Cisco Systems is the largest provider of networking equipment in the world and one of the largest software companies in the world. Its largest businesses are selling networking hardware and software (where it has leading market shares) and cybersecurity software such as firewalls. It also has collaboration products, like its Webex suite, and observability tools. It primarily outsources its manufacturing to third parties and has a large sales and marketing staff—25,000 strong across 90 countries. Overall, Cisco employs 80,000 people and sells its products globally.

Cisco is a worldwide leader in communications equipment. Originally created to provide routers and switches for Ethernet-based networks within enterprises, the company has expanded into collaboration, data center, service provider video, security, wireless, analytics, and other hardware and software niches.

Stocks finished higher on Thursday, with some relief evident following the release of more tame inflation data. After the July CPI and PPI data this week, the probability of no Fed action on September 16 has increased to 65%. By the last meeting of 2026 on December 9, the chance of at least one 25-basis-point hike is at 68%, down from 84% a week ago. With the two-year Treasury at 4.15%, down from 4.38% on July 23, the market believes the Fed is slightly more than one small hike behind. The July PCE report on 8/26 and the August CPI and PPI reports on 9/10 and 9/11 may determine the path the Fed takes.

Cisco Systems is the largest provider of networking equipment in the world and one of the largest software companies in the world. Its largest businesses are selling networking hardware and software (where it has leading market shares) and cybersecurity software such as firewalls. It also has collaboration products, like its Webex suite, and observability tools. It primarily outsources its manufacturing to third parties and has a large sales and marketing staff—25,000 strong across 90 countries. Overall, Cisco employs 80,000 people and sells its products globally.