Cisco Systems, Inc.

NasdaqGS:CSCO Stock Report

Market Cap: US$469.6b

Cisco Systems Future Growth

Future criteria checks 2/6

Cisco Systems is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 13.7% and 7.2% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 15% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 36% in 3 years.

Key information

13.7%

Earnings growth rate

15.03%

EPS growth rate

Communications earnings growth23.1%
Revenue growth rate7.2%
Future return on equity36.00%
Analyst coverage

Good

Last updated19 May 2026

Recent future growth updates

Recent updates

New Narrative • May 17

AI Infrastructure And Security Expansion Will Define The Next Chapter

Catalysts About Cisco Systems Cisco Systems provides networking, security and related technology that underpins digital and AI infrastructure for enterprises, service providers and cloud customers globally. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?
Seeking Alpha • May 15

Cisco: Soaring To New All-Time High

Summary Cisco Systems delivered good fiscal Q3 earnings, beating analyst consensus on both revenue and EPS by approximately 2%. CSCO shares surged 13% post-earnings, extending a 50% six-month rally that has vastly outpaced the broader market. AI infrastructure investment is a key growth tailwind for CSCO, supporting positive forward expectations. Despite robust results, CSCO's valuation has become less attractive after recent share price gains. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • May 06

CSCO: AI And Cybersecurity Moves Will Offset Ongoing Margin Pressures

Cisco Systems' updated analyst price target has shifted modestly higher to $89.54, with analysts pointing to a slightly richer assumed future P/E multiple around 28.9x, while also reflecting a higher discount rate and largely unchanged revenue growth and profit margin assumptions amid a mix of recent target hikes and a couple of rating downgrades. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco Systems reflects an active debate around how much investors should pay for the stock, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets while a few cautious voices highlight margin and demand risks.
Narrative Update • Apr 21

CSCO: AI Alliances And Cyber Deals Will Offset Rising Memory Costs

Cisco Systems' updated analyst price target edges up by about $0.05 to $89.09, as analysts factor in slightly higher revenue growth assumptions, a marginally higher discount rate, and a modest adjustment to future P/E expectations, while keeping profit margin assumptions broadly steady. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Cisco Systems reflects a mix of optimism on execution and growth, balanced by fresh caution on profitability and costs.
Narrative Update • Apr 06

CSCO: AI Partnerships And Capital Returns Will Offset Memory Cost Headwinds

Analysts have nudged Cisco Systems' fair value estimate slightly higher to about $89 per share. This reflects updated assumptions around discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins, and a marginally higher future P/E multiple following recent research that includes both new bullish initiations and a more cautious view on gross margin pressures.
Narrative Update • Mar 23

CSCO: AI Infrastructure Partnerships Will Support Earnings Despite Memory Cost Pressure

Analysts nudged the price target on Cisco Systems higher by $5, citing a slightly richer future P/E assumption of about 28x, even as some firms flag pressure on gross margins from higher memory costs. Analyst Commentary Cisco Systems is drawing mixed reactions, with some firms marking down ratings on margin concerns while others lift price targets based on valuation adjustments and expectations around execution in the next fiscal year.
Narrative Update • Mar 09

CSCO: AI Data Center Demand Will Support Earnings Despite Margin Headwinds

Our updated Cisco Systems narrative keeps fair value unchanged but reflects a modestly lower discount rate and slightly lower future P/E assumption. This aligns with recent analyst moves that include a downgrade on margin concerns, alongside several $5 price target increases tied to long term growth expectations.
New Narrative • Mar 01

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO): The AI Breakout – Scaling Networking for the Agentic Era

Cisco Systems (CSCO) is currently trading at $79.46 , representing a powerful 23.9% gain over the last 12 months as the company successfully moves past its post-pandemic "inventory digestion" phase. The market sentiment shifted dramatically following the February 11, 2026, earnings release, where Cisco posted record quarterly revenue of $15.3 billion and a 31% jump in GAAP EPS.
Narrative Update • Feb 23

CSCO: AI Infrastructure Demand Will Shape Multi Year Earnings Resilience

Narrative Update on Cisco Systems Cisco's analyst price target framework has shifted slightly higher to about $88.81, with analysts citing expectations for modestly stronger revenue growth and profit margins, partly balanced by lower gross margin forecasts and a slightly reduced future P/E multiple, following a mix of recent target hikes and a downgrade to Hold. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco reflects a mix of optimism around the broader outlook and concern about profitability, which feeds directly into how analysts think about the stock's valuation and execution risk.
Narrative Update • Feb 07

CSCO: AI Networking Strength And Margin Resilience Will Shape Multi Year Returns

Cisco Systems' analyst price targets moved modestly higher to align with an updated fair value of about $87, as analysts emphasize continued strength in Networking, growing artificial intelligence related orders, and expectations for operating margins and returns on equity to remain above average. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco Systems centers on how well the company is executing in its core Networking franchise, the early traction in artificial intelligence related opportunities, and the durability of margins and returns.
Narrative Update • Jan 24

CSCO: AI Infrastructure And Networking Strength Will Support Multi Year Upside

Analysts nudged their price target on Cisco Systems higher to $86.00 from $85.43, citing firm networking trends, improving profit margins, and growing artificial intelligence related demand as key supports for the updated view. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco highlights a mix of optimism around networking and artificial intelligence exposure, with some caution around security and the durability of current trends.
Narrative Update • Jan 07

CSCO: AI Infrastructure Demand And Networking Strength Will Support Multi Year Upside

Analysts nudged their Cisco Systems price target higher, citing a modest uptick in fair value and a slightly richer assumed future P/E multiple, supported by recent research highlighting continued strength in networking and growing artificial intelligence related demand despite softer security trends. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco Systems reflects a generally constructive stance, with several firms lifting price targets and a couple of upgrades that highlight how investors are weighing networking strength and artificial intelligence demand against softer security trends.
Narrative Update • Dec 19

CSCO: AI Networking Cycle Will Drive Multi Year Upside Despite Security Weakness

Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Cisco Systems slightly higher to approximately $85 per share, up from about $84.80. They cite a solid multi year networking and AI driven growth cycle, better than expected operating margins, and rising Street price targets, despite ongoing security softness.
Narrative Update • Dec 04

CSCO: AI Networking Cycle Will Offset Security And ESG Uncertainty

Analysts modestly raised their price target on Cisco Systems to $87 from $77, citing a multi year networking and AI infrastructure growth cycle, stronger than expected revenue and operating margins, and confidence that management’s conservative outlook can be exceeded, despite lingering security headwinds. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts see Cisco as entering a multi year upcycle, underpinned by artificial intelligence infrastructure demand, a broad networking refresh and resilient profitability metrics that justify higher valuation multiples.
Narrative Update • Nov 20

CSCO: Networking Strength And AI Demand Will Balance Security Headwinds

Cisco Systems' analyst price target has been raised from approximately $77 to nearly $85, as analysts point to robust networking momentum, improving revenue growth, and solid operating margins. These positive factors are seen as offsetting headwinds in security.
Narrative Update • Nov 04

CSCO: Enterprise Networking And AI Demand Will Support Steady Upside Amid Sector Risks

Cisco Systems' analyst price target has risen from approximately $76 to $77. Analysts point to improving growth prospects driven by strong artificial intelligence infrastructure demand, robust campus refresh momentum, and steady profitability improvements.
Narrative Update • Sep 04

AI Infrastructure And Cloud Adoption Will Drive Expansion

Analysts note that while Cisco’s Q4 results and FY26 guidance met expectations, slowing revenue growth—driven by weaker networking orders and restocking trends—balances optimism around AI, software shifts, and the Splunk acquisition, leading to the consensus view that shares are fairly valued and the price target remains unchanged at $75.81. Analyst Commentary Fiscal Q4 results and FY26 guidance were in line to slightly better than expectations, but revenue growth is decelerating with the networking segment under pressure and consensus estimates missed.
Seeking Alpha • Apr 21

Cisco: Hold Off On Buying For Now (Technical Analysis)(Rating Upgrade)

Summary The technical outlook remains bearish, as the lack of confirmation of the bullish engulfing pattern suggests that it could be a false reversal signal. Cisco's most recent earnings were strong, with revenue growth recovering and operating cash flow growth hitting multiyear highs. Q3 guidance was a bit mixed with EPS growth expected to slow but accelerating revenue growth indicates strong business activity. The contraction in the P/S ratio seems overdone, as a resilient outlook makes CSCO stock's declines seem undeserved. I upgrade Cisco to a hold rating as further technical weakness could make the fundamental setup increasingly attractive. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Mar 19

Cisco Systems: Continues To Make Higher Highs And Higher Lows

Summary Cisco Systems remains undervalued despite its strong financials and profitability, making it a golden opportunity for capital appreciation and income generation. CSCO's transformation towards software and subscriptions, coupled with its robust balance sheet and shareholder returns, positions it well for future growth. The ongoing data center build-out, driven by AI and robotics, will significantly benefit CSCO, enhancing its revenue from networking equipment and recurring services. Despite past underperformance, CSCO's momentum of higher highs and lows is bullish, indicating potential for continued appreciation and long-term value creation. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

Earnings and Revenue Growth Forecasts

NasdaqGS:CSCO - Analysts future estimates and past financials data (USD Millions)
DateRevenueEarningsFree Cash FlowCash from OpAvg. No. Analysts
7/31/202873,06716,58119,20219,80919
7/31/202768,48514,50118,00819,01624
7/31/202662,90812,71712,75313,21023
4/25/202660,74611,95811,78813,025N/A
1/24/202659,05411,07612,24113,325N/A
10/25/202557,69610,32912,73313,744N/A
7/26/202556,65410,18013,28814,193N/A
4/26/202555,6239,79212,80313,689N/A
1/25/202554,1769,18712,81013,603N/A
10/26/202452,9769,39311,41712,170N/A
7/27/202453,80310,32010,21010,880N/A
4/27/202455,36412,11612,41113,116N/A
1/27/202457,23313,44213,55714,364N/A
10/28/202358,03413,58117,48818,295N/A
7/29/202356,99812,61319,03719,886N/A
4/29/202354,89711,47016,84217,597N/A
1/28/202353,16111,30215,44816,039N/A
10/29/202252,28911,50213,23013,761N/A
7/30/202251,55711,81212,74913,226N/A
4/30/202251,58112,00613,55314,053N/A
1/29/202251,54911,82513,70614,272N/A
10/30/202150,78911,39714,14214,785N/A
7/31/202149,81810,59114,76215,454N/A
5/1/202148,84610,21814,01414,752N/A
1/23/202148,02610,12914,37215,109N/A
10/24/202048,07110,46215,19615,935N/A
7/25/202049,30111,21414,65615,426N/A
4/25/202050,57510,78414,79615,566N/A
1/25/202051,55011,054N/A15,658N/A
10/26/201951,99110,998N/A15,655N/A
7/27/201951,90411,621N/A15,831N/A
4/27/201951,32013,218N/A15,989N/A
1/26/201950,82512,865N/A14,076N/A
10/27/201850,2661,265N/A14,349N/A
7/28/201849,330110N/A13,666N/A
4/28/201848,619-1,269N/A13,567N/A
1/27/201848,096-1,445N/A14,524N/A
10/28/201747,7899,681N/A14,226N/A
7/29/201748,0059,609N/A13,876N/A
4/29/201748,5109,998N/A13,693N/A
1/28/201748,5709,832N/A13,384N/A
10/29/201648,91710,631N/A13,534N/A
7/30/201649,24710,739N/A13,570N/A
4/30/201649,45210,245N/A13,890N/A
1/23/201649,58910,333N/A13,866N/A
10/24/201549,5989,583N/A12,827N/A
7/25/201549,1618,981N/A12,552N/A

Analyst Future Growth Forecasts

Earnings vs Savings Rate: CSCO's forecast earnings growth (13.7% per year) is above the savings rate (3.5%).

Earnings vs Market: CSCO's earnings (13.7% per year) are forecast to grow slower than the US market (16.8% per year).

High Growth Earnings: CSCO's earnings are forecast to grow, but not significantly.

Revenue vs Market: CSCO's revenue (7.2% per year) is forecast to grow slower than the US market (11.6% per year).

High Growth Revenue: CSCO's revenue (7.2% per year) is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Earnings per Share Growth Forecasts

Future Return on Equity

Future ROE: CSCO's Return on Equity is forecast to be high in 3 years time (36%)

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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/05/19 16:12
End of Day Share Price 2026/05/19 00:00
Earnings2026/04/25
Annual Earnings2025/07/26

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

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Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Cisco Systems, Inc. is covered by 60 analysts. 24 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
James KelleherArgus Research Company
Jonathan RuykhaverBaird
Jeffrey KvaalBarclays