Cisco Stock Jumps as Strong AI-Driven Networking Demand Boosts Earnings and Guidance

Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) surged over 4% in after-hours trading on Wednesday after reporting stronger-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results and raising its full-year outlook, driven by robust demand for AI-powered networking solutions.

The tech giant posted non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $1.00 on revenue of $14.88 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $0.98 EPS on $14.77 billion in revenue, according to Investing.com. Cisco’s core networking division, which generates the majority of its income, delivered impressive growth—up 15% year over year to $7.77 billion—as enterprises continue to expand AI infrastructure.

Cisco’s remaining performance obligations (RPO), a key indicator of future revenue, climbed 7% to $42.9 billion compared to the same period last year, signaling sustained customer demand.

Looking ahead to fiscal Q2, Cisco expects non-GAAP EPS between $1.01 and $1.03 and revenue ranging from $15.0 billion to $15.2 billion, topping Wall Street forecasts of $0.99 EPS on $14.64 billion in revenue.

For fiscal 2026, the company lifted its full-year guidance, now projecting non-GAAP EPS of $4.08 to $4.14 on revenue between $60.2 billion and $61.0 billion. This outlook exceeds earlier estimates of $4.00 to $4.06 EPS on $59.0 billion to $60.0 billion in revenue, and surpasses analyst expectations of $4.04 EPS on $59.68 billion.

The results highlight Cisco’s growing strength in the AI networking space, as organizations invest heavily in next-generation data center and connectivity solutions. The company’s confident outlook underscores its strategic positioning in the expanding AI infrastructure market, fueling optimism among investors and pushing shares higher.