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ANET vs. COMM: Which Infrastructure Stock is the Smarter Buy Now?
ZACKS· 2026-01-13 15:41
Core Insights - Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) and CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (COMM) are key players in the networking infrastructure market, with Arista specializing in data center and campus Ethernet switches and routers, while CommScope focuses on wireline and wireless network convergence essential for 5G technology [1][2][3] Group 1: Arista Networks (ANET) - Arista leads in 100-gigabit Ethernet switches and is gaining traction in 200 and 400-gigabit high-performance switching products, supported by a multi-domain software approach [4] - The company has introduced new cognitive Wi-Fi software and expanded its cloud-native software product family, enhancing its competitive edge [5][6] - Despite strong demand, ANET faces high operating costs, with total operating expenses rising 36% year-over-year to $512 million in Q3 2025, impacting margins due to supply bottlenecks [7] Group 2: CommScope Holding Company (COMM) - CommScope is focusing on core operations and cost-cutting measures while pursuing inorganic growth to enhance its portfolio and technological capabilities [8][10] - The company has divested its Home Networks business and acquired Casa Systems' Cable Business, strengthening its position in Access Network Solutions [10] - CommScope has launched innovative products like the HX6-611-6WH/B antenna to meet future network demands, although it faces stiff competition and challenges from trade tensions and raw material price volatility [11][12] Group 3: Financial Performance and Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Arista's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 26.7% and 26.9%, respectively, with stable EPS estimates [13] - CommScope's 2025 sales and EPS estimates imply year-over-year growth of 17.1% and an extraordinary 5,600%, with EPS estimates trending upward [14] - Over the past year, ANET has gained 7.4% while CommScope has surged 260.6%, with CommScope appearing more attractive from a valuation standpoint, trading at a forward P/E ratio of 10.51 compared to Arista's 37.07 [16][18] Group 4: Investment Outlook - Both companies expect sales and profits to improve in 2025, with CommScope showing better price performance and valuation metrics, while Arista has demonstrated steady revenue and EPS growth [21] - Long-term earnings growth expectations are 20.1% for ANET and 13.5% for COMM, with Arista holding a superior Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) compared to CommScope's 3 (Hold) [20][21]