Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs GE Aerospace (GE)

Cisco Systems, Inc. is the world’s largest provider of networking equipment and ranks among the largest software companies globally. Its core businesses include networking hardware and software, where it holds leading market positions, as well as cybersecurity software such as firewalls. The company also offers collaboration solutions, including its Webex suite, and observability tools. Cisco primarily relies on third-party manufacturers and maintains a large sales and marketing organization of 25,000 employees across 90 countries. In total, the company employs about 80,000 people and markets its products worldwide.

GE Aerospace (GE) is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and servicing of commercial aircraft turbine engines, including through its CFM joint venture with Safran. Supported by a vast installed base of nearly 80,000 commercial and military engines worldwide, the company generates most of its profits from recurring service revenue tied to equipment that remains in operation for decades. GE Aerospace is now the core remaining business of the company founded in 1892, which has historical connections to American inventor Thomas Edison. General Electric evolved into a renowned conglomerate, reaching peak revenue of $130 billion in 2000, before spinning off its appliance, finance, healthcare, wind, and power businesses between 2016 and 2024.