Arista Networks Stock (NYSE: ANET) Falls 5% Despite Earnings Beat

Arista Networks stock (NYSE:ANET) is down 5.5% today following the release of quarterly earnings that came in above expectations on both top and bottom lines. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.65, outpacing the analysts' consensus estimate by $0.07, or ~14%.

Revenue came in at $1.93B, a $30 million beat on the $1.90B expected. Markets were clearly looking for even better in terms of the outlook, as the stock was hit despite the company seeing Q1 revenue between $1.93B-$1.97B (also a beat on the consensus $1.91B).

The financial strength of Arista Networks is further highlighted by its return on equity of 30.52% and a net margin of 40.29%. The company has a market capitalisation of $139.89 billion, demonstrating its substantial size and influence in the sector.

Analyst activity post-earnings included a range of updates and price target adjustments. Barclays, Godman Sachs, Citi, Piper Sandler, and Wells Fargo all increased their price target on ANET post results. The newly minted range 5 firms is now $108 to $145, indicating bullish sentiment on wall street.

Arista Networks remains a focal point for analysts and investors alike, with a steady run over the past 12 months where the stock has added 62%. Over a longer time frame, the chart looks impressive, with the 5 year appreciation more than 650%. A pullback here could be healthy, despite the somewhat surprising circumstances which have brought it about.