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Cisco Systems (CSCO)
NASDAQ:CSCO

Cisco Systems (CSCO) AI Stock Analysis

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CSCO

Cisco Systems

(NASDAQ:CSCO)

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Outperform 77 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$84.00
▲(13.50% Upside)
Cisco's strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment are the most significant factors driving the stock score. Technical indicators support a bullish outlook, although the high valuation may limit upside potential. The company's strategic focus on AI and robust shareholder returns further enhance its investment appeal.
Positive Factors
AI Integration
Cisco's focus on AI integration positions it to capitalize on growing demand for AI-driven solutions, enhancing its competitive edge in tech innovation.
Strong Product Orders
Robust growth in product orders, especially from cloud customers, indicates strong demand and supports sustained revenue growth.
Cash Flow and Shareholder Return
Strong cash flow generation and substantial shareholder returns highlight Cisco's financial strength and commitment to rewarding investors.
Negative Factors
Decline in Public Sector Orders
A decline in public sector orders could signal challenges in this segment, potentially impacting future revenue from government contracts.
Flat Services Revenue
Stagnant services revenue growth suggests challenges in expanding this segment, which could limit overall revenue diversification.
Security Growth Challenges
Limited growth in security orders indicates potential issues in this critical area, which may affect Cisco's competitive positioning in cybersecurity.

Cisco Systems (CSCO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cisco Systems Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCisco Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology industry in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, Japan, and China. The company also offers switching portfolio encompasses campus switching as well as data center switching; enterprise routing portfolio interconnects public and private wireline and mobile networks, delivering highly secure, and reliable connectivity to campus, data center and branch networks; and wireless products include indoor and outdoor wireless coverage designed for seamless roaming use of voice, video, and data applications. In addition, it provides security, which comprising network security, identity and access management, secure access service edge, and threat intelligence, detection, and response offerings; collaboration products, such as Webex Suite, collaboration devices, contact center, and communication platform as a service; end-to-end collaboration solutions that can be delivered from the cloud, on-premise or within hybrid cloud environments allowing customers to transition their collaboration solutions from on-premise to the cloud; and observability offers network assurance, monitoring and analytics and observability suite. Further, the company offers a range of service and support options for its customers, including technical support and advanced services and advisory services. It serves businesses of various sizes, public institutions, governments, and service providers. The company sells its products and services directly, as well as through systems integrators, service providers, other resellers, and distributors. Cisco Systems, Inc. has strategic alliances with other companies. Cisco Systems, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyCisco generates revenue primarily through the sale of its networking hardware and software solutions, which include routers, switches, and security products. The company's revenue model is diversified across several key segments: Infrastructure Platforms, where it earns from its hardware and software products; Applications, which includes collaboration and cloud-based services; Security, focusing on cybersecurity solutions; and Services, encompassing technical support and consulting. Cisco also benefits from subscription-based services that provide recurring revenue streams. Additionally, strategic partnerships with other technology firms and cloud service providers enhance its market reach and contribute to its earnings.

Cisco Systems Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Geography
Revenue by Geography
Breaks down revenue across different regions, revealing where the company is strongest and where it may face risk or growth potential due to local economic conditions or market share shifts.
Chart InsightsCisco's Americas revenue shows a strong recovery, rebounding from a dip in early 2024, aligning with robust product order growth and AI infrastructure demand. EMEA revenue is stabilizing after a decline, while APJC is experiencing a gradual recovery. The earnings call highlights significant AI-driven growth potential, but challenges in public sector orders and flat services revenue could temper gains. Cisco's strategic focus on AI and innovation positions it well for future growth, despite security segment challenges.
Data provided by:The Fly

Cisco Systems Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 13, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 18, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted significant growth in revenue and strong demand for AI infrastructure and networking solutions, with impressive capital returns to shareholders. However, some challenges were noted, particularly in the security and collaboration segments, and cost pressures from DRAM pricing.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Q1 Revenue and EPS
Q1 revenue increased 8% year over year, with product revenue up 10%. Non-GAAP earnings per share grew by 10%, exceeding guidance.
Strong AI Infrastructure Demand
Total product orders grew 13% year over year, with AI infrastructure orders totaling $1.3 billion in Q1. Expecting $3 billion in AI infrastructure revenue for fiscal year 2026.
Growth in Networking and Public Sector
Networking product orders accelerated to high teens growth in Q1. Public sector orders were up 12% year over year.
Strong Capital Returns
Returned $3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, representing 125% of free cash flow in Q1.
Robust Cash Position
Operating cash flow was $3.2 billion, with total cash, cash equivalents, and investments of $15.7 billion.
Negative Updates
Decline in Security Revenue
Security revenue was down 2% due to declines in prior generation products and a shift to cloud subscriptions in the Splunk business.
Challenges in Collaboration Segment
Collaboration revenue declined by 3%, reflecting declines in devices and WebEx.
Impact of DRAM Pricing
Significant price increases in DRAM and tightening of supply noted, impacting cost structures.
Company Guidance
In Cisco's first quarter of fiscal year 2026, the company exceeded expectations, with revenue reaching $14.9 billion, marking an 8% year-over-year increase, and non-GAAP earnings per share growing by 10% to $1. Strong demand for AI infrastructure and campus networking solutions drove a 10% increase in product revenue, while total product orders rose 13% year-over-year. The company returned $3 billion to shareholders, representing 125% of free cash flow, and noted significant growth in annualized recurring revenue and remaining performance obligations. Cisco's guidance for fiscal year 2026 projects revenue between $60.2 billion and $61 billion, with non-GAAP EPS ranging from $4.08 to $4.14. For Q2, expected revenue is between $15 billion and $15.2 billion, with non-GAAP EPS between $1.10 and $1.13. The company anticipates that AI infrastructure orders will generate approximately $3 billion in revenue from hyperscalers this fiscal year.

Cisco Systems Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Cisco Systems exhibits strong financial health with solid profitability, efficient operations, and a stable balance sheet. Despite modest revenue growth and slightly negative cash flow growth, the company's overall financial position remains robust, supporting its competitive stance in the communication equipment industry.
Income Statement
Cisco Systems demonstrates strong profitability with a consistent gross profit margin around 65% and a net profit margin of approximately 18.5% in the TTM. The revenue growth rate is modest at 1.8% TTM, indicating stable but slow growth. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy, reflecting efficient operations.
Balance Sheet
The company's balance sheet is solid with a manageable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63 TTM, indicating moderate leverage. Return on equity is robust at 22.8%, showcasing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is not explicitly provided, but the overall financial stability is evident.
Cash Flow
Cisco's cash flow is strong with a high free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.94 TTM, indicating efficient cash generation relative to net income. However, the free cash flow growth rate is slightly negative, suggesting a need for improvement in cash flow expansion.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue56.65B53.80B57.00B51.56B49.82B
Gross Profit36.79B34.83B35.75B32.25B31.89B
EBITDA15.38B15.75B17.47B16.79B15.56B
Net Income10.18B10.32B12.61B11.81B10.59B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets122.29B124.41B101.85B94.00B97.50B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments17.24B19.37B26.15B19.27B24.52B
Total Debt29.64B32.23B8.39B10.56B11.53B
Total Liabilities75.45B78.96B57.50B54.23B56.22B
Stockholders Equity46.84B45.46B44.35B39.77B41.27B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow13.29B10.21B19.04B12.75B14.76B
Operating Cash Flow14.19B10.88B19.89B13.23B15.45B
Investing Cash Flow1.73B-20.48B-5.11B1.55B-5.29B
Financing Cash Flow-15.81B6.84B-11.63B-15.96B-12.10B

Cisco Systems Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price74.01
Price Trends
50DMA
75.81
Negative
100DMA
71.87
Positive
200DMA
67.41
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.52
Positive
RSI
36.45
Neutral
STOCH
14.58
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CSCO, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 74.01 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 76.38, below the 50-day MA of 75.81, and above the 200-day MA of 67.41, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.52 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 36.45 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 14.58 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for CSCO.

Cisco Systems Risk Analysis

Cisco Systems disclosed 38 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cisco Systems reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cisco Systems Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$154.75B46.9731.74%27.75%25.42%
77
Outperform
$291.91B27.8623.01%2.09%8.91%14.53%
74
Outperform
$15.64B22.9220.60%9.66%23.87%
71
Outperform
$58.91B32.39228.04%14.78%22.52%
68
Neutral
$29.59B-290.030.23%2.17%14.17%-102.25%
66
Neutral
$36.44B36.474.03%2.26%5.05%115.92%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CSCO
Cisco Systems
74.01
16.09
27.78%
FFIV
F5 Networks
270.56
12.45
4.82%
FTNT
Fortinet
78.66
-13.83
-14.95%
NOK
Nokia
6.58
2.18
49.38%
ANET
Arista Networks
123.42
8.51
7.41%
HPE
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
22.10
0.15
0.68%

Cisco Systems Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Cisco Stockholders Approve 2005 Plan Amendments
Neutral
Dec 17, 2025

At its Annual Meeting on December 16, 2025, Cisco Systems‘ stockholders approved amendments to the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, increasing the number of shares authorized for issuance by 57,490,000. This plan remains a key part of Cisco’s employee incentives and aligns with its long-term strategic goals. Key agenda items at the meeting also included electing nine board members, approving executive compensation, and ratifying auditors. While most proposals passed with majority support, a stockholder proposal to evaluate the financial value of Cisco’s inclusion programs faced opposition.

The most recent analyst rating on (CSCO) stock is a Buy with a $91.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cisco Systems stock, see the CSCO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Cisco Systems Director Wesley G. Bush to Depart
Neutral
Oct 17, 2025

On October 15, 2025, Wesley G. Bush informed Cisco Systems of his decision not to seek re-election at the company’s 2025 annual stockholders meeting. He will continue his role as a director until the meeting, marking a notable change in the board’s composition.

The most recent analyst rating on (CSCO) stock is a Buy with a $79.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cisco Systems stock, see the CSCO Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 13, 2025