Cisco Systems Management
Management criteria checks 2/4
Cisco Systems' CEO is Chuck Robbins, appointed in Jul 2015, has a tenure of 10.83 years. total yearly compensation is $52.84M, comprised of 2.6% salary and 97.4% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.017% of the company’s shares, worth $66.63M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 3.8 years and 6.2 years respectively.
Key information
Chuck Robbins
Chief executive officer
US$52.8m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 2.63% |
| CEO tenure | 10.8yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.02% |
| Management average tenure | 3.8yrs |
| Board average tenure | 6.2yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 06
Cisco Q3 Earnings Preview: Margin Focus As Shares Trade Near Highs
Summary Shares in CSCO have rallied 25% since my last update in February, with most of those gains earned over the past month. The stock’s rally is despite a margin and profitability outlook that I view as underwhelming. The company will be releasing its fiscal Q3 on Wednesday, May 13. Ahead of that release, I continue to view shares as a ‘hold’. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • May 06
CSCO: AI And Cybersecurity Moves Will Offset Ongoing Margin Pressures
Cisco Systems' updated analyst price target has shifted modestly higher to $89.54, with analysts pointing to a slightly richer assumed future P/E multiple around 28.9x, while also reflecting a higher discount rate and largely unchanged revenue growth and profit margin assumptions amid a mix of recent target hikes and a couple of rating downgrades. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco Systems reflects an active debate around how much investors should pay for the stock, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets while a few cautious voices highlight margin and demand risks.Narrative Update • Apr 21
CSCO: AI Alliances And Cyber Deals Will Offset Rising Memory Costs
Cisco Systems' updated analyst price target edges up by about $0.05 to $89.09, as analysts factor in slightly higher revenue growth assumptions, a marginally higher discount rate, and a modest adjustment to future P/E expectations, while keeping profit margin assumptions broadly steady. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Cisco Systems reflects a mix of optimism on execution and growth, balanced by fresh caution on profitability and costs.Narrative Update • Apr 06
CSCO: AI Partnerships And Capital Returns Will Offset Memory Cost Headwinds
Analysts have nudged Cisco Systems' fair value estimate slightly higher to about $89 per share. This reflects updated assumptions around discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins, and a marginally higher future P/E multiple following recent research that includes both new bullish initiations and a more cautious view on gross margin pressures.Narrative Update • Mar 23
CSCO: AI Infrastructure Partnerships Will Support Earnings Despite Memory Cost Pressure
Analysts nudged the price target on Cisco Systems higher by $5, citing a slightly richer future P/E assumption of about 28x, even as some firms flag pressure on gross margins from higher memory costs. Analyst Commentary Cisco Systems is drawing mixed reactions, with some firms marking down ratings on margin concerns while others lift price targets based on valuation adjustments and expectations around execution in the next fiscal year.Narrative Update • Mar 09
CSCO: AI Data Center Demand Will Support Earnings Despite Margin Headwinds
Our updated Cisco Systems narrative keeps fair value unchanged but reflects a modestly lower discount rate and slightly lower future P/E assumption. This aligns with recent analyst moves that include a downgrade on margin concerns, alongside several $5 price target increases tied to long term growth expectations.
New Narrative • Mar 01
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO): The AI Breakout – Scaling Networking for the Agentic Era
Cisco Systems (CSCO) is currently trading at $79.46 , representing a powerful 23.9% gain over the last 12 months as the company successfully moves past its post-pandemic "inventory digestion" phase. The market sentiment shifted dramatically following the February 11, 2026, earnings release, where Cisco posted record quarterly revenue of $15.3 billion and a 31% jump in GAAP EPS.Narrative Update • Feb 23
CSCO: AI Infrastructure Demand Will Shape Multi Year Earnings Resilience
Narrative Update on Cisco Systems Cisco's analyst price target framework has shifted slightly higher to about $88.81, with analysts citing expectations for modestly stronger revenue growth and profit margins, partly balanced by lower gross margin forecasts and a slightly reduced future P/E multiple, following a mix of recent target hikes and a downgrade to Hold. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco reflects a mix of optimism around the broader outlook and concern about profitability, which feeds directly into how analysts think about the stock's valuation and execution risk.Narrative Update • Feb 07
CSCO: AI Networking Strength And Margin Resilience Will Shape Multi Year Returns
Cisco Systems' analyst price targets moved modestly higher to align with an updated fair value of about $87, as analysts emphasize continued strength in Networking, growing artificial intelligence related orders, and expectations for operating margins and returns on equity to remain above average. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco Systems centers on how well the company is executing in its core Networking franchise, the early traction in artificial intelligence related opportunities, and the durability of margins and returns.Narrative Update • Jan 24
CSCO: AI Infrastructure And Networking Strength Will Support Multi Year Upside
Analysts nudged their price target on Cisco Systems higher to $86.00 from $85.43, citing firm networking trends, improving profit margins, and growing artificial intelligence related demand as key supports for the updated view. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco highlights a mix of optimism around networking and artificial intelligence exposure, with some caution around security and the durability of current trends.Narrative Update • Jan 07
CSCO: AI Infrastructure Demand And Networking Strength Will Support Multi Year Upside
Analysts nudged their Cisco Systems price target higher, citing a modest uptick in fair value and a slightly richer assumed future P/E multiple, supported by recent research highlighting continued strength in networking and growing artificial intelligence related demand despite softer security trends. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cisco Systems reflects a generally constructive stance, with several firms lifting price targets and a couple of upgrades that highlight how investors are weighing networking strength and artificial intelligence demand against softer security trends.Narrative Update • Dec 19
CSCO: AI Networking Cycle Will Drive Multi Year Upside Despite Security Weakness
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Cisco Systems slightly higher to approximately $85 per share, up from about $84.80. They cite a solid multi year networking and AI driven growth cycle, better than expected operating margins, and rising Street price targets, despite ongoing security softness.Narrative Update • Dec 04
CSCO: AI Networking Cycle Will Offset Security And ESG Uncertainty
Analysts modestly raised their price target on Cisco Systems to $87 from $77, citing a multi year networking and AI infrastructure growth cycle, stronger than expected revenue and operating margins, and confidence that management’s conservative outlook can be exceeded, despite lingering security headwinds. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts see Cisco as entering a multi year upcycle, underpinned by artificial intelligence infrastructure demand, a broad networking refresh and resilient profitability metrics that justify higher valuation multiples.Narrative Update • Nov 20
CSCO: Networking Strength And AI Demand Will Balance Security Headwinds
Cisco Systems' analyst price target has been raised from approximately $77 to nearly $85, as analysts point to robust networking momentum, improving revenue growth, and solid operating margins. These positive factors are seen as offsetting headwinds in security.Narrative Update • Nov 04
CSCO: Enterprise Networking And AI Demand Will Support Steady Upside Amid Sector Risks
Cisco Systems' analyst price target has risen from approximately $76 to $77. Analysts point to improving growth prospects driven by strong artificial intelligence infrastructure demand, robust campus refresh momentum, and steady profitability improvements.Narrative Update • Sep 04
AI Infrastructure And Cloud Adoption Will Drive Expansion
Analysts note that while Cisco’s Q4 results and FY26 guidance met expectations, slowing revenue growth—driven by weaker networking orders and restocking trends—balances optimism around AI, software shifts, and the Splunk acquisition, leading to the consensus view that shares are fairly valued and the price target remains unchanged at $75.81. Analyst Commentary Fiscal Q4 results and FY26 guidance were in line to slightly better than expectations, but revenue growth is decelerating with the networking segment under pressure and consensus estimates missed.Seeking Alpha • Apr 21
Cisco: Hold Off On Buying For Now (Technical Analysis)(Rating Upgrade)
Summary The technical outlook remains bearish, as the lack of confirmation of the bullish engulfing pattern suggests that it could be a false reversal signal. Cisco's most recent earnings were strong, with revenue growth recovering and operating cash flow growth hitting multiyear highs. Q3 guidance was a bit mixed with EPS growth expected to slow but accelerating revenue growth indicates strong business activity. The contraction in the P/S ratio seems overdone, as a resilient outlook makes CSCO stock's declines seem undeserved. I upgrade Cisco to a hold rating as further technical weakness could make the fundamental setup increasingly attractive. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 19
Cisco Systems: Continues To Make Higher Highs And Higher Lows
Summary Cisco Systems remains undervalued despite its strong financials and profitability, making it a golden opportunity for capital appreciation and income generation. CSCO's transformation towards software and subscriptions, coupled with its robust balance sheet and shareholder returns, positions it well for future growth. The ongoing data center build-out, driven by AI and robotics, will significantly benefit CSCO, enhancing its revenue from networking equipment and recurring services. Despite past underperformance, CSCO's momentum of higher highs and lows is bullish, indicating potential for continued appreciation and long-term value creation. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 24
Cisco Faces Growing Competition For The Hyperscalers
Summary Cisco Systems, Inc. reported strong Q2 '25 revenue growth, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure. Cisco may releaze a return to growth in networking sales as the next refresh cycle emerges. A transition from AI training to production applications can drive revenue growth by enterprise customers if the applications are migrated to on-prem servers. Cisco has made a number of strategic AI and security acquisitions in the last year, potentially bringing forth a secure network for AI builders similar to Cloudflare. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 24 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$11b |
| Oct 25 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$10b |
| Jul 26 2025 | US$53m | US$1m | US$10b |
| Apr 26 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$10b |
| Jan 25 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$9b |
| Oct 26 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$9b |
| Jul 27 2024 | US$39m | US$1m | US$10b |
| Apr 27 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$12b |
| Jan 27 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$13b |
| Oct 28 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$14b |
| Jul 29 2023 | US$32m | US$1m | US$13b |
| Apr 29 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$11b |
| Jan 28 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$11b |
| Oct 29 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$12b |
| Jul 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$12b |
| Apr 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$12b |
| Jan 29 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$12b |
| Oct 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$11b |
| Jul 31 2021 | US$25m | US$1m | US$11b |
| May 01 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$10b |
| Jan 23 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$10b |
| Oct 24 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$10b |
| Jul 25 2020 | US$23m | US$1m | US$11b |
| Apr 25 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$11b |
| Jan 25 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$11b |
| Oct 26 2019 | n/a | n/a | US$11b |
| Jul 27 2019 | US$26m | US$1m | US$12b |
Compensation vs Market: Chuck's total compensation ($USD52.84M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.74M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Chuck's compensation has increased by more than 20% in the past year.
CEO
Chuck Robbins (59 yo)
10.8yrs
Tenure
US$52,838,751
Compensation
Mr. Charles H. Robbins, also known as Chuck, serves as Independent Director at BlackRock, Inc. since 2017. He has been Chief Executive Officer of Cisco Systems, Inc., since July 26, 2015 and has been its C...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman & CEO | 10.8yrs | US$52.84m | 0.017% $ 66.6m | |
| President & Chief Product Officer | 1yr | US$25.69m | 0.000040% $ 156.9k | |
| Executive Vice President of Operations | 2.2yrs | US$14.74m | 0% $ 0 | |
| Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer | 4.8yrs | US$15.83m | 0.0047% $ 18.6m | |
| Executive VP & CFO | less than a year | no data | 0.000050% $ 196.1k | |
| Senior VP & Chief Accounting Officer | 2.8yrs | no data | 0% $ 0 | |
| Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance | 5.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Head of Investor Relations & Strategic Finance | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & Chief Communications Officer | no data | no data | no data | |
| Executive VP of Global Sales & Chief Sales Officer | 1.1yrs | no data | 0.0016% $ 6.2m | |
| Senior Vice President of Corporate Development & Cisco Investments | 6yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer | 5.3yrs | no data | no data |
3.8yrs
Average Tenure
54.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: CSCO's management team is considered experienced (3.8 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman & CEO | 11yrs | US$52.84m | 0.017% $ 66.6m | |
| Lead Independent Director | 20.3yrs | US$513.33k | 0.0037% $ 14.6m | |
| Chairman Emeritus | 19.5yrs | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 2.6yrs | US$397.58k | 0.000010% $ 39.2k | |
| Chairman of Cisco’s SPVSS Business | 7.1yrs | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 8.1yrs | US$439.47k | 0.0010% $ 4.0m | |
| Independent Director | 13.8yrs | US$412.37k | 0.000010% $ 39.2k | |
| Independent Director | 5.2yrs | US$380.63k | 0.00020% $ 784.4k | |
| Independent Director | 5.3yrs | US$397.58k | 0.00072% $ 2.8m | |
| Independent Director | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 1yr | US$164.97k | 0.000040% $ 156.9k | |
| Independent Director | 3.8yrs | US$397.58k | 0.00049% $ 1.9m |
6.2yrs
Average Tenure
65yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: CSCO's board of directors are considered experienced (6.2 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/13 11:42 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/13 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/01/24 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/07/26 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Cisco Systems, Inc. is covered by 59 analysts. 24 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| James Kelleher | Argus Research Company |
| Jonathan Ruykhaver | Baird |
| Jeffrey Kvaal | Barclays |