Cisco Earnings Preview: Bulls Bet on AI-Fueled Rally

Cisco Systems CSCO is preparing to release its Q4 earnings after the market closes on August 11. Analysts expect EPS of $1.17 and revenue of $16.85 billion, representing mid-to-high teen gains in both the top and bottom line.

The derivatives market believes CSCO shares will push higher and print a new YTD high after the Q4 print late on Wednesday. According to Barchart, the put-to-call ratio on options contracts expiring August 14th sits at 0.6, indicating a bullish skew.

To convert bullish options bets into a sustained rally, Cisco must demonstrate that its massive AI order pipeline is rapidly converting into recognized top-line revenue. This requires validation beyond hyperscaler capital expenditure and evidence of accelerating enterprise traction across the sovereign AI pipeline.