Cisco stock price today: Why CSCO stock soared 17% after earnings and why Cisco is cutting thousands of jobs - here's what investors need to know

Cisco stock price today after CSCO earnings: Cisco delivered a strong earnings report that excited investors on Wednesday, sending the company’s shares (CSCO stock) soaring more than 17% in extended trading.

CSCO Stock Today Surges After Cisco Earnings Beat Expectations

The rally came after the networking giant reported better-than-expected revenue, profits, and guidance, while also highlighting growing demand for its artificial intelligence infrastructure business, as per a report.

Cisco Layoffs: Reason and Restructuring Costs Explained

The company revealed another round of job cuts. Cisco said it plans to reduce its workforce by fewer than 4,000 employees this quarter, accounting for less than 5% of its total staff, as per a CNBC report. CEO Chuck Robbins explained that the changes reflect the company’s effort to shift investments toward areas tied to long-term growth.


Robbins said, “The companies that will win in the AI era will be those with focus, urgency, and the discipline to continuously shift investment toward the areas where demand and long-term value creation are strongest,” as quoted by CNBC.

Cisco said the restructuring will result in about $1 billion in pre-tax charges related to severance and other costs, and it will recognize about $450 million of that in the fiscal fourth quarter, as per the report.

Cisco Earnings Report Highlights Rising Revenue and Profit Growth

The firm reported quarterly revenue of $15.84 billion, up 12% from a year earlier and ahead of Wall Street expectations. Net income also rose significantly to $3.37 billion from $2.49 billion during the same period last year.

The company’s forecast for the next quarter also exceeded analyst projections. Cisco expects revenue between $16.7 billion and $16.9 billion, alongside adjusted earnings per share of $1.16 to $1.18, reported CNBC.

Cisco Stock Jumps After Raising Full-Year AI Outlook as Demand Continues to Grow

Artificial intelligence remained at the center of the company’s outlook. Cisco said it has already secured $5.3 billion in AI infrastructure and hyperscaler orders this year and increased its full-year target to $9 billion, sharply higher than its earlier $5 billion projection. The company also raised its AI-related revenue outlook for the fiscal year to $4 billion.

Cisco Introduces New AI and Cybersecurity Products Amid Market Competition

Although Cisco has not been viewed as one of the biggest winners in the AI race compared with some data center rivals, investors have increasingly responded positively to its strategy. The stock had already climbed 33% this year before Wednesday’s earnings release, outperforming the Nasdaq’s 14% gain.

During the quarter, the company also introduced new switches and routers using its next-generation processor and launched a leaderboard designed to rank generative AI models by how well they withstand cybersecurity attacks, as per the CNBC report.

CSCO Networking Business Sees Strong Revenue Jump During the Quarter

Cisco’s networking business showed especially strong momentum, with revenue in that division jumping 25% to $8.82 billion, beating analyst expectations. Security revenue, meanwhile, remained roughly flat at around $2 billion.

FAQs

Why did Cisco stock rise after earnings?
Cisco stock jumped after the company reported stronger-than-expected revenue, profits, and guidance.

Did Cisco announce layoffs?
Yes. Cisco said it plans to cut fewer than 4,000 jobs this quarter.