Cisco shares rally after earnings beat: 6 key things investors need to know
Cisco shares gain in after-hours trading on November 12 after the networking equipment maker beats Wall Street estimates for its fiscal first quarter and raises its full-year outlook. Strong demand for AI data-centre infrastructure and accelerating networking sales drive the upbeat performance. (Sources: MarketScreener, Nacionale)
2/6
Revenue growth hits a 15-year high
Cisco reports revenue of $18.5 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2027, marking a 24% increase from a year earlier. Adjusted earnings rise 40% to $1.40 per share. Both figures beat analyst estimates of $18.11 billion in revenue and $1.32 per share in earnings. The company records its strongest revenue and adjusted earnings growth rates in more than 15 years.
3/6
AI networking demand drives growth
AI-related investments emerge as a major growth driver for Cisco. Networking revenue surges 43% to approximately $11.1 billion in the September quarter, while total product revenue increases 32%. Cisco benefits from rising demand for networking equipment used to connect and manage large AI data centres.
4/6
Cisco raises AI revenue target to $9 billion
Cisco raises its fiscal 2027 AI infrastructure revenue forecast from hyperscalers to $9 billion, more than double the amount recorded in fiscal 2026. The upgraded target highlights the growing contribution of AI data-centre investments to its networking business.
ANI
5/6
Full-year revenue and earnings outlook upgraded
Cisco raises its fiscal 2027 revenue forecast to $74.8 billion-$75.8 billion, compared with its earlier estimate of $72.2 billion-$73.4 billion. Its adjusted earnings guidance also increases to $5.47-$5.53 per share from $5.05-$5.11.
Getty Images
6/6
Strong second-quarter guidance adds to optimism
Cisco forecasts second-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue of $18 billion-$18.2 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.34-$1.36 per share. The earnings guidance is above analysts' expectations of $1.23 per share. Strong AI infrastructure demand, improving networking sales and an upgraded annual outlook reinforce investor optimism about the company's growth prospects.