Byline: Markets | Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) | November 18, 2025
Key takeaways
- CSCO is modestly lower intraday. As of 16:11 UTC (11:11 a.m. ET), Cisco shares traded at $76.65, down about 1.5% on the day; intraday range: $76.47–$78.19.
- Today’s catalyst: CFO Mark Patterson appears at the Wells Fargo TMT Summit at 9:30 a.m. PT, with a webcast available to investors. [1]
- Fresh headline tied to Cisco:South Korea joined the UAE’s Stargate AI data‑center project, which lists Cisco among key U.S. partners—an incremental positive for long‑term AI networking demand. [2]
- Context since last week: Cisco raised its FY26 outlook and highlighted accelerating AI infrastructure orders, fueling a multi‑session rally; several banks lifted price targets following results. [3]
Live price and market move
Cisco Systems’ stock slipped to $76.65 (-1.45%) by 16:11 UTC, with trading so far between $76.47 and $78.19. The dip follows last week’s sharp post‑earnings advance and comes as investors position ahead of management commentary at a major sell‑side conference later today.
What’s new today (Nov 18)
1) South Korea signs on to the UAE’s “Stargate” AI campus—Cisco named as a partner
Seoul said it will collaborate with Abu Dhabi on the Stargate initiative to build what is billed as the world’s largest cluster of AI data centers. The project’s first 1‑gigawatt phase is being developed by G42 with U.S. partners including OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia and Cisco (plus SoftBank). For Cisco, the move reinforces a visible pipeline for high‑performance networking tied to sovereign and hyperscale AI build‑outs. [4]
2) Cisco on stage: Wells Fargo TMT Summit fireside chat
CFO Mark Patterson is scheduled to speak at 9:30 a.m. Pacific via webcast. While Cisco pre‑flagged that no new financial information will be disclosed, investors commonly listen for color on orders, AI networking demand, the campus refresh cycle, and post‑earnings cadence. [5]
3) Last day for Q1 call replay
For those catching up on last week’s numbers, the Q1 FY26 results call replay remains available through 10:00 p.m. Pacific today (Nov 18) on Cisco’s investor site. [6]
Why CSCO still has a bid under it: the post‑earnings backdrop
- Raised FY26 outlook. Cisco lifted full‑year revenue guidance to $60.2–$61.0B and non‑GAAP EPS to $4.08–$4.14, citing strong demand in AI‑driven networking and a multi‑year campus refresh cycle. [7]
- Q1 FY26 at a glance. Revenue $14.9B (+8% y/y); GAAP EPS $0.72, non‑GAAP EPS $1.00; product revenue up and networking strength highlighted. Management also pointed to AI orders from hyperscalers and reiterated Q2 guide ($15.0–$15.2B revenue; non‑GAAP EPS $1.01–$1.03). [8]
- Follow‑through on product roadmap. Earlier this month Cisco unveiled “Unified Edge”, a localized AI compute/networking platform designed to run AI workloads near the point of data creation (retail, factories, healthcare), with Verizon among early users. [9]
Street reaction since earnings (helps frame today’s trade)
- BofA Securities lifted its CSCO price target to $95 (Buy), citing “very strong” AI networking orders and confidence in the 2026 AI revenue target. Morgan Stanley raised its target to $82 (Overweight). Such moves have helped extend CSCO’s momentum into this week. [10]
M&A and portfolio notes to watch
- Webex & AI voice translation: Yesterday, TechCrunch reported Cisco acquired EzDubs, a YC‑backed startup for real‑time translation, with plans to integrate the tech across its Collaboration/Webex stack. While terms weren’t disclosed, the deal underscores Cisco’s focus on AI‑enhanced collaboration. [11]
What to watch next
- Any qualitative updates in today’s Wells Fargo TMT remarks—particularly around the AI networking pipeline, timing of hyperscaler deployments, and campus refresh pace. [12]
- Stargate UAE milestones (procurement, go‑live phases) that translate into orders for switching, routing and optical gear—areas where Cisco is a named partner. [13]
- Execution on Unified Edge and additional edge/AI‑networking wins as enterprises push inference closer to users. [14]
Cisco by the numbers (from Q1 FY26)
- Revenue: $14.9B (+8% y/y)
- GAAP EPS: $0.72; non‑GAAP EPS: $1.00
- FY26 guide: Revenue $60.2–$61.0B; non‑GAAP EPS $4.08–$4.14
- Capital returns (Q1): $3.6B (dividends + buybacks); quarterly dividend $0.41 declared
Figures per Cisco’s Nov 12 release. [15]
Bottom line for Nov 18, 2025
CSCO is consolidating after last week’s breakout as investors parse macro tape and await CFO commentary. The Stargate UAE update keeps AI infrastructure squarely in focus—and Cisco in the conversation for sovereign and hyperscale networking build‑outs—while product momentum around edge AI and continued analyst support provide a constructive medium‑term backdrop. [16]
This article is for information only and not investment advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial adviser.
References
1. investor.cisco.com, 2. www.reuters.com, 3. www.reuters.com, 4. www.reuters.com, 5. investor.cisco.com, 6. investor.cisco.com, 7. www.reuters.com, 8. investor.cisco.com, 9. www.reuters.com, 10. finance.yahoo.com, 11. techcrunch.com, 12. investor.cisco.com, 13. www.reuters.com, 14. www.reuters.com, 15. investor.cisco.com, 16. www.reuters.com
