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Is Arista Networks Winning AI Infra Race?
Forbes· 2026-01-16 16:55
Core Insights - Arista Networks (ANET) has shown positive stock returns over the past year, but its high valuation raises questions against competitors expanding in AI and data centers [2] - The demand for high-speed, low-latency networking is critical due to hyperscalers expanding data center capacity for generative AI workloads, positioning Arista as a key beneficiary [2] Financial Performance - ANET boasts outstanding profitability with an operating margin of 42.9% and a free cash flow margin of 47.9%, alongside industry-leading revenue growth of 27.8% [3] - Despite a high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 48.9x, ANET maintains a strong position in high-performance networking driven by hyperscale and cloud demand [3] Competitive Comparison - ANET's revenue growth of 27.8% outpaces its peers, reflecting strong demand for AI infrastructure and high-speed data center installations [8] - The stock has increased by 12.5%, indicating expectations for AI expansion, although competitors like Cisco (CSCO) and Ciena (CIEN) have outperformed due to varying market conditions [8]