The fair value of our marketable 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 tradedWe had no outstanding marketable 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 January 27, 2018October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017 are as follows (in millions):25, 2020.
 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
DECREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 
FAIR VALUE AS OF
JANUARY 27, 2018
 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
INCREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 (30)% (20)% (10)% 10% 20% 30%
Publicly traded equity securities$888
 $1,015
 $1,142
 $1,269
 $1,396
 $1,523
 $1,650

 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
DECREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 
FAIR VALUE
AS OF JULY 29, 2017
 
VALUATION OF
SECURITIES
GIVEN AN X%
INCREASE IN
EACH STOCK’S PRICE
 (30)% (20)% (10)% 10% 20% 30%
Publicly traded equity securities$1,195
 $1,366
 $1,536
 $1,707
 $1,878
 $2,048
 $2,219

Non-marketable Equity and Other 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 January 27, 2018, theSheets. The total carrying amount of our investments in privately held companiesnon-marketable equity and other investments was $982 million, compared with $983 million at$1.4 billion and $1.3 billion as of October 24, 2020 and July 29, 2017.25, 2020, respectively. Some of the privately heldthese 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 non-marketable equity and other 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.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our foreign exchange forward and option contracts outstanding as of the respective period-ends are summarized in U.S. dollar equivalents as follows (in millions):
 October 24, 2020July 25, 2020
 Notional AmountFair ValueNotional AmountFair Value
Forward contracts:
Purchased$2,580 $9 $2,441 $1 
Sold$1,758 $(6)$1,874 $4 
 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017
 Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value
Forward contracts:       
Purchased$3,204
 $64
 $2,562
 $39
Sold$506
 $—
 $729
 $(2)
Option contracts:       
Purchased$194
 $6
 $528
 $7
Sold$174
 $—
 $486
 $(1)
At October 24, 2020 and July 25, 2020, we had no option contracts outstanding.
We conduct business globally in numerous currencies. The direct effect of foreign currency fluctuations on revenue has not been material because our revenue 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 revenue 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
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indirect effect of currency fluctuations is difficult to measure or predict because our revenue is influenced by many factors in addition to the impact of such currency fluctuations.
Approximately 70% of our operating expenses are U.S.-dollar denominated. In the first six monthsquarter of fiscal 2018,2021, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increased our combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by approximately $41$15 million, or 0.5%0.3%, compared with the first six monthsquarter of fiscal 2017.2020. To reduce variability in operating expenses and service cost of sales caused by non-U.S.-dollar denominated operating expenses and costs, we may hedge certain forecasted foreign currency 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 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. We do not enter into foreign exchange forward or option contracts for speculative purposes.


Item 4.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.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
BrazilBrazilian authorities have investigated our Brazilian subsidiary and certain of its former employees, as well asFor a Brazilian importerdescription of our products,material pending legal proceedings, see Note 14 “Commitments 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 penalties. In addition to claims asserted 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 in prior fiscal years.
The asserted claims by Brazilian federal tax authorities that remain are for calendar years 2003 through 2007, 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 aggregate to $257 million for the alleged evasion of import and other taxes, $1.6 billion for interest, and $1.2 billion for various penalties, all determined using an exchange rate as of January 27, 2018. We have completed a thorough reviewContingencies—(f) Legal Proceedings” of the matters and believe the asserted claims against our Brazilian subsidiary are without merit, and we are defending the claims vigorously. While we believe there is no legal basis for the alleged liability, dueNotes to the complexities and uncertainty surrounding the judicial processConsolidated Financial Statements included 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 our 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.
SRI International On September 4, 2013, SRI International, Inc. (“SRI”) asserted patent infringement claims against us in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, accusing our products and services in the area of network intrusion detection of infringing two U.S. patents. SRI sought monetary damages of at least a reasonable royalty and enhanced damages. The trial on these claims began on May 2, 2016 and on May 12, 2016, the jury returned a verdict finding willful infringement of the asserted patents. The jury awarded SRI damages of $23.7 million. On May 25, 2017, the Court awarded SRI enhanced damages and attorneys’ fees, entered judgment in the new amount of $57.0 million, and ordered an ongoing royalty of 3.5% through the expiration of the patents in 2018. We have appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on various grounds. We believe we have strong arguments to overturn the jury verdict and/or reduce the damages award. While the ultimate outcome of the case may still result in a loss, we do not expect it to be material.
SSL SSL Services, LLC (“SSL”) has asserted claims for patent infringement against us in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The proceeding was instituted on March 25, 2015. SSL alleges that our AnyConnect products that include Virtual Private Networking functions infringed a U.S. patent owned by SSL. SSL seeks money damages from us. On August 18, 2015, we petitioned the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to review whether the patent SSL has asserted against us is valid over prior art. On February 23, 2016, a PTAB multi-judge panel found a reasonable likelihood that we would prevail in showing that SSL’s patent claims are unpatentable and instituted proceedings. On June 28, 2016, in light of the PTAB’s decision to review the patent’s validity, the district court issued an order staying the district court case pending the final written decision from the PTAB. On February 22, 2017, following a hearing, the PTAB issued its Final Written Decision that the patent’s claims are unpatentable. SSL has appealed this decision to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. We believe we have strong arguments that our products do not infringe and the patent is invalid. If we do not prevail and a jury were to find that our AnyConnect products infringe, we believe damages, as appropriately measured, would be immaterial. Due to uncertainty surrounding patent litigation processes, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcomeItem 1 of this litigation at this time.Form 10-Q.


Straight Path On September 24, 2014, Straight Path IP Group, Inc. (“Straight Path”) asserted patent infringement claims against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accusing our 9971 IP Phone, Unified Communications Manager working in conjunction with 9971 IP Phones, and Video Communication Server products of infringement. All of the asserted patents have expired and Straight Path was therefore limited to seeking monetary damages for the alleged past infringement. On November 13, 2017, the Court granted our motion for summary judgment of non-infringement, thereby dismissing Straight Path's claims against us and cancelling a trial which had been set for March 12, 2018. On January 16, 2018, Straight Path appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit.
DXC Technology On August 21, 2015, Cisco and Cisco Systems Capital Corporation (“Cisco Capital”) filed an action in Santa Clara County Superior Court for declaratory judgment and breach of contract against HP Inc. (“HP”) regarding a services agreement for management services of a third party’s network. HP prepaid the service agreement through a financing arrangement with Cisco Capital. HP terminated its agreement with us, and pursuant to the terms of the service agreement with HP, we determined the credit HP was entitled to receive under the agreement. HP disputed our credit calculation and contended that we owe a larger credit to HP than we had calculated. In December 2015, we filed an amended complaint which dropped the breach of contract claim in light of HP’s continuing payments to Cisco Capital under the financing arrangement. On January 19, 2016, HP Inc. filed a counterclaim for breach of contract simultaneously with its answer to the amended complaint. DXC Technology Corporation (“DXC”) reported that it is the party in interest in this matter pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement between the then Hewlett-Packard Co. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (“HPE") and the subsequent Separation and Distribution Agreement between HPE and DXC. On January 8, 2018, the court continued the trial date from March 12, 2018 to June 11, 2018. We are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of this litigation due to uncertainty surrounding the litigation process. However, we do not anticipate that our obligation, if any, regarding the final outcome of the dispute would be material.
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 II, Item 1A. Risk Factors-We may be found to infringe on intellectual property rights of others” herein.



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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. The descriptions below include any material changes to and supersede the description of the risk factors affecting our business previously disclosed in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2017.25, 2020.
OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE IN FUTURE PERIODS, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR STOCK PRICERisks Related to our Business and Industry
Our business, results of operations and financial condition have been adversely affected and could in the future be materially adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting containment measures have caused economic and financial disruptions globally, including in most of the regions in which we sell our products and services and conduct our business operations. In the second half of fiscal 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on our financial results and business operations, with a significant impact in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 on our supply chain where we saw manufacturing challenges and component constraints. The magnitude and duration of the disruption, its continuing impact on us, and resulting decline in global business activity is uncertain. These disruptions include the unprecedented actions taken to try to contain the pandemic such as travel bans and restrictions, business closures, and social distancing measures, such as quarantines and shelter-in-place orders.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the responsive measures taken in many countries have adversely affected and could in the future materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Shelter-in-place orders and other measures, including work-from-home and other policies implemented to protect workers, has and could in the future impact our supply chain. Vendors may be under pressure to allocate product to certain customers for business, regulatory or political reasons, and/or demand changes in agreed pricing as a condition of supply. Such disruptions may continue, or worsen, in the future. In addition, current and future restrictions or disruptions of transportation, such as reduced availability of air transport, port closures, and increased border controls or closures, can also impact our ability to meet customer demand and could materially adversely affect us. Our customers have also experienced, and may continue to experience, disruptions in their operations, which can result in delayed, reduced, or canceled orders, and increased collection risks, and which may adversely affect our results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic may also result in long-term changes in customer needs for our products and services in various sectors, along with IT-related capital spending reductions, or shifts in spending focus, that could materially adversely affect us if we are unable to adjust our product and service offerings to match customer needs.
The recent shift to a remote working environment also creates challenges. For example, governmental lockdowns, restrictions or new regulations has and could in the future impact the ability of our employees and vendors to work with the same speed and productivity in certain areas, even as other areas do not see negative impact. The extent and/or duration of ongoing workforce restrictions and limitations could impact our ability to enhance, develop and support existing products and services, and hold product sales and marketing events to the extent we were able to previously. In addition, malefactors are seeking to use the COVID-19 pandemic to launch new cyber-attacks. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to increased disruption and volatility in capital markets and credit markets. The pandemic and resulting economic uncertainty could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources in the future. The inputs into certain of our judgments, assumptions, and estimates considered the economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on our critical and significant accounting estimates. The actual results that we experience may differ materially from our estimates. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, many of our estimates could require increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. As events continue to evolve our estimates may change materially in future periods.
We are continuing to monitor the pandemic and take appropriate actions in accordance with the recommendations and requirements of relevant authorities. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance is currently uncertain and will depend on many factors outside our control, including, without limitation, the timing, extent, trajectory and duration of the pandemic, the development and availability of effective treatments and vaccines, the imposition of protective public safety measures, and the impact of the pandemic on the global economy. Potential negative impacts of these external factors include, but are not limited to, material adverse effects on demand for our products and services; our supply chain and sales and distribution channels; collectability of customer accounts; our ability to execute strategic plans; impairments; and our profitability and cost structure. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business, results of operations and financial condition, it may also have the effect of exacerbating the other risks discussed in this “Risk Factors” section.

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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 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 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, and in emerging technologies, as well as the adoption of new standards
•The introduction and market acceptance of new technologies and products, and our success in new and evolving markets, and in emerging technologies, as well as the adoption of new standards
•The transformation of our business to deliver more software and subscription offerings where revenue is recognized over time
•The transformation of our business to deliver more software and subscription offerings where revenue is recognized over time
•Variations in sales channels, product costs, mix of products sold, or mix of direct sales and indirect sales
•Variations in sales channels, product costs, mix of products sold, or mix of direct sales and indirect sales
•The timing, size, and mix of orders from customers
•The timing, size, and mix of orders from customers
•Manufacturing and customer lead times
•Manufacturing and customer lead times
•Fluctuations in our gross margins, and the factors that contribute to such fluctuations, as described below
•Fluctuations in our gross margins, and the factors that contribute to such fluctuations
•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
•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
•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
•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
•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
•Our ability to achieve targeted cost reductions
•Benefits anticipated from our investments in engineering, sales, service, and marketing
•Benefits anticipated from our investments
•Changes in tax laws or accounting rules, or interpretations thereof
•Changes in tax laws or accounting rules, or interpretations thereof
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 ENVIRONMENTOur 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
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; and higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue and higher interest expense.
The global macroeconomic environment has beencontinues to be challenging and inconsistent. Instabilityinconsistent, and is being significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During fiscal 2020, we continued to see a more broad-based weakening in the global macroeconomic environment which impacted our commercial and enterprise markets. We also experienced continuing weakness in the service provider market and emerging countries, and we expect ongoing uncertainty in these markets. Additionally, instability in the global credit markets, the impact of uncertainty regarding global central bank monetary policy, the instability in the geopolitical environment in many parts of the world including as a result of the recent United Kingdom “Brexit” referendum to withdrawwithdrawal from the European Union, the current

economic challenges in China, including global economic ramifications of Chinese economic difficulties,
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and other disruptions may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions. If 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, emerging countries in the aggregate experienced a decline in product orders in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, in fiscal 2017, and in certain prior periods.
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 manufacture products in the United States. Trust and confidence in us as an IT supplier isare critical to the development and growth of our markets. Impairment of that trust, or foreign regulatory actions taken in response to reports of certain intelligence gathering methods of the U.S. government, could affect the demand for our products from customers outside of the United States and could have an adverse effect on our operating results.
WE HAVE BEEN INVESTING AND EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO INVEST IN KEY PRIORITY AND GROWTH AREAS AS WELL AS MAINTAINING LEADERSHIP IN INFRASTRUCTURE PLATFORMS AND IN SERVICES, AND IF THE RETURN ON THESE INVESTMENTS IS LOWER OR DEVELOPS MORE SLOWLY THAN WE EXPECT, OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY BE HARMED
We expectOur revenue for a particular period is difficult to realignpredict, and dedicate resources into key priority and growth areas, such as Security and Applications, while also focusing on maintaining leadershipa shortfall in Infrastructure Platforms and in Services. However, the return on our investmentsrevenue 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,harm 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 RESULTSresults.
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 a challenging and inconsistent global macroeconomic environment, the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and related market uncertainty.
Our revenue may grow at a slower rate than in past periods or decline as it did in the first quarter of fiscal 20182021 and fiscal 2020, and in fiscal 2017certain prior periods 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 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 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.quarter. 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 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 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 revenue and, as a result, could impair our ability to manage parts inventory effectively. In addition, Further, 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 revenue 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 SUSTAINABLEWe 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 the first quarter of fiscal 20182021 and in fiscal 2017, andhave declined in certain other prior periods on a year-over-year basis, and could decline in future quartersperiods due to adverse impacts from various factors, including:
•Changes in customer, geographic, or product mix, including mix of configurations within each product group
•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 including the transformation of our business to deliver more software and subscription offerings
•Introduction of new products, including products with price-performance advantages, and new business models including the transformation of our business to deliver more software and subscription offerings
•Our ability to reduce production costs
•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
•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
•Sales discounts
•Increases in material, labor or other manufacturing-related costs, which could be significant especially during periods of supply constraints such as those impacting the market for memory components
•Increases in material, labor or other manufacturing-related costs, which could be significant especially during periods of supply constraints such as those impacting the market for memory components
•Excess inventory and inventory holding charges
•Excess inventory, inventory holding charges, and obsolescence charges
•Obsolescence charges
•Changes in shipment volume
•Changes in shipment volume
•The timing of revenue recognition and revenue deferrals
•The timing of revenue recognition and revenue deferrals
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•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
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•Changes in distribution channels
•Increased cost (including those caused by tariffs), 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
•Increased warranty costs
•Lower than expected benefits from value engineering
•Increased amortization of purchased intangible assets, especially from acquisitions
•Increased price competition, including competitors from Asia, especially from China
•How well we execute on our strategy and operating plans
•Changes in distribution channels
•Increased warranty or royalty costs
•Increased amortization of purchased intangible assets, especially from acquisitions
•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 ORDERS FROM THIS INDUSTRY MAY HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND FINANCIAL CONDITIONSales to the service provider market are especially volatile, and weakness in 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 other Infrastructure Platforms and Applications products, in addition to longer sales cycles. ProductService provider product orders from the service provider market decreased induring the first halfquarter of fiscal 20182021 and in fiscal 2017,certain prior periods, and at various times in the past, including in recent quarters, we have experienced significant weakness in product orders from service providers. Product orders from the service provider market could continue to decline and, as has been the case in the past, such weakness could persist over extended periods of time given fluctuating market conditions. 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, political or regulatory uncertainty), could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. 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 MARGINSDisruption 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, and 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. We refer to sales through distributors as our two-tier system of sales to the end customer. Revenue from distributors is generally recognized based on a sell-through method using information provided by them. These distributors 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.
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, thereThere 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: competition 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 have insufficient financial resources and may not be able to withstand changes and challenges in business conditions; and revenue from indirect sales could suffer if our distributors’
•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
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•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
•Revenue from indirect sales could suffer if our distributors’ financial condition or operations weaken
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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 GROWTHThe 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 newer product areas, and in key priority and growth areas. For example, as products related to network programmability, such as SDNsoftware defined networking (SDN) products, become more prevalent, we expect to face increased competition from companies that develop networking products based on commoditized

hardware, referred to as "white box"“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. Our competitors include(in each case relative to only some of our products or services) include: Amazon Web Services LLC; Arista Networks, Inc.; ARRIS Group,Broadcom Inc.; CommScope Holding Company, Inc.; Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.; Dell Technologies Inc.; Extreme Networks, Inc.;Dynatrace; F5 Networks, Inc.; FireEye, Inc.; Fortinet, Inc.; Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company; Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; Juniper Networks, Inc.; Lenovo Group Limited; LogMeIn, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; New Relic, Inc.; Nokia Corporation; Nutanix, Inc.; Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Symantec Corporation;RingCentral, Inc.; Slack Technologies, Inc.; Ubiquiti NetworksNetworks; VMware, Inc.; Zoom Video Communications, Inc.; and VMware,Zscaler, Inc.; among others.
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 which we have strategic alliances in some areas may be competitors in other 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 segregated. Due to several factors, including the availability of highly scalable and general purpose microprocessors, ASICs offering advanced services, standards 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.
The principal competitive factors in the markets in which we presently compete and may compete in the future include:
•The ability to sell successful business outcomes
•The ability to provide a broad range of networking and communications products and services
•Product performance
•Price
•The ability to introduce new products, including providing continuous new customer value and 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
include the ability to sell successful business outcomes; the ability to provide a broad range of networking and communications products and services; product performance; price; the ability to introduce new products, including providing continuous new customer value and 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; and 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
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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, in the past, 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.
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 effectively, because inventory held by them could affect our results of operations. Our distributors 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 ourOur distributors 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. When 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 MARGINSSupply chain issues, including financial problems of contract manufacturers or component suppliers, or a shortage of adequate component supply or manufacturing capacity that increase our costs or cause 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
•Reservation of manufacturing capacity at our contract manufacturers by other companies, inside or outside of our industry, could either limit supply or increase costs
•Industry consolidation occurring within one or more component supplier markets, such as the semiconductor market, could either limit supply or increase costs
results. Financial problems of either contract manufacturers or component suppliers, reservation of manufacturing capacity at our contract manufacturers by other companies, and industry consolidation occurring within one or more component supplier markets, such as the semiconductor market, in each case, could either limit supply or increase costs.
A reduction or interruption in supply;supply, including disruptions on our global supply chain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; 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 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 in the past. Although we have generally secured additional supply or taken other mitigation actions when significant disruptions have occurred, if similar situations occur in the future, 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 including capacity or cost problems resulting from industry consolidation, or strong demand in the industry for those parts. Growth 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
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capacity for highly complex products. During periods of shortages or delays the price of 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
•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
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 on unfamiliar supply chains or relatively small supply partners; and 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 contributes 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. 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 1214 to the Consolidated Financial 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 SUFFERWe depend upon the development of new products and services, and enhancements to existing products and services, 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 and services are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, new product and service introductions, and evolving methods of building and operating networks. Our operating results depend on our ability to develop and introduce new products and services into existing and emerging markets and to reduce the production costs of existing products. Many ofIf customers do not purchase and/or renew our strategic initiatives and investments we have made, andofferings our architectural approach, are designed to enable the increased use of the network as the platformbusiness could be harmed. The COVID-19 pandemic may also result in long-term changes in customer needs for automating, orchestrating, integrating, and delivering an ever-increasing array of IT-basedour products and services. For example,services in June 2017various sectors, along with IT-related capital spending reductions, or shifts in spending focus, that could materially adversely affect us if we announcedare unable to adjust our Catalyst 9000 series of switches which represent the initial foundation of our intent-based networking capabilities. Other current initiatives include our focus on security; the market transition relatedproduct and service offerings to digital transformation and IoT; the transition in cloud; and the move towards more programmable, flexible and virtual networks.

match customer needs.
The process of developing new technology, including intent-based networking, more programmable, flexible and virtual networks, and technology related to other market transitions— such as security, digital transformation and IoT, 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 strategic priorities to developing new products and services before knowing whether our investments will result in products and services the market will accept. In particular, if our model of the evolution of networking 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. In addition, our business could be adversely affected in periods surrounding our new product introductions if customers delay purchasing decisions to qualify or otherwise evaluate the new product offerings.
Our strategy is to lead our customers in their digital transition with solutions that deliver greater agility, productivity, security and other advanced network capabilities, and that intelligently connect nearly everything that can be connected. Over the last few years, we We have also been transforming our
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business to move from selling individual products and services to selling products and services integrated into architectures and solutions, and we are seeking to meet the evolving needs of customers which include offering our products and solutions in the manner in which customers wish to consume them. As a part of this transformation, we continue to make changes to how we are organized and how we build and deliver our technology, including changes in our business models with customers. If our strategy for addressing our customer needs, or the architectures and solutions we develop do not meet those needs, or the changes we are making in how we are organized and how we build and deliver or technology is incorrect or ineffective, our business could be harmed.
Furthermore, we may not execute successfully on our vision or strategy because of challenges with regard to product planning and 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, 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 and services depends on several factors, including proper new product and service definition, component costs, timely completion and introduction of these products and services, differentiation of new products and services from those of our competitors, and market acceptance of these products.products and services. There can be no assurance that we will successfully identify new product and services opportunities, develop and bring new products and services to market in a timely manner, or achieve market acceptance of our products and services or that products, services and technologies developed by others will not render our products, services or technologies obsolete or noncompetitive. The products and technologies in our other product categories and key priority and 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.products and services.
CHANGES IN INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND MARKET CONDITIONS COULD LEAD TO CHARGES RELATED TO DISCONTINUANCES OF CERTAIN OF OUR PRODUCTS OR BUSINESSES, ASSET IMPAIRMENTS AND WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS OR RESTRUCTURINGSChanges in industry structure and market conditions could lead to charges related to discontinuances of certain of our products or businesses, 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 August 2016, we announced We initiated a restructuring plan. We began taking action under this plan in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, and the plan has been substantially completed.2021, which includes a voluntary early retirement program. The implementation of this restructuring plan may be disruptive to our business, and following completion of the restructuring plan our business may not be more efficient or effective than prior to implementation of the plan. Our restructuring activities, including any related charges and the impact of the related headcount restructurings, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

OVER THE LONG TERM WE INTEND TO INVEST IN ENGINEERING, SALES, SERVICE AND MARKETING ACTIVITIES, AND THESE INVESTMENTS MAY ACHIEVE DELAYED, OR LOWER THAN EXPECTED, BENEFITS WHICH COULD HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTSOver the long term we intend to invest in engineering, sales, service and marketing activities, and in key priority and growth areas, 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 and marketing functions as we realign and dedicate resources on key priority and growth areas, such as Security and Applications, and we also intend to focus on maintaining leadership in Infrastructure Platforms and in 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 (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 BUSINESS SUBSTANTIALLY DEPENDS UPON THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE INTERNET AND INTERNET-BASED SYSTEMS
A substantial portion
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We have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions that could disrupt our businessoperations and revenue depends on growth and evolution of the Internet, including the continued development of the Internet and the anticipated market transitions, and on the deployment ofharm our products by customers who depend on such continued growth and evolution. To the extent that an economic slowdown or uncertainty and related reduction in capital spending adversely affect spending on Internet infrastructure, including spending or investment related to anticipated market transitions, 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 RESULTSresults.
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
•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
•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
•Use a substantial portion of our cash resources, or incur debt
•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 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 legal structure
•Incur tax expenses related to the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany R&D cost sharing arrangement and legal structure
•Incur large 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. See the risk factors above, including the risk factor entitled “We depend upon the development of
Entrance into new productsor developing markets exposes us to additional competition and enhancements to existing products,will likely increase demands on our service 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 OPERATIONSsupport operations.
As we focus on new market opportunities and key priority and growth areas, 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 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
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Industry consolidation may lead to increased competition and may harm our operating results.
There has beenis a continuing trend toward industry consolidation in our markets for several years.markets. 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.

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

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 pre-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. 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. There can be no assurance that such 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 2017 we recorded a charge to product cost of sales of $125 million related
Due to the expected remediation costs for anticipated failures in future periods of a widely-used component sourced from a third party which is included in severalglobal nature of our products,operations, political or economic changes or other factors in a specific country or region could harm our operating results and 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.financial condition.
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 around the world. 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. EmergingOur business in emerging countries in the aggregate experienced a decline in orders in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, in fiscal 2017,2021 and in certain prior periods. We continue to assess the sustainability of any improvements in our business in these countries and there can be no assurance that our investments in these countries will be successful. 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, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, including the following: impacts from global central bank monetary policy; issues related to the political relationship between the United States and other countries that can affect regulatory matters, affect the willingness of customers in those countries to purchase products from companies headquartered in the United States; andStates or affect our ability to procure components if a government body were to deny us access to those components; government-related disruptions or shutdowns; the challenging and inconsistent global macroeconomic environment, anyenvironment; foreign currency exchange rates; political or allsocial unrest; economic instability or weakness or natural disasters in a specific country or region, including the current economic challenges in China and global economic ramifications of Chinese economic difficulties; instability as a result of Brexit; environmental protection regulations, trade protection measures such as tariffs, 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 or affect our ability to procure components; political considerations that affect service provider and government spending patterns; health or similar issues, including pandemics or epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic which could have a materialcontinue to affect customer purchasing decisions; difficulties in staffing and managing international operations; and adverse effecttax consequences, including imposition of withholding or other taxes on our operating resultsglobal operations.
We are exposed to the credit risk of some of our customers and financial condition, including, among others, the following:
•Foreign currency exchange rates
•Political or social unrest
•Economic instability or weakness or natural disasters in a specific country or region, including the current economic challenges in China and global economic ramifications of Chinese economic difficulties; instability as a result of Brexit; 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
•Health or similar issues, such as a pandemic or epidemic
•Difficulties in staffing and managing international operations
•Adverse tax consequences, including imposition of withholding or other taxes on our global operations
WE ARE EXPOSED TO THE CREDIT RISK OF SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND TO CREDIT EXPOSURES IN WEAKENED MARKETS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN MATERIAL LOSSESto 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 challenging and inconsistent global macroeconomic environment, including increased demand from customers in certain emerging countries.
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, thereThere can be no assurance that such programs we have in place to monitor and mitigate credit risks will be effective in reducing our credit risks.
effective. In the past, there have been significant bankruptcies among customers both on open credit and with loan or lease financing
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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. These distributors 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 EARNINGSWe 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 (loss), net of tax. Our portfolio includes fixed income securitiesavailable-for-sale debt investments and equity investments, in publicly traded companies, the values of which are subject to market price volatility to the extent unhedged.volatility. 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 bebasis. Our non-marketable equity and 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. For information regarding the market risks associated with the fair value of portfolio investments and interest rates, refer to the section titled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
WE ARE EXPOSED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES THAT COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS AND CASH FLOWSWe 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 torates, including 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. 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.
Currently,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 enter into foreignmay increase our hiring in geographic areas outside the United States, which could subject us to additional geopolitical and exchange forward contractsrate risk. The loss of services of any of our key personnel; the inability to retain and optionsattract qualified personnel in the future; or delays in hiring required personnel, particularly engineering and sales personnel, could make it difficult to reduce the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain foreign currency receivables, investments,meet key objectives, such as timely and payables.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. 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 periodically hedgeare involved, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, subsection (f) “Legal Proceedings.”
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.

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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 changes to foreign-derived intangible income, global intangible low-tax income and base erosion and anti-abuse tax laws, regulations, or interpretations thereof; by expiration of or lapses in tax incentives; by transfer pricing adjustments, including the effect of acquisitions on our 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 changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign currency cash flows. Our attemptssubsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to hedge againstforeign income, and 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 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international association comprised of 37 countries, including the United States, has made changes to numerous long-standing tax principles. There can be no assurance that these risks may result inchanges, once adopted by countries, will not have an adverse impact on our net income.provision for income taxes. Further, as a result of certain of our ongoing employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries was subject to reduced tax rates. 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 PROPRIETARY RIGHTS MAY PROVE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCEOur 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 been or may be affected by earthquake, tsunami and flooding activity which in the past has disrupted, and in the future could 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.
Terrorism and other events may harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
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 loss of infrastructure and utilities services such as energy, transportation, or telecommunications 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.
There can be no assurance that our operating results and financial condition will not be adversely affected by our incurrence of debt.
As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we have senior unsecured notes outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of $14.5 billion that mature at specific dates from calendar year 2021 through 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 $10.0 billion, and we had no commercial paper notes outstanding under this program as of October 24, 2020. 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. 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 or future debt issuances.
Risks Related to Intellectual Property
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
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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 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 OTHERSWe 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)14(e) 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 LICENSESWe 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 PRODUCTSRisks Related to Cybersecurity and Regulations
As is the case with leading products around the world,Cyber-attacks, data breaches or malware may disrupt our products are subject to efforts by third parties to produce counterfeit versions ofoperations, harm 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 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, including "net neutrality" rules to the extent they impact decisionsand damage our reputation, and cyber-attacks or data breaches on investmentour customers’ networks, or in network infrastructure.
Future changes in tariffscloud-based services provided 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 failureenabled by us, to obtain timely approvalcould result in claims of products could have a material adverse effect onliability against us, damage 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 expensereputation or otherwise may also adversely affectharm 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 its 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 penalties. The asserted claims by Brazilian federal tax authorities which remain are for calendar years 2003 through 2007, 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 aggregate to $257 million for the alleged evasion of import and other taxes, $1.6 billion for interest, and $1.2 billion for various penalties, all determined using an exchange rate as of January 27, 2018. We have completed a thorough review of the matters and believe the asserted claims against our Brazilian subsidiary are without merit, and we are defending the claims vigorously. While we believe there is no legal basis for the 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 our 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 1, “Legal Proceedings,” contained in Part II of this report.
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 changes to domestic manufacturing deduction laws, regulations, or interpretations thereof; 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 changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, and 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 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international association comprised of 35 countries, including the United States, has made changes to numerous long-standing tax principles. There can be no assurance that these changes, once adopted by countries, will not have an adverse impact on our provision for income 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. 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 been or may be affected by earthquake, tsunami and flooding activity which in the past has disrupted, and in the future could 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 CYBER-ATTACKS, DATA PROTECTION BREACHES, COMPUTER VIRUSES OR TERRORISM MAY DISRUPT OUR OPERATIONS, HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS AND DAMAGE OUR REPUTATION, AND CYBER-ATTACKS OR DATA PROTECTION BREACHES ON OUR CUSTOMERS’ NETWORKS, OR IN CLOUD-BASED SERVICES PROVIDED BY OR ENABLED BY US, COULD RESULT IN LIABILITY FOR US, DAMAGE OUR REPUTATION OR OTHERWISE HARM OUR BUSINESS
Despite our implementation of network security measures, the products and services we sell to customers, and our servers, data centers and the cloud-based solutions on which our data, and data of our customers, suppliers and business partners are stored, are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, data protection breaches, computer viruses,malware, and similar disruptions from unauthorized access or tampering by malicious actors or humaninadvertent error. Any such event could compromise our products, services, and networks or those of our customers, and the information stored on our networkssystems or those of our customers could be improperly accessed, publiclyprocessed, disclosed, lost or stolen, which could subject us to liability to our customers, suppliers, business partners and others, give rise to legal/regulatory action, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition and may cause damage to our reputation. Efforts to limit the ability of malicious third partiesactors to disrupt the operations of the Internet or
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undermine our own security efforts may be costly to implement and meet with resistance, and may not be successful. Breaches of network security in our customers’ networks, or in cloud-based services provided by or enabled by us, regardless of whether the breach is attributable to a vulnerability in our products or services, could result in claims of liability foragainst us, damage our reputation or otherwise harm our business.
Vulnerabilities and critical security defects, prioritization decisions regarding remedying vulnerabilities or security defects, failure of third party providers to remedy vulnerabilities or security defects, or customers not deploying security releases or deciding not to upgrade products, services or solutions could result in claims of liability against us, damage our reputation or otherwise harm our business.
The products and services we sell to customers, and our cloud-based solutions, inevitably contain vulnerabilities or critical security defects which have not been remedied and cannot be disclosed without compromising security. We may also make prioritization decisions in determining which vulnerabilities or security defects to fix, and the timing of these fixes, which could result in an exploit which compromises security. Customers also need to test security releases before they can be deployed which can delay implementation. In addition, we rely on third-party providers of software and cloud-based service and we cannot control the continued threat of terrorism and heightenedrate at which they remedy vulnerabilities. Customers may also not deploy a security and military action in responserelease, or decide not to this threat, or any future acts of terrorism, may cause further disruptionsupgrade 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 loss of infrastructure and utilities services such as energy, transportation, or telecommunications 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 shipmentlatest versions of our products, services or cloud-based solutions containing the release, leaving them vulnerable. Vulnerabilities and critical security defects, prioritization errors in remedying vulnerabilities or security defects, failure of third-party providers to remedy vulnerabilities or security defects, or customers not deploying security releases or deciding not to upgrade products, services or solutions could result in claims of liability against us, damage our reputation or otherwise harm our business.
Our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially harmed by regulatory uncertainty applicable to our products and adversely affected.services.
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 withChanges in regulatory requirements applicable to the industries in which we work to offer complementaryoperate, in the United States and in other countries, could materially affect the sales of our products and services. In particular, changes in telecommunications regulations could impact our service provider customers’ purchase of our products and offers, and they could also impact sales of our own regulated offers. In addition, evolving legal requirements restricting or controlling the collection, processing, or cross-border transmission of data, including regulation of cloud-based services, could materially affect our customers’ ability to use, and our ability to sell, our products and offers. Additional areas of uncertainty that could impact sales of our products and offers include laws and regulations related to encryption technology, environmental sustainability, export control, product certification, and national security controls applicable to our supply chain. Changes in the pastregulatory requirements in these areas could have established a joint venturematerial adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Risks Related to market services associated with our Cisco Unified Computing System products. These arrangements are generally limited to specific projects, the goalOwnership 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 relationshipsOur Stock
Our stock price 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.
OUR STOCK PRICE MAY BE VOLATILE

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
As of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we have senior unsecured notes outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of $30.5 billion that mature at specific dates from calendar year 2018 through 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 $10.0 billion, and we had $9.0 billion in commercial paper notes outstanding under this program as of January 27, 2018. The outstanding senior unsecured notes bear fixed-rate interest payable semiannually, except $2.9 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. 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 or future debt issuances.

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Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a)None.
(b)None.
(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (in millions, except per-share amounts):
(a)None.
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
October 29, 2017 to November 25, 201712
 $35.06
 12
 $9,651
November 26, 2017 to December 23, 201730
 $38.09
 30
 $8,508
December 24, 2017 to January 27, 201861
 $40.36
 61
 $6,066
Total103
 $39.07
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(b)None.
(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (in millions, except per-share amounts):
PeriodTotal
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
July 26, 2020 to August 22, 20203 $42.10 3 $10,701 
August 23, 2020 to September 19, 202010 $41.09 10 $10,311 
September 20, 2020 to October 24, 20207 $38.76 7 $10,041 
Total20 $40.44 20 
On September 13, 2001, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase program. On February 14, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a $25 billion increase to the stock repurchase program. The remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program including the additional authorization, is approximately $31$10.0 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).vesting.


Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

Item 5.Other Information
None.




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Table of Contents
Item 6.Exhibits


The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report:

Exhibit NumberExhibit DescriptionIncorporated by ReferenceFiled Herewith
FormFile No.ExhibitFiling Date
3.18-K000-182253.110/9/2020
10.1*X
10.2*X
10.3*8-K000-1822510.111/13/2020
10.4*8-K000-1822510.211/13/2020
31.1X
31.2X
32.1X
32.2X
101.INSInline XBRL Instance - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.X
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentX
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentX
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentX
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentX
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentX
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)X
*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
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Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Incorporated by Reference Filed Herewith
    Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date  
10.1 
Cisco Systems, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (including related form agreements)
 8-K 000-18225 10.1 12/12/2017  
10.2 
Cisco Systems, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan
 8-K 000-18225 10.2 12/12/2017  
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


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Date:February 20, 2018November 17, 2020By
/S/ Kelly A. Kramer
Kelly A. Kramer

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized signatory)



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