Cisco Stock Falls 5% After Piper Sandler Lowers Price Target
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Cisco shares dropped nearly 5% on Tuesday after Piper Sandler reduced its price target from $132 to $125, citing concerns that industry growth is peaking despite strong recent earnings and AI-driven revenue growth.
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Why It Matters
Cisco stock had reached a record high in June and was up 57% over the past year due to AI-driven revenue growth, with strong Q4 earnings beating estimates at $17.25 billion in revenue.
Cisco stock dropped almost 5% on Tuesday as Piper Sandler cut its price target for the networking equipment vendor to $125 from $132.
Piper analysts cited lower price-to-earnings multiple expectations stemming from concerns that growth is peaking in the industry.
The stock hit a record high in June, and is up 57% over the past 12 months as revenue has surged along with the artificial intelligence boom. The shares closed on Tuesday at $106.44.
Last month, Cisco posted strong fourth-quarter earnings that beat estimates, reporting $17.25 billion in revenue that topped a $16.8 billion estimate, according to LSEG.
The company issued strong guidance for its FY2027 during its last earnings call in August, but shares sank as it was met with a lackluster reception from analysts.
While Cisco projected nearly 15% revenue growth, analysts argued sales growth would dip back into single digits. Piper analysts called the projection "conservative" in the context of greater market demand.
"We're starting a new fiscal year. We're operating in incredible markets," Robbins told CNBC's Jim Cramer last month. "But it's also a time that we're going to start the year being a little bit prudent."
Hyperscalers made up about $4 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2026, and Cisco expects that number to almost double in fiscal 2027 to $7.5 billion.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Cisco's hyperscaler revenue will reach approximately $7.5 billion in fiscal 2027
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Cisco's hyperscaler revenue reach the projected $7.5 billion in fiscal 2027?
- How will analyst skepticism affect Cisco's long-term valuation despite strong AI-related growth?






