RVBA-CSCONetworking Equipment

Cisco Systems — in detail

Full extracted data, every event in the company's history we've captured, and (soon) external news. The full ratios diagnostic with peer benchmarks lives at /ratios.

Reference sources (5/5)

Source documents
Recent disclosure
Multi-year metrics
Targets
Certifications

External news· 1 ESG-tagged · GDELT

tagged categories: climate · governance · controversy · M&A · regulatory

Source: GDELT 2.0 DOC API · ESG-keyword filtered · 3-month trailing window.

Data by year· every metric + key events per year

Each year shows the firm's reported metrics on the left and the most material events on the right. Up to 10 events per year; the full event log is one click further.

2025

sustainability report ↗cdp response ↗annual report ↗

Energy (kWh)

Renewable electricity %

100%

Nature

waste generated t	5,250tonnes
waste recycled t	3,465tonnes
waste landfill t	788tonnes

Social

supply chain audited pctⓘ	88%
community investment amount	650MUSD

Governance

audit assurance climate levelⓘ

1scale 0-2

Circularity

recycled content input pct	45%
packaging recyclable pct	100%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	86,200people
Revenue	56.7B
Cost of revenue	(19.9B)
Gross profit	36.8B
Operating expenses (S&M + G&A)	(25B)
Operating income	11.8B
Net income	10.2B

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.1B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	1.1B
Total assets	122.3B
Total debt	28.1B
Cash & equivalents	8.3B
Minority interest	0

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)	273.1B
Shares outstanding	4B

Events 2025· 36

Net-zero by 2040 across value chain (90% absolute reduction Scope 1+2+3 vs FY19)

Cisco's overarching net-zero target: reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% from FY19 base year by 2040, with the remaining 10% neutralized via removals.

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Maintained Scope 1+2 90% reduction goal

Cisco achieved its FY25 goal to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 90% vs FY19 base year (89.7% rounded). Intends to maintain at least 90% reduction as it works toward 2040 net-zero.

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Scope 3 reduction target by FY30

By FY30, reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and use of sold products by 30% from FY19. 35% reduction already achieved.

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Net-zero target by 2040 across value chain

Cisco aims to reach net-zero GHG emissions across its value chain by 2040 by reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% from a FY19 base year, neutralising the remaining 10% via removals.

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NEW: Maintain Circular Design Principles in 100% of products in FY26

After achieving 100% Circular Design Principles incorporation in FY25, Cisco set a new goal to maintain this in fiscal 2026.

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Accelerated Networking Academy goal from FY32 to FY30

Cisco accelerated its goal to train 25 million additional learners through Cisco Networking Academy from fiscal 2032 to fiscal 2030 (two years earlier).

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Maintained Scope 1+2 90% reduction goal achievement

Cisco achieved its FY25 goal of reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 90% vs FY19 baseline (actual 89.7%). Working toward FY30 Scope 3 30% reduction target and 2040 net-zero across value chain.

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Limited assurance over Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Category 3 emissions

Cisco engaged an external third party to perform limited assurance procedures over GHG Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 category 3 emissions. Assurance over remaining Scope 3 categories, waste, and water will be conducted separately.

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Cisco achieved 90% Scope 1+2 reduction milestone (FY25 near-term target met)

In fiscal 2025, Cisco achieved its near-term goal of reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 90% vs FY19 base year (rounded from 89.7%). Cisco purchased verified voluntary carbon removals to neutralize residual emissions. Intends to maintain ≥90% reduction toward 2040 net-zero goal.

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Primary: Circular product & packaging design

100% of new Cisco products and packaging incorporate Circular Design Principles (FY25 goal met; FY26 maintenance goal set). 25 principles span Disassembly/Repair/Reuse, Packaging, Material Use, Smart Energy Consumption, and Standardize/Modularize. Packaging foam reduced 78% vs FY19 (target 75%); packaging cube efficiency improved 73% cumulatively vs FY19 (target 50%); recycled plastic content reached 45% vs 50% target. 76% of component/manufacturing suppliers by spend achieved zero-waste diversion at one or more sites.

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see 26 more events →

2024

cdp response ↗annual report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	32,562
Scope 2 (market-based)	28,418
Scope 3	17.1M
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	4.1M
Cat 6 · Business travel	219,934
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	78,362
Gross carbon footprint	17.2M
Net carbon footprint	17.2M

Energy (kWh)

Renewable energy %

96%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	90,400people
Revenue	53.8B
Cost of revenue	(19B)
Gross profit	34.8B
Operating expenses (S&M + G&A)	(22.6B)
Operating income	12.2B
Net income	10.3B

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.1B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	971M
Total assets	124.4B
Total debt	31B
Cash & equivalents	7.5B
Minority interest	0

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)	193.6B
Shares outstanding	4B

Events 2024· 15

Fiscal 2024 restructuring plan - 5% of global workforce

In Q3 fiscal 2024, Cisco initiated a restructuring plan impacting approximately 5% of global workforce to realign organization and enable investment in key priority areas. Incurred $654 million in charges in fiscal 2024.

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Reclassified product revenue categories

Effective fiscal 2024, Cisco began reporting product revenue in new categories: Networking, Security, Collaboration, and Observability, conforming prior periods to current presentation.

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15-year European VPPA operational

A 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) in Europe became operational in March 2024, advancing Cisco's clean energy strategy.

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Fiscal 2024 restructuring plan completed

Cisco initiated a restructuring plan in Q3 fiscal 2024 to realign organization and enable investment in key priority areas. Cumulative charges of $654M; plan complete.

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Completed acquisition of Splunk for ~$27 billion

On March 18, 2024, Cisco completed the acquisition of Splunk Inc. for total consideration of ~$27 billion. Splunk contributed ~$1.4B in revenue and a net loss of $557M in FY2024. The deal added $19.3B in goodwill and $10.6B of intangible assets, and was financed through senior notes and commercial paper, materially increasing total debt from $8.4B to $31.0B. Will significantly affect period-over-period comparison of revenue, opex, debt, and emissions footprint going forward.

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Fiscal 2024 restructuring plan - ~5% of global workforce

In Q3 fiscal 2024, Cisco initiated a restructuring plan to realign the organization and enable further investment in key priority areas, impacting ~5% of global workforce. Incurred charges of $654 million for fiscal 2024.

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Scope 3 FY30 target covers subset of categories only

Cisco's FY30 30% Scope 3 reduction target includes a subset of Scope 3 Category 1 (purchased goods and services from manufacturing, component, and warehouse suppliers), a subset of Scope 3 Category 4 (upstream transportation/distribution from purchased air transportation), and all of Scope 3 Category 11 (use of sold products). Note coverage is partial, not full Scope 3.

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15-year European VPPA became operational March 2024

A 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) in Europe became operational in March 2024 to further Cisco's clean energy strategy and progress toward FY25 90% Scope 1+2 reduction goal.

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Product revenue category reporting realigned in FY24

Effective fiscal 2024, Cisco began reporting product revenue in new categories: Networking, Security, Collaboration, and Observability, and conformed prior period product revenue to the current presentation. Affects period-over-period product mix comparisons.

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Revised water consumption accounting methodology

In FY24, Cisco revised its methodology for calculating water consumed by estimating that 50% of total water withdrawn at major campus locations with irrigation and cooling tower systems is evaporated, therefore considered consumed. Based on EPA WaterSense whitepaper. Caused a 196% increase in reported water consumption and 13% decrease in reported discharges vs FY23.

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see 5 more events →

2023

cdp response ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	39,514
Scope 2 (market-based)	81,806
Scope 3	22.1M
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	5M
Cat 6 · Business travel	216,735
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	14,586
Gross carbon footprint	22.2M
Net carbon footprint	22.2M

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	84,900people
Revenue	57B
Cost of revenue	(21.2B)
Gross profit	35.8B
Operating expenses (S&M + G&A)	(20.7B)
Operating income	15B
Net income	12.6B

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.1B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	1B
Total assets	101.9B
Total debt	8.4B
Cash & equivalents	10.1B
Minority interest	0

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)	213.2B
Shares outstanding	4.1B

Events 2023· 4

Appointed first Chief Sustainability Officer

In fiscal 2023, Cisco named Mary de Wysocki as its first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer to lead environmental sustainability strategy and oversee progress toward public environmental goals.

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Limited third-party assurance of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions

Cisco's Scope 1, 2 (location and market-based), and all reported Scope 3 categories received limited assurance from WSP USA per ISO 14064-3 standard for FY23.

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RE100 commitment - 100% renewable electricity by 2030

Cisco committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity across its global operations by 2030. Member of RE100. As of FY24, 96% of global electricity demand was renewable.

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FY23 Scope 3 use-of-sold-products emissions decreased vs base year

Scope 3 Category 11 (Use of sold products) emissions were 15,563,298 tCO2e in FY23 vs 17,867,750 tCO2e in FY19 base year, representing progress toward the 30% reduction target by FY2030. However, emissions increased from FY22 due to higher product sales.

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2022

cdp response ↗sustainability report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	34,931
Scope 2 (market-based)	108,373
Scope 3	17.8M
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	4.8M
Cat 6 · Business travel	81,815
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	7,249
Gross carbon footprint	18M
Net carbon footprint	18M

Energy (kWh)

Renewable energy %

89%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	83,300people
Revenue	51.6B
Cost of revenue	(19.3B)
Gross profit	32.2B
Operating expenses (S&M + G&A)	(18.3B)
Operating income	14B
Net income	11.8B

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	1.1B
Total assets	94B
Total debt	9.8B
Cash & equivalents	7.1B
Minority interest	0

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)	189.2B
Shares outstanding	4.2B

Events 2022· 16

Revised supplier emissions calculation methodology for Scope 3 Cat 1

In FY22, Cisco revised methodology used to calculate supplier emissions to be more reflective of current engagement. Tier 1&2 emissions used supplier emissions reported through CDP in 2022, with supplier revenue and Cisco's spend. Methodology was applied retroactively to FY19 base year, resulting in restatement.

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SBTi-validated net-zero by 2040 target

In September 2021, Cisco announced a goal to achieve net-zero across all scopes of GHG emissions by 2040. In 2022, the goal was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard.

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Limited assurance maintained by WSP USA per ISO 14064-3

WSP conducted independent third-party limited assurance review of Cisco's FY22 GHG (Scope 1, 2 location/market, and Scope 3 categories), water, and waste inventories.

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Will reconsider Scope 3 near-term target after methodology change

After methodology change for Use of Sold Products, reduction percentage exceeded initial near-term target. Cisco will actively consider whether to adjust near-term targets. Progress may fluctuate year-over-year based on number and type of products sold.

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SBTi-validated net-zero by 2040 target across Scope 1, 2, 3

In July 2022, Cisco's net-zero by 2040 goal was approved by SBTi under its new Net-Zero Standard, requiring 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions vs FY19 baseline. Cisco is among the first technology hardware companies to have its net-zero goal validated under this standard.

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Near-term target: 90% Scope 1+2 reduction by FY25

Near-term goal to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 90% by FY25 vs FY19 base year. 39% reduction achieved as of FY22.

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Near-term target: 30% Scope 3 reduction by FY30

Reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and use of sold products by 30% by FY30 (FY19 base year). This expands previous goal to include use of sold products. 22% reduction reported in FY22 based on current methodology, subject to change.

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Stopped business operations in Russia and Belarus

Following Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cisco stopped all business operations in Russia and Belarus and offered support to Ukraine-based employees.

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Scope 3 calculation methodology subject to change

FY22 Scope 3 reduction (22%) reported as 'based on Cisco's current Scope 3 emissions calculation methodology and subject to change' — flagging that methodology may evolve.

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Created Engineering Sustainability Office

In FY22, Cisco created a new Engineering Sustainability Office to accelerate decarbonization across the value chain and help customers achieve sustainability goals. Works across engineering teams with measurable results.

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see 6 more events →

2021

cdp response ↗sustainability report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	26,694
Scope 2 (market-based)	147,801
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	5.4M
Cat 6 · Business travel	7,283
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	4,575
Gross carbon footprint	—
Net carbon footprint	—

Energy (kWh)

Renewable energy %

85%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	79,500people
Revenue	49.8B
Cost of revenue	(17.9B)
Gross profit	31.9B
Operating expenses (S&M + G&A)	(19.1B)
Operating income	12.8B
Net income	10.6B

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.3B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	921M
Total assets	97.5B
Total debt	11.5B
Cash & equivalents	9.2B
Minority interest	0

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)	233.8B
Shares outstanding	4.2B

Events 2021· 12

Supply chain GHG goal achieved early; expanded engagement

In 2019, Cisco met goal to avoid 1 million metric tonnes CO2e in supply chain one year early. Now reporting against new 30% absolute reduction goal by FY30 (FY19 base) covering Tier 1/2 manufacturing, components, warehouse suppliers, and Cisco-paid transportation emissions.

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Refined Scope 3 calculation methodology

Cisco is refining its methodology for calculating several Scope 3 categories. Distribution of Scope 3 emissions across categories has changed compared to fiscal 2020. Figures expected to continue to change.

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Cisco Foundation US$100M climate solutions pledge

In 2021 the Cisco Foundation pledged US$100M over 10 years to fund climate solutions including nature-based resilience, smallholder farmer support, indigenous communities, and biodiversity (Connected Conservation Foundation). Progress: US$24M grants and US$25M investments since FY21.

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Scope 1 & 2 goal achieved early; new net zero by 2025 goal set

Cisco met its FY22 goal to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 60% (FY07 base) one year early, and set a new goal to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by FY25 (FY19 base year).

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Supply chain Scope 3 reduction target: 30% by FY30

New goal to reduce Cisco supply chain-related Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% absolute by FY30 from FY19 base year. Currently on track at 27% reduction (FY20 data).

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Net zero by 2040 commitment for all scopes

In early fiscal 2022 (September 2021), Cisco committed to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2040, using FY19 as base year. Cisco plans to pursue SBTi approval. Includes near-term target of net zero Scope 1 & 2 by 2025.

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SBTi-approved 2040 net-zero target with 90% reduction across all scopes

Cisco set a goal to reach net-zero GHG emissions across its value chain by 2040 by reducing absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% (FY19 base year). Includes near-term targets: 90% reduction in Scope 1+2 by FY2025, and 30% reduction in Scope 3 (Cat 1, 4, 11) by FY2030. Approved by SBTi under Net-Zero Standard in July 2022.

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Set 2040 net-zero target validated by SBTi Net-Zero Standard

In September 2021, Cisco set a goal to reach net-zero GHG emissions across its value chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by 2040 by reducing absolute emissions by 90% from FY2019 base year. Approved by SBTi under its Net-Zero Standard in July 2022. Cisco is one of the first technology hardware companies to have its net zero goal validated under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard.

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Near-term SBTi target: 90% Scope 1+2 reduction by FY2025

Near-term target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions 90% by FY2025 vs FY2019 base year. As of FY23, Cisco had reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48% absolute compared to FY2019 baseline (53.68% of target achieved).

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Near-term SBTi target: 30% Scope 3 reduction by FY2030

Near-term target to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and use of sold products 30% by FY2030 vs FY2019 base year.

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see 2 more events →

2020

sustainability report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	38,743
Scope 2 (market-based)	163,645
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	5.8M
Cat 6 · Business travel	182,638
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	49,463
Gross carbon footprint	—
Net carbon footprint	—

Energy (kWh)

Renewable energy %

83%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	77,500people
Revenue	49.3B
Cost of revenue	(17.6B)
Gross profit	31.7B
Operating expenses (S&M + G&A)	(18.1B)
Operating income	13.6B
Net income	11.2B

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.5B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	921M
Total assets	94.9B
Total debt	14.6B
Cash & equivalents	11.8B
Minority interest	0

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)	196.6B
Shares outstanding	4.2B

Events 2020· 9

Scope 3 supply chain GHG reduction target set (30% by FY30, FY19 baseline)

Cisco set a goal to reduce supply chain-related Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% absolute by FY30 (FY19 base year). This is a new target with FY19 as base year.

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Decommissioned Boxborough MA on-site water treatment system

In FY20, Cisco decommissioned the on-site groundwater withdrawal and treatment system at its Boxborough, MA campus. This eliminated groundwater withdrawals/discharges from operational boundary in subsequent years.

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Circular Design Principles - 100% of new products and packaging by FY25

Goal that 100% of new Cisco products and packaging will incorporate Circular Design Principles by FY25. Methodology being instituted in FY21.

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80% of suppliers (by spend) to have public absolute GHG reduction targets by FY25

New supplier engagement goal: 80% of Cisco component, manufacturing, and logistics suppliers by spend will have a public, absolute GHG emissions reduction target by FY25. As of FY20, 33% reported.

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Eliminate paper documentation from product shipments by end of 2021

Cisco announced in July 2020 it will eliminate all paper documentation included in new product shipments by end of 2021, moving to electronic delivery to reduce waste, cost, and GHG emissions.

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Expanded responsible minerals program to include cobalt

Cisco grew responsible minerals program to include cobalt and other conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs), conducting first Cobalt Supplier Survey using RMI's Cobalt Reporting Template.

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Positively impact 1 billion people by 2025

Cisco's social impact goal: positively impact 1 billion people through social impact grants and signature programs by 2025. As of FY20, 527 million people impacted.

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COVID-19 pandemic impact on operations

COVID-19 significantly impacted Cisco's operations, supply chain, and waste generation. Most facilities closed for nearly half the year, producing about half the waste of the prior year. COVID-19 also drove the 26.1% virgin plastics reduction and 11.5% foam reduction in FY20, which Cisco did not consider as goal achievement.

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Reduce virgin plastic use 20% by FY25 (FY18 baseline)

New circular economy goal to decrease virgin plastics use by 20% by FY25 vs FY18. In FY20, achieved 26.1% reduction, but largely COVID-19 driven so goal not considered met.

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