Key Takeaways ANET is pivoting to Arista 2.0, focusing on cloud platforms, AI, SaaS and adjacent market expansion. The strategy emphasizes AI-driven networking, SaaS for revenue stability and broader customer reach. Arista trades at a forward P/S ratio of 13.63, with earnings estimates rising over the past 60 days.Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) is aiming to transform itself into Arista 2.0 cloud and data-driven platforms. The company is benefiting from the expanding cloud networking market, which is led by ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Computer - Networking industry is facing heightened uncertainty due to global macroeconomic conditions and volatile supply-chain dynamics, with telecom operators reducing or delaying capital expenditures [1][4] - Despite short-term challenges, the industry is expected to benefit from increased focus on cloud computing, network security, big data, and cloud storage, particularly with the rapid adoption of AI technology [1][5] Trends Influencing the Industry - The accelerated deployment of 5G technology is driving demand for robust networking infrastructure, including IoT, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, AR/VR devices, and 5G smartphones [2][6] - The Wi-Fi 7 upgrade cycle is anticipated to further stimulate demand for innovative networking products, benefiting major players like Cisco, Extreme Networks, and NETGEAR [2][7] - Innovation in networking technologies, including network virtualization and Software-Defined Networking, is opening new business avenues as enterprises seek to manage fixed and wireless devices securely [5] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Computer - Networking industry has outperformed the S&P 500 Composite and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector, gaining 35% over the past year compared to the sector's 13% and the S&P 500's 12.7% [11] - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 19.90X, below the S&P 500's 21.82X and the sector's 25.79X [14] Company Highlights - **Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)**: The company is embedding AI across its security and collaboration platforms, with AI infrastructure orders exceeding $600 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, ahead of its $1 billion annual target [18][20] - **NETGEAR, Inc. (NTGR)**: The company reported a 15.4% revenue increase in its NETGEAR for Business segment, but overall revenues declined by 1.5% year-over-year, highlighting challenges in certain business units [25][26] - **Extreme Networks (EXTR)**: The company experienced a 35% year-over-year revenue growth, driven by strong demand for its AI-driven cloud networking solutions, and has raised its revenue guidance for fiscal 2025 [30][32]

Market Overview - The AI-driven bull run of 2023 and 2024 faced significant challenges in 2025 due to overstretched valuations, stock inflation, weak economic data, geopolitical conflicts, and concerns over the Trump administration's trade policies, impacting confidence in equities [1] - The technology sector, particularly AI-focused stocks, has been the most affected, but current low valuations present investment opportunities [2] Recommended AI Stocks - Five Internet-based AI stocks with favorable Zacks Rank recommended for purchase on the dip include Arista Networks Inc. (ANET), Fastly Inc. (FSLY), Five9 Inc. (FIVN), HubSpot Inc. (HUBS), and Twilio Inc. (TWLO), all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [3] Arista Networks Inc. (ANET) - Arista Networks is positioned well with a robust network architecture for cloud and AI networking, focusing on proactive products, zero-touch automation, and predictive operations [6] - The company’s AI suite enhances job monitoring and performance issue resolution, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 18.7% and 12.8% for the current year, respectively [8] - ANET is currently trading at a 31.6% discount from its 52-week high price [8] Fastly Inc. (FSLY) - Fastly provides cloud computing infrastructure and recently launched Fastly AI Accelerator, optimizing generative AI applications [10][11] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.7% and 16.7% for 2025, respectively, and is trading at a 40.5% discount from its 52-week high price [12] Five9 Inc. (FIVN) - Five9 offers intelligent cloud software for contact centers, benefiting from the growing adoption of AI tools [13][15] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 9.6% and 11.7%, respectively, with a 47.6% discount from its 52-week high price [16] HubSpot Inc. (HUBS) - HubSpot provides a cloud-based CRM platform and is experiencing steady adoption from enterprise customers, driven by its AI features [17][18] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 15.4% and 14.9%, respectively, with a 30.2% discount from its 52-week high price [19] Twilio Inc. (TWLO) - Twilio focuses on generative AI offerings and has launched Customer AI technology to enhance customer engagement [20][21] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 7.8% and 22.6%, respectively, with a 25.3% discount from its 52-week high price [24]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting outlooks for two prominent stock-split companies: O'Reilly Automotive, which is seen as a strong buy, and Arista Networks, which is viewed as potentially overvalued and risky. Group 1: Stock-Split Overview - Stock splits allow companies to adjust their share price and outstanding share count without affecting market capitalization or operating performance [3] - Historically, companies conducting forward splits have averaged a 25.4% return in the 12 months following the announcement, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [5] Group 2: O'Reilly Automotive - O'Reilly Automotive is the first high-profile company to announce a forward split in 2025, with a planned 15-for-1 split reducing its share price from nearly $1,400 to around $90 [7][8] - The average age of vehicles in the U.S. has reached an all-time high of 12.6 years, increasing demand for O'Reilly's auto parts [9] - O'Reilly's business model is recession-resistant, as consumers are likely to keep their vehicles longer during economic downturns [10] - The company has an effective hub-and-spoke distribution model, allowing for quick delivery of a wide range of products [11] - O'Reilly has repurchased $25.94 billion worth of its common stock since 2011, retiring 59.4% of its outstanding shares, which boosts earnings per share [12] Group 3: Arista Networks - Arista Networks announced a 4-for-1 forward split, reducing its share price from nearly $422 to around $105 [16] - The company has experienced sustained sales growth, with service revenue increasing by 35% in 2024 to $1.12 billion [18] - Concerns exist regarding the potential bursting of the AI bubble, as many businesses have not yet optimized their AI solutions [19] - Macro factors, including a projected 2.4% decline in U.S. GDP, could negatively impact demand for Arista's products [20] - Despite a decline from its peak, Arista's price-to-sales multiple remains high at over 14, indicating potential for further downside [21]