Is Cisco Systems Still One of the Most-Under-the-Radar Tech Stocks to Buy?

Core Viewpoint - Cisco Systems is positioned for potential growth, with its stock nearing a 52-week high and the possibility of reaching $100, contingent on strong fiscal Q1 results [1][2] Group 1: Q1 Expectations - Cisco Systems' Q1 sales are estimated to have increased nearly 7% year over year to $14.78 billion, with EPS expected to rise 7% to $0.98 [5] - The company has surpassed sales estimates for 13 consecutive quarters and has consistently met or exceeded EPS consensus since 2012 [6] Group 2: AI Integration and Operations - Cisco Systems has integrated AI to optimize internal operations, enhancing network performance, automating IT operations, and improving cybersecurity [7] - The company develops high-performance networking chips for AI supercomputers, similar to Marvell Technology, and its Silicon One chips are being tested by major cloud providers [8] Group 3: Valuation Comparison - Cisco Systems trades at a forward earnings multiple of 17X, aligning with the Zacks Computer-Networking Industry average and at a discount to the S&P 500's 25X [9] - The company has a premium of 4X forward sales compared to an industry average of less than 2X, although this is slightly below the S&P 500 [9] Group 4: Overall Positioning - Cisco Systems is considered an under-the-radar tech stock with significant upside potential, serving as a backbone for AI networking infrastructure [11]