Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is a well-known name in the technology sector, with the company maintaining a dominant position in networking hardware and software for decades. While recent years have seen shifts in its growth trajectory, particularly with a focus on software and recurring revenue, Cisco remains a core holding for many investors seeking exposure to critical digital infrastructure.
Whilst we cannot provide specific investment advice regarding the stock, we can provide valuable resources to assist with your decision-making. The latest Cisco Systems forecasts, share price targets, and analysis from Wall Street are provided below. The insights, combined with your own understanding of how to value shares, will help you make informed decisions for your portfolio.
Cisco Systems Share Price & Chart
After starting 2025 (mainly between February and April) on the back foot, primarily due to the macroeconomic environment with tariffs and trade policy a key concern, Cisco Systems shares have rebounded strongly, currently (as of June 6, 2025) approaching new highs. At the time of writing, it is up around 11.5% for the year-to-date and more than 43% in the last 12 months.
P/E Ratio Average (End of FY2024): 25.3
Current Annual Dividend Yield: 2.48%
Cisco EPS and Revenue Breakdown 2020-2024
| CSCO | Annual GAAP EPS | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.64 | $49.30 billion |
| 2021 | $2.50 | $49.80 billion |
| 2022 | $2.82 | $51.60 billion |
| 2023 | $3.07 | $57.00 billion |
| 2024 | $2.54 | $53.80 billion |
Cisco Systems operates at the heart of network connectivity, security, and collaboration. The company was founded in December 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner. It designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology industry.
Cisco has long been considered a strong technology stock for investors to consider, providing the essential infrastructure that underpins much of the digital world. Cisco’s extensive product portfolio includes routers, switches, wireless systems, cybersecurity solutions (e.g., firewalls, threat detection), collaboration tools (e.g., Webex), and data centre products (e.g., Unified Computing System – UCS). The company trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol CSCO.
Cisco Stock Forecast
Data compiled by TradingView shows that of the 25 analysts covering the stock, 13 have a “Buy” rating, while 12 have a “Hold” rating.
A View From the Bulls: In May, analysts at Evercore ISI upped their price target for Cisco to $72 from $67 per share, keeping an Outperform rating on the stock. The target increase followed CSCO’s Q3 report, with the firm saying it posted “impressive upside.” Furthermore, Evercore said it believes Cisco remains positioned to show a sales increase in FY26 driven by a campus refresh, AI tailwinds, and sovereign ramps that could help the re-rating.
A View From the Bears: Despite maintaining a bullish view of the stock, in April, analysts at Morgan Stanley lowered the target on Cisco to $65 from $68, highlighting some potential headwinds that may impact the company’s shares. The bank stated that tariffs add more uncertainty to the networking spending market, where demand intentions were “strong, but weakening.” While the tariff picture has changed somewhat since then, they are still a market risk. In the note, Morgan Stanley analysts added that the breadth of the tariffs announced on April 2 “leaves little room to hide,” challenging both margins and demand.
Average Analyst Consensus 12-Month Price Target: $70.76
Our View: While Cisco’s role in digital infrastructure, its strategic move into high-growth software and cybersecurity segments, and its reputation provide potential and current investors with confidence in the company’s stock outlook, several potential headwinds should be considered before making an investment decision.
Who Should Buy Cisco Systems Shares
As with any investment, you should also consider whether it fits with your investing style. Below is an overview of investor profiles who might find Cisco Systems shares more fitting:
Cisco shares typically appeal to investors seeking exposure to an established technology company with a strong balance sheet and a track record of profitability.
As a leader in networking and IT infrastructure, Cisco is attractive to investors who believe in the ongoing need for robust, secure, and scalable digital networks globally.
Investors looking for a company that pays dividends, offering potential income alongside capital appreciation, may find Cisco appealing.
Cisco’s increasing focus on cybersecurity, software, and AI-driven solutions makes it a consideration for investors interested in these evolving tech segments.
