BIG SPENDERS: After an abrupt slowdown earlier this year, Cisco Systems Inc. saw a pickup in orders from large U.S. businesses in the latest quarter, helping it beat analyst estimates and offset weakness in Europe.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Cisco's net income rose 18 percent from a year ago to $2.1 billion. Revenue rose 5.5 percent to $11.9 billion.

THE OUTLOOK: Cisco sees moderate improvement ahead in the quarter that just started, with estimates that match those of analysts.