Cisco Expected to Report Improved Sales

Cisco Systems (CSCO) touted its first-ever Internet router in space in January after testing one on an orbiting commercial satellite. But back on earth, investors are getting ready to focus on the networking-gear maker's second-quarter earnings. That report, due Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. pacific time, is expected to feature news of its first sales growth in a year and to attest to new confidence among Cisco's biggest customers in business and government.