I owned CSCO once. I sold for a gain, but it doesn't seem like a growth company anymore. They have a solid niche and it's cyclical isn't it? If they were to start a dividend I might be interested.

Anyway, just looking at their chart for the past year, from their peak kinda reminds me of an elliot wave;
http://stockcharts.com/help/doku.php?id=chart_school:market_...

http://www.acrotec.com/ewt.htm

For the short term this might be a good entry point. Will it step back down lower after another little run up? The condition of the overall economy will probably answer that.

I know the Fool doesn't condone Tech Analysis, but I think it's kinda fun.
I did just make a CAPS outperform pick. Got in at $19.11 I think it will run up again and I'm gonna attempt to time my exit when it peaks again and close it before it corrects again.

Oh! For quesion #3, check this out and click on each year. I think you'll be impressed.
http://www.cisco.com/web/about/doing_business/corporate_deve...

blesto, no position except in CAPS