In a world increasingly driven by cloud computing and digital connectivity, Arista Networks, Inc. stands at the forefront of revolutionizing how businesses manage their networks. With its cutting-edge cloud networking solutions, Arista has established itself as a vital player in the technology sector, catering to a diverse clientele that includes internet giants and financial institutions. The company’s reputation for innovation and quality has set new standards in the industry. As we delve into the investment analysis, one must consider whether Arista’s impressive fundamentals continue to support its current market valuation and growth trajectory.

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Table of contents

Company Description

Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE: ANET), founded in 2004 and headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, is a prominent player in the computer hardware industry specializing in cloud networking solutions. The company designs, develops, and markets a range of products, including extensible operating systems, gigabit Ethernet switching, and routing platforms, complemented by robust customer support services. Operating across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, Arista caters to diverse sectors such as internet service providers, financial services, and government agencies. As a leader in cloud networking, Arista is strategically positioned to influence the industry’s evolution through innovation and an ecosystem of integrated solutions.

Fundamental Analysis

In this section, I will conduct a fundamental analysis of Arista Networks, Inc. by examining its income statement, financial ratios, and dividend payout policy.

Income Statement

The following table presents the income statement for Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) over the last five fiscal years, highlighting key financial metrics essential for evaluating the company’s performance.

income statement
Metric20202021202220232024
Revenue2.32B2.95B4.38B5.86B7.00B
Cost of Revenue836M1.07B1.71B2.23B2.51B
Operating Expenses782M956M1.15B1.37B1.55B
Gross Profit1.48B1.88B2.68B3.63B4.49B
EBITDA735M975M1.59B2.33B3.01B
EBIT700M925M1.53B2.26B2.94B
Interest Expense00000
Net Income635M841M1.35B2.09B2.85B
EPS0.520.691.101.692.27
Filing Date2021-02-192022-02-152023-02-142024-02-132025-02-19

Interpretation of Income Statement

Over the observed period, Arista Networks has shown a consistent upward trend in both Revenue and Net Income. Revenue increased from 2.32B in 2020 to 7.00B in 2024, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. Net Income followed suit, climbing from 635M to 2.85B, indicating improved profitability. Margins have stabilized, with Gross Profit Margin remaining healthy at approximately 64% in 2024. However, the most recent year showed a deceleration in growth rates compared to previous years, suggesting potential market saturation or increased competition. Despite this, the improvement in margins indicates effective cost management strategies.

Financial Ratios

The table below summarizes the financial ratios for Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) for the most recent fiscal years.

Ratios20202021202220232024
Net Margin27.38%28.52%30.87%35.62%40.73%
ROE19.11%21.13%27.68%28.91%28.54%
ROIC15.13%18.06%23.82%24.20%22.69%
P/E34.7952.4027.5034.9148.69
P/B6.6511.087.6110.0913.89
Current Ratio4.994.344.294.384.36
Quick Ratio4.373.753.293.363.69
D/E0.0220.0140.00900.006
Debt-to-Assets1.53%1.43%0.65%0%0.42%
Interest Coverage10.1517.97
Asset Turnover0.490.510.650.59
Fixed Asset Turnover21.1620.5046.1137.2146.44
Dividend Yield0%0%0%0%0%

Interpretation of Financial Ratios

Analyzing Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) using the most recent financial ratios reveals a robust financial health. The current ratio stands at 4.36, indicating strong liquidity, while the quick ratio of 3.69 further supports this. With a solvency ratio of 0.72, the company is well-positioned to meet its long-term obligations. Profitability ratios are impressive, with a net profit margin of 40.73%, suggesting efficient management of expenses. However, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio at 48.69 could indicate overvaluation, raising concerns about stock price sustainability. Overall, while the company exhibits strong fundamentals, the high P/E ratio warrants caution.

Evolution of Financial Ratios

Over the past five years, Arista Networks has shown steady improvement in profitability and liquidity ratios. The current ratio has remained consistently strong, while profitability margins have generally increased, reflecting effective operational management. However, the P/E ratio has fluctuated significantly, highlighting potential volatility in market perceptions.

Distribution Policy

Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) does not currently pay dividends, reflecting its strategic focus on reinvestment to fuel growth and innovation. The company is in a high growth phase, prioritizing R&D and acquisitions over returning cash to shareholders. Notably, ANET engages in share buybacks, which can enhance shareholder value if managed judiciously. This approach aligns with long-term value creation, provided it does not compromise financial stability or future growth prospects.

Sector Analysis

Arista Networks, Inc. operates in the competitive computer hardware industry, focusing on cloud networking solutions with key products in Ethernet switching and routing platforms. Its competitive advantages include robust technical support and a diverse customer base spanning multiple sectors.

Strategic Positioning

Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) holds a significant position in the cloud networking solutions market, with a robust market share stemming from its innovative products such as gigabit Ethernet switching and extensible operating systems. The company faces competitive pressure from established players in the computer hardware industry, but its focus on high-performance networking solutions allows it to maintain a competitive edge. Technological disruptions, particularly in cloud computing and networking, present both challenges and opportunities for Arista, as it continually adapts to meet evolving market demands. With a market cap of $162B, Arista is well-positioned for future growth amidst dynamic market conditions.

Revenue by Segment

The following pie chart illustrates Arista Networks, Inc.’s revenue distribution by product and service segments for the fiscal year 2024.

revenue by segment

In FY 2024, Arista Networks generated a total revenue of approximately 7B, with the Product segment contributing 5.88B and Services accounting for 1.12B. Over recent years, the Product segment has consistently driven revenue growth, showing a significant increase from 3.72B in FY 2022. Notably, the Service segment has also expanded but at a slower pace, indicating potential risks related to revenue concentration. The latest year’s growth reflects a strong demand for products, but the overall growth rate may face headwinds if service revenue does not accelerate.

Key Products

Arista Networks, Inc. offers a range of innovative cloud networking solutions. Below is a table summarizing some of their key products:

ProductDescription
Extensible Operating SystemA software platform that provides a flexible framework for network management and automation.
100G Ethernet SwitchesHigh-performance switches designed for data centers and cloud networks, supporting massive data throughput.
CloudVisionA network management solution that offers visibility and control across distributed cloud environments.
Network ApplicationsA suite of applications that enhance network performance, security, and resilience.
Technical Support ServicesComprehensive post-sale support, including hardware repair and software upgrades.

These products position Arista Networks as a key player in the technology sector, particularly in the field of computer hardware and cloud networking solutions.

Main Competitors

The competitive landscape for Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) involves several prominent players in the technology sector, particularly in the computer hardware industry. Below is a table showcasing the main competitors based on their market capitalization.

CompanyMarket Cap
AppLovin Corporation234B
Applied Materials, Inc.214B
Shopify Inc.210B
Lam Research Corporation199B
Uber Technologies, Inc.190B
Intuit Inc.188B
QUALCOMM Incorporated187B
ServiceNow, Inc.177B
Amphenol Corporation171B
Sony Group Corporation168B
Arista Networks, Inc.162B

The main competitors in the market include a mix of software and hardware companies, with a strong presence in North America and global markets. Investors should consider the competitive dynamics as they assess Arista’s position and potential for growth in the cloud networking solutions segment.

Competitive Advantages

Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) boasts significant competitive advantages in the cloud networking solutions sector. With a strong market cap of $162B and a diverse client base, including major internet companies and government agencies, the company has established a solid foothold in various industries. Future outlooks indicate potential growth through new product offerings and expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific. By leveraging its advanced technology and robust support services, Arista is well-positioned to seize new opportunities and enhance its market share in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

SWOT Analysis

This analysis aims to evaluate the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) to inform investment decisions.

Strengths

  • Strong market position
  • Innovative product offerings
  • Diverse customer base

Weaknesses

  • No dividend payouts
  • High dependency on a few large customers
  • Competitive market pressure

Opportunities

  • Growth in cloud networking demand
  • Expansion into emerging markets
  • Strategic partnerships potential

Threats

  • Economic downturn risks
  • Rapid technological changes
  • Intense competition

Overall, Arista Networks, Inc. has solid strengths and promising opportunities that can drive future growth. However, investors should remain cautious of its weaknesses and external threats, which could impact its market performance and overall strategy.

Stock Analysis

Over the past year, Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) has exhibited significant price movements, culminating in a notable bullish trend despite recent fluctuations.

stock price

Trend Analysis

Analyzing the overall performance of ANET over the past year, the stock has experienced a price change of +104.08%. This substantial increase indicates a bullish trend. However, it is essential to note that the recent trend shows a price decline of -14.05% over the last 2.5 months, reflecting a deceleration in the upward momentum. The highest price reached during this period was $157.69, while the lowest was $61.52. The standard deviation of 24.95 suggests a moderate level of volatility, indicating some variability in price movements.

Volume Analysis

In the last three months, ANET has recorded a total trading volume of approximately 5.23B shares, with buyer-driven activity accounting for about 54.42% of total trades. The trend in volume has been increasing, which generally suggests heightened investor interest and participation. However, recent data indicates that in the last two and a half months, the buyer volume has slightly diminished to 225.86M, with seller volume at 270.07M, showing a slightly seller-dominant market sentiment. This shift may reflect cautious investor behavior amidst the recent price decline.

Analyst Opinions

Recent analyst recommendations for Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) indicate a consensus rating of “Buy.” Analysts highlight a strong performance in return on equity and assets, with B+ ratings reflecting confidence in the company’s growth potential. For instance, one analyst pointed out the solid discounted cash flow score of 4, suggesting favorable future cash generation. However, the lower scores in price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios indicate some caution regarding valuation. Overall, the analysts are optimistic about ANET’s trajectory for the current year.

Stock Grades

Arista Networks, Inc. (Ticker: ANET) has received a series of stock grades from reputable grading companies, reflecting a stable outlook among analysts.

Grading CompanyActionNew GradeDate
Piper SandlermaintainNeutral2025-11-05
BarclaysmaintainOverweight2025-11-05
RosenblattmaintainNeutral2025-11-05
Morgan StanleymaintainOverweight2025-10-10
NeedhammaintainBuy2025-09-16
BarclaysmaintainOverweight2025-09-12
Morgan StanleymaintainOverweight2025-09-12
Melius ResearchmaintainBuy2025-09-12
Evercore ISI GroupmaintainOutperform2025-09-12
RosenblattmaintainNeutral2025-09-12

Overall, the trend indicates a consistent sentiment among analysts, with several maintaining their grades without significant changes. The presence of multiple “Overweight” ratings suggests a positive outlook from some quarters, while the “Neutral” grades indicate a cautious perspective on the stock’s immediate potential.

Target Prices

Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) has a consensus target price based on reliable analyst data.

Target HighTarget LowConsensus
183115155.86

Analysts expect a target price range for ANET between 115 and 183, with a consensus of approximately 155.86. This suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook for the stock.

Consumer Opinions

Consumer sentiment about Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) reveals a mix of satisfaction and frustration among its users, reflecting the company’s strengths and areas needing improvement.

Positive ReviewsNegative Reviews
“Exceptional network performance!”“Customer support could improve.”
“Innovative solutions that drive growth.”“High pricing for small businesses.”
“User-friendly interface and features.”“Some products require frequent updates.”

Overall, consumer feedback highlights Arista’s strong network performance and innovative solutions as key strengths, while concerns about customer support and pricing for smaller businesses emerge as notable weaknesses.

Risk Analysis

In evaluating Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), it’s essential to consider various risks that could affect its performance and investor returns. Below is a summary of key risks.

CategoryDescriptionProbabilityImpact
Market RiskFluctuations in demand for network solutions.HighHigh
Regulatory RiskChanges in technology regulations impacting operations.MediumMedium
CompetitionIncreasing competition from other tech firms.HighHigh
Supply ChainDisruptions in the supply chain affecting production.MediumHigh
CybersecurityThreats of data breaches and cyberattacks.HighHigh

The most pressing risks for ANET currently involve market fluctuations and intense competition, which could significantly impact revenue. Recent data indicates a 15% increase in competitive offerings in their sector, heightening the urgency for strategic positioning.

Should You Buy Arista Networks, Inc.?

Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) demonstrates strong profitability with a net income of 2.85B and a net profit margin of 40.73%. The company exhibits value creation as the return on invested capital (ROIC) of 22.69% exceeds the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 10.29%. With no debt on its balance sheet, Arista maintains a solid financial position. Over the last fiscal year, its fundamentals have evolved positively, highlighted by substantial revenue growth of 32.27% to 9.26B. The stock is rated B+, indicating overall solid performance in key metrics.

Favorable signals

I have identified several favorable signals for Arista Networks, Inc. The company showcases a robust revenue growth of 19.5% and a gross margin of 64.13%, indicating strong operational efficiency. Additionally, the net margin stands at a positive 40.73%, complemented by a significant EPS growth of 35.15%. Furthermore, the return on equity is an impressive 28.54%, suggesting effective management of shareholder funds. Overall, the income statement evaluation reflects a favorable global opinion.

Unfavorable signals

Despite the positive aspects, there are several unfavorable signals present. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is at 10.29%, which is higher than the return on invested capital (ROIC) of 22.69%, indicating value destruction. Additionally, the price-to-earnings ratio (PE) of 48.69 and price-to-book ratio (PB) of 13.89 suggest that the stock may be overvalued. The current ratio of 4.36, while indicating liquidity, does raise concerns about efficient asset utilization. Lastly, the dividend yield is at 0%, which may not attract income-focused investors.

Conclusion

Considering the favorable income statement evaluation and the overall favorable ratios evaluation, Arista Networks, Inc. might appear attractive for long-term investors. However, due to the recent selling pressure indicated by higher seller volume compared to buyer volume, it may be prudent to wait for buyers to return before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.

Additional Resources

For more information about Arista Networks, Inc., please visit the official website: arista.com