Investors·2025-10-14 12:00Core Viewpoint - Arista Networks' shares have declined following Nvidia's announcement that Oracle and Meta will utilize its Spectrum-X Ethernet networking devices for AI data centers, despite a significant increase in Arista's stock earlier in 2025 [1][7]. Company Performance - Arista's stock has seen a 33% increase in 2025 but has retreated from a record high of 162.68 set on October 10 [1][7]. - The stock fell 4.3% on Monday and an additional 2.5% in early trading, indicating a broader market decline [7]. Customer Base and Market Position - Arista's primary customers for network switches are Microsoft and Meta, with Oracle emerging as a potential new customer due to its AI infrastructure deals [2]. - The company competes with Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, and Celestica in the networking market [6]. Revenue Growth Projections - Arista forecasts a 20% revenue growth for fiscal 2026, projecting revenues of $10.5 billion, slightly above consensus estimates [4]. - The company anticipates a 70% growth in AI networking revenue in 2026, reaching approximately $2.75 billion, up from $1.5 billion in the current year [4]. Long-term Outlook - For fiscal years 2026 to 2029, Arista expects "mid-teens" revenue growth, which some analysts consider conservative [5]. - The company predicts long-term operating margins between 43% and 45%, about four percentage points lower than in 2025 [5]. Competitive Landscape - Both Arista and Nvidia are targeting the emerging market for back-end Ethernet networking technology for AI server clusters in cloud data centers [3]. - Nvidia's strategy includes bundling its Spectrum-X devices with AI accelerators, enhancing its competitive position [3]. Stock Ratings - Arista stock holds a Composite Rating of 99, indicating strong growth potential [9]. - The Accumulation/Distribution Rating for Arista is B, suggesting significant institutional buying activity [9].