• Extreme Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXTR) presents a ROIC of -5.01%, underperforming its WACC of 11.46%, signaling poor capital utilization.
• Juniper Networks and Ciena Corporation demonstrate better capital efficiency, while Harmonic Inc. and F5, Inc. excel in their respective performances.
• NetApp, Inc. emerges as an industry leader with the highest ROIC to WACC ratio at 1.71, showcasing efficient capital usage.

Extreme Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXTR) provides innovative networking solutions within a competitive sector. Currently, the company displays a ROIC of -5.01% against a WACC of 11.46%, resulting in an alarming negative ROIC to WACC ratio. This discrepancy raises concerns about the efficacy of capital deployment and its implications for investors.

In contrast, companies like Juniper Networks and Ciena Corporation maintain positive ROICs, demonstrating better capital efficiency. Harmonic Inc. and F5, Inc. exhibit even stronger capital utilizations, implying that these firms generate returns that exceed their cost of capital.

Leading the pack, NetApp, Inc. shines with a ROIC of 16.49% and a WACC of 9.63%, which contributes to its superior ROIC to WACC ratio. This performance reinforces its reputation as an efficient capital user and a potentially attractive investment opportunity.