Cisco's Q4 stays strong, stronger outlook

Cisco's Q4 earnings report beat analysts' expectations: The company said it made $1.55 billion, or 25 cents per share, on sales of $7.98 billion, compared with a net income of $1.54 billion, or 24 cents per share, on sales of $6.58 billion during the same quarter last year. What's more, the company has predicted an ambitious year ahead. Cisco says it will grow between 15 percent and 20 percent, expanding market share and moving into new product areas. Analysts had predicted only a 15.5 percent growth. Cisco's $6.9 billion acquisition of Scientific-Atlanta last year is still paying off, since that part of the company's business grew 23 percent overall in Q4, bringing in sales of $582 million. Analysts expected $550 million from the unit.

For more on Cisco's sturdy Q4:
- see this article from Forbes