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Fortinet vs. Cisco: Which Cybersecurity Leader Has the Edge Now?
ZACKS· 2025-12-17 14:56
Core Insights - Fortinet (FTNT) and Cisco (CSCO) are key players in the cybersecurity sector, both providing extensive network security solutions to global enterprises, with Fortinet focusing on integrated security platforms and Cisco offering a wider range of networking and cybersecurity products [1][2] Group 1: Fortinet (FTNT) Overview - Fortinet reported third-quarter 2025 revenues of $1.72 billion, marking a 14% year-over-year increase, with product revenues rising 18% to $559.3 million [3] - The company achieved a record non-GAAP operating margin of 37%, indicating strong profitability, while total billings grew 14% to $1.81 billion [3] - FortiSASE, a rapidly growing SASE solution, saw billings increase over 100% year-over-year, contributing to unified SASE annual recurring revenues of $1.22 billion, up 13% [4] - Fortinet's AI-driven security operations are expanding, with over 20 AI solutions powered by FortiAI technology, and the launch of the Secure AI Data Center solution, which offers significant energy savings [5] - For 2025, Fortinet projects revenues between $6.72 billion and $6.78 billion, with non-GAAP EPS expected to be between $2.66 and $2.70, indicating year-over-year growth of 13.5% [6] Group 2: Cisco (CSCO) Overview - Cisco's first-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues reached $14.9 billion, reflecting an 8% year-over-year growth, with non-GAAP EPS of $1, up 10% [7] - The AI infrastructure business is a key growth driver, with orders from hyperscalers totaling $1.3 billion in the first quarter, and expectations of $3 billion in AI infrastructure revenues for fiscal 2026 [8][9] - Cisco's total product orders grew 13% year-over-year, with significant growth in campus networking technologies [10] - However, Cisco's security revenues declined 2% to $1.98 billion, and collaboration revenues fell 3% to $1.06 billion, indicating challenges in the security segment [11] - The fiscal 2026 guidance estimates revenues between $60.2 billion and $61 billion, with non-GAAP EPS projected at $4.08 to $4.14, suggesting a year-over-year growth of 7.6% [12] Group 3: Valuation and Performance Comparison - Fortinet's price-to-book ratio is 85.97x, significantly higher than Cisco's 6.54x, reflecting its superior operating margin of 37% compared to Cisco's 34.4% and higher product revenue growth [13] - Over the past six months, Cisco shares increased by 17.8%, while Fortinet shares declined approximately 18.2%, presenting a potential entry opportunity for investors in cybersecurity [16] - Fortinet's strong profitability and investment in AI innovation differentiate it from competitors, while Cisco is navigating challenges related to declining security revenues and integration complexities [18]