Cisco Sys Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Dispersive Holdings, a leader in next-generation secure networking solutions, has appointed Greg Akers as Advisor and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Akers brings decades of cybersecurity expertise, having previously served as Senior Vice President & CTO of Advanced Security Research & Government at Cisco Systems (CSCO) during his 20-year tenure there.

At Cisco, Akers held multiple executive roles and was responsible for security awareness, product resiliency initiatives, and trust-driven product development. He has also provided strategic cybersecurity advisory to the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense and federal intelligence community for over 15 years.

Before Cisco, Akers built and secured large-scale networks for Fortune 100 companies including Procter & Gamble and Fechheimer Brothers. With over 35 years of experience in networking and security, he currently serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards.

Dispersive CEO Rajiv Pimplaskar stated that Akers' expertise will help shape their next-generation secure networking technologies and protect organizations from sophisticated cyber threats.

Cisco (CSCO) reported strong Q2 FY2025 results with revenue of $14.0 billion, up 9% year-over-year, exceeding guidance. The company posted GAAP EPS of $0.61 (down 6%) and non-GAAP EPS of $0.94 (up 8%). Product orders increased 29% year-over-year, or 11% excluding Splunk.

Notable highlights include AI Infrastructure orders of over $350 million, bringing 1HFY25 total to approximately $700 million. The company demonstrated broad-based strength across segments, with Americas up 9%, EMEA up 11%, and APJC up 8%.

Cisco increased its quarterly dividend by 3% to $0.41 per share and authorized an additional $15 billion for stock repurchases. For Q3 FY2025, Cisco projects revenue between $13.9-14.1 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $0.90-0.92. Full-year FY2025 guidance sets revenue at $56.0-56.5 billion with non-GAAP EPS of $3.68-3.74.

Cisco has unveiled new solutions to enable service providers to deliver AI connectivity through its Agile Services Networking architecture. The announcement includes three key innovations: new Silicon One Systems and Platforms (including A100 and K100 devices), Coherent Pluggable Optics supporting ultra long-haul applications up to 3000km, and enhanced Network Automation and Assurance Features.

The architecture aims to simplify networking, improve resilience, and enable service providers to monetize assured services. Notably, one edge architecture use case utilizing Cisco's 8000 series demonstrated potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 324 metric tonnes CO2e and 80% lower energy consumption compared to traditional deployments.

The first Silicon One-powered 8000 series is currently available, with additional models and Coherent Pluggable Optics scheduled for spring and summer 2025. Several global service providers, including Arelion, Bell Canada, and BT business, have expressed support for the new capabilities.

Cisco has unveiled its new N9300 Series Smart Switches, introducing a revolutionary approach to data center architecture. The switches, featuring embedded AMD Pensando DPUs and Cisco Silicon One E100, integrate networking and security services into a single solution, specifically designed to handle AI workload demands.

The first integrated service, Cisco Hypershield, will be embedded directly into the switches, merging security with the network fabric. This architectural transformation enables services to be added as needs evolve, offering improved network architecture and security posture while reducing complexity and power consumption.

The first N9300 Smart Switch with 24 100G ports is scheduled for release in spring 2025, followed by a top-of-rack model featuring 48 25G ports, two 100G ports, and six 400G ports in summer 2025.

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) has announced its first jointly developed AI Agent with Mistral AI, focusing on enhancing customer experience. The AI Renewals Agent streamlines the renewal proposal creation process by analyzing data from over 50 sources, providing real-time sentiment analysis, and delivering personalized recommendations.

The solution operates on-premises to ensure data security and privacy, with an estimated 20% reduction in time spent building renewal proposals and preparing for customer engagements. This efficiency is expected to improve as the AI agent learns from usage and more workflows are automated.

This partnership represents a significant step in Cisco's vision to deliver personalized, proactive, and predictive customer experiences through AI implementation. The AI Renewals Agent combines Cisco's extensive data set and customer trust with Mistral AI's technology to enhance customer and employee engagement.

Cisco's new study reveals a significant AI adoption paradox among CEOs. While 97% plan to integrate AI and 80% recognize its potential benefits, only 1.7% feel fully prepared for implementation. 74% of CEOs fear knowledge gaps will impact boardroom decisions, and 58% worry it will stifle growth.

The research shows over 70% of CEOs are concerned about losing competitive advantage due to IT and infrastructure gaps, with 53% already experiencing losses from underinvestment in technology. CEOs are primarily pursuing AI to drive efficiency (69%), spur innovation (68%), and outpace competitors (54%).

To address these challenges, 96% of CEOs are partnering with trusted providers to future-proof their networks. The study, conducted by Opinion Matters, surveyed 2,503 CEOs from companies with 250+ employees worldwide.

Hitachi Vantara has announced a new co-engineered solution with Cisco designed for Red Hat OpenShift, combining Cisco's compute and networking systems with Hitachi's Virtual Storage Platform arrays. This integrated infrastructure solution aims to help enterprises accelerate private and hybrid cloud deployment while reducing energy consumption.

The solution addresses critical challenges in deploying and managing multiple applications across environments, as 67% of organizations have delayed container-based application deployments due to security concerns. Key benefits include accelerated application deployment through pre-validated infrastructure, operational consistency across environments, enhanced data resilience through continuous uptime, and improved sustainability with ENERGY STAR® certified VSP arrays.

The solution is available through Hitachi EverFlex, offering hybrid cloud solutions as a service on a consumption-based model.

NESsT, in partnership with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and Cisco Foundation, has announced the next phase of their Central-Eastern Europe (CEE) Accelerator Program. The initiative aims to invest in social enterprises creating jobs for excluded communities in Poland and Romania.

Building on previous success, where 20 enterprises provided 3,900 quality employment opportunities, including 875 jobs for refugees and migrants, the program targets to support 26 social enterprises by December 2027. The goal is to create and sustain 1,200 formal, fairly compensated jobs while promoting sustainable practices.

The program offers recoverable grants, capacity-building support, and mentorship from industry experts. Success stories include ALTRNTV, a conscious fashion store supporting 150 Romanian artisans (90% women), and Ekoinbud, which aims to create 180 jobs in construction for youth, Ukrainian war-affected people, and women.

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) has announced its upcoming conference call to discuss second quarter fiscal year 2025 financial results, scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 1:30 PM PT (4:30 PM ET). The financial results, covering the period ending January 25, 2025, will be released via PR Newswire after market close on the same day.

The earnings call will be accessible via telephone (888-848-6507 for domestic and 212-519-0847 for international callers) and through a live audio broadcast with slides at the company's investor relations website. A replay will be available from 4:00 PM PT on February 12 through 4:00 PM PT on February 18, 2025, accessible via phone (800-395-6236 for domestic and 203-369-3270 for international callers) and archived on Cisco's investor relations website.