Arista Networks vs Cisco (ANET vs CSCO)

Arista Networks (ANET) vs Cisco (CSCO) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Arista Networks (ANET) and Cisco (CSCO) compete in hardware and devices. Here are Arista Networks and Cisco side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Arista Networks or Cisco.

Arista Networks vs Cisco: the figures

Arista Networks and Cisco figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Arista Networks or Cisco figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Arista Networks and Cisco

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Arista Networks keeps 38.4 as net profit and Cisco keeps 21.0.
2. Growth: Arista Networks grew sales +37.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +17.6% for Cisco.
3. Debt: Cisco owes 0.8x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Arista Networks holds more cash than debt.

Arista Networks or Cisco: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Arista Networks is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Cisco pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Arista Networks has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Cisco trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Arista Networks nor Cisco wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Arista Networks and Cisco make money

Arista Networks (ANET)

Arista Networks sells high-speed Ethernet switches and the EOS software that runs them, used inside cloud data centers and AI networks. Most revenue comes from products, with the rest from support services. Its biggest customers are cloud giants such as Microsoft and Meta, along with large enterprises and service providers. Full Arista Networks analysis.

Cisco (CSCO)

Cisco sells networking hardware and software to businesses, telecom carriers and governments. Networking, including switches, routers and Wi-Fi, is its largest product category, followed by Security, Collaboration with Webex, and Observability, featuring Splunk and ThousandEyes, plus support services. It reports the Americas, its largest region, EMEA and Asia Pacific. Full Cisco analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Arista Networks vs Cisco

Is Arista Networks or Cisco the better stock?

Choosing between Arista Networks and Cisco depends on what you are looking for. Arista Networks is growing faster right now, and Cisco trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Arista Networks or Cisco: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Arista Networks or Cisco?

As of November 4, 2026, Cisco yields 1.63% and Arista Networks pays none. Also check how much of their profit Arista Networks and Cisco pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Arista Networks or Cisco?

On P/E, Arista Networks (47.8x) is more expensive than Cisco (31.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Arista Networks and Cisco?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Arista Networks and Cisco, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Arista Networks or Cisco.

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More companies like Arista Networks and Cisco: hardware and devices stocks. Educational content about Arista Networks and Cisco, not investment advice.