Stock Analysis on Net
Stock Analysis on Net

Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO)

Analysis of Bad Debts

Microsoft Excel

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (bad debts) is a contra account which reduce the balance of the company gross accounts receivable. The relationship between the allowance and the balance in receivables should be relatively constant unless there is a change in the economy overall or a change in customer base.


Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

Microsoft Excel
Jul 25, 2026 Jul 26, 2025 Jul 27, 2024 Jul 29, 2023 Jul 30, 2022 Jul 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Allowance for credit loss 78 69 87 85 83 109
Accounts receivable, gross 7,548 6,770 6,772 5,939 6,705 5,875
Financial Ratio
Allowance as a percentage of accounts receivable, gross1 1.03% 1.02% 1.28% 1.43% 1.24% 1.86%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-07-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-07-26), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-07-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-07-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-07-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-07-31).

1 2026 Calculation
Allowance as a percentage of accounts receivable, gross = 100 × Allowance for credit loss ÷ Accounts receivable, gross
= 100 × 78 ÷ 7,548 = 1.03%


An analysis of credit loss provisions from 2021 to 2026 reveals a general improvement in the quality of accounts receivable, characterized by a reduction in the relative amount set aside for doubtful accounts despite an overall increase in gross receivables.

Gross Accounts Receivable Trends
Gross accounts receivable exhibited an upward trajectory over the period, increasing from 5,875 million USD in 2021 to 7,548 million USD by 2026. While a contraction was observed in 2023, the long-term trend indicates a growth in the total volume of outstanding credit extended to customers.
Allowance for Credit Loss Movement
The absolute value of the allowance for credit loss decreased from 109 million USD in 2021 to 78 million USD in 2026. A significant reduction occurred between 2021 and 2022, followed by a period of relative stability until a further decline to a low of 69 million USD in 2025.
Credit Risk Ratio Analysis
The allowance as a percentage of gross accounts receivable demonstrates a consistent downward trend, falling from 1.86% in 2021 to 1.03% in 2026. This decline indicates a reduction in the expected loss rate relative to total receivables, suggesting either an improvement in the creditworthiness of the customer base or a shift toward more conservative credit granting policies.

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Allowance for Credit Losses

Microsoft Excel
Jul 25, 2026 Jul 26, 2025 Jul 27, 2024 Jul 29, 2023 Jul 30, 2022 Jul 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Allowance for credit loss 50 50 65 72 126 127
Gross financing receivables less unearned income 8,315 6,511 6,712 6,837 7,964 9,288
Financial Ratio
Allowance as a percentage of gross financing receivables less unearned income1 0.60% 0.77% 0.97% 1.05% 1.58% 1.37%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2026-07-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-07-26), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-07-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-07-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-07-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-07-31).

1 2026 Calculation
Allowance as a percentage of gross financing receivables less unearned income = 100 × Allowance for credit loss ÷ Gross financing receivables less unearned income
= 100 × 50 ÷ 8,315 = 0.60%


A consistent downward trajectory is observed in the allowance for credit losses over the analyzed period. The reserve decreased from US$127 million in 2021 to US$50 million by 2025, maintaining that level through 2026. This represents a significant reduction in the absolute amount of capital set aside to cover potential credit defaults.

Gross Financing Receivables Trends
Gross financing receivables less unearned income exhibited a steady decline from 2021 to 2025, falling from US$9,288 million to a low of US$6,511 million. A reversal of this trend occurred in 2026, with the balance increasing to US$8,315 million, indicating a expansion in the financing portfolio during the final year of the period.
Credit Loss Ratio Interpretation
The allowance as a percentage of gross financing receivables peaked at 1.58% in 2022 before entering a continuous decline. By 2026, the ratio reached its lowest point of 0.60%. The sustained decrease in this ratio suggests an improvement in the underlying credit quality of the receivables or a shift toward more optimistic loss projections.
Correlation Between Exposure and Reserves
Between 2021 and 2025, the reduction in the credit loss allowance outpaced the reduction in gross financing receivables, leading to a lower percentage of coverage. The divergence became more pronounced in 2026; while the total volume of financing receivables increased significantly, the allowance remained stagnant at US$50 million, resulting in the sharpest year-over-year decline in the credit loss ratio.

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