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Cisco stock just neared the $100 milestone on May 13, 2026, closing at $100.63 after surging on blockbuster earnings. The networking giant reported record quarterly results and raised its AI orders forecast to $9 billion, reigniting Wall Street confidence in its transformation into an artificial intelligence infrastructure powerhouse.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Stock Price: Closed at $100.63 on May 13, hitting 52-week high of $100.85
- Q3 Revenue: Record $15.8 billion, up 12% year over year with GAAP EPS surging 37%
- AI Orders Surge: Company estimates $9 billion in annual AI infrastructure orders from hyperscalers
- Year-to-Date Gain: Cisco stock up 30.6% in 2026 amid data center switching orders growth of 40%
Cisco Reaches $100 Milestone on Revolutionary AI Pivot
Networking legend Cisco Systems officially entered triple-digit territory on May 13. The stock closed at $100.63, marking one of the most significant moments in the company’s 40-year history. Wall Street erupted after earnings beat estimates across the board, validating the company’s bold bet on artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The milestone caps a remarkable five-month rally that propelled CSCO shares 30.6% higher year-to-date. CEO Chuck Robbins has transformed the legacy tech giant from a flat-growth company into an AI darling, with data center switching orders accelerating faster than anticipated. Analysts maintain a Moderate Buy consensus with price targets ranging from $94 to $100.
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Record Q3 Results Crush Expectations and Drive Stock 13% Higher
Cisco reported fiscal Q3 2026 revenue of $15.8 billion, climbing 12% year on year with GAAP earnings per share up 37%. The results beat expectations on both metrics, sending shares soaring 13% in after-hours trading. Adjusted EPS came in at $1.06 versus estimates of $1.04, while the company raised its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance.
Q4 2026 outlook guides for $1.16 to $1.18 in adjusted EPS and $16.7 to $16.9 billion in revenue, both above consensus. Product revenue acceleration signals strong infrastructure demand, while recurring revenue streams provide stability. The networking segment drove growth with double-digit gains, outpacing slower service revenue.
AI Infrastructure Orders Explode to $9 Billion for Fiscal 2026
Cisco raised its estimate for AI-related orders to $9 billion in fiscal 2026, up sharply from previous guidance of $5 billion. The company expects to recognize $3 billion in AI revenue this fiscal year from hyperscaler customers building out generative AI data centers. Infrastructure specialists estimate total AI revenue opportunity of $12 to $15 billion within three to four years.
| Metric | Value or Outlook |
| Q3 FY2026 Revenue | $15.8 billion |
| YoY Growth | +12% |
| GAAP EPS Growth | +37% |
| AI Orders FY2026 | $9 billion |
| Data Center Switching Growth | +40% YoY |
“Cisco’s AI story has finally started resonating with Wall Street, with the stock hitting record highs late last year and continuing to rally in 2026.”
— CNBC International, Market Analysis
Market Cap Surges Past $392 Billion Amid AI Momentum
Cisco’s market capitalization now stands at approximately $392 billion, placing it among the top twenty most valuable tech companies globally. The stock price surge reflects investor enthusiasm for the company’s AI-centric strategy, which targets massive cloud infrastructure buildouts. Hyperscale computing customers including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft partners are rushing to upgrade networking infrastructure for artificial intelligence workloads.
However, profitability concerns persist as Cisco announced 4,000 job cuts to offset platform transition costs. Industry observers note that margin pressure from AI product mix shifts could test full-year targets. Still, Wall Street analysts maintain that long-term AI opportunity justifies current valuations and supports $94-$100 price targets.
What Comes Next After Breaking the $100 Barrier?
Will Cisco sustain momentum beyond the symbolic $100 level, or does the stock face profit-taking pressure? The answer depends on execution risk and margin recovery in coming quarters. Management guidance suggests revenue acceleration from AI infrastructure deals could offset structural cost cuts. Investors watching closely will monitor Q4 results in August 2026 for confirmation that AI orders deliver on promises.
The networking giant’s transformation represents one of tech’s biggest surprises this year, turning legacy positioning into cutting-edge advantage. If Cisco executes on AI infrastructure expansion, analysts believe stock could eventually approach $115 to $125 in 2027. For now, the $100 milestone stands as validation of the company’s strategic pivot into the artificial intelligence era.
Sources
- Investor.Cisco.com – Official Q3 FY2026 earnings announcement and financial results
- CNBC – Real-time market analysis and Wall Street reactions to earnings beat
- Yahoo Finance – Stock price data, historical performance, and analyst consensus ratings
